Hoi An Beach: A Guide to All Beaches in Hoi An Vietnam

Introduction about Hoi An Beach

Hoi An’s coastline is 8 km long, from the southern end of Da Nang beach to the estuary of Thu Bon river. It’s totally sandy, edged by crystal-like water in the front and mature coconut palms and tourist venues in the back. This Pacific shore provides lovely scenery, including green vegetation, white sands, blue sea and purple islands of Cu Lao Cham. In the early morning and late afternoon, it’s busy with local swimmers, exercisers, sport players and of course, sunrise watchers. The scene is amongst the most lively ones in town. Don’t miss if liking to see the real life of people and catch beautiful moments with the camera.

Hoi An’s beaches are widely known by tourists who hope to get on a swimsuit, soak into cool water and join fascinating water sports. Accommodations, restaurants, bars and shops are many in the best beaches. Top-rated dining spaces and luxury resorts line along their front. However, one of the problems the coast has been facing today is the erosion that started several years ago. Many parts of it were damaged and later protected by sandbags. Thanks to great efforts from governments, swimming is safe again.

When is the Best Time to Visit Hoi An Beach?

The best time to visit Hoi An’s beaches in the year is from the dry season, from February to the end of August. During it, visitors love to swim in warm and clear water, sunbathe on dry sand for many hours and fresh seafood ashore daily, with the largest variety. Clear and blue skies, and summer sceneries are perfect to photograph too. Thanks to this nice weather, outdoor entertainments and water sports are possibilities at maximum rate. In the rest of the year, the chance of rain is higher and higher, and typhoons potentially hit the area. In many months, heavy rains occur over 20 days, causing floods and inundation in low lands around Hoi An. The coast becomes boring, with cold water, big waves, wet and trashy sands.

The dry season is characterized by high temperatures and low rainfall. The highest degrees are around midday, coupled with maximum UV index. So that, if heading over to the beach at that time, visitors feel unpleasant, stuffy and the rays really harm their skin. Keep in mind to bring your own set of sun protection gear before leaving the room. No more reasons, the best times to see it are in the morning and late afternoon (after 3 p.m). In the evening, it’s coolest and a tasty seafood dinner with sound of waves nearby and cool breezes is what travelers find. On some selected nights, live music is performed by local and international artists in famous dining places.

Best Beaches in Hoi An

An Bang Beach

Main article: An Bang Beach Travel Guide

Administratively, An Bang is the northernmost beach of Hoi An. It’s a part of a fine, sandy coastline that stretches from Da Nang to the estuary of Thu Bon river. At the end of Hai Ba Trung St or little further north, there are many sun beds lounging on this unspoiled place. In the front, local swimmers love its clear, non-polluted, shallow and rock free water that is safe for all ages. That’s why it draws plenty of families in most summer months. Some exciting water sports are on offer at that time as well. When the temperature drops slowly, crowds come here to soak in the sea, cool off, do exercise and eat foods on sedge mats on the sand. 

In the back, beach goers easily find a comfy couch in restaurant-bars, with a pretty view of green vegetation, blue sea and purple islands. Cool breezes always blow around the hair. Alcoholic, non alcoholic drinks and delicious foods from Asia to Europe are absolutely on the menu there. The best sellers are still flatters cooked by fresh seafood catched by local fishers in the nabourings. At night, live music is on, creating an ideal atmosphere for a stunning dining experience. In 2021, TripAdvisor users rated it in top 25 Asia’s best beaches.

Cua Dai Beach

Main article: Cua Dai Beach Travel Guide

Cua Dai is the southernmost beach in Hoi An, meaning “the big estuary” because it’s near the mouth of the Thu Bon river. It boasts of fine sandy expanses by warm, shallow water and lined by coconut palms in the back. Before recent erosions occurred and construction of big resorts, this was unbroken. The public area is from the Hidden beach to Hoi An’s first luxury beach accommodation – Victoria resort. There, in the sunrise and late afternoon, there are so many locals coming to do exercise, play football and swim. It’s possible to see vendors selling cheap snacks, seafood dishes and cold beers. Although damaged and protected by sandbags, swimming in Cua Dai beach is totally safe. If don’t like to be in the water, it’s still great to cool off, watch beautiful sceneries and walk along with bare feet.

Tan Thanh Beach

Tan Thanh is between An Bang and Hidden beaches. Thanks to being less famous than others, this stretch of fine sands is quieter, free from crowds and large constructions. That is perfect for those who like privacy while relaxing on sands in the sun. Sun beds with umbrellas are available in some bars and restaurants, with a cheap price. If taking something from their menu, nothing is needed to pay extra, apart from tasty foods and icy drinks. At night, nice music from DJs, games and cozy ambience definitely are reasons to stay back to enjoy the nightlife, instead of moving to nearby An Bang. It’s possible to see and book boutique hotels, villas, and hostels here. On the weekend, a flea market is opened, giving festival vibes into the fisherman village.

