15 Most Beautiful Beaches in Vietnam – From North to South 🌊🏖️

Vietnam, the S-shaped country with over 3,260 km of coastline, stretches like a turquoise ribbon embracing the land. From the windy North to the sunny South, each beach tells its own story. I embarked on a journey along 15 of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam, an adventure that became more than a trip – it was a search for peace within the rhythm of the waves.

1. Bãi Cháy – Quảng Ninh: A Northern Dawn

I began my journey in Quảng Ninh, home to the world-famous Halong Bay. Bãi Cháy was my first stop. The sunrise here felt like a thin curtain being drawn back, revealing a crystal-clear sky. Small sails drifted leisurely on the waves, while the Bãi Cháy Bridge spanned the Cửa Lục River like a gentle brushstroke.

Although it is an artificial beach, Bãi Cháy exudes vibrant beauty. Rows of leaning coconut trees, golden sands stretching endlessly, and the salty sea breeze create a lively atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy Sun World, try paragliding, or ride jet skis… but I chose to sit on the sandy shore, listening to the waves lap the beach, feeling my worries swept away with the tide.

2. Đồ Sơn – Hải Phòng: Echoes of Memories

From Quảng Ninh, I headed south to Hải Phòng. Đồ Sơn may not have the clearest waters, but it carries a familiar, welcoming charm. This is a favorite summer retreat for people from northern Vietnam, where the laughter of children mingles with the sound of the waves.

I strolled along the coastal road, watching fishing boats return at sunset. Fresh seafood was brought straight onto the shore, and I savored dishes like crab spring rolls and crab rice paper, accompanied by the roaring wind. To me, Đồ Sơn is the beach of memories, of family trips, where childhood recollections come alive with the gentle murmur of the sea.

3. Sầm Sơn – Thanh Hóa: The Lively Song of the Waves

Upon arriving at Sầm Sơn, I immediately sensed a different atmosphere. The beach here is lively from early morning until late at night. Strong waves, white-capped, crash onto the shore like a cheerful summer melody.

Standing at Hòn Trống Mái, looking out over the vast sea, I understood why the French once developed this area as a resort back in the 19th century. Sầm Sơn’s seafood is fresh and affordable—baskets of giant shrimp, crabs, and mud crabs grilled right at the market. With each bite, the sweet-salty taste of the sea fills your mouth, as if you’re tasting the very flavor of the waves themselves.

4. Cửa Lò – Nghệ An: A Love Song of Sun and Wind

Cửa Lò’s beach appeared gentle and serene. Soft white sand slopes gradually into calm, lulling waves. I arrived in the afternoon, just as the crimson sun reflected on the clear water. Cửa Lò isn’t as bustling as Sầm Sơn, nor as untouched as Nhật Lệ, yet it has a soothing effect on the soul.

The locals of Nghệ An are warm and welcoming, inviting me to try grilled firefly squid. Fresh from the sea, the squid shimmered with rainbow hues as it was placed on glowing coals, sizzling deliciously. The crispy-sweet taste, with a hint of chili, lingered in my memory.

At night, I went out to sea with the fishermen. The ocean was pitch black, lit only by flickering squid-fishing lamps, like stars falling onto the water. Cửa Lò at night feels entirely different—quiet, poetic, and mysterious.

5. Nhật Lệ – Quảng Bình: The Remaining Pristine Beauty

The name Nhật Lệ itself evokes a radiant beauty: where the sunrise lights up the river before flowing into the vast sea. When I set foot here, I was truly overwhelmed. The white sand sparkled like crystal, so fine and clean that it shimmered under the sun. The sea was a deep, clear blue, so transparent that I could see schools of small fish swimming beneath my feet.

Nhật Lệ still preserves a rare sense of untouched purity. There are no crowds of tourists, no noisy stalls—just the whispers of the waves and the gentle caress of the sea breeze. I spent hours sitting on the sand, watching clouds drift by, feeling my heart cleansed and calm.

From Nhật Lệ, travelers often combine the visit with Phong Nha – Kẻ Bàng National Park, famous for its majestic cave systems. But for me, Nhật Lệ alone was enough to let my heart settle and find peace.

6. Lăng Cô – Huế: A Dreamlike Seaside Bay

Crossing the Hải Vân Pass, I arrived at Lăng Cô, recognized as one of the most beautiful bays in the world by the Best Bays Club. Lăng Cô looks like a watercolor painting: on one side, the sea stretches in a deep blue; on the other, mountains rise in endless layers.

The water here is crystal clear, and the white sandy beach seems to go on forever. As I dipped my feet into the sea, a refreshing coolness spread through my body. Lăng Cô is neither noisy nor crowded—its tranquility makes you want to linger longer.

Sitting atop Hải Vân Pass and gazing down, I was reminded of Xuân Diệu’s famous poem: “Here is Vĩ Dạ village, the sun just rises…”—only this time, Lăng Cô is the dreamy canvas, a serene haven for any traveler’s soul.

7. Mỹ Khê – Đà Nẵng: The Beach with a Charming Smile

Đà Nẵng welcomed me with Mỹ Khê Beach, once named by Forbes as one of the most charming beaches in the world. Indeed, Mỹ Khê exudes an irresistible beauty: white sand, gentle waves, clear blue water, and rows of lush coconut palms.

Here, I tried surfing, dived into the refreshing water, and then stretched out on the sand, letting the breeze brush over me. Mỹ Khê Beach is not only stunning but also offers the conveniences of a modern city: beachfront resorts, cozy cafés, and a lively nightlife.

