Jan - 22 - 2026
Beaches in Ho Chi Minh City are a newly expanded reality, transforming the city into a true coastal hub. While Saigon has long been known for its bustling urban energy, recent administrative expansions have brought famed coastal destinations like Vung Tau, Ho Tram, and Ho Coc under its umbrella. This comprehensive GTrip guide provides everything you need to know to explore these incredible seaside escapes. We will journey to the city's only original beach in Can Gio, the tranquil fishing villages of Phuoc Hai, and the luxurious resort strips of Ho Tram. This guide maps out the perfect coastal destination for your next getaway, all now part of the greater Ho Chi Minh City metropolitan area.
1. Can Gio Beach in Saigon
Location: Can Gio Commune (formerly Long Hoa Commune and Can Thanh Town, Can Gio District), Ho Chi Minh City
Can Gio Beach offers the most immediate seaside escape from the city's core. Located just 50km from downtown, it is the only beach within the original city limits, making it a top choice for a quick day trip. The first thing you'll notice is its distinctive blackish-brown sand, a unique feature created by rich silt deposits from nearby rivers. While this means the water isn't transparent and is not ideal for swimming, the beach excels in other areas. It's a fantastic spot for seaside strolls, breathing in fresh coastal air, and escaping the urban hustle. The true highlight of a trip to Can Gio is the culinary experience. The area is a seafood paradise, renowned for incredibly fresh catches sold at remarkably affordable prices. For the best selection, head straight to Hang Duong Market, where you can buy seafood directly from vendors and have it cooked on the spot.
Can Gio Beach is the city’s closest seaside escape, known for its distinctive silt-rich dark sand, relaxing coastal atmosphere, and exceptional, budget-friendly seafood
2. Thanh An Island
Location: Thanh An Commune (formerly Thanh An Island Commune, Can Gio District), Ho Chi Minh City
For travelers seeking an authentic and peaceful retreat, Thanh An Island is an unparalleled destination. Located within the former Can Gio District, pproximately 70-80km from the city center, this small island commune has gracefully avoided heavy commercialization, preserving its rustic charm. The primary draw here is the opportunity to experience genuine local life. Visitors can immerse themselves in the daily routines of fishermen, visit floating seafood farms to see how they operate, and, of course, feast on unbelievably fresh cuisine straight from the source. The island isn't about resorts or bustling nightlife. It's an escape for those who crave tranquility. One of the most famous features is the long stone embankment that stretches into the sea, an iconic spot for photography and quiet contemplation while watching the waves. Accommodation is simple, consisting mainly of welcoming homestays that offer a true taste of local hospitality.
3. Tam Duong Beach (Front Beach Vung Tau)
Location: Vung Tau Ward (formerly Vung Tau City), Ho Chi Minh City
Tam Duong Beach, widely known as Front Beach, serves as the main waterfront for Vung Tau. Situated in the heart of the city along the scenic Quang Trung Street, it's a hub of local activity. Flanked by the lush Front Beach Park, it's a popular gathering place for both residents and tourists to enjoy evening strolls, morning exercise, and the gentle sea breeze. While it offers a beautiful view of the bay, it is not a suitable spot for swimming. The area functions as a major docking point for countless fishing boats, which affects water clarity. Instead, the beach's primary appeal lies in its ambiance and scenery. It is unanimously considered Vung Tau's best place to watch the sunset. As the sun dips below the horizon, it casts a golden glow over the anchored boats, creating a picturesque and tranquil scene perfect for photographers and romantics.
Tam Duong Beach is Vung Tau’s scenic central waterfront, where lush parks, anchored fishing boats, and unforgettable sunsets create a beautiful coastal atmosphere
4. Thuy Van Beach (Back Beach Vung Tau)
Location: Vung Tau Ward (formerly Vung Tau City), Ho Chi Minh City
Thuy Van Beach, or Back Beach, is the vibrant heart of Vung Tau's coastal action. This is the main and liveliest beach where everyone goes for a swim. Stretching for nearly 10km, its wide, sandy shore and moderate waves make it perfect for all kinds of beach activities, attracting the largest crowds of tourists. The entire coastline is fully developed for tourism, lined with a vast array of hotels, resorts, restaurants, and eateries catering to every budget. You'll find numerous rental services for essential beach gear, such as chairs, umbrellas, and floats. As day turns to night, Back Beach transforms into the city's nightlife epicenter. The area buzzes with energy, featuring a large public square, a bustling night market selling food and souvenirs, and a variety of seaside bars where you can enjoy a drink with your feet in the sand.
5. Phuoc Hai Beach
Location: Dat Do Commune (formerly Phuoc Hai Town, Dat Do District, Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province), Ho Chi Minh City
Phuoc Hai Beach offers a refreshing contrast to the bustling energy of Vung Tau, embodying the charm of a traditional fishing village. This coastal town has successfully preserved its pristine and rustic character, making it an ideal destination for travelers looking to escape the crowds. The atmosphere here is serene, with clean sands and fresh air, perfect for a quiet getaway deeply connected to nature and local culture. The beach's biggest draw is its reputation for incredibly fresh seafood at local prices. Early every morning, a fish market springs to life right on the shore, where you can buy seafood directly from the fishermen as they return with their hauls. This authentic experience allows you to enjoy the freshest possible meal while supporting the local community. It is a peaceful alternative where the rhythm of life is still dictated by the tides.
