If I say to you: “Beaches of Vietnam”, you think “fine sand, coconut palms, bright sunshine and total farniente”, don't you? And indeed, that's often the case, yes. But there's much more to the Vietnamese coastline. Forget the stereotypes and set off to discover a land of contrasts where the adventurous soul still has its place.
Ready to immerse yourself in grandiose landscapes and authentic experiences? Grab your towel and follow the guide!
Cat Ba (Lan Ha Bay): the secret Halong Bay
Lan Ha bay and its touch of unspoiled tranquility - Mr Linh's Adventures
We're all familiar with
Ha Long Bay and its crowds. But what if I told you that its neighboring
Lan Ha Bay, just south of
Cat Ba Island, offers an equally
spectacular experience, with a touch of unspoiled tranquility? Imagine hundreds of karst sugar loaves, covered in lush vegetation, emerging from emerald waters. Here, exploration takes place by kayak, through secret caves leading to hidden lagoons, or by climbing limestone walls. Cat Ba, the bay's largest island, is the gateway to this paradise. It offers
not only peaceful beaches, but also a
national park home to an astonishing biodiversity, perfect for hiking off the beaten track. It's the ideal place for those seeking the grandeur of Vietnamese nature, with the promise of yet more corners of serenity and adventure.
An Bang (Hoi An): when history meets the good life
An Bang Beach offers calm waters and a soft sandy seabed, making it great for farniente and swimming
Head for central Vietnam and the enchanting
Hoi An. This
UNESCO World Heritage city is a veritable marvel, a time capsule in which the former Faifo of the French colonists recalls its days as a major trading port on the famous Silk Road. Its unique architectural heritage is a fascinating blend of Chinese, Japanese and Western influences. Stroll through its narrow streets lined with yellow patina houses, cross the emblematic "Japanese Covered Bridge", and soak up its charm. and soak up its timeless atmosphere.
A few kilometers away, the charming beach of
An Bang offers a seaside break. Admittedly, it has gained in popularity, but when the sun gently peeks over the horizon, painting the sky with a thousand colors, and the lights of Da Nang sparkle in the distance, An Bang reveals its character. It's here that a subtle link is forged between the warm sand, the rich history of Hoi An and the
vestiges of My Son, silent witnesses to Cham grandeur. Vietnamese beaches aren't just backdrops; they're storytellers. This is a living beach, where you can observe the daily life of fishermen and savor fresh seafood, a break after a deep cultural immersion.
Nha Trang: the trendy farniente
Nha Trang Bay is one of the most scenic bays across Vietnam's coastline. - Mr Linh's Adventures
Further south,
Nha Trang reveals another facet of coastal Vietnam.
Known for its long urban beach, water sports activities and lively nightlife, it's the destination for those looking to combine
farniente and dynamism. Yes, the main beach can get very crowded, sometimes revealing its "hip" and international side. Yet the city remains an excellent base for exploring neighboring islands, such as Hon Mun Island, renowned for its diving spots and coral reefs. Beyond the bright lights of the city, Nha Trang has kept a few of its roots: the
Po Nagar Cham Towers, vestiges of a vanished civilization, silent witnesses to a much older history.
Con Dao: the time-preserved sanctuary
With turquoise waters, and golden beaches, Con Dao is pretty much paradise - Mr Linh's Adventures
Another place, another atmosphere, another world. Our exploration of Vietnamese beaches now takes us well beyond the mainland, some 80 km southeast of the Mekong Delta: the
Con Dao Islands
Often cited as one of Vietnam's most fascinating destinations, this
archipelago of some 15 islands seems suspended in time. On the main island of Con Son, the eponymous capital, with its colonial architecture and
deeply relaxed atmosphere, is the ideal starting point for discovering dream beaches such as the sublime Bai Dam Trau, where the sand is as soft as silk and the turquoise water is simply irresistible.
Above all, Con Dao is a
veritable sanctuary of biodiversity. Its abundant coral reefs, the sea turtles that come here to lay their eggs and its incredible underwater fauna make it a paradise for diving and snorkeling. Far from the crowds, this is a responsible exploration of a precious ecosystem, a destination where nature reigns supreme.
Phu Quoc: adventure on a scooter
The "Pearl Island," is home to some of the most breathtaking beaches in Vietnam - Mr Linh's Adventures
From the unspoilt isolation of Con Dao, we cross the vast Mekong Delta to reach another icon of South Vietnam, Phu Quoc Island.
Let's be honest: today's
Phu Quoc Island is very different from the backpackers' former getaway. With a world-famous cable car, grandiose theme parks and a dubiously inspired architectural style reminiscent of southern Italy, Phu Quoc has changed.
But there's still room here for the adventurous soul! Far from the busiest developments, the bays and coves in the north of the island remain a fabulous playground. Embark on a scooter tour and set off in search of these hidden gems: secret coves, stretches of pristine white sand where shellfish abound. It's all about adventure, the freedom to discover your own haven of peace, far off the beaten track. Phu Quoc, with its varied beaches, symbolizes this diversity of the Vietnamese coastline, showing that with a little exploration, authenticity is always within reach.
Sunset on Con Dao archipelago - Mr Linh's Adventures
Good to know: The best time to explore the coast
Vietnam benefits from a tropical climate, but its vast coastlines offer distinct microclimates. To fully enjoy the beaches, aim for the dry season.
- The South (Phu Quoc, Con Dao): From November to May is ideal with blue skies and pleasant temperatures.
- The Center (Nha Trang, Hoi An) : From February to August, with sunny weather and less rain.
- The North (Ha Long Bay, Cat Ba): From April to October, the weather is hot and dry.
So, ready to explore the beaches of Vietnam?
As you can see, the beaches of Vietnam are much more than just postcards. They are living places where history, local culture and nature meet. Whether you're a history buff, a gourmet, a nature lover or an adventurer at heart, Vietnam's coastline has a story to tell, a secret to reveal.
Sharpen your senses, for the journey will be far more rewarding than you can imagine!