10 most beautiful beaches in Vietnam according to American magazine

Lonely Planet, a famous American travel magazine, has just introduced the 10 most beautiful beaches in Vietnam. Do you agree with this ranking?

Vietnam has 3,400km of coastline and is home to some stunning unspoiled beaches, not to mention a number of tropical islands with coral reefs just offshore. Whether you’re looking for a stretch of sand near one of the country’s bustling cities, a family-friendly getaway or a quiet cove to escape the crowds, here are Lonely Planet’s picks for the best beaches in Vietnam.

1.An Bang

Just 3km north of Hoi An, An Bang is one of Vietnam’s most beautiful and attractive beaches. It has a wonderful stretch of fine sand and a wide horizon (with less signs of serious erosion than at Cua Dai), with only the distant Cham Islands interrupting the symmetry of the coastline.

2. Phu Quoc

Surrounded by white sand beaches, Phu Quoc has quickly transformed from a quiet island into a must-visit beach resort for Westerners and sun-seeking tourists. With picture-perfect white sand and crystal clear waters, Sao Beach is perhaps the most ideal choice.

Island hopping tours take in the islands off Phu Quoc’s south coast or the lesser-visited north coast. Or catch the reasonably priced 8km cable car from An Thoi station on the islands further south to the panoramic Hon Thom island.

3.Nha Trang

Forming a beautiful wide arc, Nha Trang's 6km of golden sand beach is the city's trump card. Areas are roped off and designated for safe swimming, where you won't be disturbed by jet skis or boats.

4.Con Dao

The Con Dao Islands are one of Vietnam’s top tourist attractions. Con Son, the largest of a chain of 15 smaller islands, is surrounded by beautiful beaches, coral reefs and bays, while still partly covered in tropical forests.

5.Mui Ne

Mui Ne was once the crown jewel of Vietnam’s beach resorts, but recent years have seen harsh tides erode its golden sands and overdevelopment take its toll. There are still some beautiful hidden stretches of sand here, however, ideal (seasonally) for those who like to party at night and sunbathe during the day. Kitesurfing is also a popular pastime. The opening of the Dau Giay-Phan Thiet Expressway in mid-2023 has reduced the travel time between Ho Chi Minh City and Mui Ne from 4.5 hours to just over 2 hours.

6. Doc Let

Stretching for 18km, Doc Let’s chalky white sands and shallow turquoise waters ensure it ranks among the best beaches in Vietnam. However, in recent years, developers have moved in and tourists have flocked here on trips from Nha Trang. Continue north along the coast to more secluded spots including Bai Bau and Bai Xep.

7. Ho Coc

With its golden sands, crystal-clear waters and just two and a half hours from Ho Chi Minh City, this beach – stretching nearly 10km north of Ho Tram – is a popular stop. Ho Coc is increasingly crowded with tourists on weekends but remains peaceful on weekdays.

8.My Khe, Da Nang

My Khe is fast becoming Da Nang’s easternmost suburb. In the early mornings and evenings, the beach is packed with city dwellers exercising. Tourists flock during peak sunbathing hours, while locals prefer the evenings; fishermen still venture out onto the sand in their coracles. The water can have dangerous undercurrents, especially in winter.

9. Cat Ba

Rugged, rugged and heavily forested, Cat Ba is the largest island in Ha Long Bay and a stopover for several cruises around the UNESCO-listed area. As such, the Hai Phong island can get very crowded, which can take some of the edge off the serenity; but visit in the quieter months and the beaches are some of the best in Vietnam. The three beaches of Cat Co Bay, a 10-minute walk southeast of Cat Ba town, are the best.

10.My Khe

Not to be confused with the Da Nang beach of the same name, My Khe is located a few kilometers from the center of Quang Ngai city and boasts a wonderful beach with fine white sand. Stretching for kilometers along a thin strip of sand lined with casuarina trees, it is separated from the mainland by the Kinh Giang River, a body of water just inland from which the beach is located. If you avoid holidays and weekends, you will have the opportunity to have the beautiful beach all to yourself.