1. Can Gio Beach

• Location: Can Gio District, Ho Chi Minh City
• Distance from Saigon: 50km (1 hour by motorbike, 1.5 hours by bus)

Can Gio offers a truly 'wild' and different kind of Ho Chi Minh beach experience, with black sand stretching into a wide mangrove world. As the closest beach to Saigon's city center, this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve provides a unique coastal experience unlike any other. Known as the "green lung of the South," Can Gio has long coastlines, immense mangrove forests, and countless seafood dishes. The area stands out as the most special for its clamp farms and unique monkey island, where tourists can try collecting clamps on the vast fields and gain insights into the hard life of the locals.

Activities:

• Visit the famous Monkey Island and interact with playful primates
• Explore vast mangrove forests on boat tours
• Experience clam farming and learn about local livelihoods
• Enjoy fresh seafood at floating restaurants
• Eco-tourism and wildlife watching

Can Gio is a breath-taking place for a summer escape

2. Thanh An Island Beach

• Location: Thanh An Island, Can Gio District
• Distance from Saigon: 60km (1.5 hours including ferry ride)

Thanh An Island, amidst Can Gio's lush greenery, offers the most convenient beach getaway near Saigon. Accessible by bus or motorbike, followed by a short ferry ride, it is a perfect getaway for a day trip for those seeking a refreshing escape. At Thanh An Beach, the fresh atmosphere, delicious and affordable cuisine, and welcoming locals make it a charming coastal retreat.

Activities:

• Take scenic ferry rides through mangrove channels
• Experience authentic fishing village life
• Enjoy affordable local seafood cuisine
• Photography of pristine natural landscapes
• Peaceful beach walks and swimming

Thanh An beach is perfect for a day-trip from Ho Chi Minh City

3. Vung Tau Beach Complex

• Location: Vung Tau City, Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province
• Distance from Saigon: 82km (1.5-2 hours by road, 2 hours by ferry from District 1)

Welcome to Vung Tau, the mythical southern Vietnamese beach escape. A popular escape for Saigonese for generations, this bustling location ranks as one of the best beaches near Ho Chi Minh City. Called Cap Saint-Jacques by French colonists, it features a long coastal promenade connecting 2 beaches, colonial-era architecture, bars and restaurants, as well as beach umbrellas, chairs, loungers, and kayak rental kiosks.

Beautiful beaches in Vung Tau

Activities:

• Explore three distinct beaches: Front Beach (Bai Truoc), Back Beach (Bai Sau), and Pineapple Beach (Bai Dua)
• Visit the iconic Christ statue with panoramic city views
• Stroll along the colonial-era waterfront promenade
• Experience vibrant nightlife and beachside dining
• Water sports including kayaking and jet skiing

4. Long Hai Beach

• Location: Long Hai Town, Long Dien District, Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province
• Distance from Saigon: 100km (2.5 hours by car)

About 12 kms from Vung Tau beach, Long Hai is the next nearest beach to Ho Chi Minh City after Vung Tau. Azure water and golden sand describe this coastal gem, whereas the serenity and spectacular vista have made it one among the prettiest beaches in Ho chi Minh city Vietnam. Long Hai Beach has a coastline of about 3km and is endowed by nature with countless rocky beaches with particularly vivid shapes, home to many species of creatures.

Long Hai beach is perfect for a short retreat

Activities:

• Catch mantis shrimp, stone crabs, and sea snails during stable weather
• Explore uniquely shaped rock formations along the coastline
• Enjoy water sports facilities at affordable prices
• Experience hippy bars and beachside cafes
• Marine life observation and tide pool exploration

5. Ho Tram Beach

• Location: Ho Tram, Xuyen Moc District, Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province
• Distance from Saigon: 120km (2-2.5 hours by car)

Adorned with sparkling white sand, palm plantations and azure sea; Ho Tram is undoubtedly one of the most mesmerizing beaches in Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam. Ho Tram boasts 10 kilometers of unspoiled waters, fine, white sand, and palm trees, with the wild beauty of the clear blue sea and sky along with the sound of the waves crashing, long white sand beaches, and fresh and affordable seafood.

