Top 10 Famous and Hidden Beach Resorts in Vietnam

Discover Vietnam’s most popular beaches and hidden gems — from lively seaside resorts to secret beaches waiting to be explored. Part 1

10/29/20258 min read

Nha Trang
Nha Trang

In this article, we’ll introduce you to 20 famous and lesser-known beach resorts in Vietnam

Of course, there are dozens of other equally stunning destinations, and I apologize in advance for not being able to mention them all here. With more than 3,000 kilometers of coastline, Vietnam offers an incredible diversity of seascapes — from white-sand beaches lined with coconut palms to secluded coves, wild islands, and lively seaside towns with modern infrastructure.

In this two-part feature, we’ll take you on a journey through 20 emblematic coastal destinations — a harmonious mix of the country’s most famous resorts and its hidden gems that deserve to be discovered before they become Asia’s next major tourist hotspots.

Part 1: The Most Famous Beach Resorts in Vietnam

We’ll begin with the ten best-known destinations — the beating heart of Vietnam’s seaside tourism: Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Da Nang, Hoi An, Ha Long, and Cat Ba, among others. These coastal jewels perfectly blend modern comfort with natural beauty. Their beaches attract travelers from around the world who come to enjoy the tropical climate, water activities, and a rich, seafood-based local cuisine.

Part 2: The Lesser-Known and Hidden Beach Resorts of Vietnam

Next, we’ll explore ten quieter, more secluded spots, far from the usual tourist circuits. From Bai Mon to Nam Du Islands, these destinations reveal a wilder, more authentic Vietnam — where time seems to stand still. Visitors will find unspoiled nature, genuine hospitality, and a peaceful atmosphere, far removed from the bustle of the major resorts.

👉 This journey through Vietnam’s famous shores and hidden treasures will help you discover the full richness of its coastline — from paradisiacal beaches and coastal culture to off-the-beaten-path escapes.

Part 1 – The Most Famous Beach Resorts in Vietnam

Nha Trang (Khanh Hoa)

Why visit: Nicknamed “The Pearl of the East Sea”, Nha Trang is a vibrant coastal city offering the perfect balance of beautiful beaches, rich culture, and lively nightlife. Its long golden coastline invites both relaxation and adventure.
Population: Around 500,000 residents.
Things to do: Enjoy the long sandy beach, take boat trips to nearby islands, go snorkeling or scuba diving at Hon Mun Marine Reserve, visit Long Son Pagoda, relax in natural hot springs, explore the bustling night market, and taste fresh local seafood.
Atmosphere: Ideal for both families and party-goers — calm by day, vibrant by night.
Tourism link: Experience Nha Trang – Vietnam Travel
Best season: February to April, with calm seas and mild weather.
Recommended stay: 4–6 days to enjoy the beach, city, and surrounding attractions.
Diving: Excellent dive sites with great visibility and diverse marine life.
Surf: Gentle conditions — better for paddleboarding and kayaking.

Mui Ne (Binh Thuan)

Why visit: Known worldwide for its constant winds, Mui Ne is a paradise for kitesurfers and windsurfers. The red and white sand dunes add a touch of desert magic to this coastal escape.
Population: Around 200,000 in the wider area.
Things to do: Kitesurfing, windsurfing, sandboarding, visiting traditional fishing villages, exploring the Fairy Stream, or admiring the Po Shanu Cham Towers.
Atmosphere: Perfect for sporty travelers and those seeking an active beach break.
Tourism link: Binh Thuan Tourism Board
Best season: November to April — sunny skies and strong winds.
Recommended stay: 3–5 days.
Diving: Limited.
Surf: Excellent for kitesurfing and windsurfing; less for classic surf.

Phu Quoc (Kien Giang)

Why visit: Vietnam’s largest island, Phu Quoc, is famous for its pristine white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and lush tropical forests.
Population: About 150,000 residents.
Things to do: Snorkel or dive among coral reefs, kayak through mangroves, try squid fishing at night, visit pearl farms, hike to waterfalls, or explore Duong Dong night market.
Atmosphere: Ideal for couples, families, and luxury seekers looking for tranquility and nature.
Tourism link: Phu Quoc – Vietnam Tourism
Best season: Dry season from October to April.
Recommended stay: 4–7 days.
Diving: Excellent spots, especially around the An Thoi archipelago.
Surf: Minimal surf, but calm waters great for kayaking.

