Ho Chi Minh City travel guide — where to stay, what to do, and where to eat in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Ho Chi Minh City.
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- Lively, developed local beach town atmosphere
- Beachfront restaurants and seafood shacks
- Sun lounger and umbrella rentals
- Public showers
- Nearby hotels and resorts along Thuy Van Street
Bai Sau (Back Beach), Vung Tau
Editor’s tip. Book hydrofoil tickets (operators include Greenlines DP and Petro Express) a day ahead for weekend travel
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- Relaxed harbor-town promenade
- Waterfront promenade
- Seafood restaurants
- Views of the Statue of Jesus on Small Mountain
Bai Truoc (Front Beach), Vung Tau
Editor’s tip. Better for an evening stroll and dinner than for swimming
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- Quiet, low-key weekend retreat
- Beach resorts (including higher-end options like Anantara-style villas nearby)
- Quieter shoreline than Vung Tau
- Local seafood restaurants
Long Hai Beach
Editor’s tip. No direct hydrofoil service; a private car or booked transfer is the most practical way to arrive
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- Remote, undeveloped, nature-focused
- Ho Coc Beach Resort and a handful of smaller guesthouses
- Nearby Ho Coc Primary Forest for jungle walks
- Quiet, undeveloped shoreline
Ho Coc Beach
Editor’s tip. Plan for an overnight stay given the 3+ hour drive each way
Things to do at the beach
Beyond swimming and sunbathing — the activities that make a coastal day in Ho Chi Minh City memorable.
Practical beach info
What to know before you head to the coast — season, getting there, facilities, and what it costs.
Day Trip Vs Overnight
Vung Tau is realistic as a long day trip from Ho Chi Minh City via hydrofoil (about 75-90 minutes each way from Bach Dang Wharf); Long Hai and Ho Coc, at 2.5-3.5 hours by road with no direct hydrofoil, are better suited to an overnight or weekend trip.
How To Get There
Hydrofoils to Vung Tau depart multiple times daily from Bach Dang Wharf, District 1 (operators include Greenlines DP and Petro Express); Long Hai and Ho Coc require a private car, booked transfer, or motorbike via Highway 51 and the coastal road, as there is no direct boat service to those towns.
Best Season
March through September generally offers calmer seas and less rain across all these beach towns; October through February brings the northeast monsoon season with rougher surf and more rain.
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.
Common questions
Quick answers to the questions we get asked most about Ho Chi Minh City’s coast.
Can I visit Vung Tau as a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City?
Yes, the hydrofoil takes about 75-90 minutes each way, making a day trip feasible, though an overnight stay allows more relaxed beach time.
From the Bai Sau (Back Beach), Vung Tau editorial.
Is the water clean at Bai Sau?
Water clarity is moderate and naturally brownish due to sediment from the nearby river mouth and coast; it is swimmable but not turquoise-clear.
From the Bai Sau (Back Beach), Vung Tau editorial.
Is Bai Truoc good for swimming?
It is narrower and less swim-focused than Bai Sau; most visitors use it for the promenade, harbor views, and access to the Christ statue rather than swimming.
From the Bai Truoc (Front Beach), Vung Tau editorial.
Is Long Hai better than Vung Tau?
Long Hai is quieter and less developed, appealing to travelers wanting a calmer beach escape, while Vung Tau offers more convenience, amenities, and faster transport options.
From the Long Hai Beach editorial.
Can Ho Coc be done as a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City?
It is possible but not advisable given the 3+ hour drive each way; an overnight stay makes for a far more relaxed visit.
From the Ho Coc Beach editorial.