The beautiful beaches of Vietnam from north to south - Part 3

Updated 9/13/2024

My second blog is about the beaches of Việt Nam. I find the soft sand, underneath my feet, and the sound of the incoming waves, to be calming and relaxing. Việt Nam has a long S-shape coastline, and numerous islands. Its scenic coast and beaches are now well known, by the travel and tourism industry.

Image source: Unknown photographer, "A corner of Ha Long Bay - Illustration photo," 2023. Accessed via https://en.baochinhphu.vn/ha-long-bay-among-top-10-most-visited-natural-wonders-111231208151618152.htm Altered from source photo.

Việt Nam has 2,000 miles of coastline, with two major islands: Côn Sơn and Phú Quốc. Twenty five of its provinces, and its three major cities: Hải Phòng, Đà Nẵng, and Hồ Chí Minh, border the East Sea (Đông Hải).

Source: Unknown author. "About Vietnam." Consulate of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam. Most current date. https://www.vietnamconsulate-ny.org/about/1/about-vietnam.html#:~:text=The%20country%20has%20a%20long,continental%20shelf%2C%20islands%20and%20archipelagoes.

Multiple authors. "Danh sách đảo Việt Nam." Wikipedia tiếng Việt. vi.wikipedia.org Last updated July 24, 2024. https://vi.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danh_s%C3%A1ch_%C4%91%E1%BA%A3o_Vi%E1%BB%87t_Nam

Multiple authors. "Vùng duyên hải Bắc Bộ." Wikipedia tiếng Việt. vi.wikipedia.org. Last updated June 23, 2024. https://vi.wikipedia.org/wiki/V%C3%B9ng_duy%C3%AAn_h%E1%BA%A3i_B%E1%BA%AFc_B%E1%BB%99

Multiple authors. "Bắc Trung Bộ." Wikipedia tiếng Việt. vi.wikipedia.org. Last updated April 25, 2024. https://vi.wikipedia.org/wiki/B%E1%BA%AFc_Trung_B%E1%BB%99

Multiple authors. "Duyên hải Nam Trung Bộ." Wikipedia tiếng Việt. vi.wikipedia.org. Last updated May 6, 2024. https://vi.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duy%C3%AAn_h%E1%BA%A3i_Nam_Trung_B%E1%BB%99

Multiple authors. "Nam Bộ." Wikipedia tiếng Việt. vi.wikipedia.org. Last updated July 6, 2024. https://vi.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nam_B%E1%BB%99

South Central Việt Nam

In 2024, two beaches make the top ten list by Tripadvisor. Three of the four most beautiful bays in Việt Nam, and the kitesurfing capital, are also located here. Most importantly, the Sa Huỳnh Culture, one of the three ancient cultures in Việt Nam, took root in this area, three thousand years ago.

Image source: Unknown creator, "Các tỉnh duyên hải Nam Trung Bộ," 2024. Access by https://maisonoffice.vn/tin-tuc/cac-tinh-mien-trung/ Unaltered from source image.

Đà Nẵng (City)

Đà Nẵng has a number of great beaches and one of them is listed as one of the most attractive on the planet.

• Mỹ Khê Beach is a little over half a mile in length, along Võ Nguyên Giáp Boulevard, was ranked by Forbes magazine as one of of the six most attractive beaches on the planet in 2005, and is among the top ten beaches in Asia by Tripadvisor in 2024. It is close to downtown Đà Nẵng, only 2 miles away. The beach has powdery white sand and gentle waves. This place is great for paragliding, snorkeling, and other water sports.

Source: Unknown author. "My Khe - The most attractive beach on the planet." Hanoi Journey. Date unknown. https://www.hanoijourney.com/khe-attractive-beach-planet/

Unknown author. "My Khe beach named among Asia's 10 most beautiful beaches in 2024." Đà Nẵng Online. February 23, 2024. https://baodanang.vn/english/business/202402/my-khe-beach-named-among-asias-10-most-beautiful-beaches-in-2024-3966486/

Unknown author. "Kinh nghiệm đi bãi biển Mỹ Khê Đà Nẵng CHI TIẾT, ĐẦY ĐỦ NHẤT." vinpearl.com. January 7, 2024. https://vinpearl.com/vi/kinh-nghiem-di-bai-bien-my-khe-da-nang-chi-tiet-day-du-nhat

Nguyễn Quang Trung. "Top 8 trò chơi biển cực kỳ thú vị tại Đà Nẵng." Justfly.vn. June 9, 2023. https://justfly.vn/discovery/vietnam/da-nang/tro-choi-tren-bien

Image source: Unknown photographer. "Bãi biển Mỹ Khê," Year unknown. Accessed via https://vietgoing.com/destination/320-bai-bien-my-khe.html Altered from source photo.

• Sơn Trà Peninsula, with the nickname "Priceless Emerald," is 6 miles northeast of Đà Nẵng. It has five beaches and the scenery here is spectacular.

