6 beaches near Ho Chi Minh city

Ho Chi Minh City has several beaches nearby just waiting to be explored. Perhaps not as famous as the historical landmarks, modern architecture or the vibrant nightlife of Vietnam’s largest city, sometimes you need to escape the bustling crowds to visit some of Vietnam’s most pristine beaches, where locals and savvy expats frequent during weekends and public holidays. Offering tranquil atmospheres and breathtaking views, these beaches also host a wide range of accommodation options, making them the perfect getaway for travelers looking to soak up the sun after they’ve finished exploring Saigon. Read on to discover some of the best beaches within close proximity to Ho Chi Minh City, most of which are reachable between 2 and 4 hours from downtown Saigon through a picturesque countryside and coastline.

1. Vung Tau (2 hours 10 minutes)

Vung Tau is a seaside town about 2 hours away from Ho Chi Minh City by car, making it a popular weekend getaway for local and foreign city dwellers. Called Cap Saint-Jacques by French colonists, it features a long coastal promenade connecting two beaches, colonial-era architecture, bars, and restaurants, as well as beach umbrellas, chairs, loungers, and kayak rental kiosks. While Vung Tau can be visited all year long, we highly recommend making your way here during the week if you prefer a more relaxed setting.

Location: Ba Ria – Vung Tau Province (106km southeast of Ho Chi Minh City)

2. Ho Tram (2 hours 30 minutes)

Ho Tram Beach, set within the Ba Ria – Vung Tau Province, boasts 10 kilometers of unspoiled waters, fine sand, and palm trees. There’s also a wide range of accommodation options with expansive views of the East Sea, while thatched seafood restaurants close to the Ho Tram fishing village offers deck chairs and camping facilities at affordable rates. Thanks to its rather accessible location, Ho Tram Beach attracts locals and tourists looking to soak up some sun whilst vacationing in Ho Chi Minh City.

Location: Ba Ria – Vung Tau Province (125km southeast of Ho Chi Minh City

3. Ho Coc (2 hours 30 minutes)

Location: Ba Ria – Vung Tau Province (125km southeast of Ho Chi Minh City)

4. Long Hai (2 hours 15 minutes)

Long Hai Beach is mostly frequented by the local population during the weekends, offering plenty of hippy bars, seafood eateries, and water sports facilities at affordable prices. Located almost 100 kilometers southeast of Ho Chi Minh City, the beach also houses a wide range of expansive resorts with stylish rooms and villas overlooking the East Sea. The more high-end establishments tend to offer shuttle services for guests departing from Ho Chi Minh City, whether via private car or ferry from District 1.

Location: Ba Ria – Vung Tau Province (99.7km southeast of Ho Chi Minh City)

5. Doi Duong (3 hours 55 minutes)

Doi Duong Beach can be found just outside Phan Thiet, a prominent coastal town about 4 hours away from Ho Chi Minh City by car. 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 holiday. Ocean Dunes Golf Club is a 20-minute walk from the beach while the iconic Sand Dunes of Mui Ne are within an hour’s drive.

Location: Le Loi, Hung Long, Mui Ne, Phan Thiet (193km east of Ho Chi Minh City)

6. Con Dao (1 hour by air)

This one isn’t that close in terms of distance, but Con Dao Islands are just incredible. Consisting of 16 uninhabited islets just off the southern coast of Vietnam, each offers expansive beaches shaded with evergreen trees. Accessible within an hour’s flight from Ho Chi Minh City, the main island was once the site of a French-run prison for Vietnamese involved in the independence movement, but today it’s a popular spot for snorkeling, swimming, and diving. The more remote islets are known for hosting turtle breeding sites, so if you’re visiting between June and September, you may even get a chance to watch turtles laying their eggs.

Location: Ba Ria – Vung Tau Province (230 kilometers of Ho Chi Minh City)