Hidden Beach

This stretch of soft, powdery sand is between Tan Thanh and Cua Dai beaches. It’s little known by tourists, so often doesn’t “serve” crowds. That’s really great for those who prefer a nearly private and peaceful space to relax the mind, and sure, escape from the bustle and bustle in town. Sun lounges, restaurants, bars and others are limited, but enough to allow the visitors to stay long on the coast. If looking for quality meals, for lunch or dinner, walk to Tan Thanh or Cua Dai beaches.

Ha My Beach

Ha My Beach is to the north of well-known An Bang Beach. It’s one of the most untouched stretches of sand due to it being a little far from tourist areas. Although unpopular for crowds, this beauty is not strange for jet setters who spend the holiday in all-inclusive high end resorts. The Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai is the most famous. In 2017, it’s listed in the top 16 Asia’s best beaches by a British newspaper.

How to Get to Beaches in Hoi An and Parking

The nearest beach from Hoi An center (old town) is An Bang, 4 km via Hai Ba Trung St. Taxi, bicycle, motorcycle, private car and shuttle bus are all convenient and low cost. Many travellers like to travel by foot to get there. On the route, windy rice fields and lush vegetable gardens of Tra Que village are what they love to see. Bike parking is at the end of the main road, with a fee of 5,000 VND.

Cua Dai is another famous beach in Hoi An, 7km northeast of the town. Travelers can ride along Hai Ba Trung and then coast road, or along Cua Dai St to get it. However, the second is easier. If departing from Ba Le market (Cam Chau), this is the shortest way. Park at the end of the road but by the beach. The guests from beachside resorts need to take some walks to approach its sand.

Tan Thanh and Hidden beaches are between two tourist centers, accessible via Lac Long Quan (the coast road) only. The quickest way to get both depends on the location of your hotel. Lastly, Ha My beach is also to the right of the road, 2,5 km north of An Bang’s traffic light (towards Da Nang). Services there are poor, including parking.

Activities on Hoi An’s Beaches

Swimming and Sunbathing

Hoi An sandy coastline provides all swimmers needed throughout the sunny months. There are clear, unpolluted, warm and shallow water, gentle (or moderate waves) and free from rocks and of course, no sharks! Sunbathers also love to lay out the blanket here, thanks to numerous spacious places. Moreover, plenty of sun beds under thatch talapas or palms and eating, drinking venues are other reasons to make it unmissable. Rental of sun beds is hourly or daily, costs not much and if taking something from the menu of the owner’s place (restaurant or bar), it may be free. Due to the heat and high UV index, a set of sun protection gears is a must, apart from swimsuits.    

Swimming in all beaches in Hoi An is safe. Visiting the nearest one from the hotel, travelers will see many local swimmers who feel no problems with the water and waves. The southern part of the coastline – Cua Dai, has been eroded recently but now, swimming is not prohibited anymore and it quickly becomes a daily spot to cool off for people. In the most famous beach – An Bang, rescuers who are borned nearby, are in charge of keeping eyes on and saving visitors in busy times. Fresh water is available for a fee near parkings, but if eating in a restaurant, should use the restroom there.

Water Sports

There are several exciting water sports available in An Bang, the crowded beach to allow visitors to entertain. Jet skiing, parasailing, banana boats are most possible to see on the sea. However, due to safety reasons and no license, the local government requested to stop them up to date. The managers still said yes for surfing and stand up paddleboarding. If you like to do so, visitors have some places to hire a board and start having fun on the waves. Classes for both adults and childrens are on offer now in this expat favoured beach. See further details in our guide to An Bang Beach.  

Tan Thanh Flea Market

This Saturday market opens from the morning to evening, along a walking street between Five Rose Villas and Moyo Beach Club. It includes nearly 100 stalls where recycled things, local products, souvenirs, food specialties and more are sold. Music and dancing performances are live also.   

Sunrise Yoga and Meditation

To increase the energy and refresh the mind for a new day, yoga or meditation practice is a proper choice. There are various classes and teachers to choose from, including freelancers and professionals. In some luxury resorts, yoga or taichi class is daily organized.   

An Bang Beach Flood and Music Festival

Annually held from 2020, this first and only festival on the beach is the focal point during its days. Chefs from over 20 top restaurants in town gather here and serve delicious foods, from local, national to international styles. Visitors can buy their favourites, choose any seats nearby and face the stage where a live music band performs after the sunset. Beside wood tables, it’s possible to see comfy, colorful sofas on the sand to laze on. No ticket is required, but if getting there by bike, parking costs 5,000 VND.  

Hoi An Beach Restaurants

Restaurants in An Bang Beach

Some beachside restaurants in An Bang are amongst Hoi An’s best restaurants. Foodies in town love the breezy atmosphere, seats with a pretty view, abundance of food and drink choices, and professional English-speaking staff. Foods are possibly served on the beach if requested and prepared by Vietnamese and western styles. Sun lounge is free of charge in this case. Now, only Fisherman specializes in vegan dishes. Walking further inside the village, travelers may find hidden gems, local eateries and venues where expats often come. If looking for the best dining experience in Hoi An, return to the seafront again. Live music is active there every weekend. Read our separate guide to An Bang beach restaurants for further information.   

