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With a coastline stretching over 3,200 km, Vietnam boasts hundreds of beaches from North to South, and according to Lonely Planet, the 10 most beautiful beaches in Vietnam this year include Nha Trang, Mui Ne, Phu Quoc, My Khe (Da Nang), An Bang, Con Son, Cat Ba, Doc Let, My Khe (Quang Ngai), and Ho Coc.
This list was recently compiled by the Vietnam National Tourism Administration to introduce to international tourists, in the context of Vietnam's coastal tourism being continuously praised by foreign travel websites this summer. Each beach on the list has its own strengths, from vibrant urban life to pristine bays, suitable for various types of tourists.
For those who love water sports, Mui Ne, Binh Thuan, is a destination that Lonely Planet has dedicated a separate category to thanks to its ideal wind conditions. The strong wind season lasts from the end of October to April of the following year, making it one of the region's kitesurfing "capitals," with many schools and instructors holding international IKO certifications.
Besides surfing, visitors can visit Suoi Tien or the nearby red and white sand dunes to experience the rare desert landscape right next to the sea.
Thanks to its ideal conditions, Mui Ne attracts a large number of tourists.
Phu Quoc continues to be featured thanks to its vast area of pristine tropical rainforest that still covers much of the island, creating a sense of seclusion rarely found elsewhere in Vietnam. Sao Beach in the south of the island, with its fine white sand and crystal-clear water, is considered the most representative destination among Vietnam's most beautiful beaches this year.
From An Thoi station, the approximately 8km long sea-crossing cable car line connects to Hon Thom island, offering panoramic views of the archipelago from above, and is one of the most popular experiences for international tourists visiting Phu Quoc.
Urban life blends seamlessly with the sea in Central Vietnam.
In Da Nang, My Khe Beach is a rare place where urban life and the sea blend seamlessly: in the mornings, locals exercise on the sand, fishermen continue their fishing near the shore, and in the afternoons, the beach becomes a familiar meeting place for both locals and tourists. Water sports activities such as surfing, SUP paddling, and jet skiing attract many young tourists, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere.
Located a short distance from Hoi An Ancient Town, An Bang Beach offers a more relaxed atmosphere: during the day, visitors can swim, stroll along the sandy shore, or relax at small cafes; evening is the ideal time to watch the sunset; and at night, the beach area becomes cozy thanks to the lights from small restaurants and bars. This is a suitable choice for relaxing getaways combined with exploring Hoi An Ancient Town.
Located just a short distance from the center of Hoi An Old Town, An Bang is an ideal stop for tourists.
Untouched, little-known bays
Further south, Con Son, part of Con Dao Island, retains its isolation from the mainland, surrounded by tranquil coves and a diverse coral reef ecosystem. Besides its natural beauty, this beach also holds a unique historical significance, making an exploration of the area a blend of relaxation and cultural discovery.
In the north, Cat Ba Island stands out with its towering limestone mountains interspersed with primeval forests and small bays. Although located within the famous Ha Long Bay coastal tourism route, the island still offers tranquil, secluded areas away from the center, especially at Cat Co beach, which strikes a balance between seaside relaxation and exploring the bay's ecosystem.
According to the Vietnam National Tourism Administration, Doc Let in Khanh Hoa boasts a tranquil beauty with gently sloping terrain and fine white sand dunes along the coastline, characteristic of the South Central coastal region, making it suitable for those seeking a peaceful getaway.
The tranquil beauty of Con Son Island, with its diverse coral reef ecosystem and pristine bays.
Despite sharing the same name, My Khe Beach in Quang Ngai province is quite different from the vibrant atmosphere of Da Nang. It has a more tranquil pace of life, with a wide coastline, shallow and calm waters, suitable for gentle swimming activities, especially for young children.
Rounding out the list is Ho Coc, just over two hours' drive from the center of Ho Chi Minh City, making it an ideal choice for short getaways. The pristine forest right next to the coast creates a feeling of complete isolation from the hustle and bustle of city life; although the number of visitors increases on weekends, it still maintains a peaceful atmosphere on weekdays.
Suggested itineraries for different groups of travelers.
The fact that Lonely Planet – one of the world's most influential travel websites – has named 10 of Vietnam's most beautiful beaches is not only good news for the tourism industry but also a practical suggestion when planning domestic trips this summer.
The list spans all three regions of Vietnam, making it suitable for combining into cross-country itineraries: from Cat Ba in the North, through My Khe - Da Nang and An Bang - Hoi An in the Central region, down to Nha Trang, Mui Ne, Phu Quoc and Con Son in the South.
For families with young children, Doc Let and My Khe beaches in Quang Ngai or Bai Sao beach in Phu Quoc are safe choices thanks to their shallow waters and gentle waves; while adventure sports enthusiasts can prioritize Mui Ne during the windy season or scuba diving tours in Nha Trang and Con Dao.
