With over 2,025 miles (3,260 km) of coastline, Vietnam’s beaches are plentiful and diverse. From remote tropical islands like Con Dao to small fishing villages like Phan Thiet and coastal cities like Da Nang and Nha Trang, there is a little slice of sand for everyone on Vietnam's coast.
The following are some of the best beach destinations in Vietnam and offer a plethora of accommodation and activities to keep you busy. You can snorkel, dive, and sail in Nha Trang; shop, stroll, and sightsee in cultural Hoi An, and do nothing but relax on Phu Quoc island.
Vietnam's coastal destinations offer sun, sea, and sand, as well as culture, nightlife, gastronomy (seafood BBQ is a must!), and adventure. Don't forget to add at least one of Vietnam's beaches to your travel itinerary.
#1: Phan Thiet
Travel 80 miles (130 km) east of Ho Chi Minh City and you'll hit the coastal city of Phan Thiet, and its beachside neighbor Mui Ne. Here, the beaches are golden, the seafood is fresh, and the sea breeze is strong enough for a spot of windsurfing.
Phan Thiet offers multiple long stretches of sand to explore, from the Mui Ne Cape to the rocky outcrop of Ka Ge Lighthouse. It's a busy coastline, but there's always room for an extra sunlounger.
Wherever you decide to stay, start your day watching the sunrise out of Phan Thiet Bay, as the late night squid fishing boats come ashore. Enjoy the day's catch for lunch in a beachside restaurant and spend the afternoon savoring the sea breeze. Catch the sunset over the red sand dunes just outside of town, and congratulate yourself on a beach day well spent.
#2: Da Nang
Da Nang is one of Vietnam's fastest growing cities, with an ever-evolving skyline of towering buildings and a growing population of local and international expats. It also boasts one of the most beautiful beaches in the whole country and has fantastic weather to boot. Beach days and city nights make Da Nang a dream beach vacation destination.
My Khe beach runs for almost 20 miles (32 km) along the coast from Son Tra Peninsula towards Hoi An. The section closest to the city is the most well-kept, with a number of large seafood restaurants and bars lining the promenade.
With some big name resort chains setting up on the sand itself, you could be forgiven for never leaving the beach. But, making time for trips to Lady Buddha and Marble Mountain will introduce you to more of Vietnamese culture. Heading into the city for incredible central Vietnamese cuisine is also a must.
