Ho Chi Minh City is often the starting point for journeys across Vietnam, but not every traveler follows the same itinerary. Many visitors arrive for business, conferences, or longer stays, while others find themselves with a few extra days before flying home.
Within just two to four hours of the city, you’ll find a surprising variety of coastal landscapes, from tranquil fishing villages and uncrowded shores to upscale seaside resorts and scenic island retreats. In this guide, Travel Sense Asia introduces seven of the locals’ favourite beaches near Ho Chi Minh City, helping you choose the right destination based on your travel style, available time, and the kind of coastal escape you’re looking for when you travel to Vietnam.
7 best beaches near Ho Chi Minh City
Beyond Vung Tau’s popular beachfront, quieter coves and secluded shores remain waiting to be discovered. Pair them with the peaceful beaches and fishing villages of nearby Phan Thiet, and you’ll find two of the best coastal escapes for anyone seeking a slower, more relaxing seaside getaway.
Ho Tram Beach
For travelers seeking a more comfortable getaway, Ho Tram Beach in Vung Tau – Ho Chi Minh combines clean sand, clear water, and upscale resorts. It’s widely regarded amongst the best beaches close to Ho Chi Minh City for a relaxing weekend escape. One of Ho Tram’s highlights, Hamptons Pier is Vietnam’s first over-the-sea pedestrian bridge, providing spectacular coastal views just steps from the beach. Rather than street food and nightlife, Ho Tram is best suited to travelers looking to unwind with spa treatments, golf courses, and beachfront accommodation.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance | Around 100 km (~2 hours by car) from Ho Chi MInh city and 44 km from Vung Tau. |
| Best time to visit | November to April for sunny weather and calm seas. |
| Best for | Couples, wellness seekers, luxury travelers, golfers, MICE groups. |
Ho Tram goes with quiet beaches and upscale resorts for a perfect weekend retreat
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Explore why Ho Tram is the ultimate choice for a relaxing beach holiday near Ho Chi Minh.
Skip the crowds and discover Suoi O’s untouched coastline near Ho Chi Minh
Suoi O Beach
Unlike nearby Ho Tram, Suoi O Beach remains largely untouched by mass tourism. If you’re looking for quiet beaches near Ho Chi Minh City, this peaceful stretch of coastline is one of the region’s best-kept secrets, with a quiet atmosphere, calm waters, and simple seafood restaurants rather than luxury resorts. The beach doesn’t have large resort infrastructure, so it suits travelers who want a rustic, unplugged couple of days rather than spa treatments and infinity pools. Families can combine the trip with Binh Chau Hot Springs, just 18 km away, for a more relaxing experience.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance | Around 120 km from Ho Chi Minh City (~2.5 hours by car) and only 10 km from Ho Tram beach. |
| Best time to visit | Dry season (November–April) if you plan to camp, since tent camping in the rainy season (May–October) can be miserable. Weekday visits are noticeably quieter than weekends. |
| Best for | Nature lovers, photographers, campers, adventurous couples, and repeat visitors to Vietnam looking to escape the usual tourist crowds. |
Long Hai Beach
Long Hai sits just beyond Vung Tau – Ho Chi Minh on the same peninsula, yet it feels worlds away. To compare with other best beaches near Ho Chi Minh, this one has longer, cleaner, and far less developed with mostly seafood shacks, small family-run guesthouses, and fishing boats rather than high-rise hotels. Weekdays especially, you can have long stretches of sand almost to yourself. The place works well as either a day trip or an overnight stay, and it makes a good base for exploring the Binh Chau–Phuoc Buu Nature Reserve, about 40 minutes away, for forest walks and natural hot springs.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance | Around 100 km, roughly 2.5 hours by car from Ho Chi minh city and 25 km from Vung Tau city. |
| Best time to visit | Dry season (November to April) for calmer water; weekdays for a genuinely quiet beach, since weekends draw crowds similar to Vung Tau’s. |
| Best for | Families, slow travelers, seafood lovers, and visitors who enjoy authentic coastal life. |
Enjoy uncrowded beaches and beautiful coastal life in Long Hai beach
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Experience peaceful coastal scenery in Phuoc Hai beach
Phuoc Hai and Loc An Beach
Phuoc Hai and Loc An are about 40 km north of Vung Tau and remain in the list of the most authentic beaches close to Ho Chi Minh City. Unlike the busy in central Vung Tau, Phuoc Hai and Loc An have kept their working-village character with fishing boats coming in daily, and seafood trading happens right on the sand alongside the tourism. In Loc An, there is a stone breakwater built to protect the coastline that quietly turns it into one of the most-photographed hidden spots near Vung Tau. It also sits directly on the scenic coastal road linking Long Hai, Phuoc Hai, Ho Tram, and Binh Chau, so it’s easy to combine with a longer coastal drive.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance | Around 100 km (roughly 2-2.5 hours by car) from Ho Chi Minh city. |
| Best time to visit | Dry season (November to April) for calm swimming conditions. Early morning is the best time to watch the fishing boats return and buy the freshest catch directly from fishermen. |
| Best for | Culture-focused travelers, photographers, and anyone interested in experiencing Vietnam’s traditional fishing villages. |
Mui Ne & Phan Thiet
Although Mui Ne is famous for its kitesurfing beaches and the iconic Red and White Sand Dunes, there’s a quieter side that many visitors overlook. To enjoy Mui Ne’s quieter side, skip the busy Ham Tien resort strip and head to Tien Thanh Beach (Phan Thiet), Hon Rom, or the beaches behind Mui Ne Fishing Village. These lesser-known spots make Mui Ne one of the best hidden beaches near Ho Chi Minh for travelers with two or three days to explore. Note: The main resort strip gets busy and touristy, but the fishing village end of Mui Ne is noticeably quieter if that’s what you’re after.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance | Around 200-220 km, roughly 3.5-5 hours by car or sleeper bus. |