Source: Unknown author. "Những bãi biển đẹp nhất Đà Nẵng do Forbes bình chọn." August 24, 2023. https://danangairportterminal.vn/vi/news/the-best-beaches-in-da-nang-as-ranked-by-forbes/

Unknown author. "Du lịch bán đảo Sơn Trà: Đi đâu, ăn gì, chi tiết nhất." vinpearl.com. January 26, 2024. https://vinpearl.com/vi/du-lich-ban-dao-son-tra-di-dau-an-gi-o-dau-chi-tiet-nhat

Image source: Unknown photographer. "Bán đảo Sơn Trà," 2020. Accessed via https://tourdanangcity.vn/ban-dao-son-tra/ Altered from source photo.

Image source: Unknown photographer. "Bãi biển Tiên Trà," 2024. Accessed via https://vinpearl.com/vi/du-lich-ban-dao-son-tra-di-dau-an-gi-o-dau-chi-tiet-nhat Unaltered from source photo.

• Non Nước Beach, at the foot of Mount Ngũ Hành, is 5 miles south of Đà Nẵng. It is over 3 miles in length, with white sand and clear azure water. Camping is one of the many activities on this beach.

Source: Lê Hữu Hiệp. "Bãi biển Non Nước Đà Nẵng - Bãi biển đẹp nằm dưới chân Ngũ Hành Sơn." Đà Nẵng Real Times. Date unknown. https://drt.danang.vn/bai-bien-non-nuoc-da-nang/

Image source: Unknown photographer, "Bãi biển Non Nước," 2024. Accessed via https://drt.danang.vn/bai-bien-non-nuoc-da-nang/ Unaltered from source photo.

• Xuân Thiều Beach, not well known to tourists, is 13 miles north of Đà Nẵng. The beach is wide, and over 0.3 miles in length.

Source: Unknown author. "Bãi biển Xuân Thiều Đà Nẵng có gì hot?" danangbest.com. Unknown date. https://danangbest.com/bai-bien-xuan-thieu-da-nang-co-gi-hot.html

Image source: Unknown photographer, "Bãi biển Xuân Thiều," https://52hz.vn/bai-bien-xuan-thieu/ Unaltered from source photo.

• Nam Ô Beach, with moss covered rocks, is wild and unusual. It is 10.5 miles north of Đà Nẵng.

Source: Unknown author. "Rạn Nam Ô: Thiên đường của đá." Cục Du Lịch Quốc Gia Việt Nam. May 19, 2021. https://vietnamtourism.gov.vn/post/15813

Image source: Unknown photographer "Bãi biển Nam Ô," 2021. Accessed via https://vietnamtourism.gov.vn/post/15813 Unaltered from source photo.

• Vân Village, at the foot of Hải Vân Pass, is almost 19 miles north of Đà Nẵng. It has three beautiful beaches.

Source: Unknown author. "Làng Vân nằm nép mình chân đèo Hải Vân, là địa danh hiếm có đến 3 bãi biển nổi tiếng ở miền Trung." Tạp Chí Đông Nam Á. February 2, 2024. https://tapchidongnama.vn/lang-van-nam-nep-minh-duoi-chan-deo-hai-van-la-dia-danh-hiem-hoi-co-den-3-bai-bien-noi-tieng-o-mien-trung/

Image source: Unknown photographer, "Làng Vân," 2024. Accessed via https://tapchidongnama.vn/lang-van-nam-nep-minh-duoi-chan-deo-hai-van-la-dia-danh-hiem-hoi-co-den-3-bai-bien-noi-tieng-o-mien-trung/ Unaltered from source photo.

Quảng Nam Province

Tripadvisor has named one of this province's beaches on its list of "Top 10 Best Beaches in Asia" in 2024.

• Cửa Đại Beach is just 2.5 miles from Hội An historic center, and close to An Bàng Beach, to the north. It had suffered heavy erosion in recent years. Fortunately, the government stepped in and built a breakwater, about 650 feet off shore. The project was completed last year, and now the beach is back, with inviting soft white sand and swaying palm trees.

Source: Unknown author. "Vietnam - A remarkable transformation: Cua Dai beach flourishes after restoration effort." easia-travel.com. December 16, 2023. https://www.easia-travel.com/travel-news/vietnam/vietnam-a-remarkable-transformation-cua-dai-beach-flourishes-after-restoration-efforts/

Image source: Unknown photographer, "Bãi biển Cửa Đại," 2024. Báo Tài Nguyên & Môi Trường. Accessed via https://baotainguyenmoitruong.vn/longform-hoi-sinh-bien-cua-dai-ky-1-nuoi-bai-376693.html Unaltered from source photo.