Da Nang (Da Nang)

Why visit: A modern, fast-growing city that combines culture, urban comfort, and seaside relaxation. Home to the famous My Khe Beach.
Population: Around 1 million.
Things to do: Swim, sunbathe, play beach volleyball, visit the Dragon Bridge, Cham Museum, and nearby Marble Mountains, or take day trips to Hoi An or Hue.
Atmosphere: A perfect mix of city buzz and beachside calm.
Tourism link: Da Nang Tourism
Best season: February to May.
Recommended stay: 3–5 days.
Diving: Available but not a major attraction.
Surf: Occasional waves suitable for beginners.

Ha Long (Quang Ninh)

Why visit: A UNESCO World Heritage site, Ha Long Bay is one of Vietnam’s most iconic natural wonders — a seascape of emerald waters and thousands of limestone islets.
Population: Several hundred thousand, including Ha Long City.
Things to do: Cruise aboard traditional wooden junks, kayak through caves, visit fishing villages, and explore limestone grottos.
Atmosphere: Peaceful and contemplative, perfect for nature lovers.
Tourism link: Ha Long Bay – Vietnam Travel
Best season: March–May or September–November.
Recommended stay: 2–4 days (overnight cruise highly recommended).
Diving: Rarely practiced.
Surf: Not suitable.

Cat Ba Island (Hai Phong)

Why visit: The largest island in Ha Long Bay — a haven of rugged mountains, jungle-covered hills, and calm beaches.
Population: Small local community, growing tourism.
Things to do: Hike in Cat Ba National Park, kayak through Lan Ha Bay, cycle through fishing villages, or relax on quiet beaches.
Atmosphere: Ideal for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts.
Tourism link: Cat Ba Island Travel
Best season: April–June or September–October.
Recommended stay: 3–5 days.
Diving: Light snorkeling opportunities.
Surf: None.

Hoi An (Quang Nam)

Why visit: A UNESCO World Heritage site combining rich history, charming architecture, and nearby beaches. Famous for its lantern-lit streets.
Population: Around 120,000.
Things to do: Visit the Old Town, relax on An Bang Beach, take a cooking class, shop at artisan markets, or bike through rice fields.
Atmosphere: Romantic, calm, and deeply cultural.
Tourism link: Hoi An Travel Guide
Best season: February–May.
Recommended stay: 2–4 days.
Diving/Surf: None notable.

Quy Nhon (Binh Dinh)

Why visit: A rising coastal destination offering quiet beaches, wild landscapes, and authentic local culture.
Population: Around 300,000.
Things to do: Relax on secluded beaches, visit Cham ruins, go hiking, and enjoy fresh seafood.
Atmosphere: Peaceful and authentic, far from the crowds.
Tourism link: Quy Nhon Tourism
Best season: March–August.
Recommended stay: 3–5 days.
Diving: Limited.
Surf: Occasional light waves.

Con Dao (Ba Ria–Vung Tau)

Why visit: A pristine archipelago known for its wild beauty, coral reefs, and marine turtle nesting sites.
Population: About 7,000 residents.
Things to do: Dive, hike, visit historic prisons, relax on empty beaches, and watch turtles nesting.
Atmosphere: Quiet, luxurious, and ideal for disconnecting from modern life.
Tourism link: Con Dao Travel
Best season: March–June.
Recommended stay: 4–6 days.
Diving: Excellent — world-class coral reefs.
Surf: Minimal.

Vung Tau (Ba Ria–Vung Tau)

Why visit: The closest beach getaway to Ho Chi Minh City — lively, urban, and popular with locals.
Population: Around 500,000.
Things to do: Enjoy the beach, climb to the lighthouse, visit temples, explore seafood markets, and experience the local nightlife.
Atmosphere: Relaxed yet lively — great for quick escapes.
Tourism link: Vung Tau Tourism
Best season: December–March.
Recommended stay: 1–2 days.
Diving: Not developed.
Surf: Occasionally possible with small waves.

Main Transportation Guide for Vietnam with Contacts

Domestic Airlines

Trains (Main North-South Line and Others)

Long-Distance Buses (Major Companies)

Urban and Local Transport

  • Grab Vietnam (taxi, motorbike, delivery)

    • Support phone: +84 1900 585 042

  • Traditional taxis (Mai Linh Taxi, Vinasun Taxi) available in all major cities.

