Exploring the beaches near Hanoi is an excellent way to escape the bustling city and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of northern Vietnam. While Hanoi itself is not a coastal city, several stunning beach destinations within a few hours’ drive offer picturesque landscapes, relaxing atmospheres, and a variety of enjoyable activities.
Beaches near Hanoi within 150km
Several excellent options lie within a comfortable 2-hour drive for a quick beach escape from Hanoi.
Do Son Beach – Hai Phong (about 120km)
Do Son, meaning “Green Mountain”, is the closest beach to Hanoi and a popular weekend retreat for locals. With a history dating back to the French colonial era, Do Son has long been a favorite retreat for both locals and tourists. Just a 2-3 hour drive from the capital, this beach offers a quick escape to the coast without requiring extensive travel time.
The beach stretches for several kilometers, offering plenty of space for sunbathing, beach games, and leisurely walks along the shoreline. The water is relatively calm, making it suitable for swimming and water sports. Do Son is divided into three zones, each with its own character and amenities. Zone 2 is particularly popular, with a range of hotels, restaurants, and entertainment options
It’s great for swimming in the morning until you’re hungry, allowing you to enjoy Vietnamese cuisine in the best possible way. You can discover more about the “best food in Vietnam”
One of Vietnam’s travel tips for travelers is to visit Do Son during the week to avoid crowds. The best time to enjoy the beach is from April to October when the weather is warm and sunny. Don’t miss trying the local seafood specialties, especially the famous Do Son crab.
Con Den Beach – Hai Phong (about 130km)
For those seeking a secluded escape, Con Den Beach offers a pristine haven. Nestled within Cat Ba National Park, this lesser-known beach offers a more secluded and peaceful experience compared to its more famous neighbors. The beach is characterized by its pristine white sand and clear blue waters, surrounded by lush greenery.
What sets Con Den apart is its relatively undeveloped nature, providing visitors with a sense of discovering an unspoiled paradise. The beach is perfect for those who prefer a quieter, more natural setting away from the crowds. Activities here include swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the nearby fishing villages to get a taste of local life.
The journey to Con Den Beach is part of the adventure, involving a scenic drive and a short ferry ride. This slight difficulty in access has helped preserve the beach’s natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere. The best time to visit is from April to October when the weather is most favorable for beach activities.
Hai Dong Beach – Hai Phong (about 120km)
Hai Dong Beach is a rising star among beaches near Hanoi. This newly developed resort town boasts a pristine stretch of golden sand and offers a variety of modern amenities. Luxury resorts, beachfront restaurants, and water sports activities cater to travelers seeking a comfortable and exciting beach experience.Â
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The beach is particularly popular among locals, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into Vietnamese beach culture. During the summer months, Hai Dong comes alive with families and young people enjoying various beach activities, from swimming and beach volleyball to simply relaxing under colorful umbrellas.
One of the highlights of Hai Dong Beach is its stunning sunsets. As the day winds down, the sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant colors, creating a magical atmosphere that’s perfect for romantic strolls or capturing memorable photographs.
Quat Lam Beach – Ninh Binh (about 120km)
Head south to Ninh Binh province and discover Quat Lam Beach, which offers a unique coastal experience that combines beach relaxation with cultural exploration. This beach is relatively undeveloped, providing a more natural and rustic beach experience.Â
The beach stretches for about 3 kilometers, providing ample space for visitors to enjoy the sun and sea. The water is generally calm, making it suitable for swimming, especially for families with children. The beach is lined with casuarina trees, offering natural shade and a picturesque backdrop for beach activities.
What sets Quat Lam apart is its location near the famous Phat Diem Stone Cathedral, a unique architectural marvel that blends Vietnamese and European styles. Visitors can easily combine a beach day with a cultural excursion to this impressive site. Tourists should plan to visit Quat Lam Beach between April and October for the best beach weather.Â
Quang Lang Beach – Thai Binh (about 122km)
Quang Lang Beach, located about 122 kilometers from Hanoi in Thai Binh province, is known for its picturesque landscape and tranquil environment. The beach is ideal for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a peaceful day by the sea. The area is also famous for its seafood, offering fresh and delicious options for visitors.
Quang Lang Beach, situated in Thai Binh province, is a relatively undiscovered gem among the Hanoi beach. This long, wide beach is known for its pristine beauty and tranquil atmosphere, offering visitors a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The beach is characterized by its fine, golden sand and clear waters. Unlike some of the more developed beaches, Quang Lang maintains a natural, unspoiled charm. The gentle slope of the beach makes it ideal for swimming, while the vast expanse of sand is perfect for beach games and long walks.