• An Bàng Beach, in Hội An, has also made the list of “The Top Ten Most Beautiful Beaches in Asia” by Tripadvisor in 2024, along with Mỹ Khê's in Đà Nẵng. It has more of a laid back vibe than the hustle bustle feel of the one further south, Cửa Đại Beach.

Source: Unknown author. "Travellers' Choice Awards - 2024 - Best of the Best Beaches - Asia." Tripadvisor. 2024. https://www.tripadvisor.in/TravelersChoice-Beaches-cAsia-g2

Luyến Nguyễn, "Bãi biển An Bàng - mảnh ghép tĩnh lặng của địa điểm du lịch Hội An," vntrip.vn. December 15, 2017. https://www.vntrip.vn/cam-nang/bai-bien-an-bang-manh-ghep-tinh-lang-cua-dia-diem-du-lich-hoi-an-358

Image source: Unknown photographer. "Bãi biển An Bàng," 2016. https://www.vntrip.vn/cam-nang/bai-bien-an-bang-manh-ghep-tinh-lang-cua-dia-diem-du-lich-hoi-an-358#google_vignette Unaltered from source photo.

• Hà My Beach, north of Hội An, is not as commercialized as the beaches in town. It is not that well known to tourists and has retained some of its wildness. This beach offers white sand and clear turquoise water. It was Tripadvisor's "Top 10 Beautiful Beaches in Asia" in 2017.

Source: Như Ý. "Bãi biển được vinh danh 'đẹp nhất Châu Á' ít người biết, nằm ở tỉnh có nhiều Di sản nhất Việt Nam." Người Quan Sát. August 29, 2024. https://nguoiquansat.vn/bai-bien-duoc-vinh-danh-dep-nhat-chau-a-it-nguoi-biet-nam-o-tinh-co-nhieu-di-san-nhat-viet-nam-154218.html

Image source: Q.T. "Bãi biển Hạ My," 2017. Accessed via https://vietnamtourism.gov.vn/post/23281 Unaltered from source photo.

• Chàm Islands, a collection of eight's, are 11 miles off the coast of Hội An. They are, as a group, a UNESCO recognized nature reserve. The largest is Lao Island, and it offers seven beaches for swimming and scuba diving.

Source: Linh. "Cu Lao Cham Island & Nature Reserve, Hoi An." Vietnam Discovery. February 26, 2021. https://vietnamdiscovery.com/hoi-an/attractions/cu-lao-cham-island/

Image source: Unknown photographer. "Cù Lao," 2023. Accessed via https://duonggiahotel.vn/kinh-nghiem-du-lich-cu-lao-cham/ Unaltered from source photo.

• Tam Thanh Beach is about 6 miles from the City of Tam Kỳ. It is quiet and simple, with long stretch of white sand and clear blue water.

Source: Unknown author. "Kinh nghiệm đi biển Tam Thanh Quảng Nam đầy đủ và mới nhất." vinpearl.com. January 10, 2024. https://vinpearl.com/vi/cap-nhat-kinh-nghiem-di-bien-tam-thanh-quang-nam-day-du-va-moi-nhat

Image source: Unknown photographer. "Bãi biển Tam Thanh," 2024. Accessed via https://vinpearl.com/vi/cap-nhat-kinh-nghiem-di-bien-tam-thanh-quang-nam-day-du-va-moi-nhat Unaltered from source photo.

• Rạng Beach, a wild beauty, is near the border with Quảng Ngãi Province.

Source: Unknown author. "Bãi tắm Rạng Núi Thành - Cảnh đẹp Quảng Nam không thể chối từ." vinwonders.com. February 28, 2023. https://vinwonders.com/vi/bai-viet-du-lich/bai-tam-rang-nui-thanh-quang-nam/

Image source: Du Lịch Nam Phương, "Bãi biển Rạng," 2020. Accessed via https://luhanhvietnam.com.vn/du-lich/ve-dep-hoang-so-cua-bai-tam-rang.html Unaltered from source.

Quảng Ngãi Province

In addition to beautiful beaches, Quảng Ngãi is also known to be the location of the Sa Huỳnh Culture, which flourished from about 1000 BCE to 200 CE. It is different than the Đông Sơn Culture in northern Vietnam and the Óc Eo's in southern Vietnam. Sa Huỳnh Culture is the precursor to the Champa Civilization, which began in 200 AD and ended in 1832, during the reign of Emperor Ming Mạng (the second Emperor of the Nguyễn Dynasty). A French scholar, Mr. Vinet, first discovered the site in 1909.

