Top 09 Best Beaches In Northern Vietnam For Your Vacation
Tuesday, July 01, 2025
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Searching for the best beaches in northern Vietnam for your holiday? While southern Vietnam can be the main attraction, the north has beautiful and undervalued coastal treasures. The northern beaches in Vietnam entice visitors with their relaxed vibe, golden sands, clear blue waters, and untouched natural beauty. From the bay of Cát Bà to the wild beaches of Cô Tô, including the soothing beaches of Quan Lạn and the lengthy Trà Cổ beach. Whether looking for rest, culture, or beach activities, we have you covered, so check out our round-up of the best beach destinations in northern Vietnam and find your perfect beach getaway! With fewer crowds and rich local charm, these top beach northern Vietnam spots offer the peaceful escape you’ve been dreaming of.
Table of Contents
- 1. Cat Ba Beach (Hải Phòng) – One of the best beaches in northern Vietnam
- 2. Co To Beach (Quang Ninh) – Among the most beautiful northern beaches in Vietnam
- 3. Lan Ha Beach (Hai Phong) – A peaceful gem among top beach northern Vietnam
- 4. Which northern beach in Vietnam should you visit? Quan Lan Beach (Quang Ninh)
- 5. Minh Chau Beach (Quang Ninh) – A must-visit beach in northern Vietnam
- 6. Bai Chay Beach (Ha Long) – A famous beach in northern Vietnam
- 7. What are the best beaches in northern Vietnam? Tra Co Beach (Mong Cai) is a top beach in Northern Vietnam
- 8. Do Son Beach (Hai Phong), one of the top beach northern Vietnam spots
- 9. Hon Dau Beach (Hai Phong), a hidden gem among northern beaches in Vietnam
1. Cat Ba Beach (Hải Phòng) – One of the best beaches in northern Vietnam
Make sure to visit Cat Ba, a beautiful island you can reach by boat from Hai Phong. The island shows great potential for tourism with its lush beauty, and it is a fantastic getaway from the city. Located east of Hanoi only 150 km, Cat Ba is one of the easiest to reach northern beaches in Vietnam. You can take a train to Hai Phong and then take a speedboat or ferry to Cat Ba.
Lan Ha Bay has some of the best beaches in northern Vietnam like Cat Co 1 and Cat Co 2, Da Ban, Ben Beo, and Cai Tien. In addition to the beaches, there are hidden caves: Trung Trang, Hoa Cuong, and Thien Long. Cat Ba provides excellent beach access and great opportunities for adventure.
2. Co To Beach (Quang Ninh) – Among the most beautiful northern beaches in Vietnam
Among three major islands in the district, Co To Island has amazing geological formations and an apparently infinite expanse of white-sand beaches. Among the greatest beaches in northern Vietnam with serene waters and unspoiled surroundings are Van Chay Beach by the west coast and Hong Van Beach on the east coast, respectively, along with spectacular landscapes molded by roughly forces of nature.
Should you come during the rice harvest season (April–May or October–November), be sure not to miss the view from the lighthouse on the island across rice fields and casuarina trees that line the shores. To see the quiet beauty of northern beaches in Vietnam, Co To is the perfect location.
3. Lan Ha Beach (Hai Phong) – A peaceful gem among top beach northern Vietnam
Many claim that Lan Ha Bay has Northern Vietnam's best beaches; it spans 7,000 hectares to the south of Ha Long Bay and east of Cat Ba Island. Mostly natural and peaceful is the environment nearby.
Someone who loves kayaking or cruising will find Lan Ha Bay to be the perfect spot; the foggy weather from February to March enables you to value the secret beauty of the bay even more. Local aquaculture families can experience local culture via Van Gia floating village. One of the top beaches in Northern Vietnam, Lan Ha has a natural soothing attitude.
4. Which northern beach in Vietnam should you visit? Quan Lan Beach (Quang Ninh)
On Quan Lan Island, near the local market and port, you have Quan Lan Beach. This beach is considered one of the top beaches in northern Vietnam with a beautiful crescent factor to it. The beach slopes gently into the sea with tall and green casuarina surrounding it. The amazing view of wild beauty is quite remarkable.
When you're looking for places to take peace from a big tourist crowd destination, this is one of the top beaches in northern Vietnam. The sand is light and soft, and the water is shallow and clean - with a ‘safe to swim’ vibe. When we say it feels very natural, relaxed and was what they marketed as one of the more beautiful northern beaches of Vietnam regarding beach beauty. This beach can also attract you too watch the sunrise, or take a quiet stroll at sunset in a dreamily beautiful space.
5. Minh Chau Beach (Quang Ninh) – A must-visit beach in northern Vietnam
Quan Lan Island's Minh Chau Commune in Quang Ninh Province is home to Minh Chau Beach. Loved by many visitors during peak season for its pristine white and fine sand, visitors looking for a quieter, more special experience can walk about one kilometer to Truy Minh Chau port, where comparable appeal and quality can be found but without the crowds. This beach can be a reinvigorating getaway almost ved without tourists as it boasts crystal clear waters.
Often considered the best northern beach in Vietnam, Minh Chau beach is well-known for its natural gifts and relaxed atmosphere. It is one not to be missed when on an arranged vacation with family or a romantic getaway. Although Minh Chau beach is still being sounded out as the premier beach in northern Vietnam, when swimming it is important to be mindful of the swimming quality in general. Northern beaches can often detach waste into the sea in some areas even without those indicators which could negatively affect swimming or water quality in general.
