Planning the Perfect Vietnam Beach Holiday: Your Questions Answered!

Discover top destinations, seasons and more in our Vietnam beach FAQs so you can plan the ideal Vietnam beach holiday.

Did you know that Vietnam features around 2,000 miles of coastline? Golden sands, turquoise waters, and balmy weather are calling you. But you probably have quite a few questions about planning a Vietnam beach holiday. In this Vietnam beach guide, we are going to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Vietnam beaches.

Is Vietnam a good choice for a beach destination? 

Many of Vietnam’s beaches are secluded and serene, surrounded by verdant foliage, yet also close to restaurants, shopping, and other amenities. Halong Bay, Da Nang and Nha Trang are just a few examples of world-famous Vietnam beaches that draw travelers from all around the globe every year. 

The beaches of Vietnam also boast some spectacular accommodations, ranging from affordable resorts at the lower end of the price range to high-end luxury resorts. So, there is something for every budget. 

Are Vietnam beaches suitable for families with kids?

Children would love to play in the soft, flawless sand of Vietnam’s beaches and swim in calm, clear, vividly-hued waters. Vietnam beaches are safe, comfortable and relaxing for your family so long as you follow all important guidelines for swimming, boating and activities.

Which part of Vietnam has the best beaches: North, Central, or South?

Many visitors to Vietnam feel that the best beaches are those in the southern and central parts of the country, such as Mui Ne, Phu Quoc Island and Nha Trang. Beautiful sand dunes, coral reefs and fishing villages all form part of the allure of these southern beaches.

But the northern beaches feature plenty of gems as well, some of which are well-known, such as ones in Halong Bay, but others of which are overlooked. Some additional beaches worth checking out in this part of the country include Minh Chau-Quan Lan, Co To Beach, and Hai Hau Beach. 

While these beaches are not as accessible, tourism-developing, or picturesque as some in the central and south parts of the country, they offer a local, authentic experience free of crowds. 

When is the best time to enjoy Vietnam beaches?

Consider planning your southern Vietnam beach holiday for the dry season, which starts in November and lasts through April. You will be able to enjoy sunny weather and temperatures ranging in the 70s and 80s. 

As you venture into central Vietnam, the ideal time of year to visit the beaches is in January through July. If you want to avoid the hottest weather, do not wait too late into this season.

October through November is a good time of year for a visit to the northern beaches of Vietnam. The temperatures during this season are mild, and the weather is dry. 

What are the best destinations for beach relaxation in Vietnam? 

Trying to choose between the countless spectacular beaches in Vietnam can be challenging, so here are a few of our top recommendations. 

Da Nang, Hoi An: In central Vietnam, the cities of Da Nang and Hoi An both offer beautiful urban beaches to enjoy plus an abundance of other attractions and amenities. We recommend combining them into a single vacation since they are geographically close. My Khe (Danang) and An Bang (Hoi An) are two popular beaches.

Phu Yen: Find lovely beaches such as Xep, Vung Ro and Long Thuy in this province on the south-central coastline of Vietnam. Volcanic rocks, mango trees, and a backdrop of mountains make it a distinctive region.

Nha Trang: The beaches of this southern city are one of its main draws for tourists. While the golden sands hold plenty of allure on their own, be sure to plan some time to head out to snorkel and scuba dive among the coral reefs. 

Phu Quoc: For the ultimate beach getaway, take a boat to this island off the coast of Vietnam where you can relax on white sands and listen to the breeze in the palm trees. 

Quang Ninh: This is the northeastern province that is home to the exquisite Ha Long Bay, as well as Quan Lan island and Cô Tô island. At spots like Ti Top Beach, you can relax on the sand while marveling at the limestone formations that made this province famous.

What are the best things to do at Vietnam beaches?

While swimming and sunbathing at Vietnamese beaches can be a relaxing way to spend an afternoon, there is a lot more you can do as you are exploring the country’s coastline. 

Go on an island-hopping adventure to destinations such as Phu Quoc, Nam Du, and Cu Lao Cham, discovering the unique charms of each. Take part in water-based activities like kayaking, scuba diving or snorkeling. Think about combining a Vietnam beach excursion with a cultural tour, exploring the cities, towns and villages on your way along the coast. 

No matter where you go, be sure to take plenty of captivating photos; Vietnam’s beaches are among the most photogenic in the world.

What is the best beach with the best nightlife in Vietnam? 

For the most part, you should not expect the same kind of wild party scene on the beaches of Vietnam that you would find on the beaches of Thailand. But there are still great opportunities to drink and dance.

Every traveler will have their own opinion, but we recommend that revelers head to Nha Trang to experience the best beach nightlife. The shores of this city are packed with restaurants, bars and clubs. You can also find parties taking place right on the beach, complete with live music and DJs. 

For a completely different experience, you could head out on a sunset or dinner cruise. This is your chance to see Nha Trang in a whole new way. Dine on delicious local cuisine as you admire the lights of the city across the dark water. 

What is the best beach just to relax and unwind?

If you are all partied out, and you just want to kick back, we suggest taking a boat to Phu Quoc. While there are many beaches here worth your time, our top recommendation is Bai Sao Beach. This beach features beautiful white sand with palm trees at intervals leaning out toward the bright blue water. The atmosphere is quiet and serene; if you put down a towel and stare out at the waves, you will quickly lose track of time. 

Is the food in the Vietnam beach area good?

Yes, you can find delicious food at many of Vietnam’s beaches. An urban beach at Nha Trang, Hoi An or Da Nang puts you close to bars and restaurants aplenty, giving you countless options for dining. 

Even some of the quieter, more out-of-the-way beaches are in the range of delicious food, however. If you are staying at a nearby resort, you may be able to indulge in dishes cooked with locally sourced ingredients by chefs who are dedicated to giving you the best culinary experiences in Vietnam.

What should you order? Well, since you are at the beach, seafood is an excellent option. And guess what? It’s unbelievably affordable.

What should be avoided during a beach holiday in Vietnam?

Generally speaking, the beaches of Vietnam are safe to visit. But here are some recommendations that can help to ensure that you have a safe and healthy trip.

If you are visiting during a bright, hot time of year, watch out for the toll the sun can take. Wear sunscreen, and do not forget to reapply throughout the day. Bring plenty of water so you do not dehydrate. 

You probably will not encounter any harmful creatures on the beach, but be mindful of fleas and ticks. If you hike into the jungle from the beach, steer clear of poisonous snakes. Travelers exploring Cat Ba Island in Ha Long Bay should also stay away from the monkeys. 

As far as water safety goes, the standard advice applies. Be vigilant of rip tides and undertows that can drag you out or down farther than you expect. 

One more thing to be aware of is the possibility of spills from factories. If an authority tells you not to swim at one of the beaches because of a spill, do as they say and stay out of the water. If you notice discoloration in the water, that is also indicative of a spill.

It is okay to wear swimwear on Vietnam’s beaches. But if you head into town, you should dress more conservatively. 

Design Your Vietnam Beach Holiday

Having read our Vietnam beach guide, you now have some destinations you can add to your itinerary, along with tips for how to have a safe and fun trip. Exotic Voyages can help you plan a customized tour of Vietnam’s beaches, whether you want to party on the beach, relax, snorkel, kayak, or do any number of other water-based activities.