Source: Unknown author. "Sa Huỳnh culture, new discovery, new knowledge." Bảo Tàng Lịch Sử Quốc Gia. September 28. 2022. https://baotanglichsu.vn/fr/Articles/3272/73427/la-culture-de-sa-huynh-nouvelle-decouverte-nouvelle-connaissance.html

Deborah Gustlin & Zoe Gustlin. "4.4: Đông Sơn, SaHuỳnh, and Óc Eo Cultures (1000 BCE 100 BCE)." Evergreen Valley College. Date unknown. https://human.libretexts.org/Courses/Evergreen_Valley_College/Asian_Art_History_(Gustlin_and_Gustlin)/04%3A_The_Development_of_States_-_(800_BCE__300_BCE)/4.04%3A_ong_Son_SaHuynh_andOc_Eo_Cultures_(1000_BCE__100_BCE)#:~:text=Today%2C%20%C3%93c%20Eo%20is%20recognized,jar%20burials%20or%20brick%20cremation.

• Sa Huỳnh Beach is almost 4 miles in length, with golden sand, unlike other nearby beaches. In addition to its beach, Sa Huỳnh is also known for its unusual large crabs, "Huỳnh Đế" crabs, and salt production.

Source: Unknown author. "Nét đẹp Sa Huỳnh." Ủy Ban Nhân Dân Tỉnh Quảng Ngãi." September 8, 2011. https://quangngai.gov.vn/xem-chi-tiet/-/asset_publisher/Content/net-ep-sa-huynh?8237444

Image source: Unknown photographer. "Bãi biển Sa Huỳnh," 2024. Accessed via https://vov.vn/du-lich/kham-pha-sa-huynh-noi-co-bai-bien-dep-nhat-quang-ngai-post1087380.vov Altered from source photo.

• Lý Sơn Islands are 19 miles off the coast. They consist of two islands and an islet, Mù Cu. Lý Sơn Island (aka Ré Island) is the larger and Bờ Bãi's is the smaller. The larger island is unusual, with six dormant volcanic craters. The largest one is named "Thới Lới." Lý Sơn also boasts unusual rock formations and dramatic cliffs. In addition, the islands are famous for their garlic and shallot crops, and excellent seafood offerings, such as lobsters, crabs and sea urchins. There are five beaches for snorkeling and paddling.

Source: Multiple authors. "Lý Sơn." vi.wikipedia.org. September 3, 2024. https://vi.wikipedia.org/wiki/L%C3%BD_S%C6%A1n

Hữu Minh. "Đảo Lý Sơn - Kỳ quan thiên nhiên độc đáo." Dân Trí. May 10, 2023. https://dantri.com.vn/du-lich/dao-ly-son-ky-quan-thien-nhien-doc-dao-20230510144242051.htm

Unknown author. "Top 5 bãi tắm đẹp ở đảo Lý - nên ghé khi du lịch Lý Sơn." vi vu Lý Sơn. Date unknown. https://vivulyson.com/top-bai-tam-bien-dep-o-dao-ly-son

Tom. "Ly Son Island: Travel Guide." Vietnam Coracle. June 2019. https://www.vietnamcoracle.com/ly-son-island-travel-guide/

Image source: Unknown photographer. "Lý Sơn island," Year unknown. Accessed via https://vietnam.travel/things-to-do/visit-ly-son-island-for-pristine-beaches-and-more Unaltered from source photo.

Image source: Hữu Minh. "Bãi Hang Câu, 2023. Accessed via https://dantri.com.vn/du-lich/dao-ly-son-ky-quan-thien-nhien-doc-dao-20230510144242051.htm Altered from source photo.

• Mỹ Khê Beach (aka Quảng Ngãi Beach) is northeast of the city with the same name. It is more than 4 miles in length, with smooth white sand.

Source: Unknown author. "Bãi biển Mỹ Khê." Ủy Ban Nhân Dân Tỉnh Quảng Ngãi." September 9. 2011. https://quangngai.gov.vn/xem-chi-tiet/-/asset_publisher/Content/bai-bien-my-khe?8237909

Image source: Unknown photographer. "Bãi biển Quảng Ngãi," 2022. Accessed via https://chamdiscovery.com/top-5-bai-bien-quang-ngai-dep-nhat/ Unaltered from source photo.

• Lệ Thủy Beach is nicknamed "The second Lý Sơn" because of its large rock walls along the beach. It is more than half a mile in length, with golden sand and turquoise blue water.

Source: Viên Nguyễn. "Bãi biển nên thơ được mệnh danh là Lý Sơn thứ hai ở Quảng Ngãi." June 10, 2024. Báo Lao Động. https://dulich.laodong.vn/kham-pha/bai-bien-nen-tho-duoc-menh-danh-la-ly-son-thu-hai-o-quang-ngai-1350873.html

Unknown author. "Ghé biển Lệ Thủy - Bãi biển vầng trăng khuyết tuyệt đẹp ở Quảng Ngãi." Du Lịch Việt Nam. August 21, 2020. https://dulichvietnam.com.vn/ghe-bien-le-thuy-bai-bien-vang-trang-khuyet-tuyet-dep-o-quang-ngai.html

Image source: Viên Nguyễn. "Biển Lệ Thủy," 2024. Accessed via https://dulich.laodong.vn/kham-pha/bai-bien-nen-tho-duoc-menh-danh-la-ly-son-thu-hai-o-quang-ngai-1350873.html Unaltered from source photo.

