Top 5 Beaches in the North of Vietnam
Vietnam is favored by the Mother Nature to have a long coast of 3.444km. From the North to the South, there are numbers of beautiful beaches that have been famous not only within Vietnam but also all over the world. In this Best of Vietnam guide, we’ll look at the 5 best beaches near Hanoi. Though labelled "Best", we must caution you that far from beaches in the South, though in the North does not offer much blue water and diverse range of water-based activities. The coastal area in the North may not live up to your expectation if you were once to Nha Trang or My Khe beach. However, if you really crave for some salted water and open air, they will do the job.
Bai Chay Beach (Quang Ninh)
Bai Chay Beach is situated in Quang Ninh Province, approximately 100 km northeast of Hanoi. Notably, this beach is artificial, stretching 500 meters long and 1,000 meters wide. It is surrounded by hilly terrain blanketed in a thin layer of pine forest. The area features numerous hotels and resorts, showcasing a variety of architectural styles.
During the summer months, Bai Chay is bustling with visitors due to its proximity to Hanoi and several northern provinces. Guests can enjoy fresh seafood at luxurious restaurants, explore international amusement parks, or participate in thrilling activities such as jet skiing and wave surfing.
If you prefer a quieter beach experience, consider booking a Halong Bay cruise to visit Titop Island, where the waters are calmer and less polluted. Alternatively, you can travel about an hour further to Van Don Beach, a hidden gem within the Halong Bay area, known for its caves and stunning landscapes that remain largely undiscovered.
Bai Chay Beach - Photo: @loey.216
Tuan Chau Beach (Ha Long)
Tuan Chau Beach is located on Tuan Chau Island, overlooking Ha Long Bay—one of the seven natural wonders of the world and a must-visit destination. The beach is expansive, accommodating a large number of swimmers with its coastline extending over 2 km.
The shoreline is lined with a wide array of high-end hotels and luxury restaurants. Notably, the area features a large performing arts center with a capacity of 3,000 seats, showcasing dolphin, seal, and sea lion shows in a dome structure designed to resemble a sail, making it one of the largest entertainment centers in Southeast Asia.
Visitors will find plenty of activities to keep them engaged, including artificial hot springs, a natural waterfall, a botanical garden, a marine life center, swimming pools, and a sports complex, all waiting to be explored.
While the sand at Tuan Chau Beach is artificial, the water remains clean and calm, enhancing the overall beach experience.
Tuan Chau Beach - Photo: @kkkm.jp
Do Son Beach (Hai Phong)
Located 20 km southeast of Hai Phong City, Do Son Beach boasts a relatively mild climate year-round, attracting visitors throughout all seasons.
Famous for its smooth sands and palm trees lining the shore, Do Son Beach offers a quintessential tropical experience. Historically, it was a retreat for the lords and kings of the feudal era, with the former residence of King Bao Dai, the last monarch of Vietnam, still preserved in excellent condition.
The beach is divided into three sectors catering to different visitor preferences: the first located at the entrance of Do Son Town; the second featuring a lively array of restaurants and hotels; and the third providing a serene atmosphere for those seeking relaxation and tranquility.
Do Son Beach - Photo: @heylynhh__
Cat Ba Beach (Hai Phong)
Cat Ba Island, the largest among the nearly 1,970 islands in the Ha Long Bay complex, is a captivating blend of breathtaking sea views, lush forests, rivers, springs, caves, hills, valleys, and beautiful beaches featuring fine golden sand.
The island's climate is ideal for tourism, providing fresh and cool air. Visitors to Cat Ba can enjoy the symphony of nature, characterized by the sounds of waves crashing against cliffs, the gusting winds along beaches, and the soft rustle of leaves in the hills and forests.
Tourists can rent small boats to explore Lan Ha Bay or visit the charming beaches with unique names such as Cat Co, Ben Beo, and Co Tien. You can also discover intriguing caves like Trung Trang, Hoa Cuong, and Thien Long. Fresh seafood is abundant and relatively inexpensive compared to other coastal provinces.
Cat Ba Beach - Photo: @daitravel90
Hai Thinh Beach (Nam Dinh)
Situated in Thinh Long Town, Hai Hau District, Hai Thinh Beach is a tranquil and picturesque destination on the western coast of Nam Dinh Province. This pristine beach features soft sand and is completely safe for swimmers.
The area is characterized by a constant cool breeze that adds to its romantic atmosphere. Because Hai Thinh Beach remains relatively undeveloped, it presents an ideal haven for travelers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of busy tourist spots and enjoy some quiet time in nature.
The friendly local residents provide fresh and clean seafood, ensuring visitors have a delightful culinary experience during their stay.
Hai Thinh Beach
More: Watch Vietnam Online video: Vietnam Beaches

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