5 Best Beaches In Southern Vietnam For The Ultimate Tropical Getaway

Top 5 Best Beaches in Southern Vietnam

With so many coastal treasures scattered across the southern region, choosing where to go can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve handpicked the most stunning, relaxing, and adventure-filled beaches, from popular hotspots to lesser-known island escapes. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo beach retreat, these are the 5 best beaches in Southern Vietnam that deserve a spot on your travel list.

Phu Quoc Island

Located in the Gulf of Thailand, just off the coast of Cambodia, Phu Quoc Island is Vietnam’s largest island and a top destination for beach lovers across the world. With over 150 kilometers of coastline, Phu Quoc offers a stunning variety of beaches, from lively resort strips to secluded, palm-fringed coves. Its powdery white sands, crystal-clear waters, and lush tropical surroundings make it a true beach paradise in Southern Vietnam.

>>> We offer private Vietnam tours that include everything you need, like flights, hotels, meals, guides, entrance tickets, all with transparent, public pricing. You can check out one of our best-selling trips at Amazing Phu Quoc Island in 5 days for reference.

• Long Beach (Bãi Trường): This is the island’s most iconic beach, stretching over 20 kilometers along the west coast. Long Beach is the perfect place to swim by day and watch epic sunsets in the evening. The area is lined with resorts, beach bars, restaurants, and watersport centers.
• Sao Beach (Bãi Sao): Sao Beach is located on the island’s southeastern coast, boasts powdery white sand that feels soft as flour underfoot, and calm, shallow turquoise waters that are perfect for swimming or paddleboarding. A few rustic beach restaurants are serving fresh seafood and tropical drinks right by the shore.
• Ong Lang Beach: Located north of Long Beach, Ong Lang is a more tranquil and less crowded destination, ideal for those seeking peace. It’s a great spot for couples or families staying in boutique resorts or villas.

Con Dao Islands

Once known primarily for their haunting history, the Con Dao Islands have transformed into one of the most exclusive and unspoiled beach destinations in Southern Vietnam. Located approximately 230 kilometers off the southern coast, this remote archipelago of 16 islands is part of Ba Ria–Vung Tau Province and offers a unique blend of pristine natural beauty, spiritual heritage, and complete tranquility.

While Con Son is the only inhabited island, its beaches remain uncrowded and immaculately clean, with vibrant coral reefs and lush jungle backdrops. If you’re seeking solitude and raw beauty, Con Dao is your paradise.

• Dam Trau Beach: Dam Trau Beach is a crescent-shaped bay with soft golden sand, calm emerald water, and dramatic cliffs lined with lush forest. The beach is peaceful, with a few local food stalls and hammocks set under the shade of trees, perfect for a lazy afternoon.
• An Hai Beach: Situated just east of Con Son town, An Hai Beach is one of the most accessible and swimmable beaches on the island. Its gentle waves and flat sandy bottom make it great for families and casual swimmers. Palm trees line the shore, and the view of the surrounding mountains adds to its postcard-perfect setting.
• Dat Doc Beach: Home to the luxurious Six Senses Con Dao Resort, Dat Doc Beach is more exclusive and largely private. While part of the beach is reserved for resort guests, visitors can still explore its northern end. It’s incredibly peaceful and ideal for romantic getaways or honeymooners looking for serenity and top-notch service.

Mui Ne

Once a quiet fishing village, Mui Ne has grown into one of the best beach destinations in Southern Vietnam, known for its windy coastline, golden sand, and thriving water sports scene. Located in Binh Thuan Province, just a 4–5 hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City, Mui Ne offers a lively mix of natural beauty, adventure, and culture.

• Mui Ne Beach: This long, sweeping beach runs parallel to the main resort area, offering plenty of space for sunbathing, swimming, and especially kitesurfing and windsurfing during the dry season. While some sections are lined with resorts and beach bars, others remain quiet and open, perfect for a morning stroll or a sunset view.
• Hon Rom Beach: Located just beyond the main Mui Ne stretch, Hon Rom Beach is known for its clean sand and gentler waves, making it more suitable for families and those looking to relax. It’s less developed but still offers basic food stalls and umbrella rentals.

Nam Du Islands

Tucked away in the Gulf of Thailand, Nam Du is an off-the-beaten-path destination in Southern Vietnam that feels like a secret paradise. Part of Kien Giang Province and located about 90 km from the mainland city of Rach Gia, this island group boasts crystal-clear waters, swaying palm trees, and an off-the-grid charm that draws adventurous travelers seeking serenity.

