Best Beaches In Southern Vietnam: Top 5 Beaches Must-Visit

Vietnam's southern coast boasts a treasure trove of pristine beaches, making it a must-visit destination for beach lovers worldwide. From the vibrant shores to the secluded coves, Southern Vietnam offers a diverse range of coastal experiences.

Read this article of Hanoi Voyages as we unveil the most captivating beaches in this tropical paradise, ensuring your beach getaway is nothing short of extraordinary. Discover the epitome of relaxation and adventure along Vietnam's stunning coastline, where turquoise waters meet powdery sands. Immerse yourself in the allure of Vietnam beaches and indulge in the ultimate beach tourism Vietnam experience.

Discover top 5 beaches in Southern Vietnam

Southern Vietnam is a dream destination for beach lovers, with golden sands, turquoise waters, and vibrant coastal towns. From the tranquil islands of Con Dao to the lively shores of Nha Trang, each beach offers a unique charm. Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, or cultural discovery, these top 5 beaches in Southern Vietnam will make your holiday unforgettable.

Phu Quoc

Sao Beach	Ong Lang Beach	Long Beach

Best beaches to visit in Phu Quoc:

When talking about the best beaches in Southern Vietnam, we must mention the beaches in Phu Quoc. The clear blue beaches and golden sand have attracted a large number of visitors here.

• Sao Beach: Sao Beach is one of the most popular beaches on the island and also the best beaches in Southern Vietnam, known for its stunning crystal-clear water and white sand. Sao beach offers a serene atmosphere, making it an ideal place for relaxation and sunbathing. Visitors can also enjoy water activities such as kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling, and paddleboarding.

• Long Beach: This is one of the longest beaches in Phu Quoc, stretching for more than 20 kilometers. Long beach features soft sand, calm water, and is surrounded by lush greenery. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, or take a stroll along the beach to soak up the beautiful scenery

• Ong Lang Beach: This is a quieter and less crowded option for those who seek some peace and tranquility. The beach is fringed by palm trees and offers clear water, ideal for swimming and relaxing. Visitors can also enjoy beachside dining, with many restaurants and cafes located along the shore.

Activities to do in Phu Quoc:

• Night market shopping: The Phu Quoc Night Market is a must-visit attraction, offering a fun and exciting shopping experience. The market features numerous stalls selling local souvenirs, handicrafts, and street food. Visitors can try out local delicacies such as grilled seafood, banh mi, and Vietnamese coffee.

• Boat tour: Take a boat tour to explore the neighboring islands and their beautiful beaches. Some of the popular islands to visit include Gam Ghi Island, May Rut Island, and Thom Island. Visitors can enjoy activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.

• Motorbike tour: Rent a motorbike and explore the island’s scenic roads and hidden gems at your own pace. Some popular places to visit include Phu Quoc National Park, Dinh Cau Rock, and Ho Quoc Pagoda. Visitors can also stop by local villages and beaches along the way to experience the authentic culture and lifestyle of the locals.

Con Dao

Best beaches to visit in Con Dao:

• Dam Trau Beach: With its turquoise waters, white sand, and stunning mountain backdrop, Dam Trau Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Con Dao. The beach is relatively secluded, making it a peaceful and relaxing place to spend a day swimming, sunbathing, or snorkeling.

• Nhat Beach: Nhat Beach is another breathtaking spot in Con Dao, known for its crystal-clear waters and picturesque scenery. The beach is surrounded by lush vegetation and is relatively uncrowded, making it a perfect place to unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. It’s one of the best beaches in Vietnam.

Activities to do in Con Dao:

• Scuba diving: Con Dao is one of the best diving destinations in Vietnam, with its pristine waters and diverse marine life. Visitors can explore the underwater world of Con Dao, including colorful coral reefs, shipwrecks, and schools of tropical fish.

• Biking: Biking in Con Dao is a thrilling experience for adventurous travelers. The island’s rugged terrain and scenic landscapes make it an ideal destination for cycling enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the island’s pristine beaches, dense forests, and rugged mountains on two wheels. Biking tours are available for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced riders. The island’s quiet roads and friendly locals make it a safe and enjoyable place to ride.

• Visiting historical sites: Con Dao has a rich history, and visitors can explore the island’s historical sites, including the Con Dao prison, where political prisoners were once held during the French colonial period. The prison is now a museum, offering a glimpse into the island’s past.

• Snorkeling: Snorkeling is another popular activity in Con Dao, with many excellent spots for observing colorful coral reefs and marine life. Snorkeling tours are available, taking visitors to some of the best snorkeling spots around the island.