One of the unique aspects of Quang Lang Beach is its proximity to local salt fields. Visitors can observe traditional salt harvesting techniques, adding an educational element to their beach experience. The area is also known for its fresh seafood, with many small restaurants offering delicious local specialties.
Dong Chau Beach – Thai Binh Province (about 140km)
Dong Chau Beach is a quiet and less commercialized beach in Thai Binh province. This stretch of pristine coastline offers visitors a serene and unspoiled beach experience, far from the crowds often found at more popular destinations.
The beach is characterized by its fine golden sand and clear, shallow waters, making it ideal for swimming and water activities. The gentle slope of the beach creates a wide expanse of sand during low tide, perfect for long walks, beach games, or simply relaxing under the sun. The area is surrounded by casuarina forests, providing natural shade and a picturesque backdrop.
Vietnam travel tips for travelers is to visit between April and October for the best weather conditions. One of the unique features of Dong Chau Beach is its rich ecosystem. The nearby mangrove forests are home to diverse flora and fauna, offering opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and observe local wildlife.
Con Vanh Beach – Thai Binh (about 150km)
Con Vanh Beach, situated in Thai Binh Province, is a unique coastal destination that combines beautiful beaches with rich biodiversity. This eco-tourism area offers visitors not just a beach getaway, but also an opportunity to explore diverse ecosystems and learn about environmental conservation.
The beach itself stretches for about 3 kilometers, featuring soft sand and calm waters suitable for swimming. What sets Con Vanh apart is its surrounding environment. The beach is part of a larger area that includes mangrove forests, mudflats, and sand dunes, each supporting a variety of plant and animal species.
The best time to visit is from April to October. Visitors to Con Vanh can enjoy traditional beach activities like sunbathing and swimming, but they can also participate in eco-tours that showcase the area’s natural beauty. These may include mangrove forest walks, bird-watching tours, or visits to local fishing villages to learn about traditional livelihoods.
Beaches beyond 150km for the adventurous traveler
For those seeking a true adventure, several stunning beaches lie within a 4-hour drive from Hanoi, ideal for seasoned travelers.
Hai Tien Beach – Thanh Hoa (about 170km)
For those seeking a beach escape with a touch of adventure, Hai Tien Beach in Thanh Hoa province is a great option. This beach boasts a dramatic coastline with towering cliffs and strong waves, creating a stunning natural landscape. While not ideal for young children or inexperienced swimmers, Hai Tien Beach is a haven for experienced surfers and those who enjoy bodyboarding.
The best time to visit this beach is between May and September. Tourists should try the local seafood, especially the famous “sam” dishes. Consider exploring nearby attractions like the Cam Luong fish stream, a unique natural phenomenon where thousands of fish gather in a small stream.
Sam Son Beach – Thanh Hoa (about 180km)
Sam Son Beach is Thanh Hoa province’s most popular beach destination, offering a lively atmosphere and diverse activities. This 16-kilometer stretch of coastline offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and modern amenities, making it a favorite among both domestic and international tourists.
The beach is known for its fine golden sand and clear blue waters, ideal for swimming and sunbathing. The gently sloping shoreline creates a wide beach area, especially during low tide, providing ample space for various beach activities. Sam Son is particularly famous for its beautiful sunrises, drawing early risers to witness the spectacular dawn views.
Hai Hoa Beach – Thanh Hoa (about 200km)
Hai Hoa Beach is one of the more distant but rewarding beaches near Hanoi, and is a reward for those seeking a truly unique and untouched escape. This remote beach offers a pristine coastline with white sand, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking natural scenery.Â
Stretching for about 10 kilometers, Hai Hoa Beach is characterized by its clean, white sand and crystal-clear waters. The beach is relatively undeveloped, maintaining a natural and unspoiled atmosphere that appeals to those seeking a more authentic coastal experience. The gentle waves and gradual slope make it an excellent spot for swimming and water activities.
Hanoi offers a surprising abundance of stunning beaches within a comfortable driving distance. The beaches near Hanoi offer a diverse range of coastal experiences, from popular resort towns to hidden, unspoiled stretches of sand. So pack your bag, and embark on a coastal adventure to discover the diverse and beautiful beaches of northern Vietnam.
