Guest Contributor
When talking about Vietnam, you will think of lush rice terraces, amazing street food, and the worldwide-famous Halong Bay. And when talking about Cambodia, the first thing popping up in mind of many people is the Angkor Complex with many ancient temples. But apart from these special features, Vietnam and Cambodia are also home to many beautiful beaches that invite you to unwind and leave all the stress of daily life behind. Turquoise water, white sand beach, sweet burn of the tropical sun, tasty fresh seafood… are what Vietnam’s beaches offer you.
Here’s 6 of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam and Cambodia and don’t forget to add them to your trip to Indochina
1. Phu Quoc Island – The largest island with a romantic sunset
Being a part of Kien Giang Province, Phu Quoc is the largest island in Vietnam off the coast of Cambodia. Visiting Phu Quoc, you can find amazing white sand beaches along the palm-lined southwest coast, the evergreen pepper gardens, and the serene atmosphere. Phu Quoc is fast becoming a premium destination with a wide range of luxury restaurants, cafés and bars, and beach-front resort. Our favorite beaches in Phu Quoc are Long Beach where you can admire breathtaking sunset, and Bai Sao Beach (aka Star Beach) which is famous for the picture-perfect white sand beach.
Best time to travel to Phu Quoc:
The best time to visit Phu Quoc, Vietnam is during its dry season which lasts from November to March. During these months, the sky is sunny and clear. The temperature ranges from 22 to 28oC, which is ideal for outdoor activities.
Highlights in Phu Quoc:
- Relax with dinner on Long Beach
- Discover the underwater world while snorkeling
- Explore the many beaches by kayak
- Enjoy quiet hours at the less touristy Star Beach
- Phu Quoc beach from above fishing boats at the port of Phu Quoc Sunset at the beach of Phu Quoc
- Watch the special dog race
- Visit the pepper forests
- Visit the fish sauce factory and learn how the locals produce the best pungent tangy sauce in Vietnam
What to eat in Phu Quoc
- Fish and Pork Soup (Bánh canh)
- Shrimp Noodle Soup (Bún qu?y Phú Qu?c)
- Crab Soup (Bún riêu cua)
- Sweet and Source Cobia Fish Soup (Canh chua cá b?p)
2. Mui Ne Beach – The Mecca for adventure lovers.
Located 200 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City, Mui Ne is a popular weekend destination for those people who want to escape from the hustle and bustle life.
Thanks to an isolated shoreline, the pristine beaches, and steady wind conditions, Mui Ne is also praised as the kite surfing mecca and watersports paradise. If you’re not a big fan of adventure, Mui Ne can still satisfy you with restful hours in the gorgeous golden sand beach, many nice restaurants surrounded by palm trees and a short trip to tiny fishing villages.
Highlights in Mui Ne
- Try kitesurfing or windsurfing
- Sandboarding in the red dune or white dune
- Cruise and discover the surrounding beaches
- Enjoy the sunset in one of the nice beach bars
- Visiting Van Thuy Tu Temple
Best time to travel to Mui Ne:
You should visit Mui Ne from November to March when there are sunny skies and strong winds.
What to eat in Mui Ne:
- Seven Dishes from Iguana
- Tha Hotpot (L?u Tha)
- Vietnamese Pork and Shrimp Dumpling (Bánh Quai V?c)
- Deep-fried Snakehead Fish Rolled with Rice Paper (Cá lóc chiên xù cu?n bánh tráng)
3. Con Dao Islands
Somewhat remote and about 100 km from the mainland, the archipelago Con Dao comprises of 16 islands. Due to the limit of transportation and complicated accessibility, the wonderful beaches here remains their pristine, unspoiled beauty. Con Dao is also completely private, which makes it a perfect relaxing destination. No crowd, no traffic, no pressure… just an invite you to kick off your shoes and explore the beauty of life. Our favourite sites in Con Dao Island are Dam Trau Beach – the romantic wild beach surrounded by bamboo forest and some tropical jungle, and Con Son Island which is home to gorgeous coral reefs and scenic bays.
