This historic gem won my heart; from the enchanting river adorned with lanterns, to the UNESCO listed old town lined with boutique shops and vibrant yellow merchant houses, it truly blends cultural history with relaxed elegance. To top it all, there are some of Vietnam’s best beaches only a stone’s throw away. 

The main beaches of An Bang and Cua Dai offer soft sands, crystal clear waters, a laid-back atmosphere and luxury resorts perfect for couples or families. 

TF’s top hotel picks: Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort & Spa or Boutique Hoi An Resort

Once a prominent naval base in the Vietnam War, this port city and bay is now a treasure trove of quiet beaches and natural beauty away from the crowds. 

Explore the gorgeous Bai Dai Beach which directly translates to mean ‘Long Beach’, due to the pristine stretch of golden sands that line the calm waters – this is often considered one of the best beaches in Vietnam.

TF’s top hotel pick: The Anam Cam Ranh

This popular coastal town in southern Vietnam is most notable for its surreal red and white sand dunes that make for quite the spectacle. The unique landscape invites both adventure seekers and families wanting to explore this otherworldly environment or simply unwind on soft sands.

Mui Ne beach itself is bordered by a multitude of fantastic family friendly resorts and is one of the best beaches in Vietnam for anyone into their watersports, such as kite or windsurfing due to the strong prevailing winds.

TF’s top hotel picks: The Anam Mui Ne or The Anantara Mui Ne

The largest of Vietnam’s islands, Phu Quoc, is a tropical paradise that encapsulates the essence of the country. Lush national parks, charming fishing villages, lively night markets and of course beautiful beaches, create a perfect mix of culture, nature and relaxation. 

Feel the white sand between your toes on the palm fringed shores, snorkel in the crystal-clear reefs and simply let island time take over. 

TF’s top hotel picks: La Veranda Resort Phu Quoc or Salinda Resort Phu Quoc Island

A renowned hub for large beach resorts and with sunshine for over 300 days of the year, Nha Trang is a quintessential fly and flop beach destination in Vietnam. 

The golden sands stretch for miles and are flanked by lively beach bars, calm turquoise waters and some of the best seafood restaurants in Vietnam, making it an easy destination to just unwind. 

TF’s top hotel pick: Mia Resort Nha Trang

This modern coastal city is a fantastic entry point to central Vietnam and brings with it the spiritual marble mountains, the fire breathing spectacle of the Dragon Bridge and miles of powder beaches. 

The famous My Khe Beach extends for over 6 miles and offers white sands, watersports and warm waters, making for a perfect stopover before exploring the rest of Vietnam.

TF’s top hotel pick: Intercontinental Danang