Also in northern Vietnam you can find a nice and large beaches.
Vietnam has a lot of beaches, but we could say, lots of them you will find in central and southern Vietnam. But also in northern Vietnam you can visit some of the nice and very large beaches. Most of them are located in Quảng Ninh province, Thanh Hoa province or Nghệ An province. Lots of beaches are small and they are hidden in on the islands in Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay.
A lot of these beaches are overcrowded by locals and visitors.
Vietnam has almost 100 million inhabitants. And about 15 million foreign tourists visit Vietnam every year. Yes, of course a lot of these people visit beaches or buy boat trips eg. in Ha Long Bay or Cat Ba Island. Lots of these beaches are big tourists sites, but also several of them are visited mainly by locals. It is good to know, the main and the biggest tourist site is Ha Long Bay and nearby beaches and islands.
📍 Beaches in the north of Vietnam – Map:
1. Beaches on the Cat Ba Island, Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay:
Numerous beaches you will find in Ha Long Bay and numerous beaches are hidden in nearby islands and bays (Lan Ha Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay or Cat Ba Island). Sometimes it is not so easy to get in some hidden beaches on these islands, you need to buy boat trip or private tour.
Ha Long Bay > Bai Chay beach, Tuan Chau beach (tourist site), Cat Co beach (1,2,3) + Tùng Thu beach on Cat Ba Island, Ti Top Island, Monkey Island, Nam Cat Island…other tens and hundreds of them on the small islands.
Quan Lan Island > Son Hao beach, Min Chau beach, Quan Lan beach (Thien Hoa)
Co To Island > Van Chay beach, Tinh Yeu beach, Hong Van beach, Bac Van beach
Other beaches > Do Son beach (Hai Phong), Van Don beach (Cai Rong), Tra Co beach (Móng Cái)
| ⭐ The Best Rated Cruises in Ha Long Bay:⭐ | |
|---|---|
| ➡️ Signature Halong Cruise | ➡️ Alise Cruise Halong |
| ➡️ Victory Star Cruise | ➡️ Halong Athena Cruise |
| ➡️ La Regina Legend Cruise | ➡️ Era Cruises Halong |
| ➡️ Paradise Luxury Sails Cruise | ➡️ Victory Cruise |
| ➡️ Halong Sapphire Cruise | ➡️ Santa Maria Cruise |
| ➡️ Royal Palace Cruise | ➡️ Peony Cruise |
How to get to Ha Long from Hanoi?
How to get to Cat Ba from Hanoi?
Book hotel / stay in Ha Long Bay ➜
2. Beaches in the Thanh Hóa Province:
Thanh Hóa City and province the same name is about 170 km from Hanoi. There are several large and nice beaches, visited mainly by Vietnamese. It is not so frequented by foreign tourists but mainly by locals. From Hanoi you can go by train (about 3,5 hours) to Thanh Hoa City. It is not so hard to get here.
Thanh Hóa City > Sam Son beach (tourist site), Hải Tiến beach, Vinh Sơn beach, Quảng Nham beach
Other beaches > Hai Han, Hai Hoa (about 45 km from Thanh Hoa City), Bai Dong beach, Quỳnh Phương beach (Hoàng Mai)
3. Beaches in the Nghệ An Province:
Hoàng Mai City > Quỳnh Phương, Quỳnh Lương…and other beaches
Vinh > Bãi Lữ + Cua Lo beaches
4. Beaches in the Hà Tĩnh Province:
Vinh > Vân Hải, Xuân Thành, Xuân Yen…
South of Ha Tinh City > Thiên Cầm
How to get to Thanh Hoa from Hanoi?
Book hotel / stay in Thanh Hoa ➜
A common problem of beaches in southeast Asia:
1. Pollution of beaches > The relatively a big problem of beaches in Southeast Asia is the latest pollution and waste on the public beaches. This problem has affected also Vietnam, and here you will see some beaches polluted or clogged mainly by plastic rubbish. However, it does not apply everywhere and all the time, some beaches are regularly cleaned, especially beaches at the hotel resorts.
2. Overcrowded beaches > Many popular beaches in Vietnam experience overcrowding, especially during peak tourist seasons. Large numbers of visitors can strain the beach’s infrastructure, including waste disposal systems and limited resources like water and sanitation facilities.
3. Coral Reef Degradation > Coral reefs are vital ecosystems that support marine biodiversity and provide protection for coastal areas. However, coral reef degradation due to factors like pollution, overfishing, and climate change is a pressing issue in Southeast Asia. Damage to coral reefs not only impacts marine life but also reduces the attractiveness of beaches for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.