Bình Định Province

There are a number of beautiful beaches and islands, not far from the main City of Quy Nhơn, to explore and enjoy.

• Quy Nhơn Beach is in the city that bears its name, with more than 3 miles in length, and very popular with tourists.

Source: Hồng Anh. Dân Trí. "10 điểm du lịch không thể bỏ lỡ khi đến Bình Định." December 18. 2022. https://dantri.com.vn/van-hoa/10-diem-du-lich-khong-the-bo-lo-khi-den-binh-dinh-20231031104635562.htm

Image source: Unknown photographer. "Bãi biển Quy Nhơn," 2022. Accessed via https://www.gotadi.com/tour/bien-quy-nhon/ Unaltered from source photo.

• Kỳ Co Beach, surrounded by mountains on three sides, is on Phương Mai Peninsula. It is about 15 miles from Quy Nhơn. The beach offers white sand and turquoise blue water. From the picture below, it reminds me of a larger version of the beach on Ti Tốp Island in Hạ Long Bay.

Source: Unknown author. "Cẩm nang Du lịch Kỳ Co 2024." vnexpress.net. 2024. https://vnexpress.net/cam-nang-du-lich-ky-co-4475856.html

Image source: Trung Hào."Đảo Kỳ Co," 2024. Accessed via https://vnexpress.net/cam-nang-du-lich-ky-co-4475856.html Altered from source photo.

• Trung Lương Beach, at the foot of Mount Bà, is 19 miles northeast of Quy Nhơn. This place is great for camping and swimming,

Source: Unknown author. "Ghé thăm khu du lịch dã ngoại Trung Lương, điểm đến hấp dẫn của Bình Định." Vietnam Booking. Date unknown. https://www.vietnambooking.com/du-lich/blog-du-lich/ghe-tham-khu-da-ngoai-trung-luong-dia-diem-du-lich-hap-dan-cua-binh-dinh.html

Image source: Trang TTDT Bình Định, "Bãi biển Trung Lương," 2024. Access via https://dulich.laodong.vn/kham-pha/5-bai-bien-dep-o-binh-dinh-du-khach-khong-nen-bo-lo-he-nay-1316027.html Unaltered from source photo.

• Vân Phi Island (aka Xanh Island) is about 10 miles southeast of Quy Nhơn. Xanh means green in English. It is a verdant island, hence its name. The beaches here offer white sand and excellent seafood.

Source: Unknown author. "Cẩm nang Du lịch Cù Lao" vnexpress. Date unknown. https://vnexpress.net/cam-nang-du-lich-cu-lao-xanh-4598306.html

Image source: Unknown photographer, "Green island," Year unknown. Accessed via https://63stravel.com/public/en/video/pacify/green-island Unaltered from source photo.

• Khô Island is just off the coast, from the fishing Village of Nhơn Hải. It is one of the thirty two islands near the coast of Bình Định Province. It is famous for its coral sea. At low tide, one can walk from the village to the island.

Source: Hà Lê. "Một ngày ăn ngon chơi đã trên đảo Hòn Khô hoang sơ ở Quy Nhơn ." Báo Lao Động. November 27, 2023. https://dulich.laodong.vn/kham-pha/mot-ngay-an-ngon-choi-da-tren-dao-hon-kho-hoang-so-o-quy-nhon-1272062.html

Image source: Unknown photographer. "Hòn Khô," 2023. Accessed via https://dulich.laodong.vn/kham-pha/mot-ngay-an-ngon-choi-da-tren-dao-hon-kho-hoang-so-o-quy-nhon-1272062.html Unaltered from source photo.

Image source: Unknown photographer. "Hòn Khô," 2023. Accessed via https://dulich.laodong.vn/kham-pha/mot-ngay-an-ngon-choi-da-tren-dao-hon-kho-hoang-so-o-quy-nhon-1272062.html Unaltered from source photo.

Phú Yên Province

The coastline of Phú Yên is about 120 mile long, offering numerous beautiful beaches and nearby islands, for swimming and camping.

• The beach at Hòa (Harmony) Bay is an endless stretch of white sand and clear blue water. This location is great for camping and swimming.

Image source: Unknown photographer, "Vịnh Hòa," Year unknown. Accessed via https://dulichsongcau.phuyen.gov.vn/dia-diem-du-lich/ve-vinh-hoa-nghe-bien-hat-764161 Unaltered from source photo.

• Xuân Đài Bay has a small fishing village, Gành Đỏ, and a beautiful beach. The area is dotted with unusual reddish brown rock walls, and also famous for its fish sauce. The sea here is quite shallow - one can walk for about 160 feet from the beach, and the water is only at an adult's waist level.

