Given its long coastline, Vietnam is a land full to the brim with great beach destinations, especially along the Central coast between Hue and Phan Thiet.
Starting just south of Hue, we have Lang Co, renowned for its 15 kilometres long sandy white beach. There are a number of resorts catering to beach-hungry travellers or groups here, and despite the beach being practically the only reason to visit, it’s mercifully empty of tourist crowds during most seasons.
View of Lang Co.
Next up are the cities of Da Nang and Hoi An, located a mere 30 minutes apart by car. Here the beach of An Bang is easily accessed from Hanoi by bicycle, and is among the best maintained beaches in the country. During peak season the beach can get crowded, making it hard to find a spot that isn’t occupied, but there are plenty of bars and restaurants running alongside it to provide a spot to wait should the crowds be too big.
Beautiful My Khe Breach in Da Nang.
In Da Nang meanwhile, My Khe beach is considered by many to be the most picturesque beach in the whole country and offers excellent surfing opportunities in September.
If your tour group prefers quiet and peaceful beaches to the more lively ones of Da Nang and Hoi An, then oft overlooked Qui Nhơn is the perfect place to go. Due to it’s somewhat off-the-beaten-track status among foreign visitors, it’s a great place to get a taste of authentic Vietnamese beach life, with the majority of visitors to the beach being Vietnamese people on holiday.
The beach of Mui Ne is always filled with unique circular boats.
Back on the beaten path you have the lively beach towns of Nha Trang and Mui Ne. Technically located in the south, we chose to include them in this article as they’re by far the best known and most popular beach destinations in the entire country. High levels of Russian tourism has made the locals somewhat jaded with tourists but for those looking for a “standard” beach-town experience, both towns are filled with bars, restaurants and a wide range of accommodation, from budget hotels and hostels to sprawling luxury resorts.
Anyone looking for some time spent on the beach as they traverse Vietnam from one end to the other are sure to be spoilt for choice along the Central Coast.