  • Scooter rental: Available at local agencies throughout all beach resorts and cities.

  • Cyclo (pedicab): Often found in old touristic quarters (Hanoi, Hoi An).

This comprehensive overview brings together the main transport options for easy travel in Vietnam, whether by plane, train, long-distance bus, or for local travel. The included phone numbers allow direct contact for information or booking.

🇻🇳 Conclusion: Vietnam – Between Iconic Beaches and Hidden Treasures

Vietnam, with its coastline stretching over 3,000 kilometers, offers an extraordinary diversity of marine landscapes — from world-famous seaside resorts to secluded coves still untouched by mass tourism. Popular destinations like Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, and Da Nang captivate travelers with their modern facilities, a wide range of accommodations, and lively atmospheres — perfect for blending relaxation, leisure, and cultural discovery.
These emblematic spots embody the vibrant tourism scene of the country, attracting millions of visitors every year in search of sunshine, beach life, and water sports.

Yet, the true soul of Vietnam also reveals itself in its hidden corners. Beaches like Bai Xep or Hon Gom showcase raw, authentic beauty — where nature reigns supreme and travelers can still experience the charm of a Vietnam from another time. These lesser-known coastal gems, often found in less touristy provinces, offer a different kind of escape: slower, more intimate, and often more sustainable. They appeal to those seeking peace, local encounters, and direct contact with unspoiled landscapes.

Choosing between the famous and the off-the-beaten-path beaches depends on the kind of journey you’re after — festive and lively, or tranquil and contemplative. Either way, Vietnam stands as one of Asia’s premier beach destinations, combining exceptional natural heritage, warm hospitality, and outstanding value for money.
For a well-balanced trip, the best approach is to alternate between the iconic and the hidden gems, enjoying both the modern comfort of popular resorts and the wild beauty of untouched shores.

🌴 See you soon for Part 2, where we’ll explore Vietnam’s lesser-known seaside escapes — secret jewels that captivate travelers with their authenticity and serenity.

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🏖️ FAQ – The Most Beautiful Beach Resorts and Coastlines in Vietnam

1. What are the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam to visit?

Vietnam is home to an incredible variety of beaches. Among the most famous, Nha Trang and Phu Quoc are often ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the world, known for their fine sand, crystal-clear waters, and tropical atmosphere. Hidden spots like Bai Xep or Con Dao’s small coves attract travelers seeking privacy and nature. Whether you prefer a wide, lively beach or a quiet, rocky cove shaded by pine trees and cliffs, Vietnam offers it all.

2. Where can you find the finest white-sand beaches in Vietnam?

The most spectacular fine-sand beaches are found along the southern coast. My Khe Beach in Da Nang — nicknamed the “Vietnamese Playa” — stretches for kilometers and attracts surfers and swimmers alike. Mui Ne and Nha Trang also boast long golden beaches ideal for swimming or sunbathing. Further south, the turquoise lagoons of Phu Quoc and the crystal-clear shores of Con Dao rival those of the Caribbean and the Pacific.

3. Which Vietnamese beaches are best for surfing and water sports?

Mui Ne, a windy peninsula, is the country’s surfing capital, perfect for kite-surfing and windsurfing thanks to its reliable waves and coastal winds.
For diving and snorkeling, Nha Trang and Phu Quoc offer stunning underwater biodiversity and colorful coral reefs. The Binh Thuan coast provides great conditions for water sports nearly all year round — with warm water, gentle tides, and consistent breezes.

4. Which beaches are ideal for peace, nature, and relaxation?

If you’re searching for quiet, natural beauty, head to Bai Mon, Hon Gom, or the Nam Du Islands. These secluded spots, surrounded by pine trees, lush vegetation, and rocky cliffs, remain almost untouched.
The journey to reach them — along scenic coastal roads or through fishing villages — adds to their charm. Far from crowded resorts, these areas invite slow travel, hiking, and quiet moments by turquoise lagoons.

5. When is the best time to enjoy Vietnam’s most beautiful beaches?

The best beach season in Vietnam generally runs from November to April, when the waters are calm and the temperatures mild.
For the central coast (Da Nang, Hoi An, Quy Nhon), the ideal months are March to August.
For the southern islands (Phu Quoc, Con Dao), the dry season from December to April offers blue skies and crystal-clear seas.
At low tide, some hidden coves reveal stretches of fine sand, perfect for strolling barefoot along the shore.