Source: Unknown author. "12 bãi tắm đẹp tuyệt vời ở Phú Yên." Phu Yen Tourist. August 14, 2020. https://phuyentourist.com/nhung-noi-tam-bien-tuyet-voi-o-phu-yen/#2_Bai_tam_bien_Bai_Nom

Unknown author. "Về với Gành Đỏ Phú Yên cảm nhận cuộc sống dân chài vùng biển xứ Nẫu." mia.vn. September 21, 2023. https://mia.vn/cam-nang-du-lich/ve-voi-ganh-do-phu-yen-cam-nhan-cuoc-song-dan-chai-vung-bien-xu-nau-2223

Image source: Unknown photographer, "Vinh Xuân Đài," 2023. Accessed via https://mia.vn/cam-nang-du-lich/ve-voi-ganh-do-phu-yen-cam-nhan-cuoc-song-dan-chai-vung-bien-xu-nau-2223 Unaltered from source photo.

• Tuy Hòa Beach, along Độc Lập (Independence) Boulevard, in the city with the same name, is more than 6 miles in length. It has the pine forest on one side and the blue sea on the other.

Source: Unknown author. "Bãi biển Tuy Hòa." Phu Yen Tourism. December 29, 2020. https://phuyentourism.gov.vn/diem-du-lich/bai-bien/bai-bien-tuy-hoa.html

Image source: Unknown photographer. "Bãi biển Tuy Hòa," 2020. Accessed via https://phuyentourism.gov.vn/diem-du-lich/bai-bien/bai-bien-tuy-hoa.html Unaltered from source photo.

• Vũng Rô Bay offers a quiet and wild beach, with white sand and turquoise water.

Source: Unknown author. "Vịnh Vũng Rô Phú Yên." Du Lịch Di Sản Việt. Date unknown. https://dulichdisanviet.vn/thong-tin/vinh-vung-ro-phu-yen

Image source: Unknown photographer, "Vịnh Vũng Rô," Year unknown. Accessed via https://dulichdisanviet.vn/thong-tin/vinh-vung-ro-phu-yen Unaltered from source photo.

Khánh Hòa Province

Khánh Hòa is famous for its beaches and islands off its coast. The most well known, internationally, is the long stretch of white sand, hugging the City of Nha Trang along Trần Phú Boulevard. The province also boasts of having two of four most beautiful bays in Việt Nam: Cam Ranh and Nha Trang.

• Đại Lãnh Beach is only 18 miles from Tuy Hòa.

Source: Unknown author. "Khu du lịch bãi biển Đại Nha Trang hoang sơ kỳ vĩ." Nha Trang Today. Date unknown. https://nhatrangtoday.vn/bai-bien-dai-lanh-nha-trang-post20

Image source: Accessed via https://nhatrangtoday.vn/bai-bien-dai-lanh-nha-trang-post20 Altered from source photo.

• Trần Phú Beach, in Nha Trang Bay, is 7.5 mile long. The bay, along with Hạ Long's and Lăng Cô's, is ranked as one of the most beautiful bays by UNESCO - Most Beautiful Bays in the World Club. It also has nineteen islands, Tre, the largest, and Nọc, the smallest.

Source: Trung Thi. "Khoảnh khắc ngắm bình minh tuyệt đẹp ở biển Nha Trang." Dân Trí. July 25, 2023. https://dantri.com.vn/du-lich/khoanh-khac-ngam-binh-minh-tuyet-dep-o-bien-nha-trang-20230722165539570.htm

Author Name unknown. "UNESCO - Most Beautiful Bays in the World Club." Real Costa ~ Brava. Date unknown. http://www.real-costa-brava.com/unesco-most-beautiful-bays-in-the-world-club.html

Author unknown. "Vịnh Nha Trang: Vịnh biển đẹp nhất Việt Nam." Nha Trang 79. Date unknown. https://nhatrang79.com/vinh-nha-trang-atc.80

Image source: Trung Phi, "Bãi biển Trần Phú," 2023. Accessed via https://dantri.com.vn/du-lich/khoanh-khac-ngam-binh-minh-tuyet-dep-o-bien-nha-trang-20230722165539570.htm Altered from source photo.

• Tre island, the largest in Nha Trang bay, has two awesome beaches: Trũ and Đầm Bấy.

• Dài (Long) Beach, near Cam Ranh's airport, wild and unspoiled, offers 6 mile stretch of white sand.