While Nam Du doesn’t offer the same level of infrastructure as Phu Quoc, its unspoiled nature and peaceful fishing villages make it an ideal destination for beach lovers who crave tranquility and raw beauty.

• Bai Cay Men: The most famous beach on the island, Bai Cay Men is known for its calm turquoise waters, fine white sand, and iconic coconut palms leaning toward the sea. It’s perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or simply enjoying a slow afternoon in a hammock.
• Bai Soi (Pebble Beach): Different from other beaches, Bai Soi is covered in smooth pebbles instead of sand, making it unique and picturesque. The water here is exceptionally clear, ideal for snorkeling and watching coral life just meters from shore.
• Bai Ngu: This tranquil beach near a small fishing village offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural experience. You’ll see colorful boats bobbing in the bay, children playing along the shore, and locals selling fresh seafood in the evenings.

Hon Son Islands

Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors, Hon Son is one of Southern Vietnam’s most underrated beach escapes. Located between Nam Du and Phu Quoc, this charming island in Kien Giang Province is known for its jade-green waters, quiet coves, and lush jungle-covered hills.

Hon Son combines rustic island life with surprisingly photogenic beaches, perfect for travelers who prefer an authentic and serene getaway without crowds.

• Bai Bac (North Beach): A crescent-shaped bay with calm waters and white sand, Bai Bac is the most accessible beach on the island. It’s ideal for a morning dip or lounging under the shade of coconut trees with a fresh coconut in hand.
• Bai Bang: Framed by smooth granite boulders and swaying palms, Bai Bang feels untouched and secluded. The water here is incredibly clear, making it a great spot for snorkeling or kayaking close to shore.
• Bai Nha (House Beach): Located near the fishing village, Bai Nha offers a blend of island charm and local culture. Small seafood stalls pop up in the late afternoon, and it’s a great place to watch the sunset behind anchored boats.

Best Time to Visit Beaches in Southern Vietnam

The best time to explore the beaches of Southern Vietnam is from November to April. This is the dry season, when skies are clear, humidity is lower, and the sea is calm, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and island hopping.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• November - January: Ideal for beach lovers. Cool breezes, fewer crowds, and crystal-clear water make this a prime time, especially for destinations like Con Dao, Phu Quoc, and Nam Du.
• February - April: Still dry, but warmer. Great for diving, snorkeling, and festivals. This is the best period for Mui Ne, Ho Tram, Vung Tau, and Bai Xep.

Avoid May to October, when the region experiences the rainy season. While it doesn’t rain all day, sudden tropical downpours, rough seas, and higher humidity can affect your travel plans, especially if you’re heading to remote islands like Hon Son or Nam Du, where boat trips might get canceled.

>>> If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam that combines cultural highlights with beach relaxation, and you're thinking about the best time to go, just contact us. We’ll tailor everything to your interests, travel dates, and pace.

You can get a private quote through:

• Our request form
• Email: info@asiamystictravel.com
• WhatsApp/Hotline: +84 963 623 907

FAQs

Q: Is Phu Quoc better than Con Dao for a beach holiday?

A: It depends on your travel style. Phu Quoc is more developed, with resorts, nightlife, and activities. Con Dao is quieter, more pristine, and ideal for a peaceful retreat or diving.

Q: Which beaches are closest to Ho Chi Minh City?

A: Vung Tau and Ho Tram are the nearest, just 2–3 hours from Ho Chi Minh City by car or ferry. They're perfect for weekend getaways.

Q: Are Southern Vietnam’s beaches suitable for families?

A: Yes. Beaches like Phu Quoc, Mui Ne, and Vung Tau have gentle waves, kid-friendly resorts, and plenty of family activities.

Q: Do I need a visa to visit these beach destinations?

A: If you're arriving directly by international flight or sea and staying on Phu Quoc only, you do not need a visa for stays of up to 30 days, regardless of nationality.

From the crystal-clear waters of Phu Quoc to the hidden beauty of Hon Son, the best beaches in Southern Vietnam offer something for every traveler. Spending 2 to 3 days here is enough to swim, relax, and recharge before heading off to explore Vietnam’s cultural gems, mountain landscapes, or bustling cities.