Despite not being a coastal town, Hanoi enthrals a large number of beach lovers. There are several pristine beaches near Hanoi that make ideal getaways for those in need of some fresh air with plenty of sunshine and breathtaking views of the ocean. Some of the most famous ones include Do Son Beach, Van Boi Beach, Dong Chau Beach, Quat Lam Beach, and so on. Whether you want to spend a lazy afternoon relaxing by the beach or prefer indulging in thrilling water sports, these beaches tick all the boxes.
Hanoi, the bustling capital of Vietnam, is a fascinating place that offers the perfect amalgamation of old and new. Founded over 1000 years ago, this city is home to various colonial buildings and traditional pagodas and temples, while the other part is dotted with towering skyscrapers, modern cafés, and high-end restaurants. In addition to this, it is also home to various scenic lakes, lush botanical gardens and national parks. Being the second-largest city in the country, Hanoi is nothing less than a tourist magnet. Visitors from different parts of the world come here for a vacation, and they find various places to visit in Hanoi according to their preferences.
Every time there is a mention of Hanoi, people often picture vibrant streets, historical monuments, ancient temples, and futuristic buildings. But no one thinks about sandy, pristine beaches, as it is a landlocked city. But not everyone knows that the Vietnamese capital is in close proximity to the most stunning coastline of Southeast Asia.
Whether you are looking for a tranquil beach to spend some quiet time or want to enjoy a lively beach party and indulge in fun water activities, you can find everything here. There are several beaches around Hanoi that offer a refreshing escape.
Best Beaches in Hanoi
- Do Son Beach
- Thinh Long Beach
- Van Boi Beach
- Dong Chau Beach
- Sam Son Beach
- Ti Top Beach
- Quan Lan Beach
- Tra Co Beach
Do Son Beach
Location: Hai Phong Province
Distance from Hanoi: 120 kilometres
Nestled on a peninsula formed by the Rong Mountains, Do Son Beach is known for its picturesque beauty. During the French colonial rule in Vietnam, it was a popular resort town and served as a popular vacation spot for government officials. After so many decades, the popularity of this beach has only increased. If you love smooth sand, turquoise water and smaller crowds, this is undoubtedly the best beach near Hanoi.
This beach is mainly divided into three zones: the first one is the entrance, the second one is dotted with various places to eat and the third one is known for its pristine surroundings. Here, you can indulge in various activities, including swimming, sunbathing, etc. And for a more immersive experience, you can also explore the local fishing villages.
Thinh Long Beach
Location: Nam Dinh Province
Distance from Hanoi: 150 kilometres
If you are looking for a place with an abundance of natural beauty and a serene vibe, you should definitely plan on visiting this pristine beach near Hanoi. Despite its close proximity to the Vietnamese capital, Thinh Long Beach still remains relatively untouched by tourists. This beach is mostly visited by locals and experiences a slightly higher visitor influx on weekends or during holidays. Those who want to take a break from exploring popular tourist spots and beaches near Hanoi often plan to come here.
This quiet and clean beach offers the perfect escape from the urban chaos. Whether you want to just laze around in the afternoon or take a refreshing stroll while feeling the cool evening breeze, you can do everything here. And the gentle waves of this beach are also suitable for activities like surfing, swimming and canoeing. Another good thing is that there are several eateries on the beach serving fresh seafood and other authentic Vietnamese dishes.
Van Boi Beach
Location: Hai Phong Province
Distance from Hanoi: 130 kilometres
This is another addition to the list of beautiful and lesser-known best beaches near Hanoi. Van Boi Beach is located in the central area of Lan Ha Bay, adjacent to the famous Halong Bay. It boasts long stretches of fine, white sand with exceptionally clear and shallow blue water. Its pristine scenery, featuring lush mountains and high, steep cliffs, makes it a good option for nature lovers. Apart from this, it is also considered an ideal spot for kayaking and snorkelling.
This beach is also very close to floating fishing villages like Cai Beo. If you’re someone who wants to get a glimpse into the unique local fishing culture, you can explore those villages.
Dong Chau Beach
Location: Thai Binh Province
Distance from Hanoi:
Located at a very small distance from the capital city, Dong Chau Beach is particularly popular among tourists who prefer tranquillity. Known for its scenic, calm waters and vast stretches of smooth sand, this beach offers a peaceful escape. The gentle slope of the seabed makes it suitable for swimming and wading. The beach is surrounded by lush casuarina forests, which further contribute to its charm.
