Just a short, scenic bicycle ride from the bustling Ancient Town, you will find a stunning coastline with soft white sand and clear, warm waters. This is where you can find the perfect balance for your holiday – mornings spent exploring culture and history, and afternoons spent relaxing by the sea. Whether you are looking for a lively social hub with music and water sports or a peaceful, natural escape to simply unwind, the beaches in Hoi An have something for everyone.
As your expert guide, we at Vietnam Story have created this comprehensive guide to help you discover the best beaches, from the famous An Bang to the hidden coastal gems, with all the tips you need on activities, dining, and logistics.
Main beach in Hoi An: An Bang Beach
An Bang Beach is the most popular, vibrant, and well-known beach in Hoi An, and for very good reason. It’s a beautiful, long stretch of fine white sand, with clear, gentle waters and a wonderfully lively and relaxed atmosphere.
Water sports and aquatic adventures
An Bang is the center for all water sports and fun on the water.
- Paddling (Kayaking & SUP): The calm waters are perfect for gently gliding along the coastline on a kayak or a stand-up paddleboard (SUP). You can easily rent equipment from one of the many beach clubs.
- Surfing & Windsurfing: During certain seasons (usually September to March), the waves are perfect for beginner surfers. You can find rentals and even take surfing lessons here.
- Thrilling water sports: For an adrenaline rush, look for the operators offering parasailing (for incredible aerial views of the coast), jet skiing, and fun banana boat rides for groups.
- Unique cultural activity: While you are near the coast, I highly recommend you take a short trip to the nearby Cam Thanh Coconut Village for a traditional Basket Boat Ride (Thúng Chai). It’s a fun and unforgettable cultural experience that beautifully complements a day at the beach.
READ MORE: Places to visit in Hoi An: The ultimate guide to UNESCO Heritage, beaches, and cultural shows
Beachside dining and nightlife
An Bang is a food lover’s paradise, especially if you love fresh seafood!
- Best seafood restaurants (Local style): For an authentic and affordable seafood meal right on the sand, I recommend local favorites like Tuyet Bien An Bang or Suong Hoi An Restaurant. Here, you can choose your fresh catch of the day, and they will grill it to perfection over hot charcoal.
- Popular beach bars & clubs: For a more stylish and vibrant atmosphere, check out these famous spots:
- The DeckHouse An Bang Beach: Famous for its beautiful blue-and-white design, comfortable loungers, and great music. It’s a perfect spot for photos.
- Shore club: A more upscale and premier spot for enjoying creative cocktails and relaxing on luxurious cabanas.
- Soul kitchen: A long-standing favorite with a very laid-back, bohemian vibe, known for its great food and live acoustic music in the evenings.
Wellness, sunrise and sunset
- Sunrise yoga: Start your day in the most serene way possible with a yoga class held directly on the beach in the cool, quiet hours of the early morning.
- Sun & relaxation: The best part about An Bang Beach is that most beach clubs offer comfortable beachfront loungers and umbrellas for free, as long as you order food or drinks from them. You can also find spots offering relaxing open-air massages.
- Best time for views: As the beach faces east, the sunrise is absolutely spectacular. The sunset is also beautiful, painting the sky in soft pastel colors, and is best enjoyed with a refreshing cocktail from a beach bar.
Other beaches in Hoi An
If the lively energy of An Bang is not what you are looking for, Hoi An has several quieter and more secluded options.
- Cua Dai Beach: Located about 5 km from the Ancient Town, this was once Hoi An’s most famous beach. It has faced some issues with coastal erosion in recent years, but it remains a much quieter and more local alternative to An Bang, with some excellent, simple seafood eateries.
- Hidden Beach: As the name suggests, this is a small, less crowded stretch of sand located between An Bang and Cua Dai. It’s known for its free parking, simple family-run restaurants, and very tranquil and peaceful setting. It’s a true local secret.
- Tan Thanh Beach: Located right next to An Bang, this stretch is often much quieter and feels more undeveloped. It’s home to some wonderfully peaceful and stylish venues like the Sound of Silence coffee shop, perfect for a quiet morning coffee with a view.
- Ha My Beach: Further north towards Da Nang, this beach was once named one of the most beautiful in Asia. It is incredibly peaceful and pristine, ideal for a quiet picnic or just relaxing away from everyone. Please note that facilities here are very limited.
- Cham Islands (Cu Lao Cham): For the most pristine beaches and the best snorkeling and diving, you must take a day trip to this beautiful archipelago. The coral reefs here are protected and teeming with marine life. Tours are very easy to arrange from Hoi An.
Practical logistics and travel tips
Getting to the beach and planning your day is very easy.
Accessibility and transportation
The distance from Hoi An Ancient Town to the main beaches is only 3–5 km.
- Bicycle (The Best Experience!): This is my favorite way. It’s a flat, easy, and incredibly scenic 15–20 minute ride that takes you past beautiful green rice paddies and sleepy villages.
- Motorbike/Scooter: A quick and flexible 10-minute ride.
- Taxi / Grab: This is the fastest option and is very affordable and easy to book using the Grab ride-hailing app.
- Shuttle Bus: Many hotels and resorts in Hoi An offer a complimentary shuttle service to and from the beach for their guests.
READ MORE: Cham Islands: Vietnam’s UNESCO Marine Sanctuary for Snorkeling, Diving, and Eco-Adventure
Family-friendly amenities
Which beaches are family-friendly in Hoi An?
- Calm and safe swimming: The waves at An Bang and Tan Thanh are generally very gentle, making them very safe and suitable for children to play in the water.
- Family spots: Many venues, like La Plage and The DeckHouse, are very family-focused and offer amenities like kiddie pools or small play areas for children.
- Facilities: You can easily find rentals for lounge chairs and sunbeds, and most of the major beach clubs have clean showers and changing rooms available for their customers.
Best time to visit and safety
- Recommended season: The absolute best time to visit the beaches is during the dry season (February to August). This is when you will have the best weather, clear blue skies, and calm, warm waters, perfect for all beach activities.
- Safety: Always pay attention to any lifeguard warnings. The sun in Central Vietnam is very strong, especially during the summer months, so be aware of the high UV index and make sure to use adequate sun protection (sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses).
Conclusion
Hoi An’s beaches offer a wonderful diversity that caters to every kind of traveler. From the lively social scene and exciting water sports of An Bang to the quiet tranquility of Hidden Beach or Ha My, a day trip to the coast is the perfect, refreshing complement to the rich historical and cultural experiences of the Ancient Town.
Vietnam Story specializes in crafting personalized itineraries that perfectly balance cultural tours with relaxing leisure time. We can arrange your transport to the best beach spots and recommend the perfect beach club for your family or a romantic meal for two. Contact us to integrate a perfect beach escape into your Vietnam Tour Package and let us help you create your unforgettable coastal story.