Secluded beach in Ho Tram is famous for various luxurious resorts

Activities:

• Swimming and surfing in pristine waters
• Sunbathing on 10km of unspoiled white sand beaches
• Visit nearby fishing village for cultural experiences
• Stay at luxury beachfront resorts
• Beach camping facilities and bonfire experiences

6. Ho Coc Beach

• Location: North of Ho Tram, Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province
• Distance from Saigon: 175km (3-3.5 hours by car)

Ho Coc Beach is known for its quaint scenery, serenity and beautiful location. Sprawling over 5 kms, this glittering white sand beach is another gem of Ho Chi Minh coastline. Ho Coc provides tourists with preserved serenity beside the basic comfort of wide-ranging accommodation quality, renowned for the natural rocks that differentiate them from those in nearby addresses such as Vung Tau or Binh Chau.

Activities:

• Witness breathtaking sunrise and sunset views
• Photography of massive rock formations and pristine landscapes
• Luxury resort experiences with spa treatments
• Visit nearby Binh Chau Hot Springs (18km away)
• Romantic beach walks and private dining

Ho Coc Beach Resort has 1,500m long coastline and a long white sandy beach

7. Cam Binh Beach

• Location: La Gi Town, Binh Thuan Province
• Distance from Saigon: 150km (3 hours by car)

Located in La Gi Town, Binh Thuan Province, Cam Binh Beach is an ideal destination for a short day trip from Saigon. Located about 150 kilometers to the east of Ho Chi Minh City, this tourist spot offers a lively atmosphere with numerous exciting recreational activities.

Activities:

• Thrilling water sports and adventure activities
• Outdoor BBQ parties and team-building events
• Beach volleyball and recreational games
• Local seafood dining experiences
• Photography of coastal landscape

Cam Binh is the most famous beach in La Gi Town

8. Doi Duong Beach (Mui Ne Area)

• Location: Near Phan Thiet, Binh Thuan Province
• Distance from Saigon: 230km (4 hours by car)

Doi Duong Beach can be found just outside Phan Thiet, a prominent coastal town about 4 hours away from Ho Chi Minh City by automobile. This wide sandbar houses plenty of beachfront resorts and hotels, where travelers can relax on sunbeds, enjoy a wide range of water sports or pampering spa sessions during their vacation.

Activities:

• Golf at Ocean Dunes Golf Club (20-minute walk from beach)
• Visit iconic Sand Dunes of Mui Ne (within an hour's drive)
• Kitesurfing and windsurfing in strong coastal winds
• Luxury spa treatments at beachfront resorts
• Sand dune tours and desert-like landscape exploration

Doi Duong is a beach located in the heart of Phan Thiet city

9. Mui Ne Beach

• Location: Mui Ne, Phan Thiet, Binh Thuan Province
• Distance from Saigon: 230km (3.5-4 hours by car)

Planning for a holiday in one of the best beaches from Ho Chi Minh City? Visit Mui Ne for a fun-filled and relaxing weekend. This coastal town is the destination which is the easiest access from Saigon. Mui Ne is well-known for seductive swathe of sand and strong waves for water sports like kitesurfing or windsurfing, with both beautiful beaches and fantastic resort stays.

Activities:

• Kitesurfing and windsurfing in optimal wind conditions
• Explore famous red and white sand dunes
• Visit traditional fishing villages
• Sunrise hot air balloon rides over sand dunes
• Fresh seafood dining at beachfront restaurants

Mui Ne beckons with its towering red and white dunes

10. Nha Trang Beach

• Location: Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province
• Distance from Saigon: 435km (6-7 hours by car, 1 hour by flight)

Known as Riviera of the South China Sea, Nha Trang is one of the most gorgeous beaches near Ho Chi Minh City. A 6 kms long buzzing coastline with shacks, pubs and resorts welcome you when you arrive here, giving other beaches in Ho Chi Minh City a tough competition. Located in the south-central coast of Vietnam with hot weather all year round, Nha Trang has become a hotspot for locals and foreign tourists.

Activities:

• Island hopping tours to nearby tropical islands
• Scuba diving and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters
• Visit vibrant bars stretching along the seashore
• Explore exotic Cham pagodas and cultural sites
• Multiple beach options: Tran Phu Beach, Hon Chong Beach, Bai Tru Beach, Bai Dai Beach

Nha Trang beaches are among top 10 most popular beach destinations

11. Phu Quoc Island - Sao Beach

• Location: Phu Quoc Island, Kien Giang Province
• Distance from Saigon: 300km (1 hour flight, or 5-6 hours by road + ferry)

If you're looking for the best beaches near Ho Chi Minh City, then Phu Quoc island is where you should be heading. Sao Beach is the most beautiful beach on Phu Quoc and perhaps one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Vietnam. It has all the ingredients for a relaxing day at the beach, with pearly white sandy shores, swaying palm trees, and crystal-clear blue waters.