4. Coastal Erosion > Coastal erosion is a common problem in Southeast Asia, particularly in areas with extensive development and insufficient measures to mitigate erosion. Factors such as rising sea levels, increased storm intensity, and inappropriate coastal engineering can lead to the loss of beach sand, jeopardizing the natural beauty and stability of the coastline.
5. Unsustainable Tourism Practices > Tourism is a significant industry in Vietnam, and improper or unsustainable practices can harm the environment and local communities. Issues such as excessive construction, unregulated water activities, and inadequate waste management can degrade beach ecosystems and disrupt the delicate balance of coastal areas.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions – Beaches in northern Vietnam:
1. What are the most popular beaches in northern Vietnam?
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- The most popular and visited beaches of northern Vietnam are located in Halong Bay (Quang Ninh province), Thanh province, Nghe An province and Ha Tinh province.
2. How to travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay?
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- From Hanoi to Halong Bay or Cat Ba Island or Tuan Chau Island you can travel by bus, minivan, train or private car. There are also sightseeing flights to Tuan Chau Island. Read this article: How to reach Halong Bay from Hanoi?.
- Cat Ba Island is accessible by boat/ferry from Tuan Chau Island, Hai Phong or Cat Hai village at Hai Phong.
3. How to travel from Hanoi to Thanh Hoa?
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- From Hanoi to Thanh Hoa you can travel by train of Vietnam Railways or tourist bus, there is no flight. Read this article: How to reach Thanh Hoa from Hanoi?.
4. Can you swim in Vietnam beaches?
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- You can swim in the most beaches in Vietnam. But you should be careful if you are visiting the beaches in the no tourist season, in this season the swimming could be dangerous.
5. Are there private beaches in Vietnam?
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- Yes, there are also private beaches of various tourist resorts. But the most beaches in Vietnam are available to the general public free of charge.
6. Where are the most visited beaches in northern Vietnam?
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- The most visited beaches in northern Vietnam are located in Halong Bay. Thousands of tourists visit this place every day. If you want to skip these beaches you can go to Quan Lan or Co To Islands. These islands are accessible from Cai Rong port in Van Don district.
7. How is the weather at the beaches in North Vietnam?
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- The weather at the beaches in North Vietnam is generally pleasant. Summers (from May to August) are hot and humid with occasional rain showers. The temperatures range from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F). The winter season (from November to February) is cooler with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F).
8. Can you engage in water sports and activities at the beaches in North Vietnam?
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- Absolutely! North Vietnam’s beaches offer a range of water sports and activities. You can enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, jet skiing, banana boat rides, and even parasailing at certain beaches. Local tour operators and resorts often provide equipment rentals and organize guided excursions for these activities.
9. Are there any accommodations available near the beaches in North Vietnam?
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- Yes, there are numerous accommodation options near the beaches in North Vietnam. From luxury resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses, you’ll find a variety of choices to suit your preferences. Some beaches have beachfront resorts with stunning views, while others offer more secluded and rustic accommodations.
10. Are there any attractions or landmarks near the beaches in North Vietnam?
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- Yes, many attractions and landmarks are located near the beaches in North Vietnam. For instance, near Ha Long Bay, you can explore the captivating limestone karsts, visit the floating villages, or take a cruise to admire the bay’s scenic beauty. Cat Ba Island offers opportunities for jungle trekking and visiting the Cat Ba National Park. Additionally, the nearby cities of Hai Phong and Hanoi offer cultural sites, markets, and delicious Vietnamese cuisine to further enrich your beach vacation.
11. Which islands you can also visit in Vietnam?
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- There are various popular and tourist islands in Vietnam. You can read this article: 10 Best Islands in Vietnam.
