Got Vietnam on your mind? Many people don’t go to Vietnam for the beaches but in reality, Vietnam’s beaches are extremely underrated. From the coastal city of Da Nang’s to the hidden beaches of Phu Quoc Island, there are many beautiful places along VIetnam’s coast worth a visit. So, if you’re hooked and planning a Vietnam trip, read on, my friend.
The Enchanting Coastline Of Vietnam
The coastline of Vietnam stretches along 3,000 kilometers. Its geographical shape is very thin and that means no matter where you go in Vietnam, you are close to the coast.
In northern Vietnam, and you’ll find Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay. In the central part, there’s Da Nang, and if you head south, you’ve got Nha Trang, the tranquil Phu Quoc Island, and a few other places in between. There’s also the ancient town of Hoi An for its scenic riverside and the beautiful coastal town of Mui Ne, famous for its sand dunes and peaceful beaches.
Practical Information And Travel Tips
Before getting to more important information about the best beach resorts in Vietnam, let’s cover some useful travel tips about visiting this beautiful country.
Best Time to Visit
When to visit depends on where in Vietnam you’re headed. Here’s a cheat sheet:
Northern Coast (Halong Bay, Hanoi): Best between October and April when it’s dry and cool. January and February can get foggy in Halong Bay, though.
Central Coast (Da Nang, Hoi An, Nha Trang): Visit from February to August when it’s sunny and dry. But remember, typhoons can hit between September and November.
Southern Coast (Phu Quoc, Mui Ne): November to March is a good time when it’s dry and pleasant. You could also go between April and September, but you might experience a few showers and some humidity.
Just one more thing before we proceed; don’t forget about travel insurance. It might not be mandatory to get travel insurance in Vietnam but it sure can be handy. You might come across a street scam, have your luggage lost, or even have one of your flights delayed. There are travel insurance providers like SafetyWing that will offer you protection in all of these cases (in addition to the standard health insurance) for as low as $45 per month. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
How to Get There
By Air: Catch a flight to Vietnam. It’s the most common way. Noi Bai in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat, and Da Nang are the major international airports. And, I’ve got a Qatar Airways affiliate link that’ll get you up to 15% off on flights to Vietnam.
By Sea: Cruise ships and ferries are welcome at Vietnam’s seaports with the most famous stops being Ha Long Bay, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City. If you like to know more about cruising some of Vietnam’s scenic bays, you may want to check out our article where we compare Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay.
Overland Travel: Already in China, Cambodia, or Laos? You can get to Vietnam by land. Vietnam shares borders with these countries and there are border crossings and bus services for overland travel. Use my 12Go Asia link to book your bus or train ticket, and you’ll get a 10% discount. Want more info? Check out my 12Go Asia review. Alternatively, if you’re more into biking, check out our guide to Vietnam by motorbike.
Visa Stuff You Need To Know
First things first, getting your visa for Vietnam! There are visa exemptions for certain countries, visas on arrival for others, and even an e-visa system but in general, visa on arrival is available for most countries.
If you’re eligible for a visa on arrival, make sure you get your pre-approval sorted and have all the required documents ready. The e-visa gives you a 30-day stay and is super simple to apply for. If this all sounds like too much work, you can always use iVisa – I’ve used them more than once and they’re fab! You can read more about my experience with them in my iVisa review.
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Handling the Dong (It’s the Vietnamese Currency, Folks!)
In Vietnam, cash is still king. It’s a good idea to keep a decent amount of Dong in your pocket, especially for daily expenses, shopping, and when you’re out and about in smaller establishments. If you need more, you can exchange money at banks, some hotels, and authorized exchange counters. ATMs are pretty much everywhere and accept international debit and credit cards. Pro tip: even if you’re a card person, keep cash handy for those smaller businesses.
The Beach Buzz In Vietnam
Now that we covered some basics, let’s see which are some of the best beach destinations in Vietnam.
Nha Trang: The Coastal Star
Often dubbed the ‘Riviera of Vietnam’, Nha Trang is one of Vietnam’s most beautiful coastal cities with pristine beaches, dazzling turquoise waters that resemble Thailand’s popular beaches.The city has a decent tourist infrastructure, a lot of resorts, and interesting things to see and do and the nightlife in Nha Trang is also not too shaby.
Da Nang: Urban Cool Meets Beach Bliss
Comfortably situated in the middle of Vietnam’s coast, Da Nang is another beautiful coastal city with a mixture of gorgeous beaches and exciting city atmosphere.
Phu Quoc Island: Your Very Own Tropical Wonderland
Tucked away in the Gulf of Thailand, Phu Quoc Island is the closest thing in Vietnam that comes to tropical paradise. Beautiful beaches, clear, turquoise waters, lush landscapes; you name it and you can find all of it here. And if you ever get bored by the beach (which isn’t very likely), the island is also home to dense forests, pepper plantations, countless fishing villages, a few spa centers, and one national park (Phu Quoc National Park).
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Mui Ne: A Surfer’s Dream
If you’re a fan of riding waves and catching the wind, Mui Ne will probably end up being one of your favorite destinations in Vietnam. The beach is blessed with reliable winds and killer waves that pull in surf enthusiasts from all over the globe and it’s not just about the water though, the golden sandy beaches and otherworldly sand dunes are worth the trip alone. Trust me, you won’t want to miss a sandboarding adventure there.
Hoi An: A Blast From The Past With Beach Perks
Hoi An is a city that we extensively covered in a few of our other articles and for a good reason. It’s one of the most beautiful cities in Vietnam, it’s located in the central part of the country, which means you can easily fit it into your Vietnam itinerary and it’s a UNESCO World Heritage.
