While Vietnam is best known for its magnificent terraced rice fields, temples, gastronomy, and the legendary Halong Bay, it is also a prime seaside destination for lovers of white sand and crystal-clear waters.
The beaches of South Vietnam are among the most beautiful in Southeast Asia, offering paradise-like shores that are still largely preserved. Among these tropical gems are:
- Nha Trang
- Mui Ne
- Bai Truong, Sao Beach and Bai Khem in Phu Quoc
- Dam Trau, Ong Dung, Hang Duong, Nhat and Phi Yen in Con Dao
- And many more to discover in this article!
True little corners of paradise to discover during your trip to Vietnam, preferably between December and April, when the climate is dry and sunny.
Nha Trang and its beaches: one of the most beautiful bays in the world
With its 7 kilometers of coastline bathed in truly turquoise waters, Nha Trang is one of the country’s main seaside resorts, often referred to as the “English Riviera of Vietnam” and considered one of the most beautiful bays in the world.
Located on the coast of the South China Sea, about 480 km from Ho Chi Minh City, it enjoys a particularly pleasant climate, especially between April and June. The average temperature is around 23°C, with far less rainfall than in other regions of the country.
The Nha Trang Bay also boasts remarkable biodiversity. The 19 islands and islets that compose it host many typical tropical ecosystems such as coral reefs, jungles, and mangroves.
Nha Trang is therefore an ideal refuge for rare and valuable animal species such as the swiftlet, the loggerhead turtle, pearl oysters, and red coral… making it a true paradise for divers!
Nha Trang is also very popular among water sports enthusiasts who enjoy activities such as windsurfing, jet skiing, surfing, flyboarding, and kayaking, as well as among families thanks to the safety and variety of seaside activities available.
Culture lovers will also find interesting sites to visit in and around Nha Trang:
- the Po Nagar temple, located less than a 10-minute walk from Tran Phu beach,
- the Long Son pagoda, located 3 km from the city center,
- the Nha Trang Oceanographic Institute with its beautiful museum,
- and the famous Dam Market, the largest market in Nha Trang.
All of these attractions explain the large influx of tourists between May and September.
However, by moving slightly away from the tourist center and exploring the small untouched islands off the coast, you can discover hidden treasures of the bay off the beaten path!
The natural reserves of the islands of Hòn Mun and Hòn Tằm, easily accessible by boat, are particularly well preserved. A must for diving enthusiasts!
The most beautiful beaches of Nha Trang in Vietnam
Although the paradise beaches of Nha Trang are its main attraction, they do not all offer the same facilities. It’s up to you to choose the beach of your dreams!
The main beach of Nha Trang, which runs along the city’s main street (Tran Phu) for 7 kilometers, is lined with a beautiful promenade filled with hotels and seafood restaurants.
Its easy access, cleanliness, and shallow waters make it particularly popular with families. It is the most popular beach in Nha Trang and therefore also the busiest.
For more peace and quiet, head to the north of Tran Phu: the promontory of the beautiful Hon Chong beach offers breathtaking views of the bay.
A little further away, about 45 km north of Nha Trang, lies Doc Let beach, a long white sand beach bathed in crystal-clear waters and relatively quiet despite a few hotel developments.
Fishing and salt farming are practiced there, and hikers particularly enjoy relaxing here after a day of exploration.
For more adventure, head to Jungle Beach, 60 km north of Tran Phu — a truly wild beach and a great starting point for jungle hikes to discover local wildlife and flora.
Clean and wild, the long beach of Bai Dai (“Long Beach”), located 20 km south of Nha Trang, is particularly appreciated by travelers seeking authenticity.
However, caution is advised when swimming between October and February due to strong currents.
The beautiful Nhu Tien beach caters to a more demanding clientele. The quality of its hotels and restaurants, as well as the activities offered (golf, spa, yoga, jet ski…), make this clear.
If you have more time, head to the small islands off the coast of Nha Trang and discover the preserved paradise beaches they hide.
Among these natural gems, Whale Island (Hòn Ông), located in Vân Phong Bay 80 km north of Nha Trang, is particularly suitable for scuba diving, snorkeling, and kayaking.
It is also a privileged place to observe cetaceans that frequent the bay between April and July, attracted by the krill and plankton abundant at that time.
Closer to the coast, Hòn Mun is not only one of the most beautiful islands of Nha Trang but also the first and only marine protected area in Vietnam.
It is home to numerous species of coral (around 1,500) and fish.
The smallest island in the bay, Hòn Một, located about 9 km from the coast, also hosts a few charming beaches despite its relatively dense population.
The charming little island of Hòn Tằm, just twenty minutes by boat from the coast, boasts one of the most beautiful untouched white sand beaches in the bay.
Finally, Hòn Tre, the largest island in the bay located only 3.5 km from the coast, is a must-visit destination for families with children.
Besides the beautiful Bai Tru beach, accessible by cable car or boat, the island is home to a giant aquarium and the famous Vinpearl Land amusement park.