Vung Tau

Best beaches to visit in Vung Tau:

• Bai Sau Beach: Also known as Back Beach, Bai Sau Beach is one of the popular beaches in Vietnam for swimming and sunbathing. The beach is lined with numerous seafood restaurants and cafes, making it an ideal place to enjoy the local cuisine. It’s one of the best beaches in Vietnam.

• Bai Truoc Beach: Known as Front Beach, Bai Truoc Beach is located near the city center and is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The beach features a long stretch of golden sand and calm waters, making it ideal for swimming and relaxing.

• Long Hai Beach: Located about 25 kilometers from Vung Tau city, Long Hai Beach is a secluded and quiet beach that is perfect for a peaceful getaway. The beach is known for its scenic surroundings and pristine waters, and is a great place for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. It’s one of the best beaches in Vietnam.

Activities to do in Vung Tau:

• Cable car ride: Take a cable car ride to the top of Nui Nho Mountain for breathtaking views of the city and surrounding areas.

• Visiting the Jesus Christ Statue: Standing at 32 meters tall, the Jesus Christ Statue is an iconic landmark in Vung Tau. Visitors can climb up to the statue for panoramic views of the city and the sea.

• Exploring the Vung Tau lighthouse: Located on the top of the Vung Tau Hill, the Vung Tau lighthouse offers stunning views of the city and the sea. Visitors can climb up to the top of the lighthouse for a panoramic view of the surrounding area.

• Visiting the Thich Ca Phat Dai Pagoda: This Buddhist temple is known for its beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere. Visitors can explore the temple complex and learn about Buddhism in Vietnam.

Mui Ne

Best beaches to visit in Mui Ne:

• Mui Ne Beach: This long and wide beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and beach sports. It’s known for its unique red sand dunes and colorful fishing boats. It’s one of the best beaches in Vietnam.

• Ham Tien Beach: A peaceful and scenic beach with clear waters and soft sand. It’s perfect for relaxing and taking in the beautiful scenery. It’s also a popular spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing.

Activities to do in Mui Ne:

• Sand dune tours: Take a jeep or ATV tour to explore the stunning red and white sand dunes of Mui Ne. It’s a fun and unique experience that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

• Water sports: Mui Ne is a popular spot for water sports such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, and paddleboarding. There are several schools and rental shops that offer equipment and lessons for all levels. This is one of the best activities to do in Mui Ne.

• Swimming at Fairy Stream: Take a stroll along the Fairy Stream, a shallow and gentle stream that winds through beautiful rock formations and lush vegetation. It’s a peaceful and scenic walk that’s perfect for nature lovers.

• Fishing village tour: Visit the nearby fishing villages and observe the daily life of the local fishermen. You can also sample fresh seafood at the local markets and restaurants. It’s one of the best activities to do in Mui Ne.

Nha Trang

• Nha Trang Beach: The most popular beach in Nha Trang, with turquoise waters and white sand. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and water sports like jet skiing and parasailing. Nha Trang Beach is one of the best beautiful beaches in Southern Vietnam.

• Bai Dai Beach: Located 30 kilometers south of Nha Trang, this long stretch of pristine sand and clear waters is perfect for swimming, relaxing, and taking in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It’s one of the best beaches in Southern Vietnam.

• Doc Let Beach: This secluded beach is located about 50 kilometers north of Nha Trang and is known for its crystal-clear waters, white sand, and peaceful atmosphere. It’s a great place to unwind and escape the crowds. It’s one of the best beaches in Vietnam.

Activities to do in Nha Trang:

• Scuba Diving and Snorkeling: Nha Trang is home to some of the best dive sites in Vietnam, with clear waters and diverse marine life, including colorful corals, tropical fish, and even shipwrecks to explore.

• Visiting Hon Mun Island: This small island off the coast of Nha Trang is a marine reserve with over 350 species of coral and countless fish species. Visitors can take a boat tour to the island for a day of snorkeling, diving, and beach lounging.

• Visiting Vinpearl Amusement Park: Located on a nearby island, this amusement park offers a range of activities for all ages, including a water park, an aquarium, a shopping mall, and a cable car ride with breathtaking views of the ocean and the city.

• Visiting the Po Nagar Cham Towers: These ancient towers, built by the Cham people between the 7th and 12th centuries, are a must-see attraction in Nha Trang. Visitors can learn about the rich history and culture of the Cham people and enjoy panoramic views of the city from the towers.