Luxurious Beach Resorts in Vietnam
Ready for the best part? Here are some of my top picks for beach resorts in Vietnam.
TIA Wellness Resort & Spa: Your Ultimate Spa Resort
Formerly known as Fusion Maia, TIA Wellness Resort & Spa is where you’d like to go for complete rejuvenation. I’m talking unlimited spa treatments, tropical gardens and stunning views of the East Sea. It’s pure bliss! You can choose from a plethora of wellness treatments and while you’re there you’ll have access to the private pool villas.
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Six Senses Ninh Van Bay: Eco-Luxury At Its Finest
If you’re into sustainability and luxury, Six Senses Ninh Van Bay is your spot. Nestled in a private bay in Nha Trang, this place offers private pool villas with lush surroundings that will make sure you have a good old vacation in the traditional sense in the word. What’s not to love about yoga sessions, wellness workshops, and eco-friendly practices?
InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort: Taste Of The Good Life
Next, this list of the best beach resorts in Vietnam couldn’t be complete without the InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort which offers views of turquoise waters from the comfort of your room. And if the beach being so close isn’t enough, the resort also has an infinity pool and a great onsite restaurant that prepares some of the tastiest Vietnamese food I’ve ever tried.
Anantara Mui Ne Resort: Your Seaside Heaven
This serene beachfront oasis in Mui Ne is one of my favorite beach resorts in Vietnam because of its very unique offering of all kinds of luxurious amenities and untouched nature. The resort is located on one of the most beautiful beaches in Mui Ne, the rooms are super posh and each villa comes with a private pool and gorgeous seaside views. Oh, and there’s also a spa center as well.
Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort & Spa: Heritage and Beachside Charm
Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort & Spa is a gorgeous retreat located on Cua Dai Beach, Hoi An’s most famous beach. Victoria is one of the best beach resorts in Vietnam because it offers a touch of traditional Vietnamese architecture while not lacking any modern amenities.
The Nam Hai Hoi An- Tranquil Luxury by the Sea
The Nam Hai is another beautiful beach resort in Hoi An that offers a luxurious experience by the sea. The resort is located right next to the beach and has its own lush gardens with jungle vibes and swaying palm trees. It was obvious to me that the entire resort was designed with exquisite attention to detail, including infinity pools, spa treatments, and villas that make you feel right at home.
JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa – Architectural Marvel on a Tropical Island
JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa is one of those places that I thought only exist in movies. All Marriott hotels abide by certain standards, and this one is no exception. Its architecture showcases a unique blend of colonial and traditional architectural styles, set against the backdrop of lush greenery and pristine beaches.
Mia Resort Nha Trang – Serene Retreat Amidst Nature’s Splendor
If you’re looking for a serene retreat amidst nature’s splendor, the Mia Resort in Nha Trang is one of the best beach resorts in Vietnam. It’s entirely surrounded by lush greenery and the East Sea coast is right on your finger tips. The complex has a range of beautiful villas, each one with its own private pool and offering something different that distinguishes it from the others to provide a better tailored experience.
Premier Village Danang Resort – A Dream Come True
The Premier Village Danang Resort is another resort in Vietnam that feels like heaven on earth. Again, it’s gorgeous villas with private pool and some of the most breathtaking coastal views in Vietnam, and a top notch spa center. You can’t beat sitting on your terrace with a drink in hand, listening to the soothing sound of the waves.
The Anam Resort – Step Back In Time
The Anam Resort in Cam Ranh is a gorgeous resort with a special colonial charm. So if you’re looking for something luxurious that still screams authentic Vietnamese, this is the place for you. It’s right on the beach and set within this beautifully maintained tropical garden surrounding the elegant villas that overlook the beachfront..
La Veranda Resort Phu Quoc – Boutique Beauty
La Veranda Resort in Phu Quoc is a little slice of heaven. It’s a boutique resort with colonial architecture, and I swear, the garden looks like something out of a tropical postcard. Their beach is just perfect for a relaxing day under the sun. And the food, oh the food – it’s an international blend made with local ingredients that’ll blow your mind.
Banyan Tree Lang Co Lang Co- Relax In Paradise
Talk about an unforgettable holiday! Banyan Tree Lang Co is like something out of a travel magazine. You’ve got your own spacious villa with a private pool and an unbeatable view of Lang Co Bay. And with an award-winning spa, a championship golf course, and a fantastic variety of food, you might just never want to leave. There’s a good reason why Banyan Tree Lang Co is always mentioned when the best beach resorts in Vietnam is the topic.
Vinpearl Resort & Spa Nha Trang Bay – All-Inclusive Beachfront Luxury
This list of the best beach resorts in Vietnam couldn’t be complete without the Vinpearl Resort & Spa. This all-inclusive resort is one of the best ones in Nha Trang Bay and trust me the competition is fearsome. It’s located right on the coast and the real image looks as good as the Instagram photos. And of course, it has its own spa center.
Princess D’Annam Resort & Spa
Last but not least, we round up this list of the best beach resorts in Vietnam with Princess D’Annam Resort & Spa. And the name is very suiting as this looks just like the place where a princess would go on a holiday. Hidden away in Ke Ga, the villas and suites of the resort offer the ultimate getaway. And the beautiful beach the complex is built on feels like having your own private coastline. And the food, it’s out of this world – a mix of local and international dishes that can satisfy everyone’s tastes and cravings.
Did you ever visit Vietnam? How did you like this list of the best beach resorts in Vietnam? Are there any other places you’d like to see included on this list? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
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