Highlights on Con Dao:
- Go snorkeling or diving to admire beautiful coral reefs
- Visit the Con Dao Prison to learn more about the colonial past of Vietnam
- Discover the inland of the islands on wheels
- Go hiking to explore the nearby jungle
- Admire the romantic sunset on Con Dao sand beach
What to eat in Con Dao:
- Grab Noodle Soup (Bún riêu cua)
- Vietnamese Banh Mi with grilled pork (bánh m? heo quay)
- Broken rice (c?m t?m)
4. Doc Let Beach – The powdery white sand beach with shallow water
Located 50 kilometers from the center city, Doc Let Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa. Mother Nature favors Nha Trang with the clear, turquoise waters, a white sand beach along the palm-fringed coast. Here you can easily find accommodation for all budgets, and a few, but cozy, beach restaurants.
Highlights of Doc Let Beach:
- Visit the salt areas that serve as popular photo opportunities
- Relax on the beautiful beach
- Immerse yourself into the azure sparkling water
- Go snorkeling to discover the underwater world
- Visit Po Nagar Cham
- Try mud bathing to rejuvenate yourself.
Best time to visit Doc Let Beach
The best time to visit Doc Let Beach is from February to mid-May when the average temperature here is from 26oC to 27oC and there is almost no rain.
What to eat in Doc Let:
- Fish Noodle Soup (Bún cá)
- Pork and Fish Noodle Soup (Bánh canh)
- Crispy grilled rice cake (bánh tráng n??ng)
5. An Bang Beach – Simply charming beach next to Hoi An Ancient Town
Only 7 km away from Hoi An Ancient Town, the tranquil and tree-lined beach in An Bang ensure it ranks among Vietnam’s best beaches. Although in recent years more and more hotels and guesthouses have sprung up along the beach, the tourists still find An Bang a wonderful destination to soak up the sun, relax and refresh. Besides, An Bang Beach boasts many fancy beach resorts and hippy bars that overlook the nearby tourist attractions including Marble Mountains and Cham Island.
Highlights of An Bang Beach
- Try surfing
- Enjoy the local cuisine in one of the fancy restaurants on the beach
- Walk along the 18- kilometer-wide beach and find your paradise
Best time to visit An Bang Beach
The best time to visit An Bang Beach as well as Hoi An Ancient Town is from February to May. During these months, the rainfall is low and the temperatures are comfortable.
What to eat in An Bang Beach:
It’s better to come back to Hoian to enjoy the local cuisine. There is a wide range of food for you to choose including:
- Vietnamese Banh Mi
- Cao Lau
- Chicken Rice (C?m gà)
- White shrimp and pork dumplings (bánh bao v?c)
6. Long Beach, Koh Rong – A True Tropical Paradise on Earth
Being the largest island in Cambodia, Koh Rong is widely known for its sand covers and coral reefs. Thanks to 28 beaches on this island, you will surely find your secluded paradise here. Long Beach, also known as Sok San Beach, is considered as the most beautiful beach of Koh Rong. Mother Nature favors Long Beach with a seven-kilometer stretch of gorgeous white sandy beaches and crystal emerald water. People often come here on a long tail boat from Koh Tuch pier for one fascinating day of sun-bathing on the beach and swimming. If you are seeking for peace, you can stay here for a few days. Long Beach is home to some cozy guesthouses, a high-end beach resort named Sok San Resort and a luxury hotel – Royal Sands Koh Rong.
The highlight of Long Beach
- Walk around to discover the untouched part of the beach
- Admire the romantic sunset
- Immersing yourself in deliciously clear water
Best time to visit Long Beach
The best time to visit Long Beach is from November to the middle of May when there is very little cloud, the humidity is low, and the temperature is cooler.
What to eat on Long Beach
- Cha Greung
- Laab Squid
- Spicy lemongrass salad