Beach Destinations in Northern Vietnam:
| Destination | Description |
|---|---|
| Cat Ba Island |
Bai Chay: Located near the famous Ha Long Bay, Bai Chay is known for its pristine sandy shores and clear waters. It’s a popular spot for water activities and offers a stunning view of the surrounding limestone karsts. Tuan Chau: Tuan Chau is a beautiful sandy beach on Tuan Chau Island, offering a mix of relaxation and adventure. The beach is surrounded by lush greenery, and visitors can enjoy water sports and cultural performances. Cat Co (1, 2, 3): These three beaches on Cat Ba Island are known for their golden sands and turquoise waters. Cat Co 1 is often less crowded, while Cat Co 2 and 3 offer vibrant beach scenes with various water activities and beachside cafes. Tùng Thu: Tùng Thu beach is a hidden gem with its tranquil atmosphere and clear blue waters. It’s a great escape for those looking for a peaceful retreat away from the crowds. Ti Top Island: Ti Top Island boasts a stunning beach with fine white sand and crystal-clear waters. It’s named after a Russian astronaut and offers panoramic views of Ha Long Bay from its peak. Monkey Island: As the name suggests, Monkey Island is known for its playful inhabitants. The beach is surrounded by lush vegetation, and visitors can enjoy both sunbathing and observing the monkeys in their natural habitat. Nam Cat Island: Nam Cat Island features a beautiful beach and is a popular destination for eco-friendly tourism. Visitors can enjoy the unspoiled nature and participate in various water and adventure activities. |
| Quan Lan Island |
Son Hao: A serene beach with white sands and clear blue waters, Son Hao is a perfect getaway for those seeking tranquility. The beach is surrounded by lush landscapes and is relatively less crowded. Min Chau: With its long stretch of sandy coastline, Min Chau is ideal for long walks and peaceful moments by the sea. The gentle waves and scenic surroundings make it a favorite among nature lovers. Quan Lan (Thien Hoa): This beach is known for its wide sandy expanse and is often less crowded than some of the more popular beaches. It provides a peaceful retreat with scenic views. |
| Co To Island |
Van Chay: Van Chay Beach is renowned for its pristine white sand and turquoise waters. It’s a favorite spot for swimming and relaxing, with a backdrop of lush green hills. Tinh Yeu: Translating to „Love Beach,“ Tinh Yeu is a romantic destination with its calm waters and intimate setting. It’s an ideal spot for couples and those looking for a peaceful retreat. Hong Van: Hong Van Beach is known for its unique red sand, creating a picturesque contrast with the blue sea. It’s a lesser-known gem that offers a tranquil escape from the crowds. Bac Van: Bac Van Beach is a pristine stretch of coastline with clear waters and soft sand. It’s a great place to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of Co To Island. |
| Other |
Do Son (Hai Phong): Do Son is a popular beach near Hai Phong, known for its long sandy shores and fresh seafood. It’s a favorite destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a vibrant beach scene. Van Don (Cai Rong): Van Don features beautiful beaches along its coastline. Cai Rong is a charming area with sandy shores and is often less crowded, providing a peaceful retreat by the sea. Tra Co (Móng Cái): Tra Co is a stunning beach in Móng Cái with a long coastline of fine sand. It’s known for its peaceful atmosphere and is a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the northern coast. |
| Thanh Hóa Province |
Sam Son (tourist site): Sam Son is a well-known tourist site with a beautiful beach, attracting visitors with its golden sands and clear waters. The area also offers various amenities and activities for tourists. Hải Tiến: Hải Tiến Beach is a pristine stretch of coastline with golden sands and clean waters. It’s a quieter alternative to Sam Son, providing a peaceful environment for beachgoers. Vinh Sơn: Vinh Sơn Beach is known for its natural beauty, surrounded by hills and greenery. The beach offers a serene setting and is a great place for relaxation and water activities. Quảng Nham: Quảng Nham Beach is a hidden gem with its untouched beauty. It’s a less crowded beach where visitors can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and scenic surroundings. |
| Nghệ An Province |
Quỳnh Phương: Quỳnh Phương Beach is known for its wide sandy shores and clear waters. It’s a family-friendly destination with a relaxed atmosphere, suitable for both swimming and beach picnics. Quỳnh Lương: Quỳnh Lương Beach is characterized by its peaceful surroundings and gentle waves. It’s a great spot for those seeking a quiet beach experience away from the hustle and bustle. Bãi Lữ: Bãi Lữ is a popular beach with a long stretch of sand and a vibrant atmosphere. It’s a favorite among locals and tourists for its lively beach scene and various water activities. Cua Lo: Cua Lo Beach is a well-known destination with a wide sandy coastline and a range of facilities. It’s a bustling beach area, offering a mix of entertainment, dining, and water sports. |
| Hà Tĩnh Province |
Vân Hải: Vân Hải Beach is known for its natural beauty and peaceful ambiance. It’s a great place to enjoy the sea breeze, take a leisurely stroll along the shore, and appreciate the scenic coastal landscape. Xuân Thành: Xuân Thành Beach offers a serene escape with its calm waters and clean sands. It’s a less crowded option for those looking for a quiet retreat by the sea. Xuân Yen: Xuân Yen Beach is characterized by its wide sandy shores and clear blue waters. It’s an ideal destination for relaxation and water activities, providing a picturesque setting for beachgoers. Thiên Cầm: Thiên Cầm Beach is a hidden gem with its unspoiled beauty. It’s a peaceful beach where visitors can enjoy the tranquility and natural surroundings away from the crowds. |
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