Source: Unknown author. "Bãi Dài Nha Trang ở đâu? Kinh nghiệm du lịch Bãi Dài chi tiết." Nha Trang Today. Date unknown. https://vietrektravel.com/tin-tuc/6372/Top-Cac-Bai-Bien-Khanh-Hoa-Dep-Ngat-Ngay

Khánh Hòa. "Bãi biển 'đẹp nhất hành tinh' nơi Văn Lâm làm đám cưới." Ngôi Sao vnexpress. July 10, 2024. https://ngoisao.vnexpress.net/bai-bien-dep-bac-nhat-hanh-tinh-noi-van-lam-lam-dam-cuoi-4767995.html

Image source: Unknown photographer. "Bãi Dài Nha Trang," Year unknown. Accessed via https://nhatrangtoday.vn/bai-dai-nha-trang-post14 Altered from source photo.

• Sơn Đừng Beach, often forgotten by tourists, is on Đầm Môn Peninsula. Its sand has fewer footprints and its sea has beautiful corals, great for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Source: Phạm Huyền. "Sơn Đừng - thiên đường ngủ quên của Khánh Hòa." Báo Lao Động. November 12, 2022. https://dulich.laodong.vn/kham-pha/son-dung-thien-duong-ngu-quen-cua-khanh-hoa-1115487.html

Image source: Traveloka VN, "Ít ai biết Khánh Hòa còn có một Sơn Đừng hoang sơ như thế," 2017. https://www.traveloka.com/vi-vn/explore/destination/dao-son-dung-du-lich-khanh-hoa/58227 Unaltered from source photo.

• Sao Beach, at the foot of a mountain, is in scenic Cam Ranh bay.

Source: Unknown author. "Top các bãi biển Khánh Hòa đẹp ngất ngây." Vietrek Travel. Date unknown. https://vietrektravel.com/tin-tuc/6372/Top-Cac-Bai-Bien-Khanh-Hoa-Dep-Ngat-Ngay

Image source: Unknown photographer, "Sao biển Cam Ranh," Year unknown. https://www.tripadvisor.com.vn/Hotel_Review-g1025208-d17697324-Reviews-Sao_Bien_Cam_Ranh_Starfish_Cam_Ranh-Cam_Ranh_Khanh_Hoa_Province.html Unaltered from source photo.

Ninh Thuận Province

Vĩnh Hy Bay is one of the four most beautiful bays in Việt Nam.

• Vĩnh Hy Bay is small but it has a majestic and wild beauty. It is less than 30 miles north of Phan Rang. The beach here offers white sand and stunning corals, great for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Source: Linh Boo. "Ninh Thuận: Đến Vĩnh Hy đừng bỏ lỡ 5 điểm check in tuyệt đẹp này." Báo Lao Động. August 10, 2023. https://www.vietjetair.com/vi/pages/du-lich-vinh-hy-kham-pha-top-4-vinh-dep-nhat-viet-nam-1667037648565

Image source: Unknown photographer. "Vịnh Vĩnh Hy," Year unknown. Accessed via https://www.vietjetair.com/vi/pages/du-lich-vinh-hy-kham-pha-top-4-vinh-dep-nhat-viet-nam-1667037648565 Unaltered from source photo.

• Bình Tiên Beach, north of Vĩnh Hy Bay, near the border with Khánh Hòa, is not well known to tourists. Camping and snorkeling are great here.

Source: Unknown author. "Muốn đi biển vừa gần vừa đẹp thì biển Bình Tiên Ninh Thuận là chọn lựa hợp lý, hợp tình." Ninh Thuan Tourism. June 9, 2021. https://ninhthuantourism.vn/vi/detailnews/?t=late&id=news_1472

Image source: Unknown photographer. "Bãi biển Bình Tiên," Year unknown. Accessed via https://mia.vn/cam-nang-du-lich/binh-tien-chon-tien-canh-hoang-so-dep-den-nao-long-701 Unaltered from source photo.

• Bình Hưng is a small island off the coast, across from Kinh Beach. It takes only half a day to see its entirety. The rewards are small wild beaches, that are not frequent by tourists. Kinh Beach is a hidden gem, a stretch of white sand and turquoise water, not too far south of Bình Tiên Beach.

Source: Unknown author. "Khám phá đảo Bình Hưng hoang sơ." Cục Du Lịch Quốc Gia Việt Nam. June 5, 2019. https://vietnamtourism.gov.vn/post/29223

Unknown author. "Bãi Kinh - [Review] du lịch bãi Kinh từ A-Z." Nha Trang Enjoy. Date unknown. https://nhatrangenjoy.vn/bai-kinh-ninh-thuan/

Image source: Unknown photographer, "Đảo Bình Hưng," Year unknown. Accessed via https://63stravel.com/en/photo/khanh-hoa-101/discover-the-wild-features-of-binh-hung-island Unaltered from source photo.

• Ninh Chữ Beach, a short distance from Phan Rang, is over 6 mile long.

Source: Linh Boo. "Du lịch Ninh Thuận nhất định phải ghé thăm những bãi biển này." Báo Lao Động. May 9, 2024. https://dulich.laodong.vn/tin-tuc/du-lich-ninh-thuan-nhat-dinh-phai-ghe-tham-nhung-bai-bien-nay-1337342.html

Image source: Unknown photographer. "Bãi biển Ninh Chữ," Year unknown. Accessed via https://ninhthuantourism.vn/vi/bienninhchu Unaltered from source photo.

