Top five beaches near Ho Chi Minh City

1. Vũng Tàu

Between Nui Nho (Small Mountain) and Nui Lon (Big Mountain) is a curving bay which fronts the port city of Vũng Tàu. A palm-planted park separates the sandy beach from the city all the way along the peninsula and there is a cluster of bars and cafés across the road behind lush foliage. This is the most popular beach for day trippers from Ho Chi Minh as it is the closest – around a two-hour drive away.

At the top of Nui Nho, a statue of Christ watches over the town. It is possible to hike up a mountain path which leads from Ha Long Street to the statue in around 30 minutes, then climb up its internal spiral staircase for panoramic views across the South China Sea. An alternate path leads up the mountain from Hai Dang Street to a white lighthouse. From this point, visitors can take in stunning views which the mountain affords, encompassing both coasts of the peninsula and the city lying inbetween.

2. Mũi Né

With its traditional fishing village charm, Mũi Né is a relative newcomer to the beach resort scene. Evidence of its humble origins remain, with colourful fishing boats perched on the white sands which are shaded by coconut trees growing behind the beach. This area boasts one of the driest climates in Southeast Asia so sunseekers are sure to be able to enjoy swimming in the warm azure waters and relaxing on the sands. However, this is also one of the windiest spots in the region, so it has become renowned as one of the best beaches near Ho Chi Minh City for windsurfing. Visitors interested in taking a break from relaxing on their sun lounger and engaging in a more active pastime can rent kiteboarding or windsurfing equipment from one of the water sports centres along the beachfront.

Mui Ne White Sandy Beach. Photo: Nadezda Murmakova/Shutterstock

3. Doi Duong

Nestled along the coast around half an hour’s drive from Mũi Né, Doi Duong beach is an easily accessible and popular spot for locals and travellers to visit. The stretch of sand is bordered by small market stalls selling local fruits, specialty foods and coffee. Tiki umbrellas line the shore shading sun loungers, which are available to rent, while the calm, clear waters lap the shore. This serene and relaxing setting is also a south-facing location making it a wonderful spot to watch the sun both rise and set over the bay.

4. Côn Sơn island

Part of the Côn Đảo archipelago, Côn Sơn island is around an hour’s flight from Ho Chi Minh city. And the trip is definitely worth it, as this compact island is home to a number of unspoilt beaches including Đầm Trầu, Bãi biển Đất Dốc and Bãi Nhát. The archipelago makes up a national park that is protected to preserve the hawksbill and green marine turtle populations which nest along the islands’ shores, as well as resident dugongs and the expansive surrounding coral reefs. The waters off the island harbour some of the best diving spots in Vietnam with manta rays and reef sharks frequently sighted gliding over the reefs where tropical fish such as clownfish and scorpionfish swim. Back on shore, secluded beaches offer visitors pristine, fine white sands and clear turquoise waters, which are often shared with no more than a handful of other people.

Beach on an island in Côn Đảo,Vietnam. Photo: studioloco/Shutterstock

5. Hồ Tràm

Around a two and a half hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City, many people visit idyllic Hồ Tràm beach on a day trip, but there are plenty of options available for those who would like to stay overnight, from polished resorts overlooking the beach to campsites just behind the golden sands. The beach is a perfect spot for relaxing days by the sea, but water sports are also possible aided by the light breeze which helps create waves for surfing. There are numerous trekking trails in the forested nature reserve that sits nearby set back from the shoreline.

Hồ Tràm beach, Vietnam. Photo: q_hung/Shutterstock

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