This beach is also famous for its unique clam-farming huts, which function as lookout points and resting spots for fishermen. Apart from this, these small, elevated structures also provide a unique, rustic, and scenic background for photography. Especially during sunset, you can get some stunning, Instagram-worthy shots here.
Sam Son Beach
Location: Thanh Hoa Province
Distance from Hanoi: 100 kilometres
Sam Son Beach is one of the most popular coastal destinations in northern Vietnam. Boasting beautiful sandy shores with clear blue waters, this beach is close to Hanoi and known for its lively and vibrant atmosphere. During the day, you can enjoy swimming and sunbathing here. As the day approaches its end, this beach turns into an open-air club. You can enjoy your evenings with flashing lights, blasting music, and absolutely delicious fresh seafood.
Ti Top Beach
Location: Quang Ninh Province
Distance from Hanoi: 170 kilometres
This is a crescent-shaped, pristine beach located on the Ti Top Island in Ha Long Bay. With powdery white sand and clear blue waters, Ti Top Beach is known for its tranquil environment for visitors. The shallow waters are perfect for people who just want to cool off and don’t prefer deeper areas. You can spend some relaxing time on the serene beach while enjoying the picturesque surroundings. Or, indulging in activities like kayaking and swimming is also a great option.
Quan Lan Beach
Location: Quang Ninh Province
Distance from Hanoi: 150 kilometres
Renowned for its clean, white sands, refreshing turquoise waters, and scenic pine forest surroundings, this is one of the best beaches in Hanoi’s close proximity. It is slowly gaining popularity among locals and tourists alike due to its unspoiled natural beauty. As compared to other commercialised beaches, this beach offers a more authentic and rustic coastal experience. Here, you can engage in activities such as swimming, fishing, etc.
Tra Co Beach
Location: Quang Ninh Province
Distance from Hanoi: 300 kilometres
Stretching approximately 15 kilometres along the coast, this beach has the longest shoreline in all of Vietnam. This is one of the key reasons behind its popularity among tourists. Apart from this, it is also known for offering a serene, refreshing escape due to its scenic surroundings and tranquil environment. From enjoying swimming and sunbathing to devouring fresh seafood, there is a lot you can do here.
Getting Around Hanoi
Being the capital city of Vietnam, Hanoi has various options available for public transport, all of which are quite affordable and convenient. To go from one place to another within the city, you can take public buses or opt for the Hanoi Metro. Apart from this, ride-hailing apps like Grab (for bikes and cars both) are quite common, alongside traditional taxis and cyclo rides. To reach the beaches located on islands like Cat Ba and Co To, taking a ferry is the best option. It is not only quick and convenient but also very affordable.
While Hanoi itself is not a coastal city, it offers easy access to several notable beaches in Vietnam. From serene, offbeat places to lively party spots, you can find all kinds of beaches near the capital city. With this list of beaches around Hanoi, you can plan the perfect getaway. Want it to be hassle-free? Book an all-inclusive Hanoi tour package with Veena World – we’ll ensure your travel experience is truly memorable.
FAQs
Q1. Are there any beaches in Hanoi itself?
No, Hanoi is a landlocked city and does not have beaches within its boundaries. However, it is well-connected to several stunning coastal destinations in northern Vietnam, many of which can be reached within 2-4 hours, making them ideal for short beach getaways.
Q2. What are the best beaches near Hanoi for a quick trip?
Some of the best beaches for a quick escape include Do Son Beach, Sam Son Beach, and Thinh Long Beach, all located within roughly 100–150 kilometres of Hanoi. These spots offer a mix of scenic beauty, accessibility, and activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and local seafood experiences.
Q3. Which beaches near Hanoi are less crowded and more peaceful?
For a quieter, more relaxed experience, consider Van Boi Beach, Dong Chau Beach, or Quan Lan Beach. These destinations are less commercialised, offering pristine surroundings, gentle waves, and an authentic coastal atmosphere away from tourist crowds.
Q4. What activities can you enjoy at beaches around Hanoi?
Beaches near Hanoi cater to a wide range of interests, including swimming, kayaking, snorkelling, and beach walks. Some lively beaches like Sam Son also offer nightlife and beach parties, while others focus on tranquillity, fishing culture, and scenic exploration.
Q5. What is the best way to travel from Hanoi to nearby beaches?
Travelling from Hanoi to nearby beaches is convenient via road and ferry networks. You can use buses, private taxis, or ride-hailing apps for mainland beaches, while island destinations like Ti Top Beach require a combination of road travel and ferry or boat transfers.
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