Speaking of Vietnam beaches, most people will be more likely to go to the center or south of Vietnam. However, once you explore northern Vietnam beaches, you’ll realize that they have their own beauty and uniqueness that others don't have. Check out our 6 destinations for beach lovers in the north of Vietnam.
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1. Cat Ba Island's beaches, Hai Phong
Nestled gracefully in the embrace of the Gulf of Tonkin, Cat Ba Island emerges as a majestic gem adorned by the breathtaking beauty of Bai Tu Long Bay and Ha Long Bay. With its awe-inspiring surroundings, this hidden gem has become one of the top Northern Vietnam beaches you must visit when you come to Vietnam. The best time to visit Cat Ba Island's beaches is from April to October, however, I don't recommend you to go around May or July because that's the Vietnamese family vacation peak. It's kind of overloaded.
The charming shorelines of Cat Co 1, Cat Co 2, and Cat Co 3 beaches are hidden among towering rock formations. Wanderers seeking solitude from the masses are drawn to the surrounding islands' hidden beauties in the turquoise seas. Cat Dua, Cat Ong, Cat Trai Gai, and Duong Danh are appealing islands with pristine beaches to welcome tired souls. The ethereal splendor of northern Vietnam will captivate you in summer. Imagine lazing in the sun while the waves crash on these beautiful beaches. The water is so clear it's like looking into a crystal ball, displaying perfect happiness. Oh, the refreshing wind that soothes your skin in the dry atmosphere. These beaches are heaven in Northern Vietnam's settings. While admiring this beautiful scenery, don't forget to indulge in a wonderful source of seafood with surprisingly low prices. Prepare an empty belly!
How to get there?
Hai Phong has an international airport named Cat Bi, which makes it easy for you to travel faster from far distances.
For short-distance places such as Hanoi, expect to have at least 2 transfers to get to Cat Ba. First, you need to go to Hai Phong (either by bus or train). Then a taxi to Pha Got Port or Dong Bai Port to catch a ferry to Cat Ba. The trip to Cat Ba usually takes around three hours and is super affordable.
In peak times, you should get to Cat Ba Island's beaches by using a sea-cross cable in Cat Hai, Hai Phong.
Suggested Accommodation:
- Flamingo Cat Ba Beach Resort (5-star)
- Hotel Perle d'Orient Cat Ba (5-star)
- Cat Ba View hotel
- Lan Homestay
- Cat Ba Spring Garden Homestay
2. Tuan Chau beach, Quang Ninh
Tuan Chau Island is Halong Bay's most popular destination because it has everything a traveler might want: stunning natural features like mountains and beaches, as well as accommodations like restaurants and resorts.
Skipping Tuan Chau Beach on Tuan Chau Island is a missed opportunity. Tuan Chau Beach may be man-made, yet its beauty is unrivaled by that of any natural beach. It features a white beach, a green sea, and a panoramic view of the Halong Bay islands.
Except for the months of July and August, when occasional hurricanes, high tides, and storms may disrupt your holidays, Tuan Chau's beach and island resorts are open year-round and there are no limits to the beach.
However, if you want to see Tuan Chau Island at its finest, a visit in September through November or March is your best bet. It's been quite dry and warm lately, making this a great time to take advantage of the area's many attractions—especially the beaches and sightseeing opportunities.
How to get there?
With the new infrastructure in place, traveling to and from the island is considerably less of a hassle. Tuan Chau Island Ha Long is accessible by coach, motorbike, or train from Hanoi and the surrounding northern provinces at an affordable price.
Suggested Accommodation:
- Paradise Suites Hotel (4-star)
- Aha Halong Hotel
- The Postcard Hotel
- Viethouse Lodge
- Guesthouse VIP Hoa Lan
3. Co To Island's beach, Quang Ninh
Co To is an archipelago of around 30 islands located in eastern Quang Ninh province. It is commonly expected that the islands will be developed as tourist hotspots in the near future, so if you want to see them while they are still relatively unspoilt, now is the time to go. Co To is approximately 9 kilometers from Halong Bay, making it a great complement to any trip to Halong Bay. One of the best things to do on Co To Island is to go on an ecotour into the jungle. You may also fish, snorkel, and cruise among the islands by chartering a boat. Excellent seafood is provided as part of the service here.
I recommend you visit Co To Island's beach in April - June because the water is crystal clear, no intense sunlight, and not crowded. Co To is great at sunset, make sure you capture one. You can rent a boat to see another nearby island such as Mong Rong island, Lion Stone,...
How to get there?
By any means of transport, your way to Co To from Hanoi is divided into 2 legs: Hanoi to Cai Rong port and Cai Rong to the island. From Hanoi to Cai Rong, you can take a 4-hour bus to Mong Cai or Cua Ong, or ride the motorcycle yourself (not recommended for amateur drivers). When reaching the port, you need to take a boat to Co To Island.
