Top Dog Beaches in Vietnam
Located in Khanh Hoa Province, in the South-Central Coast region of Vietnam, Nha Trang Beach - also known as Nha Trang Central Beach or Bai Bien Nha Trang - is a seven-kilometer-long white sand beach. The beach is positioned on the eastern coast of the coastal city of Nha Trang and has a beautiful backdrop of many oceanfront buildings, including cafes, shops, convenience stores, apartments, resorts, upscale restaurants, luxurious hotels, the famous Tram Huong Tower, and a paved promenade lined with palm trees, which together offer Instagram-worthy views of the South China Sea. There are numerous islands off the coast of Nha Trang, including Hon Tre, Hon Mun, Hon Tam, and Hon Mot. The beach is part of Nha Trang Bay, and is protected by the Hon Mun Marine Protected Area, which is renowned for its rich marine biodiversity and considered one of the most beautiful bays in the world.
Long Beach, located on the island of Phu Quoc in Vietnam, is a tourism hub, full of snorkeling, jet-skiing, stand-up paddleboarding, sailing, and more. You will never be bored at this incredible beach, although sometimes the best thing to do on Phu Quoc is laze on the soft, white sand and do absolutely nothing at all.
Long Beach is -- surprise -- very long, and is separated into two main sections, North Long Beach and South Long Beach, by the Sông Tranh estuary. North Long Beach is the place to go if you're looking for a more social, affordable beach experience, with hostels, bars, and restaurants lining the sand. South Long Beach is the more modern, upscale section, where the majority of the island's luxury resorts are located. There is a fascinating temple here, called Dinh Ong Nam Hai, where locals go to worship the whales out at sea. Whales are commonly believed to be the guardian angels of fishermen who go out to sea during stormy weather, and this legend has been passed down for centuries on the island.
Long Beach is only the beautiful location that it is during the dry season, when the beach is clean and in pristine condition; during the monsoon season, trash often washes up on the beach, dampening the overall island experience. But if you make it to Long Beach during the right time, you will never be disappointed. At the end of your beach day, admire the soft, orange sunset, and catch a glimpse of a green flash just before the sun disappears behind the shimmering waters. Long Beach has a plethora of top-notch hotel accommodations, including Salinda Resort Phu Quoc Island, Song Xanh Resort Phu Quoc, La Veranda Resort Phu Quoc, and more. With snorkeling, five-star hotels, rooftop bars, and stunning views, this beach is one of the best in Vietnam.
An Bang Beach is Hoi An's go-to beach, located on Vietnam's eastern coastline. The beach is an expansive paradise with umbrellas, lounge chairs, and cobalt-blue waters awaiting your arrival. An Bang Beach has a bohemian feel, with casual beach bars, swaying hammocks, and more.
The best time to visit the beach is between March and September, when temperatures are warm, the sun is shining, and the waters are calm. Only surfers should frequent the beach from October to February, as the seas are rough and the waves are huge. Surfing is also popular during the warmer months, with multiple board rentals and lessons available. Paddleboarding, kitesurfing, and parasailing are offered in the waters as well. The best thing to do on An Bang Beach is to join the locals for a sunrise stroll along the shoreline or for a family barbeque during sunset.
Relax in a beachfront cabana at Soul Kitchen, where you can enjoy live music and seafood fresh off the grill. If Soul Kitchen isn't relaxed enough, be sure to check out Banyan Beach Bar, one of the most laidback beach bars in the area. Many beach bars stay open until early morning, packed with beachgoers seeking fruity cocktails, lively music, themed parties, and more. The best hotel accommodation in the area goes to Tropical Beach Hoi An Resort, with fishing, diving, volleyball, and modern, beachfront rooms. An Bang Beach is one of Vietnam's best, and may just be the perfect beach destination for you.