If you've landed in Ho Chi Minh City and are itching for beach time, sandy satisfaction isn't far off. Southern Vietnam sports some of the country's most dazzling shores with pretty reefs, azure waters and pristine sands known only to locals. A little exploring may yield a secluded bay where you can sunbathe solo under the sizzling sun. Or join at the party at top coastal nightlife spots. Whatever your preference, Vietnam delivers the sand and surf.
Vung Tau
- Vung Tau isn't in the running for the title of Best Beach in Vietnam, but at 80 miles southeast of Ho Chi Minh City it's the most convenient. Vung Tau isn't typically visited by travelers, but rather by expatriates and locals. Some may find it a bit brash and crowded, but if you avoid weekends, you may have the beach to yourself. A new road connecting Vung Tau to areas such as Mui Ne makes it easy to continue north, and the serene and empty beaches along the way may be too tempting to ignore.
Phan Thiet
- Just three hours from Ho Chi Minh City by car, Phan Thiet village is a well-known beach spot. Its 13 miles of beachfront is known as Cape Mui Ne. Check out the beautiful red sand dunes above the village, then head down to the sand and relax in your private bungalow by the surf. Take in a little history with nearby ruins from the Champa kingdom, which declined in the 10th century. Or just kick back under a coconut palm and enjoy distinctive and delicious dragon fruit.
- Mui Ne
- Mui Ne is also about three hours from Ho Chi Minh City. This top backpacker and resort spot is very popular with Russian tourists. The beach has suffered grave erosion but the resort side still has lovely sands -- plus plenty of restaurants and bars that make for some lively nightlife attractions. It's even possible to find accommodations for $10 to $15 a night in the area. Kite surfing is a popular activity at Mui Ne, as the frequent winds in Southern Vietnam make it a great place to try the sport.
Ho Coc
- If you're looking for a true getaway, Ho Coc should be your destination. Located about 90 miles from Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Coc sports a beautiful 3 miles of pristine gold sand that drift into clear blue waters. Dunes provide the backdrop for this quiet place. Day trippers are common on weekends, but the beach empties out otherwise. Development is in its early stages, so you're likely to find only simple accommodations, but that's just part of Ho Coc's draw. If you're looking for a beach getaway close to Ho Chi Minh City that still feels remote, Ho Coc may be just the ticket.