Suggested Accommodation:
- Coto Center Homestay
- Starlight Boutique Hotel
- Hotel Luxury Ngoc Anh
4. Quan Lan Island's beach, Quang Ninh
Quan Lan Island in Bai Tu Long Bay has become a popular Northern Vietnam beach because of its stunning natural beauty. There is crystal-clear water and soft sand on the island's beaches. Similar to Co To, Quan Lan beach is best in April - June when summer comes. From July-September is the fall, beautiful but there is likely to be rainy for days. Make sure you check the weather before going.
Due to its seclusion, the beach of Quan Lan is a unique natural marvel with its own margins amongst other beaches. One of the beaches in Quan Lan is the 2-kilometer-long crescent of Minh Chau Beach. It's a fantastic spot for all sorts of water activities, but especially surfing and kayaking. After a day of fun in the sun, visitors may unwind with a meal of fresh seafood and refreshing beer at one of the many eateries lining the shore.
Ecotours through the lush vegetation of Co To Island are another exciting option for vacationers. It is also possible to hire a boat and use it to get about the islands, fish, or go snorkeling. Services here also include very reasonably priced. Quan Lan is quite hidden, so do not expect a high quality of service like at other well-known beaches in Northern Vietnam.
How to get there?
Because of its remote location in Bai Tu Long Bay, visitors to Quan Lan must use a boat to reach the island. Both Hon Gai and Cai Rong ports will serve as departure points for the vessels.
Going to Quang Ninh province and then taking a boat to the island from the harbor are the two steps of the journey to Quan Lan.
Suggested Accommodation:
- Bao An Hotel
- Song Chau Villa
- Friendly Homestay Quan Lan
5. Tra Co beach, Quang Ninh
Tra Co Beach, known for its expansive stretch of fine white sand and clear blue water, marks the shoreline of a natural island formed by the action of waves and currents.
Tra Co Beach is set in Quang Ninh Province, 9 kilometers from Mong Cai Town in Vietnam's extreme northeast near the Chinese border. On the way to Tra Co, you'll see a number of large sand dunes of 3-4 meters, protecting locals from sand storms, and, in the distance, mangroves are some of the things visitors may see on the route to the beach.
Tra Co is perfect for a beach escape in April-July. If you are lucky, you will see Tra Co with its cultural festivals like the boat racing festival, Ruoc Voi festival at the end of May until the 16th of June in the lunar calendar.
Tra Co Beach is favored among Northern Vietnam beaches because it is relatively devoid of commercial infrastructure, including restaurants, bars, and street sellers. Fishing boats anchored along the coast are an easy and inexpensive option for travelers looking for freshly caught seafood.
How to get there?
You can get to Tra Co beach by bus, car or hydrofoil.
The 7-hour bus ride from Hanoi is a lengthy and rough 300 kilometers across the countryside. Nonetheless, it's well worth going so that you may take in the sights of the Red River delta and be amazed by the varying natural splendors that can be found there, from flatlands to peaks.
Suggested accommodation:
- Luxury6 Hotel
- Libra Hotel
- Mai An hotel
- Trung Đức Homestay
6. Sam Son beach, Thanh Hoa
Sam Son Beach in Vietnam is a popular destination around 16 kilometers from the heart of Thanh Hoa and 180 kilometers from Hanoi. From where Truong Le Mountain meets the sea, all the way out to Quang Cu Village, the beach stretches out in a crescent 9 kilometers.
From May through August, Sam Son Beach is at its optimum for swimming and other water sports due to the abundance of sunshine, light winds, clean water, and lack of precipitation.
Sam Son Beach is commonly broken up into four smaller beaches designated as "A," "B," "C," and "D." Beach A is the most popular because of its shallow entry and powerful waves. There are plenty of boats and steep cliffs for photo ops but beware of the jagged rocks.
Beach B's waves are manageable, making it a good option for families and people of all ages. There are also several seashore food stands to choose from. Larger waves and less debris may be seen at Beach C. It's a lively place with lots of places to eat and hang out. Because of its gentle incline, Beach C is frequently selected for leisure events. Beach D, located next to the fishing pier, is ideal for peace and quiet seekers.
How to get there?
If you are from Hanoi, it takes roughly three to four hours to get there by bus, vehicle, or motorcycle. Sam Son Beach may also be reached by taking a train to Thanh Hoa City and then transferring to a cab or motorbike taxi.
If you come from the south, flying to Thanh Hoa's Tho Xuan Airport from Ho Chi Minh City or any of the southern provinces takes a little over two hours; from there, visitors may get in a cab and travel almost 60 kilometers to the beach.
Suggested accommodation:
- FLC Luxury Resort Samson (4-star)
- Lux Hotel FLC Sam Son (3-star)
- Vsana Vu Son Hotel
- Mai Trang Hotel
Besides these best beaches in North Vietnam, you still can find more pristine tiny beaches scattered around Halong Bay or less well-known beaches like Con Vanh Beach, Hai Hau Beach, Hai Thinh Beach, etc... With such a long coast, Vietnam beach relaxation never lacks fun for you.
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01 Comment
Indonesia
Beaches in Vietnam are like hidden gems. Some beaches are underestimated. My hubby and I have well spent time on small beaches on Cat ba's limestone islands.
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