Whilst certainly not without their charms, you only have to cast your eyes across the sand to acknowledge that most travellers to Vietnam end up on the same crowded beaches: Nha Trang with its high-rise hotels, or Phu Quoc with its ever-expanding resort developments. But Vietnam’s 3,000-kilometre coastline holds a fair few secrets for those willing to cast the net a little wider.
These five beaches offer something increasingly rare: genuine discovery. Here you’ll find fishing villages where tourism hasn’t yet changed the rhythm of daily life, coral reefs that marine biologists use as healthy ecosystem benchmarks, and stretches of sand where your biggest decision is choosing between a hammock or a deck chair under the trees.
The window for experiencing these coastal treasures in their unspoiled state is rapidly closing. Already, the distant rumble of construction equipment signals change, and locals speak of international hotel chains scouting locations. But for now, these beaches remain gloriously uncommercialised.
Bai Xep Beach, Quy Nhon: The Backpacker Haven That Kept Its Soul
The Discovery
Sitting pretty 13 kilometres south of Quy Nhon city lies Bai Xep Beach, a pristine stretch of golden sand embraced by a traditional fishing village of just 100 or so souls. Once known only to local fishermen, this secluded car-free village offers a rare chance to experience a Vietnamese beach full of industry but without the crowds.
What Makes It Special
The beach is an incredible golden bay bordered by dramatic jagged rocks at either end, with clear blue water and traditional Vietnamese basket boats scattered across the crescent-shaped bay. The atmosphere blends beautiful beaches with an authentic fishing village vibe.
The Experience
Mornings bring fishermen preparing their gear for the day’s catch, whilst evenings offer beach barbecues. You can rent bamboo fishing rods to try your hand at local-style fishing, or take short hikes through the surrounding hills for spectacular coastal views. A 20-minute boat trip (80,000 VND return) takes you to Hon Ngang Island, where natural swimming pools form between rocks and a small beach awaits virtually undiscovered – perfect for snorkelling among coral and tropical fish.
The village boasts several small seafood restaurants run by local families, serving incredibly fresh, whole grilled fish, shellfish, and specialities like banh beo and seafood-laden fried rice. In the evening, tables and chairs appear on the beach for sunset dining, where the area’s residents gather for a couple of cold ones after their working day.
Getting There
Follow National Highway 1D south from Quy Nhon for 17 kilometres, then look for the ‘Bai Xep’ sign. The journey itself is scenic, with mountains and sea flanking both sides of the road. No ATMs exist in Bai Xep, so bring sufficient cash. Staff can arrange motorbike lifts to town if needed.
Best Time to Visit: May to August for optimal weather and calm seas.
Vinh Hy Bay, Ninh Thuan: The Untouched Marine Sanctuary
The Discovery
Located 42 kilometres northeast of Phan Rang-Thap Cham, Vinh Hy Bay is one of Vietnam’s four most beautiful bays, recognised as a national scenic site. This stunning bay features sandy beaches meeting towering mountains, with streams weaving through forests and vibrant coral reefs.
What Makes It Special
The bay’s beauty lies in its blend of sea and Nui Chua National Park – Vietnam’s only dry forest ecosystem and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Almost entirely surrounded by mountains, it creates a protected natural amphitheatre.
The Experience
Take glass-bottom boat tours (from 80,000 VND) to explore Ca Ong Cape, Yen Cave, and Hon Rua Islet, where you can admire coral reefs, sea urchins, and starfish. Visit secluded Ba Dien Beach with white sand and clear water, or discover Hang Rai reef – ancient coral formations creating breathtaking rock sculptures.
Visit Vinh Hy fishing village at dawn when boats return with their catch, or explore the area’s unusual grape farms where you can taste local grape liquor underneath the vines.
Getting There
Fly to Cam Ranh Airport (2 hours by road), or drive from Ho Chi Minh City following National Highway 1A for 50 kilometres, then take Provincial Road 702 at Vinh Hy Pass.
Best Time to Visit: May to August for sunshine and calm, clear waters.
Hon Gom Sandbar, Khanh Hoa: Nature’s Geographical Masterpiece
The Discovery
Hon Gom Sandbar is one of Vietnam’s most unique beach destinations – a long, narrow stretch of land that separates the deep blue sea from a calm lagoon, creating a stunning contrast between two bodies of water.
