- 1. Best Northern Vietnam beaches to add to your bucket list
- 2. Stunning beaches on the North Central Coast of Vietnam
Northern Vietnam beaches, renowned for their serene beauty, are among the most captivating beaches in Vietnam. Visitors to these beaches can indulge in various water sports, enjoy fresh seafood, and experience the unique blend of culture and nature. The article below uncovers the list of 15 must-visit beaches in the north of Vietnam; don’t miss out!
1. Best Northern Vietnam beaches to add to your bucket list
Are you searching for the best beaches in North Vietnam? Don’t miss out on this list of 13 fantastic beaches!
1.1. Northern Vietnam beaches in Quang Ninh
Quang Ninh is the most prominent destination for beach lovers in Northern Vietnam, known for its picturesque and pristine beaches.
1.1.1. Co To Island
Co To is ranked among the most beautiful islands in Vietnam, known for its poetic beauty with azure seas and fine white sand beaches. A visit to Co To surely calls for a swim at its pristine beaches, which captivate with their tranquil waters and gentle waves. Additionally, you can explore Cau My Rock Beach, which features a multicolored, variously shaped sedimentary rock system. Other attractions include natural forests, a lighthouse, piers, fishing villages, the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Area, and more.
1.1.2. Ti Top Beach
Ti Top Beach is the beach surrounding Ti Top Island, one of the most beautiful islands in Ha Long Bay. Ti Top Beach is loved for its unspoiled beauty, with clear blue waters and a long, crescent-shaped stretch of white sand hugging the island’s base. Besides its natural beauty, Ti Top Beach offers exciting experiences like swimming, mountain climbing to enjoy the bay view from above, and kayaking to explore the surrounding lush caves.
1.1.3. Quan Lan Island
Among the beaches near Hanoi, Quan Lan in Quang Ninh stands out for its unspoiled natural beauty, with its long stretches of fine white sand, sparkling rocks, and green casuarina hills. Here, you can enjoy beautiful beaches, some with strong waves for thrilling experiences and others peaceful with small, gentle waves. Other interesting activities include cycling around the island, watching sunsets, visiting ancient lighthouses, and exploring temples and pagodas with their ancient architecture.
1.1.4. Tra Co Beach
Tra Co Beach, dubbed ‘one of the most poetic Northern Vietnam beaches,’ boasts a vast, flat expanse of fine white sand and clear blue waters. The beach is lined with cool casuarina forests and is close to a mangrove ecosystem. With its cool climate and serene, unspoiled nature, Tra Co is a peaceful escape. Visitors can also explore Sa Vi Cape, the northeasternmost point of the country, offering a stunning crescent-shaped view of the 17-kilometer-long Tra Co coastline.
1.1.5. Cai Chien Island
Cai Chien, an undiscovered gem among Northern Vietnam beaches, retains its untouched beauty with a harmonious blend of hills and sea. Its 2-kilometer-long beaches, with fine white sand and crystal-clear water, promise a captivating and enjoyable getaway. The island features three beautiful beaches—Van Ca, Cai Chien, and Dau Rong—with enticing beauty and services like homestays, tent rentals, and dining. A trip here offers a peaceful retreat, far from the city’s hustle and bustle.
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1.2. Northern Vietnam beaches in Hai Phong
A city very close to Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, also offers charming and unforgettable beach experiences.
1.2.1. Cat Ba Island
Renowned as the pearl of the Gulf of Tonkin, Cat Ba stands out among other islands in Vietnam for its pristine and majestic beauty. Its beaches, with fine white sand stretching along sea cliffs and clear, strong waves, are a favorite among visitors. You can hike the trails connecting the beaches and enjoy stunning coastal views. Besides the beaches, you can rent a boat to explore Lan Ha Bay, trek through Cat Ba National Park’s diverse ecosystem, and enjoy the area’s cool and refreshing air.
![Northern Vietnam beaches Pristine and majestic beauty of Cat Ba Island](https://static.vinwonders.com/production/northern-vietnam-beaches-4.jpg)
You cannot miss Cat Ba Island to complete your discovery of North Vietnam beaches (Source: Collected)
1.2.2. Do Son Beach
Do Son Beach is one of the most beautiful Northern Vietnam beaches and an ideal resort spot in Hai Phong. It attracts visitors with its fresh air and picturesque natural landscapes. Visitors can stroll along the beach, admiring the long stretches of pine trees and coconut trees lining the smooth sandy shores, indulge in swimming, and enjoy fresh seafood. Additionally, there are some historical sites near Do Son Beach, such as the K15 Pier, Hang Pagoda, Ba De Temple, and more.
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1.3. Northern Vietnam beaches in Ninh Binh, Vietnam
Although not as famous as the beaches in Hai Phong or Quang Ninh, Kim Son Beach and Con Noi Beach in Ninh Binh are also mentioned in the list of the best beaches in Northern Vietnam.