Sea Crab Restaurant – Tan Thanh Beach

Loved by expats and travelers, this brand new restaurant serves all meals of the day, both Asian and western cuisine. Ingredients are locally sourced, fresh and prepared by experienced chefs, to bring the guests an authentic Vietnamese or mixed taste. Breakfast offers include cao lau, noodle soup, toast, English set, egg dishes and mix of fruits. Mains are more abundant, costing from 55,000 to 200,000 VND. Salad, soup, pasta, noodles, local delicacies and a bunch of seafood dishes (barbecue is the highlight) are the nexts to expect to see on the menu. After 10 p.m, the number of choices drops to ten. Price of drinks is from 20,000 to 110,000 VND, and alcoholics start from 35,000 VND. Live music is on every Thursday and Sunday night.

Restaurants in Cua Dai Beach

Cua Dai Beach is known for local-style seafood restaurants. Travelers can approach the coast to enjoy cool breezes and nice views, or inner areas and riverfronts. Due to the lack of crowds of tourists, the menu in most places includes a variety of dishes cooked by authentic recipes. Source of seafood here is one of the “best” because the fishers in the village set sail and return daily. Travelers can wake up early, visit the fresh market and bring seafood to restaurants for cooking. Green Bamboo Cooking Class (a top school) is based here, so why not learn how to make different dishes with a local family? Read our guide to Cua Dai beach to know the best places to eat.

Bars and Clubs in Hoi An Beach

An Bang Beach Bars

An Bang beach is home to many bars, many of which were founded by foreigners. Travelers can pick one or more from the top list of An Bang beach bars to enjoy the night and nightlife. Along the seafront, the most famous places provide the best seatings with comfy cushions, close distance to the waves and pretty seascape and cool breezes. Couples, families and groups of fellow friends absolutely have their own space (cabanas or decks) to increase privacy. Beverage menu there absolutely is the longest, most diverse one in town. Best bars in An Bang beach are familiar to local and foreign thirsty souls.

Kahuna’s Hoi An Beach Club

By beautiful Tan Thanh beach, this western-style venue is managed by the famous Vietnam Backpacker Hostel. Apart from sun beds lounging on the sand, here, travelers can soak in a cool swimming pool that is open to the sea. It’s free for adults and chỉldrens as long as their parents purchase food or drink on the menu. Moreover, the little ones also have checker games in a small playground and sure, friendly smiles from everybody. During the evening, adult travelers enjoy stunning alcoholics or a cold beer and chatting with English speaking bartenders, within a social, chilled atmosphere. Happy hours are daily on offer before the dining time.

Salt Pub

Established in mid-2017, this is one of the best beach clubs in Hoi An. It has a prime seafront where many sun beds lounge on the sand, under thatch palapas. Some water sports facilities are close by. In hungry times, relaxers have a variety of choices to eat, including all-day breakfast, salads, burgers, imported Australian beef steaks, fish n chips, traditional rolls and dishes served with noodles or rice. Drink list includes both non-alcoholics and alcoholics, glass and bottle, and awesome mixes from bartenders. Salf Pub is among a few venues providing a whole package for families. For little ones, they have their own kid club beside their fun time on the beach. International artists stand on the stage to perform upbeat music on every Thursday and Sunday night.

Hoi An Beach Accommodation

Where to Stay in Hoi An Beach or Town?

Staying near the beach is the best option for travelers who prefer to relax and would like to know highlights of Hoi An sometimes. The chance to chill out by Vietnam’s finest sandy beach is the closest ever. During the high seasons, the guests there may not face the crowds like in town, one of main reasons that the trip isn’t fully enjoyable. Nowadays, there are plenty of accommodations on and off the coast to choose from, including the top choices. The style is also varied, from dormitory, backpacker hostels, guesthouses, hotels, homestays, airbnb, villas to resorts. Budget and services are also diverse, consequently.

Hoi An Hotels on the Beach

In An Bang Beach area, villas and homestays are located in tranquil lanes of a traditional fisherman village. If staying in, the guests will feel convenient to do things needed for a relaxing beach pilgrimage. This is home of the largest expat community in Hoi An, so it may be easy to see a fellow friend to start any conservation. See the best options in our guide to An Bang beach accommodation. If planning to stay overnight in Tan Thanh beach (sometimes called South An Bang beach), boutique hotels and villas are still visible around. Down the south, the coastline has high end resorts and the hotels often stand in inner areas.

Hoi An Resorts on the Beach

Travelers find most resorts on the coast in the Cua Dai beach area, to the right of Lac Long Quan and Au Co roads. The bulk is all inclusive, providing a private beach, outdoor swimming pools, wellness facilities, dining restaurants and bars. For sure, there are numerous choices of room and villa to select for the deserving holiday ahead, all surrounded by gardens and palms. It’s convenient to get to any corners of the city, by own vehicle or by the free shuttle bus of the resort. The harbour where boats depart to get to Cham islands, is within 10 minutes. See further information in our article for Hoi An’s best beach resorts.