6. Bai Chay Beach (Ha Long) – A famous beach in northern Vietnam
Stretching about 500 meters long and 100 meters wide along Ha Long Bay, Bai Chay Beach is an artificial beach. With soft hills descending to the sea and a 2-kilometer pine forest, this is a soothing and enjoyable spot to relax. Because of its proximity to numerous hotels, restaurants, and sights like Sun World, Bai Chay Beach is well-known.
Should you opt to go to Bai Chay Beach, be warned it will be rather congested as it is among the most frequented northern Vietnamese beaches. Among the many beaches in northern Vietnam, its convenient travel from Hanoi and contemporary conveniences make it a good alternative. Though it may not be one of northern Vietnam's greatest beaches for being most natural or wild, it is thought to be among the most active and tourism-friendly one.
7. What are the best beaches in northern Vietnam? Tra Co Beach (Mong Cai) is a top beach in Northern Vietnam
With fifteen kilometers of coastline, Tra Co Beach is known as one of the top beaches northern Vietnam and has preserved its natural beauty. This beach is well-known for its golden sand, turquoise waters, and breathtaking natural vistas 200 kilometers from Ha Long and only 8 kilometers from Mong Cai. Visitors may discover distinctive nearby attractions like Da Den Beach, Sa Vi Cape, or the casuarina forest humming with the wind while enjoying Tra Co Beach.
One of the most tranquil northern beaches in Vietnam is Tra Co. It's perfect for unwinding without the masses. Among the best northern Vietnam alternatives for a summer getaway, it becomes a great escape. Guests can stroll along the silky dunes, swim, or taste regional seafood specialties at nearby beach restaurants. Tra Co unquestionably belongs on any list of the finest beaches in northern Vietnam.
8. Do Son Beach (Hai Phong), one of the top beach northern Vietnam spots
Around two hours from Hanoi in northern Vietnam, Do Son Beach is a beautiful beachfront location. Do Son's soothing general vibe makes it ideal for a brief vacation with calm seas, green hills, and brown sand. Good for a weekend trip or an unplanned journey, Do Son is arguably among the simplest northern beaches in Vietnam to go to. Despite its less than immaculate natural beach in northern Vietnam, Do Son is still among the top three most often used beach names for convenient access to a beach for a day trip or weekend and the bustling scene.
Aside from the natural surroundings, Do Son has much history and culture for visitors and guests. Originally a preferred vacation destination for the French colonial elite, numerous historic European-style villas may still be found. The major tourist destinations include the Bao Dai Villa, the historical Ben Nghieng area, and sacred temples Hang Pagoda and Thap Pagoda. For cuisine fans, Do Son has steamed crabs, tamarind-fried clams, grilled fish, and crispy squid by the beach, all fresh seafood.
9. Hon Dau Beach (Hai Phong), a hidden gem among northern beaches in Vietnam
For nature enthusiasts and people looking for serenity, Hon Dau Beach is firmly positioned in the tranquil region close to Do Son in Hai Phong city. From Do Son port, you may travel by boat to Hon Dau to experience the energizing tropical woodland officially designated to have trees more than 100 years old. Built in 1892, the Hon Dau Lighthouse offers a 360 view of the ocean from its apex. Visitors have the opportunity to explore the holy temple of the Southern Sea God not too far away as well.
Hon Dau, with its peaceful atmosphere and flawless beauty, is more like a jewel tucked away amidst the top beaches in Northern Vietnam. Hon Dau is unquestionably among the top beaches in Northern Vietnam you will want to kick up sand on if you are seeking for a remote beach specific to the others and traveling away from the hectic crowds.
For more details, feel free to contact Autour Asia, Vietnam Travel Agency.
Northern Vietnam is not only about breathtaking mountains and rice paddies but also impressively has a plethora of incredible beaches to enjoy. From bustling places like Đồ Sơn and Bãi Cháy to untouched paradises such as Cô Tô, Quan Lạn, and Hòn Dấu, the northern beaches in Vietnam have something for everyone. Whether you enjoy lounging on the sand, swimming in the ocean, nature walking, or discovering local culture, you will be able to find an escape in northern Vietnam. This top 9 list shares each of the unique beauties and vibes from some of the best beaches in northern Vietnam. If you are seeking the top beach northern Vietnam experience for your next holiday, let this guide create visions of adventure for you! Get ready to pack your bags, and enjoy the peace and beauty of northern Vietnam's coastline!
Wannah E.
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How to make the most of Cát Bà Beach?
To enjoy both the beach and nature, take a 2-day tour to Cát Bà Island. It’s one of the top beaches in northern Vietnam. You can explore the calm waters of Lan Ha Bay, go kayaking, visit floating villages, and relax on some of the best beaches in northern Vietnam. This short cruise lets you enjoy beautiful landscapes and peaceful moments by the sea. For full details, check out this unforgettable itinerary here: Cat Ba 2-day cruise.
Ursula O.
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What are the best beaches in northern Vietnam to discover?
Among the best beaches in northern Vietnam are Cát Bà, Quan Lạn, Trà Cổ, Minh Châu, Hòn Dấu, and Bãi Cháy. Each beach has its own charm: some are wild and peaceful, others offer modern facilities and spectacular views. These must-visit beaches in Vietnam are ideal for those seeking relaxation, natural beauty, and authentic experiences. Whether you prefer quiet escapes or lively beach towns, northern Vietnam has a wide variety of coastal destinations for every type of trip.
Sarah L.
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What is the best time to visit the northern beaches in Vietnam?
The best time to visit the northern beaches in Vietnam is from May to October when the weather is warm and sunny, perfect for swimming and relaxing. Spring, especially February and March, is also a great time to enjoy misty landscapes, like those in Lan Ha Bay. Summer is ideal for beach activities, while autumn offers peaceful getaways during the low season. However, travelers should avoid typhoon season, which usually occurs from late July to early September depending on the region.
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