1.3.1. Kim Son Beach
As one of the most unique North Vietnam beaches, Kim Son Beach in Ninh Binh is an ecological marine area surrounded by large mangrove forests with diverse flora and fauna. Here, you can stroll along the sea dykes, visit shrimp ponds and protective forests, and enjoy sunsets or sunrises over the sea—all peaceful activities that offer tranquility and serenity.
1.3.2. Con Noi Beach
Standing out from other Northern Vietnam beaches, Con Noi Beach in Ninh Binh is recognized by UNESCO as one of the six world biosphere reserves. Con Noi’s pristine beaches are home to 200 bird species, mangrove forests, coastal sandbars, pine hills, etc. A popular activity for visitors at Con Noi is to dive into the water to catch fish, shrimp, and crabs, then cook their fresh seafood.
1.4. Other prominent beaches in the North of Vietnam
Besides the above highlights, there are also several beautiful Northern Vietnam beaches in Thai Binh and Nam Dinh that you can visit.
1.4.1. Dong Chau Beach
In Northern Vietnam, the quiet and beautiful Dong Chau Beach in Thai Binh City offers a serene and unspoiled experience. Here, you can enjoy the fresh sea air and windy beaches and experience the simple life of local fishermen. Some beautiful experiences are catching seafood on the sandbanks during low tide or sitting on the stone embankment, watching the local life, for peaceful moments.
1.4.2. Con Vanh Beach
Con Vanh in Thai Binh is one of the best beaches in North Vietnam, with long sandy stretches. At Con Vanh, the exciting experiences include swimming, surfing, enjoying the night sea, watching the sunrise over the sea, exploring the surrounding mangrove forests, and more. You can also participate in group activities like fishing, windsurfing, and beach volleyball, or visit the Ba Lat Lighthouse to observe the beauty of Con Vanh from above.
![Northern Vietnam beaches Con Vanh Beach](https://static.vinwonders.com/production/northern-vietnam-beaches-6.jpg)
Con Vanh Beach is a small yet beautiful beach on the list of Northern Vietnam beaches (Source: Collected)
1.4.3. Thinh Long Beach
Thinh Long Beach in Nam Dinh is a popular choice for beach vacations and relaxation during the summer. You can immerse yourself in the picturesque natural scenery of vast sandy shores, enjoy fresh and affordably priced seafood, take electric car rides to enjoy the cool sea breeze, and visit nearby tourist attractions like Linh Ung Pagoda, Thinh Long Stone Church, the fish port, and more.
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2. Stunning beaches on the North Central Coast of Vietnam
Beaches in Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, and Ha Tinh, though located in Central Vietnam, are conveniently accessible for short trips by visitors from the North, besides various Northern Vietnam beaches.
2.1. Sam Son Beach, Thanh Hoa
Sam Son is the most famous beach in Thanh Hoa, about 180 kilometers from Hanoi. The vast Sam Son Beach, with its fine sand and fairly big waves, draws a large number of visitors. In addition to swimming, you can visit the area with fishing boats and impressive rock formations and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere at the cafes and bars along the beach. You can also visit the surrounding forests, temples, and historical sites like Trong Mai Islet, Co Tien Temple, Truong Le Mountain, and Sam Son Market.
2.2. Cua Lo Beach, Nghe An
Cua Lo is an ideal vacation destination for Vietnamese tourists, featuring clear waters and fresh seafood. The beach here is known for its large waves, clear water, and fine sand, making it suitable for swimming and various activities like jet skiing, parasailing, and water skiing. In the evening, visitors can stroll along the beach or go squid fishing on local fishermen’s boats. You can also rent a boat or canoe to visit Lan Chau Island and Hon Ngu Island to snorkel and admire the colorful coral reefs.
2.3. Thien Cam Beach, Ha Tinh
Thien Cam Beach in Ha Tinh boasts tranquil and pristine beauty. Shaped like an arch and nestled between two mountain ranges, it is known for its calm waters and peaceful environment, making it ideal for relaxing and leisure trips. Here, you can visit the vibrant Dong Noi field of blossoming flowers or the Cua Nhuong fishing village, which has a history spanning over 600 years, where you can experience activities like night squid fishing and boat trips.
Northern Vietnam beaches are a splendid showcase of natural beauty and cultural richness. These serene and picturesque coastal gems offer an escape into a world of tranquil waters and golden sands. Whether seeking adventure, relaxation, or a taste of local cuisine and culture, these best beaches in North Vietnam provide an unforgettable experience.
Aside from relishing the beauty of Northern Vietnam beaches, Vietnam travel enthusiasts cannot overlook prominent tourist cities like Hanoi, Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc. When exploring these cities, in addition to discovering natural wonders, historical and cultural landmarks, and delectable cuisine, visitors are encouraged to experience entertaining activities at VinWonders. As premier entertainment complexes in Vietnam, VinWonders delight visitors of all ages with diverse offerings, including thrilling games, water activities, lively festivals, and cultural events.
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