What Makes It Special
Along one side lie rocks resembling animals – a flamingo, a giant crocodile lurking underwater. The east side features a windswept, almost uninhabited beach. The peninsula is known locally as the ‘Garden of Rocks’ where unusual formations have spawned legends about rejuvenating energy.
The Experience
At Son Dung hamlet, Vuon Xoai restaurant occupies a sandy patch shaded by a 70-year-old mango tree, with steps leading into a gorgeous bay surrounded by smooth boulders and fishing boats. In early evening, the sun sets in the middle of the bay, sculpting mountain contours in purple light.
Getting There
The sandbar is accessible via a steep concrete path to Son Dung hamlet.
Best Time to Visit: Year-round, but avoid monsoon months (September-November).
Dam Trau Beach, Con Dao: The World-Ranked Paradise
The Discovery
Located on Con Dao Island, Dam Trau Beach gained international recognition when Travel+Leisure ranked it as one the world’s 26 most beautiful beaches in 2024. With fine golden sand, turquoise water, and jungle surroundings, it represents coastal perfection.
What Makes It Special
The beach offers shallow, gentle waters during low tide, tree swings for photos, and tiny sand crabs that create intricate patterns across the beach. Its proximity to Con Son airport adds excitement as propeller planes land overhead just three or four times daily, earning it the nickname “Airport Beach”.
The Experience
Choose between lying on sand, wooden sun loungers, or hammocks in the shade. Two beach cafés provide food and drinks all day, whilst fresh guava juice from the snack shed offers perfect tropical refreshment. Behind cliffs on the left lies a hidden lagoon that becomes a natural jacuzzi during rainy season.
Con Dao National Park hosts Vietnam’s largest turtle community, particularly hawksbill sea turtles, and is the only area where dugongs live.
Getting There
Fly directly to Con Son Airport from Ho Chi Minh City or Can Tho (1 hour flight). The beach is 14 kilometres from Con Dao town centre.
Best Time to Visit: March to September for warm weather ideal for swimming.
Bai Mon Beach, Phu Yen: Vietnam’s Sunrise Gateway
The Discovery
Phu Yen Province’s Bai Mon Beach is a secluded paradise with soft white sand and crystal-clear waters. Located near Mui Dien Cape – Vietnam’s easternmost point – this hidden gem offers the extraordinary experience of witnessing the country’s very first sunrise each day.
What Makes It Special
This superb parcel of sand is wedged between two boulder-strewn hills, creating a secret beach that feels tucked away from the world. The beach entrance (20,000 VND) includes access to Mui Dien Lighthouse, where stupendous views stretch out to sea and down over the beach.
The Experience
Arrive at dawn to climb the lighthouse stairs and watch the sunrise over the ocean from Vietnam’s easternmost point. A separate staircase leads down to the beach for swimming in clear, calm waters. The beach remains uncrowded, particularly on weekdays.
Nearby floating restaurants in Vung Ro Bay serve fresh seafood in wooden structures on calm waters. Quán Chú Mười near the entrance can arrange overnight camping on the sand for the ultimate sunrise experience.
Getting There
The beach lies 35 kilometres southeast of Tuy Hoa City in Phu Yen Province, accessed via one of Highway QL1A’s most scenic sections.
Best Time to Visit: February to May for ideal weather and clearest sunrise views.
Planning Your Trip
Transportation Rent a motorbike for flexibility exploring coastal roads, as many hidden beaches require navigating village paths that taxis cannot access. Book domestic flights to reach remote islands like Con Dao efficiently. Consider hiring local fishermen for authentic and affordable boat trips between islands.
What to Pack Reef-safe sunscreen, waterproof camera, sufficient cash (many beaches lack ATMs), basic snorkelling gear, light rain jacket, and insect repellent for jungle-backed beaches.
Sustainable Travel These beaches remain pristine because visitor numbers stay low. Responsible Vietnam travel prioritises local guesthouses over international chains, eating at village restaurants, leaving no trace, avoiding single-use plastics, and visiting during weekdays when possible to reduce pressure on local infrastructure.
The Bottom Line
Vietnam’s quieter beaches offer some of the most rewarding coastal experiences in Southeast Asia. Whether you’re seeking peaceful retreats, authentic cultural encounters, or pristine natural environments, these five destinations deliver what mainstream beach resorts often promise but rarely provide: genuine connection with place and people.
The beauty of these destinations lies not just in their pristine sands and clear waters, but in their ability to offer experiences that feel both timeless and immediate. Here, Vietnam’s coastal spirit remains wonderfully intact.
