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Hoi An surfing: Best beaches, schools & tips for an amazing ride

16/11/2025

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While Vietnam rarely tops surfers’ bucket lists, Hoi An surfing is changing the game. Along this stretch of central coast, consistent waves, empty breaks, and warm waters create an ideal playground for wave riders seeking something fresh.

1. Best time for surfing in Hoi An
2. Top places for Hoi An surfing
3. Hoi An surfing shops & schools
4. Tips for surfing in Hoi An

1. Best time for surfing in Hoi An

Your Hoi An surf forecast will look most promising during the Northwest monsoon season, spanning November to March. This period combines favorable Hoi An weather with consistent wind swells and periodic ground swell pulses from the South China Sea, creating prime surfing conditions.

For optimal sessions, early morning offshore winds groom the waves to perfection. When these conditions align, the entire stretch from Hoi An to Danang transforms into a surfer’s playground.

Hoi An, a great surfing destination in Vietnam

Hoi An surfing presents an unexpected gem along Vietnam’s central coast (Source: Collected)

While Hoi An surfing is possible year-round, conditions beyond monsoon season can be hit-or-miss. Between May and August, typhoon swells from the Philippines occasionally bless the coast with excellent waves, but don’t count on their regularity—you might find yourself waiting weeks between quality sessions.

More about: Surfing in Vietnam – Tropical waves in paradise break

2. Top places for Hoi An surfing

2.1. Cua Dai Beach

Among Hoi An beaches, Cua Dai stands as a premier surfing destination, with its pristine coastline offering ideal wave conditions. The beach’s unique positioning captures both monsoon wind swells and ground swells, making it a reliable spot for surfers throughout the season.

The beach’s favorable orientation brings clean, organized Northwest monsoon swells, perfect for both longboarding and shortboarding sessions. Beyond traditional surfing, the open coastline and steady onshore breezes make Cua Dai an excellent location for kitesurfing in Hoi An, where riders harness the wind’s power for water gliding and aerial maneuvers.

While recent coastal developments have altered some wave patterns, Cua Dai continues to attract surfers who appreciate its evolving conditions and unique character.

Cua Dai Beach is a favorable spot for kitesurfing enthusiasts (Source: Collected)

2.2. An Bang Beach

Located just 3 kilometers east of the ancient town, An Bang Beach is a charming spot for Hoi An surfing. This pristine stretch offers crystal-clear turquoise waters and a white sand coastline, maintaining its natural surf conditions and laid-back atmosphere.

The beach’s gradual slope creates mellower waves, perfect for beginners and longboarders, especially during morning monsoon sessions. While board rentals are limited, An Bang has become a favorite spot for surf schools during good conditions. The waves here provide consistent opportunities for those looking to improve their skills in a relaxed environment.

Just a 20-minute cycle through rice paddies from town, this 2021 TripAdvisor’s top-25 Asian beach combines easy accessibility with authentic surf culture and a genuine Vietnamese beach experience.

An Bang Beach offers consistent waves and a laid-back atmosphere (Source: Collected)

Read more: Hoi An snorkeling: Essential tips for a great experience

2.3. Ha My Beach

Ha My Beach in Hoi An is a hidden gem for surfers seeking a peaceful and less crowded destination. Located in Dien Ban Town, Quang Nam Province (now Da Nang), it may not be as famous as other beaches in central Vietnam, but its natural beauty makes it a standout. The beach features wide stretches of fine white sand, clear turquoise waters, and a serene atmosphere. In 2017, Ha My Beach was named one of the top 10 most beautiful beaches in Asia by the UK’s Telegraph.

The waves here are generally small and gentle, making it an ideal spot for beginners to try their hand at surfing. Unlike more intense surf destinations, Ha My Beach offers smooth, rolling waves that are easy to catch, perfect for those just starting out or looking for a laid-back surfing experience.

Ha My Beach’s long stretch of soft sand and clear waters are ideal for both surfing and relaxation (Source: Collected)

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3. Hoi An surfing shops & schools

Hoi An surfing scene features a small but dedicated community of surf schools and shops, primarily concentrated around An Bang and Cua Dai beaches. Led by experienced local and expat instructors, these establishments have fostered the area’s growing surf culture.

Hoi An surf schools cater to all skill levels, from complete beginners to intermediate surfers. Equipment rentals include foam boards for novices and performance shortboards for experienced riders.

While local shops provide basic retail and rental options, serious surfers may prefer bringing their own equipment. For those seeking additional variety, Da Nang’s surf scene, just 30 kilometers north, offers complementary options. The well-connected surfing community between these cities allows instructors to work across both locations, providing access to diverse surf spots based on seasonal conditions and skill levels.

Surfboard rentals are available at various shops and beachfront cafés in Hoi An (Source: Collected)

The two most outstanding establishments in Hoi An are:

Hoian Flow: 16 Nguyen Phan Vinh, An Bang Beach
Go Surfing Hoi An: An Bang Beach

*The information in this article is for reference purposes only and may be subject to change over time.

4. Tips for surfing in Hoi An

If you’re planning to go surfing in Hoi An, here are some essential tips to help you make the most of your experience:

Check the surf report: Always check Hoi An surf conditions before heading out to ensure safe and enjoyable waves.
Rent quality gear: Use reputable surf shops in Hoi An to rent well-maintained surfboards and equipment.
Take a lesson: If you’re new to surfing, consider taking a lesson from one of the local surf schools for expert guidance.
Stay safe: Always surf in designated areas, wear a rash guard, and be mindful of the tides and currents.
Respect local etiquette: Be courteous to other surfers, wait your turn, and follow local surf rules to maintain a friendly environment.

Check the Hoi An surf report for up-to-date wave conditions, tide schedules, and wind forecasts before heading out (Source: Collected)

Hoi An surfing reveals Vietnam’s untapped wave potential. While not a world-famous surf destination, its uncrowded breaks, warm waters, and growing surf community make it an appealing spot for those seeking authentic experiences. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer, these waters hold unexpected treasures.

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