Top 5 Beach Near Ho Chi Minh For A Perfect Weekend Trip

Looking for the perfect beach near Ho Chi Minh to escape the city heat? Whether you’re craving a quick dip, fresh seafood, or a relaxing day in the sun, several coastal getaways are just a few hours away. These are top 5 Vietnam beaches offering the ideal retreat for day-trippers and weekend adventurers alike.

Set your expectations right: these are convenient getaways from the bustling metropolis, offering a welcome contrast to city life. While they might not always have the pristine, postcard-perfect sands of more remote destinations, they offer unique charm, local experiences, and the sheer joy of a coastal break without extensive travel. 

Top 5 Beach Near Ho Chi Minh City

1. Vung Tau beach: The Classic & Closest Option

Vung Tau beach is hands down the most popular and accessible coastal destination from Ho Chi Minh City, making it a perennial favorite for both locals and tourists. Its proximity and diverse offerings make it a go-to for many.

• Distance & Travel Time: Approximately 100 km, taking around 2 to 2.5 hours by road.
• How to Get There: Travelers have several convenient options. Buses are frequent and budget-friendly, while private cars offer flexibility and comfort. However, the Ho Chi Minh to Vung Tau ferry – a scenic hydrofoil ride across the Saigon River – is often considered the most enjoyable and efficient way to reach the coast.
• What to Expect: Vung Tau is a bustling Vietnamese beach city with a lively atmosphere. It’s broadly divided into two main areas: Front Beach (Bai Truoc) and Back Beach (Bai Sau). Front Beach is picturesque with a promenade, perfect for evening strolls and enjoying the sunset, but less ideal for swimming. Back Beach, on the other hand, is where most people go for a dip. It’s a long stretch of sand, sometimes crowded, but always vibrant with activity. You’ll find an abundance of seafood restaurants, bars, and local street food, ensuring you’re never short of dining options.
• Best for: Day trips, weekend trips, seafood lovers, groups, and those looking for an energetic coastal experience. It’s also one of the best beaches for a day trip from Ho Chi Minh.

2. Ho Coc & Ho Tram beach: The Resort & Relaxation Haven

Just a little further down the coast from Vung Tau, you’ll find the quieter and more upscale areas of Ho Tram and Ho Coc. These coastal towns near HCMC are synonymous with relaxation and cleaner sands, making them a top choice for a tranquil escape.

• Distance & Travel Time: Around 120-130 km, taking approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.
• How to Get There: The most comfortable ways are by bus or private car.
• What to Expect: Ho Tram is known for its impressive array of seaside resorts near Saigon, often featuring golf courses and spa facilities. The beaches here are generally cleaner and less crowded than Vung Tau, offering a more serene environment. Ho Coc, a smaller, more rustic beach located just north of Ho Tram, provides an even more secluded feel with a picturesque rocky coastline and clear waters. While there are fewer local food options outside the resorts, the tranquility and pristine environment make up for it. Many consider Ho Tram the cleanest beach near Ho Chi Minh City that is easily accessible.
• Best for: Relaxing weekend getaways, couples, families seeking a peaceful retreat, and those looking for a luxurious beach experience.

3. Long Hai beach: The Quieter Local Alternative

Nestled close to Vung Tau but with a distinctly different vibe, Long Hai offers a more authentic and less tourist-heavy beach near Ho Chi Minh. It’s a charming alternative for those seeking a genuine local experience.

• Distance & Travel Time: Approximately 100 km, similar to Vung Tau at around 2.5 hours.
• How to Get There: Easily accessible by bus or private car.
• What to Expect: Long Hai provides a mix of established resorts and more traditional local guesthouses. It’s particularly renowned for its vibrant local seafood market, where you can purchase fresh catches directly from fishermen. The beach itself can be a bit rocky in certain sections, but it retains a raw, unpretentious charm. It’s an excellent choice for experiencing Vietnamese coastal life away from the main tourist hubs.
• Best for: Those seeking a more authentic local Vietnam beach experience, seafood lovers, and travelers looking for a quieter, less developed atmosphere.

4. Mui Ne beach – Phan Thiet: The Adventure & Scenery Destination

For those willing to travel a bit further, Mui Ne, located within the larger city of Phan Thiet, transforms your beach trip into an adventure. It’s a vibrant and unique destination, far more than just a typical beach near Ho Chi Minh.

• Distance & Travel Time: Around 200-220 km, requiring a longer journey of 4 to 5 hours.
• How to Get There: Buses are readily available, a train can take you to Phan Thiet, or you can opt for a private car.
• What to Expect: Mui Ne beach is famous for its striking natural landscapes, most notably the towering red and white sand dunes. The strong coastal winds make it a premier destination for kitesurfing and windsurfing, attracting enthusiasts from around the globe. Beyond the beach and water sports, explore the enchanting “Fairy Stream” or visit the bustling fishing village. Mui Ne offers a long strip of resorts catering to various budgets, and its unique topography provides stunning photographic opportunities. This isn’t a day trip destination; it’s ideal for a weekend beach trip from Saigon or longer.
• Best for: Weekend trips (not day trips due to travel time), adventure travelers, photographers, and water sports enthusiasts.