Activities:

• Swimming in crystal-clear turquoise waters
• Beach volleyball and water sports
• Enjoy cocktails at beachside bars and clubs
• Photography of picture-perfect tropical scenery
• Day trips from main town Duong Dong

With 150 km of coastline, there’s sure to be a beach for everyone in idyllic Phu Quoc

12. Phu Quoc Island - Ong Lang Beach

• Location: West coast of Phu Quoc Island, Kien Giang Province
• Distance from Saigon: 300km (1 hour flight from Ho Chi Minh City)

Despite being one of the best-known and popular beaches on Phú Quốc, Ông Lang has somehow managed to retain a low-key atmosphere and it remains an extremely attractive place to stay for a few days on the island. Ong Lang is a long pristine beach perfect for families, with the general level of accommodation across all budgets being excellent.

Ong Lang Beach is located on the west side of Phu Quoc Island

Activities:

• Family-friendly swimming in calm waters
• Stay at luxury beachfront resorts or budget accommodations
• Sunset watching from beachfront restaurants
• Peaceful beach walks along pristine coastline
• Snorkeling and swimming in clear waters

13. Phu Quoc Island - Long Beach (Bai Truong)

• Location: West coast of Phu Quoc Island
• Distance from Saigon: 300km (1 hour flight)

Bai Truong is often referred to simply as Long Beach, which is not its official name. In our opinion, the best place to stay on Phu Quoc is at Long Beach or south of Duong Dong. From Long Beach you can watch wonderful sunsets every evening. There's nowhere on Phu Quoc quite like Sailing Club, an upscale venue set on pristine Long Beach.

Activities:

• Watch spectacular sunset views every evening
• Dine at upscale venues like Sailing Club Phu Quoc
• Infinity pool experiences at luxury resorts
• Fire dancing shows and evening entertainment
• Healthy brunches and beachfront dining

Long Beach Phu Quoc is famous for beachline resorts

14. Phu Quoc Island - Ganh Dau Beach

• Location: Northern tip of Phu Quoc Island
• Distance from Saigon: 300km (1 hour flight + 30 minutes drive)

Further north, dirt roads and secluded resorts keep tree-lined beaches like Ganh Dau hidden from crowds. Ganh Dau beach is a secret spot in the north of the island, one of the prettiest beaches with crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming.

Activities:

• Explore secluded and crowd-free beaches
• Swimming in pristine, crystal-clear waters
• Stay at exclusive secluded resorts
• Nature photography in untouched landscapes
• Peaceful meditation and relaxation

At Ganh Dau, the water is incredibly clear

15. Phu Quoc Island - Bai Thom Beach

• Location: Northern Phu Quoc Island
• Distance from Saigon: 300km (1 hour flight + 45 minutes drive)

Bai Thom Beach is located in the north of the island near the same-named village of Bai Thom. The beach is still very natural and a touristic infrastructure doesn't really exist here yet. Thơm Beach has a stark beauty - silent, still, hot, sparsely populated and filled with the scent of cashew fruit and the sound of midday cicadas.

Activities:

• Experience wild camping and primitive beach life
• Visit traditional fishing hamlet
• Enjoy local seafood at informal restaurants
• Explore untouched natural environments
• Photography of authentic Vietnamese coastal life

Thom Beach, located on the northeast tip of the island, is pretty scruffy in places

16. Con Dao Island - Dam Trau Beach

• Location: Con Son Island, Con Dao Archipelago, Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province
• Distance from Saigon: 230km (45 minutes flight or 12 hours by road + ferry)

When I visited Con Dao Islands, Dam Trau Beach stood out as one of the best beaches for taking a dip, surrounded by a pine forest with easy access to the water and gentle waves. The largest of the Con Dao Islands is called Con Son Island, and it is on this wild and rugged island that travelers base themselves, home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam.