Bình Thuận Province

Mũi Né Beach offers an unforgettable experience.

• Cam Bình-La Gi Beach is situated on a 28 mile coastline, about 37 miles from Phan Thiết.

Source: Vân Anh. "Có một vùng biển La Gi dung dị, hoang sơ ở Bình Thuận." Báo Lao Động. October 10, 2022. https://dulich.laodong.vn/hanh-trinh/co-mot-vung-bien-la-gi-dung-di-hoang-so-o-binh-thuan-1102833.html

Image source: Unknown photographer. "Bãi biển Cam Bình," 2018. Accessed via https://vietmytravel.com.vn/san-pham/du-lich-bien-cam-binh-hoang-yen-binh-va-tho-mong/ Unaltered from source photo.

• Rạng Beach, 10 miles north of Phan Thiết, is a beautiful stretch of palm trees, golden sand, and turquoise water.

Source: Unknown author. "Teambuilding: Bãi Rạng - Phan Thiết - Bình Thuận." vteambuilding.com. Date unknown. https://vteambuilding.com/teambuilding-bai-rang-phan-thiet-binh-thuan/

Image source: Unknown photographer, "Bãi Rạng - Phan Thiết - Bình Thuận," Year unknown. Accessed via https://vteambuilding.com/teambuilding-bai-rang-phan-thiet-binh-thuan/ Unaltered from source photo.

• Mũi Kê Gà Beach is not too far from Cam Bình-La Gi's. The lighthouse here, completed by the French in 1898, is the oldest in Southeast Asia.

Source: Unknown author. "Mũi Kê Gà - nét đẹp nguyên sơ, thanh bình." Vietravel. Date unknown. https://www.vietravel.com/vn/du-lich-bang-hinh-anh/mui-ke-ga--net-dep-nguyen-so-thanh-binh-v1431.aspx

Image source: Unknown photographer. "Mũi Kê Gà - nét đẹp nguyên sơ, thanh bình," Year unknown. Accessed via https://www.vietravel.com/vn/du-lich-bang-hinh-anh/mui-ke-ga--net-dep-nguyen-so-thanh-binh-v1431.aspx Unaltered from source photo.

• Phú Quý Island is about 56 nautical miles, southeast of Phan Thiết. It has several small beaches - one of them is in Triều Dương Bay, with white sand. This island also has an ancient temple, established at the end of the fifteenth century, to worship a Champa princess. According to a legend, she was exiled here, by the king, for refusing an arranged marriage. She decided to stay on this island, at the end of her punishment, until her death. During her lifetime here, she assisted the local population to repel a foreign intrusion.

Source: Unknown author. "Đảo Phú Quý - nơi du ngoạn hấp dẫn và đầy tiềm năng." Cục Du Lịch Quốc Gia Việt Nam. July 5, 2021. https://vietnamtourism.gov.vn/post/37069

Image source: Phuquy Travel, "Bãi nhỏ - Gành Hang," 2021. Accessed via https://vietnamtourism.gov.vn/post/37069 Unaltered from source photo.

• Mũi Né is the top destination for windsurfing, kitesurfing, sailing, and other water sports in Việt Nam. The sand dunes here are epic in size, and unforgettable, with 18 shades, ranging from white, gold, pink to reddish.

Source: Unknown author. "Kitesurfing in Vietnam." IKO. Date unknown. https://www.ikointl.com/destination/kitesurfing-vietnam

Unknown author. "Mũi Né beach Việt Nam." Hai Tuan Travel. Date unknown. https://muine-explorer.com/en/tour/attractions/mui-ne-beach/

Author unknown. "Đồi cát bay - Khám phá thế giới đầy màu sắc và hấp dẫn." 52Hz. Date unknown. https://52hz.vn/doi-cat-bay/

Image source: Unknown photographer, "Đồi cát Mũi Né," 2024. Accessed via https://www.phunuonline.com.vn/nhung-diem-du-lich-len-hinh-dep-khong-tuong-cua-phan-thiet-a1509496.html Unaltered from source photo.

Image source: Unknown photographer. "Bàu Trắng và Bàu Sen," 2024. Accessed via https://www.phunuonline.com.vn/nhung-diem-du-lich-len-hinh-dep-khong-tuong-cua-phan-thiet-a1509496.html Unaltered from source photo.

I learned two awesome things about South Central Việt Nam: the ancient Sa Huỳnh Culture and the epic sand dunes of Mũi Né. I would pick Lý Sơn Island and Mũi Né as my top two destinations. I hope you enjoy reading it so far. I appreciate if you can leave a comment. Part 4, the final installment, is about the beaches of Southern Vietnam.