| Best time to visit | November-April for both the calmest beach conditions and peak kitesurfing wind. |
| Best for | Travelers with 2–3 extra days, kitesurfers, families, and first-time visitors who want to combine beaches with attractions such as sand dunes, fishing villages, and local cuisine. |
Explore hidden corners of Mui Ne for a slower pace
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Ke Ga beach is famous for its iconic seaside lighthouse and dramatic rocks
Ke Ga Beach
Home to Vietnam’s oldest lighthouse, Ke Ga offers a rugged coastal landscape unlike most beaches near Ho Chi Minh. During low tide, a natural sandbar emerges, allowing visitors to walk across, while at high tide, a short speedboat or traditional basket boat ride provides access. Beyond the lighthouse, Ke Ga’s dramatic rock formations, quiet fishing village, and uncrowded shoreline create a refreshing alternative to the region’s typical sandy beaches.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance | Around 180-210 km (roughly 3 hours by car) from Ho Chi Minh city and 30 km from Phan Thiet city. |
| Best time to visit | February and March bring the lowest tides, revealing the widest sandbar and the best rock formations. Early morning (7:00-10:00 AM) is coolest for walking and photos. |
| Best for | Couples, photographers, road-trippers, and travelers seeking dramatic coastal scenery. |
Con Dao
If you have more than a weekend, Con Dao offers some of the most spectacular beaches in southern Vietnam. Highlights include Dam Trau Beach, famous for watching planes land overhead, An Hai Beach, known for its calm waters near the town center, and Nhat Beach, one of southern Vietnam’s best sunset spots. Although it requires a flight, many travelers consider it the ultimate extension for a beach holiday in Vietnam beyond the mainland shores.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Best time to visit | September to March brings calm seas and excellent diving and snorkeling conditions. Visit June to September to witness sea turtles nesting, but expect rougher waters. |
| How to get there | Flight: The only practical option for most travelers, taking about 1 hour from Tan Son Nhat Airport. Ferry (budget alternative): A high-speed ferry runs from Tran De port in Soc Trang province, taking around 3-4 hours, but requires first traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Soc Trang. |
| Best for | Honeymooners, luxury travelers, divers, wildlife enthusiasts, and visitors with at least three days to explore. |
Fly to Con Dao for pristine beaches, coral reefs, and peaceful island life
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Prepare for your quick beach escape from Ho Chi Minh City
A beach holiday near Ho Chi Minh doesn’t require much planning, but a few smart travel tips can help you avoid crowds, travel more comfortably, and enjoy a stress-free escape. Here’s what to know before hitting the road:
- Best time to visit: The dry season (November to April) offers the best beach weather, with sunnier days, calmer seas, and less rainfall. During the rainy season, check local sea conditions before swimming, especially at Ho Coc, Suoi O, and Mui Ne, where waves and currents can become stronger.
- Pack the essentials: Bring cash for small towns, sunscreen, a hat, drinking water, swimwear, and a change of clothes. If you’re visiting Can Gio or Ho Coc, insect repellent is also recommended.
- Stay safe at the beach: Always check local swimming conditions before entering the water, especially at less-developed beaches where lifeguards may not be available. Keep valuables secure and avoid swimming alone.
- Book ahead for weekends: Beach destinations near Ho Chi Minh City become busy on weekends and public holidays. Reserve your accommodation and transportation in advance, or travel on weekdays for lower prices and fewer crowds.
A relaxing seaside escape is never as far away as it seems. With these beaches near Ho Chi Minh, travelers can have everything from tranquil stretches of sand and charming fishing villages to scenic coastal drives and nature-filled retreat to make an ideal day trip or a longer weekend getaway.
For more expert destination guides, authentic local insights, and carefully crafted itineraries to the Southern coastline, plan your Vietnam journey with Travel Sense Asia to have a well-planned trip and turn a simple beach break into a memorable travel experience.
FAQs
1. Which beaches near Ho Chi Minh City are best for couples?
For a romantic getaway, Ho Tram, Ke Ga, and Con Dao are among the best choices. They offer quieter beaches, beautiful sunsets, boutique resorts, and a more peaceful atmosphere than the busier beaches around Vung Tau.
2. Which beaches are best for families with children?
Families often prefer Ho Tram, Long Hai, and Mui Ne thanks to their calmer waters, easy road access from Ho Chi Minh City, and a good selection of beachfront resorts and seafood restaurants. Con Dao is also an excellent option for longer family holidays.
3. Which beaches near Ho Chi Minh City are the least crowded?
If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, consider Suoi O, Phuoc Hai, Loc An, or Ke Ga. Visiting on weekdays rather than weekends makes an even bigger difference, especially during Vietnam’s peak holiday periods.
4. Where should companies organize a beach retreat or MICE event near Ho Chi Minh City?
For corporate retreats, incentive trips, or MICE events, Ho Tram is generally the top choice thanks to its upscale beachfront resorts, meeting facilities, golf courses, and convenient two-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City. Larger groups may also consider Mui Ne for multi-day events with more team-building activities.