Phuoc Hai Beach offers a peaceful, crowd-free escape where a traditional fishing village atmosphere, clean sands, and early-morning seaside markets
6. Long Hai Beach
Location: Long Hai Ward (formerly Long Dien District, Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province), Ho Chi Minh City
Long Hai Beach is celebrated for its stunning natural scenery and superior water quality. Many visitors find that the seawater in Long Hai is significantly clearer and bluer than Vung Tau, complemented by gentle, sloping golden sands that are perfect for relaxing and swimming. What makes this destination truly special is the harmonious blend of coastal and mountain landscapes. The beach runs alongside the verdant Minh Dam Mountain, creating a picturesque backdrop that is both dramatic and serene. This unique geography provides opportunities for more than just beach-going, with hiking and exploring the mountain as popular activities. Long Hai caters to a wide spectrum of travelers with its diverse accommodation options. You'll find a complete range of places to stay, such as high-end resorts offering premium services, affordable guesthouses for budget-conscious visitors.
7. Long Son Island
Location: Long Son Commune (formerly Vung Tau City), Ho Chi Minh City
Long Son Island is a unique cultural and culinary destination that stands apart from the typical beach getaway. It's crucial to know that this island is not a place for swimming. Instead, it offers a deep dive into the region's specialized industry and rich history. Long Son is famously known as the oyster farming capital of the region. The river is dotted with floating raft villages dedicated to cultivating oysters. Visitors can take a boat out to these rafts to learn about the farming process and, more importantly, to enjoy incredibly fresh oysters prepared right on the water. Beyond its culinary fame, the island is home to the Great House of Long Son (Nha Lon Long Son), a major historical site. This remarkable architectural complex preserves the unique cultural and religious traditions of the Ong Tran sect, offering a fascinating glimpse into a distinct facet of local heritage.
Long Son Island isn’t a swimming spot but a cultural and culinary hub known for its oyster farming villages
8. Suoi O Beach
Location: Binh Chau Commune, (formerly Xuyen Moc District), Ho Chi Minh City
Suoi O Beach is one of Vietnam's most remarkable coastal gems, thanks to its unique 'sea-meets-river' feature. This beach is distinguished by a freshwater stream (Suoi O) that flows parallel to the ocean, separated only by a pristine white sandbank. This allows visitors the rare experience of being able to bathe in both fresh and saltwater in the same location. The beach is a testament to pure, pristine beauty, with very little human impact. The seawater is exceptionally clear and blue, and the sands are soft and untouched. This natural perfection comes with a trade-off. There are almost no developed tourist services available. This lack of commercialization makes Suoi O an ideal destination for adventurous travelers and nature lovers who prefer exploration over organized amenities. It's a place to connect with a pure, unspoiled environment.
9. Ho Coc Beach
Location: Xuyen Moc Commune, (formerly Bung Rieng Commune, Xuyen Moc District), Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Coc Beach captivates visitors with its pristine and wild beauty, located approximately 125km southeast of Ho Chi Minh City's center. Its most defining characteristic is the series of natural rock formations scattered across the sandy shore and in the water. This creates a poetic and highly photogenic landscape that sets it apart from other beaches. This raw, untouched feel is enhanced by its location next to the Binh Chau - Phuoc Buu nature reserve, which ensures the air is exceptionally fresh and cool. While it's located near the more developed Ho Tram area, Ho Coc maintains a much quieter and more natural atmosphere. With fewer resorts, it has become a favorite spot for activities like camping, picnicking, and photography. It is the perfect choice for travelers who appreciate a more rustic and serene coastal environment over a built-up resort scene.
Ho Coc Beach offers a pristine, photogenic, and peaceful coastal escape, defined by its wild rock formations, fresh air from the nearby Binh Chau - Phuoc Buu nature reserve
10. Dau Beach
Location: Tran Phu Street, Vung Tau Ward (formerly Vung Tau City), Ho Chi Minh City
Nestled along Tran Phu Street in Vung Tau, Dau Beach offers a peaceful respite from the city's more crowded shores. This small and tranquil beach is set in a gently curved bay, which shelters it from strong winds and creates a calm, serene atmosphere. Unlike the constant activity and energy of Back Beach, Dau Beach is a haven of quiet and privacy. Its intimate setting makes it an ideal spot for couples or anyone seeking a private space to relax, read, or simply gaze out at the sea without interruption. The landscape is further enhanced by beautiful rocky reefs, with large formations jutting out into the water. These rocks create stunning photo opportunities and frame the horizon perfectly, making Dau Beach an exceptionally romantic location for watching the sunset in near-total peace.
11. Ho Tram Beach
Location: Xuyen Moc Commune (formerly Xuyen Moc District), Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Tram Beach has firmly established itself as a premier luxury resort paradise. This stretch of coastline in the Xuyen Moc is a hub for upscale hospitality. It is dominated by 5-star international resorts, opulent beach villas, and a wide range of high-end services, like spas, fine-dining restaurants, and a world-class casino. In stark contrast to the public and often crowded beaches of Vung Tau, Ho Tram provides an exclusive, quiet, and sophisticated resort atmosphere. Privacy and tranquility are paramount here. Because the beaches are primarily managed and maintained by the adjacent resorts, they are exceptionally clean, safe, and well-kept. Ho Tram is the definitive choice for discerning travelers seeking a refined and peaceful beach vacation with access to premium amenities.
Ho Tram Beach is a premier luxury resort paradise with quiet and sophisticated atmosphere
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Beaches in Ho Chi Minh City now span a remarkably diverse coastline, offering everything from the silt-sand shores of Can Gio ideal for a quick escape and fresh seafood to the vibrant, bustling swimming hub of Vung Tau’s Back Beach. As highlighted in this guide by GTrip - Vietnam Travel Agency, travelers can also find tranquility in the traditional fishing village of Phuoc Hai, explore the unique river-meets-sea landscape of Suoi O, or enjoy ultimate privacy and indulgence at the luxury resorts of Ho Tram. With this newly defined coastline, whether you're a backpacker, a family, or a luxury seeker, your perfect seaside escape is now officially part of the Ho Chi Minh City experience.
