“The Beaches around Hanoi”

1.Do Son, Hai Phong:

My first getaway was to Do Son, a beach located about 120 km from Hanoi, in the city of Hai Phong. It wasn’t the most heavenly beach in Vietnam, but it was the closest to the capital, making it a popular destination for a relaxing day out.

I travelled to Do Son by bus, the most economical option. For about €3-4, I took a bus from My Dinh train station, which dropped me off in Hai Phong in less than 3 hours. From there, I took a motorbike taxi for a few extra euros to the beach.

Do Son is divided into several sections, and I opted for the quieter part, away from the crowds. The beach is surrounded by hills, and while it’s not as exotic as those in the south of the country, it offered a moment of calm, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. I rented a lounge chair for a small fee and spent the day watching the local fishermen at work.

• Transportation: Public bus (3-4€).

• Activities: Swimming, watching fishing boats, relaxing.

2. CAT Ba Beach, Ha Long Bay:

Another memorable adventure was my excursion to CAT Ba Island, which is at the gateway to the famous Ha Long Bay. Even though Hanoi is several hours away from this natural wonder, I found a cheap way to get there. For about 5€, I took a bus from Hanoi to Hai Phong, then took a local ferry for an additional 2€ that took me directly to CAT Ba Island.

Once there, I rented a bicycle to explore the beaches on the island, such as Cat Co 1 and Cat Co 2 BEACH. These small beaches are surrounded by dramatic cliffs and offer magnificent views of the emerald sea. In the late afternoon, I took the time to climb up to a viewpoint on the cliffs, where I witnessed one of the most memorable sunsets of my life.

CAT Ba is also one of the places where you can easily access Ha Long Bay, and although boat trips in the bay are more expensive, it is possible to find affordable options by joining groups of travelers.

• Transportation: Bus (5€) + ferry (2€).

• Activities: Cycling, swimming, hiking, exploring the beaches.

3.Tra Co Beach, Mong Cai:

Further away, on the Chinese border, is Tra Co Beach, one of the furthest beaches I visited from Hanoi. It was an adventure to get there, but by opting for budget-friendly transportation, I was able to make the trip without breaking the bank.

I took an overnight bus from Hanoi to Mong Cai, a border town about 350 km from the capital. The journey cost me about €10, and although it was long (about 8-9 hours), I saved a night in a hotel by sleeping on the bus. Once in Mong Cai, I took a motorbike taxi for a few euros more, which dropped me off in Tra Co.

Tra Co Beach is huge, with fine sand stretching for over 15 km. It was almost deserted, with only a few locals walking around. The water was clear and the sea breeze refreshing. I found a small local restaurant near the beach where I enjoyed freshly caught seafood, all for less than €5. The peace and quiet of this beach made it a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Hanoi.

• Transportation: Night bus (€10).

• Activities: Swimming, walking on the beach, discovering the local culture.

4. Sam Son Beach, Thanh Hoa:

Another interesting beach that I easily accessed from Hanoi is Sam Son, in Thanh Hoa province, about 170 km south. The local bus cost me about €4, and after about 4 hours of travel, I reached this beach very popular with the Vietnamese.

Sam Son is known for its liveliness, with many seafood restaurants, street vendors and hotels. I loved walking along the promenade, and despite the crowds, the sea was nice and the beach relatively clean. I especially enjoyed discovering the small markets near the beach, where you can buy souvenirs or dried seafood.

The price of the meals was also very affordable. For around €2-3, I was able to enjoy a local seafood soup in a small restaurant near the beach.

• Meals: Public bus (€4).

• Activities: Swimming, walking, seafood tasting.

5. Plage de Hai Thinh, Nam Dinh :

My last adventure was in Hai Thinh, in Nam Dinh province, about 150 km from Hanoi. This beach, although not very well known, surprised me with its calm and beauty. I took a local bus for about 3€, which took me directly to the beach.

Hai Thinh is a wilder beach, where locals come mainly for fishing. I liked the rustic atmosphere, far from the classic tourist beaches. It was the perfect place to disconnect and observe the life of local fishermen. Here, there were no big hotels or luxurious restaurants, but small shops that served grilled fish for less than 2€.

• Means of transport: Public bus (3€).

• Activities: Watching fishermen, walking, swimming.

These escapades to the beaches around Hanoi proved to me that it is possible to enjoy beautiful landscapes without spending a fortune. Travelling by bus and ferry remains the most affordable option, and each beach I discovered offered a unique experience, whether it was the bustling resorts or the quieter, more secluded beaches. Vietnam is full of hidden gems within a few hours’ drive, and even living in Hanoi, it’s entirely possible to escape the city and lose yourself in the beauty of the sea.

FAQ: Beaches near Hanoi

Where to find beaches near Hanoi?

What are the closest destinations to enjoy the beach? The most accessible beaches from Hanoi are in Hai Phong and Quang Ninh provinces. Popular destinations include:

• Do Son: A small seaside town located about 120 km from Hanoi.

• CAT Ba: A beautiful island with many beaches and a national park.

• Ha Long: Famous for its bay, Ha Long also offers some nice beaches.

How to get to the beaches from Hanoi?

• Bus: This is the cheapest option, but the journeys can be long.

• Train: More comfortable than the bus, the train is a good alternative.

• Car or motorbike: For more flexibility, you can rent a car or motorbike.

What activities can you do on these beaches? Beaches near Hanoi offer a variety of activities:

• Swimming: Enjoy the refreshing waters.

• Lounging: Relax on the sand and admire the scenery.

• Watersports: Some places offer activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, or scuba diving.

• Cultural tours: Discover nearby fishing villages and historical sites.

When is the best time to visit beaches near Hanoi?

The ideal time to enjoy beaches near Hanoi is from May to September. Temperatures are pleasant and rain is less frequent.

Additional tips

What to pack for a day at the beach? Don't forget to bring:

• Sunscreen: Essential to protect yourself from the sun's rays.

• Hat and sunglasses

• Swimsuit and towel

• Water and snacks

• Local currency