You can find out the best islands in Central Vietnam in our blog: Central Vietnam Islands: Top 5 Beautiful Islands Must-visit

Best time to visit beaches in Southern Vietnam

Southern Vietnam is blessed with a tropical climate, making its beaches a year-round destination. However, the experience can vary greatly depending on the season. Southern Vietnam has two main seasons: the dry season and the rainy season.

Dry season (November – April)

The dry season is widely considered the best time to visit the beaches in Southern Vietnam. During these months, the weather is sunny and pleasant with low humidity, calm seas, and minimal rainfall. This is the high season for tourism, especially around December to March, when international travelers flock to Vietnam to escape colder climates.

• Phu Quoc & Con Dao: The sea is clear and calm, perfect for diving and snorkeling.

• Mui Ne: Strong winds in this period make it a hotspot for kite surfing and windsurfing.

• Nha Trang & Vung Tau: Warm sunshine and smooth waves create ideal conditions for beach picnics and family vacations.

If you enjoy lively atmospheres, festivals, and vibrant nightlife, this is the season when resorts and coastal cities are at their most exciting.

Rainy Season (May – October)

The rainy season brings higher humidity and more frequent showers, often in short and heavy bursts during the afternoon or evening. Despite the rains, mornings are usually clear, and storms rarely last all day.

• Advantages:

  • Fewer tourists, which means lower hotel rates and more peaceful beaches.

  • Lush green landscapes after rain showers, especially beautiful in coastal regions.

• Considerations:

  • Sea conditions can be rough, making water activities like diving or island-hopping tours less predictable.

  • Some remote islands may be harder to access due to stormy seas.

This season suits travelers who prefer a quieter holiday and don’t mind occasional tropical rains.

Suggested itinerary to explore Southern Vietnam

Southern Vietnam is home to vibrant cities, historic landmarks, lush deltas, and stunning beaches. To truly capture the essence of this region, most travelers need at least 10 days. This allows you to experience the bustling life of Ho Chi Minh City, uncover wartime history at the Cu Chi Tunnels, cruise along the Mekong Delta, and relax on the paradise island of Phu Quoc. A shorter trip may feel rushed, while 10 days offers a perfect balance between sightseeing and leisure.

One of the most recommended options is the 10-day itinerary below, which combines cultural discovery, nature exploration, and plenty of time to unwind by the beach.

📍Itinerary:  Day 1 : HO CHI MINH CITY Day 2 : Ho Chi Minh City - Explore City Day 3 : Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnels Day 4 : Ho Chi Minh City - MEKONG DELTA Day 5 : Can Tho - PHU QUOC Day 6 - 9 : Phu Quoc - Freetime Day 10 : Phu Quoc - Ho Chi Minh - Departure

This journey begins in Ho Chi Minh, where you’ll spend time exploring its vibrant mix of French colonial architecture, bustling markets, and war history. A side trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels offers insight into Vietnam’s past, while a day in the Mekong Delta lets you experience floating markets, lush waterways, and the rhythm of local life. From here, you’ll travel through Can Tho before making your way to the coast.

The second half of the itinerary focuses on relaxation at Phu Quoc Island. With four days of free time, you can choose between sunbathing on white sandy beaches, snorkeling among coral reefs, exploring fishing villages, or simply unwinding at a beachside resort. The trip concludes with a return to Ho Chi Minh City for your departure, giving you the best balance of adventure, culture, and leisure.

For details about this itinerary, you can read: Southern Vietnam luxury tour in 10 days

Ready to experience the best of Southern Vietnam? Let Hanoi Voyages craft a tailor-made Vietnam tour that combines vibrant cities, cultural highlights, and idyllic beaches — designed just for you.

Vietnam family tour 10 days Explore the best of southern Vietnam with visits to Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta, and the paradise island of Phu Quoc.	Vietnam tour 15 days beach extension Vietnam tour 15 days, featuring a relaxing beach extension in Phu Quoc. Discover vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and serene shores	Vietnam tour 21 days from Hanoi to Phu Quoc island Vietnam tour 21 days, from the peaceful North to the bustling South. This classic tour highlights the country's beautiful and rich cultural

Exploring the top 5 beaches in Southern Vietnam is the perfect way to experience the region’s tropical charm — from the vibrant city beaches of Nha Trang and Vung Tau, to the serene island escapes of Phu Quoc and Con Dao, and the adventurous landscapes of Mui Ne. Each destination offers its own blend of natural beauty, local culture, and unforgettable seaside activities. If you’re ready to plan your dream getaway, let Hanoi Voyages design a tailor-made Vietnam tour for you. Contact us now!