Activities:

• Swimming in calm, protected waters
• Forest hiking through surrounding pine forests
• Wildlife watching including black squirrels and macaques
• Photography of pristine natural beauty
• Peaceful beach relaxation away from crowds

Coming to Con Dao, tourists should not ignore Bai Dam Trau (Dam Trau Beach)

17. Con Dao Island - Lo Voi Beach

• Location: Con Son Island, Con Dao Archipelago
• Distance from Saigon: 230km (45 minutes flight)

Closer to town is Lò Vôi Bay. The low tide in the morning and early afternoon is perfect for taking a walk. There you'll see fishermen out on their basket boats and children foraging for shells in the sand. Lo Voi beach was on low tide and beautiful sandbanks could be seen as well as people walking far into the ocean.

Activities:

• Low tide walking and exploration
• Watch local fishermen in traditional basket boats
• Shell collecting and beachcombing
• Cultural interaction with local fishing families
• Tidal pool exploration and marine life observation

Lo Voi beach - a perfect getaway in Con Dao

18. Con Dao Island - Nhat Beach

• Location: Con Son Island, Con Dao Archipelago
• Distance from Saigon: 230km (45 minutes flight)

The best beaches for taking a dip according to experience are Dam Trau Beach and Nhat Beach, the former is sheltered from the winds. Even in December, many of the beaches were totally swimmable with Nhat Beach being one of the most accessible and beautiful.

Activities:

• Year-round swimming in sheltered waters
• Snorkeling and underwater exploration
• Beach relaxation in pristine settings
• Photography of dramatic coastal landscapes
• Wildlife spotting including sea turtles (seasonal)

Nhat Beach is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Con Dao

19. Con Dao Island - Ong Dung Beach

• Location: Con Dao National Park, Con Son Island
• Distance from Saigon: 230km (45 minutes flight + hiking trail)

Ong Dung Beach, situated within Con Dao National Park is located approximately 2 kilometers northwest of the park's central area. This Con Dao beach showcases an ecosystem that flourishes abundantly. Here, visitors can marvel at almost untouched coral reefs, centuries-old ancient trees, and a variety of unique marine creatures.

Activities:

• Snorkeling among untouched coral reefs
• Nature hiking through centuries-old forests
• Marine wildlife observation and photography
• Eco-tourism and conservation education
• Rock pool exploration along rocky coastline

Ong Dung beach is a fascinating destination located on Con Son Island

20. Con Dao Island - An Hai Beach

• Location: Near Con Son town, Con Dao Archipelago
• Distance from Saigon: 230km (45 minutes flight)

Located near the main town, An Hai Beach offers a peaceful setting for morning walks or a lazy afternoon swim. Strolling along these shores, you'll often find yourself alone, accompanied only by the gentle sound of waves and rustling palms. For nature lovers, nearby hiking trails lead into the hills behind the beach, offering panoramic island views.

Activities:

• Peaceful morning walks and afternoon swimming
• Solitary beach experiences with minimal crowds
• Hiking trails to panoramic island viewpoints
• Snorkeling and diving tours to vibrant coral reefs
• Historical site visits including former prison complexes

An Hai beach is located along Ton Duc Thang Street, right in the center of Con Dao district

PLANNING YOUR BEACH TRIP FROM SAIGON

Best Time to Visit:

• Dry Season (November-April): Perfect weather for most beaches
• Rainy Season (May-October): Some beaches may have rougher conditions

Transportation Options:

• Motorbike: Most flexible for nearby beaches (Can Gio, Vung Tau)
• Bus: Economical for medium distances (Ho Tram, Long Hai)
• Car/Taxi: Comfortable for longer trips (Mui Ne, Phan Thiet)
• Ferry: Scenic routes to Vung Tau and Con Dao
• Flight: Essential for Phu Quoc and Con Dao islands

Essential Tips:

• Book accommodations in advance during peak season
• Carry sunscreen and protective gear
• Try local seafood specialties at each destination
• Respect local customs and marine environments
• Consider combining multiple beaches in one trip for variety

Whether you're seeking a quick escape from city life or planning an extended coastal adventure, these 20 best beaches near Ho Chi Minh City offer something for every traveler. From the wild mangroves of Can Gio to the pristine islands of Phu Quoc and Con Dao, Vietnam's southern coast provides endless opportunities for relaxation, adventure, and cultural discovery.

To explore beaches near Saigon, book your Flight to Ho Chi Minh City with Vietnam Airlines today! For more details on flights, baggage policies, and travel itineraries, contact Vietnam Airlines via their hotline at 1900 1100, or through Fanpage or Zalo for expert advice.