5. Can Gio: Family friendly beach near Saigon

While not a typical swimming beach, Can Gio offers the closest coastal experience to Ho Chi Minh City and a unique natural escape.

• Distance & Travel Time: Approximately 50 km, taking around 1.5 hours.
• How to Get There: Easily accessible by bus, motorbike, or private car.
• What to Expect: Can Gio is primarily a mangrove biosphere reserve, recognized by UNESCO. The focus here is on nature and wildlife, rather than traditional beach activities. The beach itself, locally known as “30/4 Beach,” features black sand and is often muddy, making it unsuitable for swimming. The main attractions include exploring the mangrove forests, visiting Monkey Island with its playful macaques, and learning about the local ecosystem. It’s a fascinating day trip that offers a different perspective on Vietnam’s coastal areas.
• Best for: Nature-focused day trips, eco-tourism, and seeing a different side of Vietnam away from conventional beaches near Saigon.

At a Glance: Which Beach is Right for You?

Tips for Your weekend beach trip from Saigon

Planning your coastal escape from Ho Chi Minh City is easy with a few insider tips:

• Best Time to Go: Weekdays are generally quieter and less crowded at all beaches near Ho Chi Minh, especially Vung Tau. Weekends and public holidays see a significant increase in local visitors.
• Book in Advance: If you’re planning a weekend beach trip from Saigon or during a holiday, it’s highly recommended to book your accommodation and transport (especially hydrofoil tickets to Vung Tau) well in advance.
• Traffic Alert: Be prepared for heavy traffic leaving Ho Chi Minh City on Friday evenings and returning on Sunday afternoons, regardless of your chosen destination. Factor this into your travel time estimates.
• Sun Protection: The Vietnamese sun can be intense. Always pack sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.
• Cash: While resorts and larger establishments accept cards, having local currency (Vietnamese Dong) is essential for smaller vendors, local eateries, and transportation.

FAQs About Beaches Near HCMC

What is the absolute closest beach to Ho Chi Minh City?

The absolute closest coastal experience is Can Gio, a mangrove biosphere reserve. However, if you’re looking for the closest swimming beach near Ho Chi Minh, that would be Vung Tau.

Can I do a day trip to Mui Ne?

While technically possible, a day trip to Mui Ne is not recommended due to the significant travel time (4-5 hours each way). It’s best enjoyed as a weekend trip or longer to fully experience its attractions.

Which beach is the cleanest?

Ho Tram and Mui Ne are generally considered to have cleaner and more pristine beaches compared to Vung Tau, which can sometimes be affected by urban runoff and crowds.

What’s the best way to get to Vung Tau?

The ferry (hydrofoil) is often considered the most scenic and enjoyable way to get to Vung Tau from Ho Chi Minh, offering pleasant views of the river and coast. However, the bus is the most economical option, and a private car provides the most flexibility. For an easy option, consider a tour that handles all the logistics for you.

Discover more of Vietnam with Joy Journeys

After soaking up the sun on the best beaches near Ho Chi Minh City, perhaps you’re ready to dive deeper into Vietnam’s rich culture and vibrant landscapes. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first adventure in this captivating country, planning can sometimes be overwhelming. That’s where Joy Journeys comes in.

Joy Journeys is a premier tour operator dedicated to crafting unforgettable experiences across Vietnam. With a passion for showcasing the authentic beauty and spirit of this nation, we offer meticulously designed tours that cater to diverse interests and travel styles. Our expert local guides, comfortable transportation, and well-planned itineraries ensure a seamless and enriching journey.

From the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City to the tranquil waterways of the Mekong Delta and the historical depths of the Cu Chi Tunnels, Joy Journeys connects you with the heart of Vietnam.

• Ho Chi Minh City Tour: Explore the iconic landmarks, hidden alleys, and vibrant markets of the city, delving into its history and modern pulse.
• Mekong Delta Tour: Embark on a serene journey through the “rice bowl of Vietnam,” navigating verdant canals, visiting local villages, and sampling tropical fruits.
• Cu Chi Tunnels Tour: Step back in time and explore the intricate underground network used by Vietnamese soldiers during the war, offering a profound historical insight.

Let Joy Journeys handle the details so you can focus on making memories. Our commitment to quality and authentic experiences means you’ll discover Vietnam in a truly special way.

Ready to trade the city’s hustle for sea breezes? Whether you’re planning a quick day trip or a relaxing weekend, your perfect beach near Ho Chi Minh is just a short journey away. Start planning your coastal adventure now, and consider expanding your Vietnamese journey with the expertly crafted tours from Joy Journeys!