Yet amid all this bustle, Mỹ Khê retains a gentle charm—like the smile of a city girl who still carries the warmth of the countryside in her heart.

8. Non Nước – Đà Nẵng: A Mark at the Foot of Marble Mountains

Just a short distance from Mỹ Khê, Non Nước Beach lies at the foot of the Marble Mountains, where sea and mountains meet. I climbed Thủy Sơn Mountain and looked down at the deep blue beach, waves rolling onto the shore—a scene both majestic and poetic.

Non Nước is also famous for its long-standing stone carving village. After a swim, I visited a small workshop, admiring intricate sculptures carved from marble. Sea, mountains, and human craftsmanship—all blend together, creating a Non Nước that is truly unique and unforgettable.

9. An Bàng – Hội An: A Melody of Tranquility

Leaving Đà Nẵng, I arrived at An Bàng, one of the most beautiful beaches in Hội An. Unlike the bustling Mỹ Khê, An Bàng exudes calm and romance. The sand is soft, the waves gentle, and the air carries the soothing scent of the sea breeze.

I rented a lounge chair, lay back listening to music, and sipped a refreshing cocktail. Nearby, seaside restaurants displayed fresh seafood, prepared in the authentic Hội An style. I ate while watching the sunset paint the ocean—an image that made my heart slow down.

An Bàng feels like a sanctuary for the soul, a place where one can find peace amid the chaos of life.

10. Kỳ Co – Quy Nhơn: Vietnam’s Miniature Maldives

Heading further south, I arrived in Quy Nhơn and visited Kỳ Co. Known as the “Maldives of Vietnam,” it truly lives up to the name. Kỳ Co boasts soft, curving sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters in three shades: emerald near the shore, azure farther out, and deep blue in the depths.

I took a speedboat to Kỳ Co, feeling as if I had entered a secluded paradise. Fascinating rock formations and vibrant coral reefs lay beneath the clear waters. I dove in and witnessed a colorful underwater world moving in perfect harmony.

Kỳ Co left me in awe, and when I departed, I felt as though I had just left behind a beautiful dream.

11. Ghềnh Ráng – Quy Nhơn: The Sea and Poetry

Still in Quy Nhơn, I visited Ghềnh Ráng, a place closely associated with the famous poet Hàn Mặc Tử. The beach here exudes a raw, untouched beauty, with stacked rock formations creating a dramatic landscape.

I stood silently before Hàn Mặc Tử’s tomb, listening to the sea breeze and the gentle crashing of waves, as if the poet’s verses were echoing through the air. Here, the sea and poetry merge into one, making Ghềnh Ráng a destination not only for travelers but also for dreamers seeking inspiration.

12. Bãi Xép – Phú Yên: Golden Flowers on Green Grass and Blue Sea

In Phú Yên, I headed to Bãi Xép, a beach famously featured in the film I See Yellow Flowers on the Green Grass. Indeed, Bãi Xép is a perfect blend of natural beauty: clear blue waters, dark rocky outcrops, and lush green hills.

I sat on the grassy patch, watching waves crash against the rocks, feeling a beauty that is both poetic and wild. Bãi Xép isn’t crowded with tourists and has preserved its pristine charm. I felt as if I had stepped into a painting, where everything is fresh, vivid, and pure.

13. Nha Trang – Khánh Hòa: The Vibrant Coastal City

Arriving in Nha Trang, I immediately felt the sea’s lively energy: bustling, vibrant, and radiant. Nha Trang Beach stretches like a crescent moon, with calm waves and crystal-clear blue water.

In Nha Trang, I tried a variety of activities: taking the cable car to VinWonders, snorkeling among the coral reefs at Hòn Mun, and relaxing in mineral mud baths. When night falls, the coastal city lights up with sparkling streets, lively music, and an abundance of fresh seafood in every corner.

Nha Trang is the sea of youth, sleepless nights, and passionate dreams.

14. Mũi Né – Bình Thuận: Blue Sea, Golden Sand, and the Blowing Wind

Heading further south, I arrived at Mũi Né. This place is not just about the sea, but also about sand and wind. The water is a deep, clear blue, but what impressed me most were the endless golden sand dunes, constantly shifting and reshaping with every gust of wind.

I tried sandboarding, the thrill of speeding down the dunes made my heart race. Then I strolled along the fishing village, admiring hundreds of colorful basket boats lined up along the shore. The locals are gentle and warm, their smiles as radiant as the sunlight itself.

Mũi Né feels like a natural symphony: sea, sand, wind, and people all playing in harmony.

15. Phú Quốc – Kiên Giang: The Final Gem of the Journey

The final leg of my journey brought me to Phú Quốc, the jewel of the Gulf of Thailand. Phú Quốc’s beaches are diverse, each with its own character: Bãi Sao with soft, creamy white sand; Bãi Dài lying peacefully beneath rows of coconut trees; Bãi Kem, pristine and enchanting.

I watched the sunset at Mũi Dinh Cậu, where the fiery sun sank into the sea, leaving a magical sky painted in shades of gold and orange. The seafood here is irresistibly fresh: herring salad, grilled sea urchin with scallion oil, Hàm Ninh crabs… After the feast, I let myself float in the night sea, listening to the waves whispering, as if giving a gentle finale to the journey.

Phú Quốc is a natural gem, and the perfect ending to my journey along Vietnam’s breathtaking coastline.