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Vietnam boasts around 2,000 miles of coastline apart from French colonial landmarks, a rich history, Buddhist architecture, and bustling cities. It is home to well-known islands, making it a perfect destination for beach lovers. In addition to exploring the rich history and lively scenes of cities like Hanoi, Hue, and Saigon, travellers must also take the opportunity to immerse themselves in the ocean.
If you're visiting Hanoi, a day trip to Ha Long Bay, an awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an absolute must. Even though it's a four-hour bus ride each way, the trip is well worth it. Ha Long Bay is renowned for its unique limestone formations but also offers some stunning beaches. One of the most popular beaches is Bai Chay, which is artificial and attracts many tourists. To get the whole experience, take a boat tour to Ti Top Island, located in the middle of the bay, where you'll find a lovely beach. If you have more time, you can even turn your visit into an overnight adventure and explore the less crowded but equally stunning Ban Chan beach with its white sands.
Con Dao is a group of 16 islands on Vietnam's southern coast. Despite being known as a single island, it comprises multiple islands. Although it has a dark history as the site of harsh French prisons, it is now famous for its coral reefs, abundant marine life and soft sandy beaches. Con Son, the main island of the Con Dao archipelago, is blessed with turquoise beaches and rich coral reefs. It has also been declared as a National Park. Travellers here can enjoy rewarding rainforest hikes or stroll on the soft sands. You can absorb the serene views of Dat Doc Beach, while Lo Voi Beach, a serene and unspoiled beach, can be found north of Con Son town. For nature enthusiasts, Bay Canh Island is just a short distance away, where they can witness the annual release of baby sea turtles on its beaches.
Phu Quoc is Vietnam's largest and westernmost island, located in the Gulf of Thailand near Cambodia. The island is predominantly covered by Phu Quoc National Park, which features a dense tropical jungle draped around picturesque mountains. However, the main attractions of the island are its beautiful beaches. Khem Beach, also known as "Cream Beach," is one of the world's finest and is located at the southern tip of the island. Similarly, Sao Beach, located nearby, offers palm-fringed shores, white sands, and breathtaking views.
Doc Let is a beautiful bay just an hour from Nha Trang. The place is a hidden gem with its environs unexplored and pristine. It boasts around 11 miles of white sandy beaches and crystal-clear blue waters. The northern part of the bay is a popular tourist destination. The central section of the baya has some pristine beaches. However, it is worth noting that there is a Hyundai shipyard and a busy port area. The southern section of the bay, known as Jungle Beach, is a favourite of backpackers and is surrounded by charming fishing villages.
Da Nang is a beautiful coastal city which was earlier a French colonial port. It is famous for its sandy beaches located just a short drive away from the city. The spots towards the beaches are the most solitary ones pandering to the taste of adventure lovers and explorers. Travellers here can look forward to many water sports like surfing, snorkelling, and jet-skiing. You can also explore the Tien Sa Beach on a motorbike to the north of the Son Tra Peninsula. When in the city, you must not miss the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park which houses Son Doong, the world's largest cave.
Another hidden gem, Ho Coc, is a recent discovery for travellers and is a coastal region famous for its quiet and clean Ho Coc Beach. Located north of Ho Tram in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province, this beach is nestled in a bay surrounded by forests and dunes. Although you may come across some hotels and resorts along the way, it's a peaceful spot with few tourists, offering local seafood stalls and beach chairs for rent.
Hoi An is a historically rich city in Central Vietnam that dates back to the 15th century. It is famous for its well-preserved architectural heritage reflecting French, Chinese, and Japanese cultures. In addition to that, Hoi An is also a hub for beautiful beaches. While visiting the UNESCO-listed Ancient Town, you should also explore the nearby Cua Dai Beach. This beach is a serene escape where tranquil waters converge from three significant rivers despite recent resort developments and dining options. However, the hidden gem is the Cham Islands, a cluster of eight pristine islands along the coast. UNESCO recognizes these islands as a biosphere reserve. These islands boast a wide variety of plants and marine life, with over 200 fish species, making them a paradise for beach lovers and nature enthusiasts. The main island of Hon Lao features gems like Chong Beach and Bac Beach.
