Joanna James
Ho Chi Minh may not be a coastal city but is located close enough to the coast to provide several options for you to take when looking to get away from the busyness of the city life.
Vung Tau is not just a beach but is a seaside town that is located about two hours away from the more popular accommodation options like Sedona Suites Ho Chi Minh City. This makes it the perfect place for a day trip or even a weekend getaway. French colonists used to call Vung Tau Cap Saint-Jacques, as it consists of a long stretch of the promenade that connects two separate beaches. The town is a testimony to the colonial past with its architecture and kiosks. You can rent a kayak and paddle into the sunset, or simply lounger under a beach umbrella. If you want to avoid the crowds, though, it is best that you visit here during the weekdays and avoid the weekend.
Spread across an area of 10km, the Ho Tram Beach is located in Ba Ria. With miles upon miles of unspoilt sandy beaches and palm trees that fringe the coast, it is a good place to spend a weekend. The accommodation here is quite different from a serviced apartment in Ho Chi Minh City, focusing more on scenic beauty than on creature comforts. You can even choose to go fishing here, or rent a deck chair or a coastal hut and spend your weekend reading and soaking up the Sun. The latter is a favourite option among locals from Ho Chi Minh City.
Known as one of the most pristine beaches to be found in Vietnam, Ho Coc Beach is located to the North of Ho Tram Hamlet. It is a place with high-end resorts, a favourite for the seekers of a luxury getaway from Ho Chi Minh City. The beach is rather small, though, only 5km but gives ample opportunity for you to sunbathe, swim, and engage in beach games like volleyball. Be careful when wading into the water, though, as the water here can be quite unpredictable. While it is perfect for a swim on most days, it can easily turn rough and fierce overnight.
Long Hao Beach is a local favourite for a day trip over the weekends. It is a place for fun, with hippy bars and quirky eateries. Prices at Long Hai are quite affordable, making the 100km drive definitely worth it. The accommodation here is mostly focused on villas, although you can find a resort or two tucked between the private housings. If you happen to stay with a higher end villa at Long Hai, you are likely to be offered a shuttle to pick you from and drop you back at Ho Chi Minh City.
Located about 4 hours away from Ho Chi Minh City, Doi Duong Beach is a luxury vacation destination. The spa scene here is quite prominent with almost all resorts offering spa treatments to their visitors. There is a golf club located close to the beach, and guests are invited to enjoy a wide range of water-based activities. The famous sand dunes of Mui Ne are only an hour away from Doi Duong, making the destination a perfect weekend getaway.
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