Best Beaches and Beach Resorts Near Hanoi

Dreaming of sun-kissed sands and the sound of waves near Hanoi? Look no further than these stunning beach destinations that promise relaxation and adventure just a short journey from the bustling capital. Join us as we uncover the best beaches and beach resorts near Hanoi, where every shoreline promises a new adventure and memories that will linger long after the journey ends.

Top beaches near Hanoi

Do Son Beach

• Location: Do Son District, Hai Phong City.

Do Son Beach, nestled in Do Son District, Hai Phong City, is just about 20 km southeast of the city center and 120 km from Hanoi. This charming beach is famous for its sandy shores, scenic views, and refreshing breezes, making it a favorite spot for a quick getaway from Hanoi. 

Back in the day, it was a resort town for the French during colonial times. One of the most exciting events here is the annual buffalo fights, held in late September and October. 

You’ll find plenty of restaurants, hotels, and resorts with stunning ocean views to enjoy during your stay. Getting to Do Son Beach from Hanoi is easy—just travel to Hai Phong City by plane, train, bus, private car, or motorbike. From the city center, it’s only a 20 km trip to Do Son, which you can do by taxi or bus 03. 

For a bit more adventure, you might want to rent a motorbike to explore Hai Phong and soak in the seaside beauty before heading to Do Son.

Sam Son Beach

• Location: Sam Son City, Thanh Hoa Province

Sam Son, located in Thanh Hoa province, is just 170 km from Hanoi and is one of the top beach destinations in Northern Vietnam. With its long stretch of flat white-sand beaches running over 10 km along a beautiful promenade, it’s a hit with vacationers, especially in the summer. 

The beaches are lively and full of activities like sunbathing, playing beach sports, building sandcastles, and buying fresh seafood from walking vendors. If you’re looking for something more luxurious, there are plenty of high-end resorts with private beaches, pools, and spas.

The climate in Sam Son is warm, with hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters. The best time to visit is during the summer, from May to September. For a less crowded and more affordable trip, try visiting in May or September, as June to August can be quite busy and pricey.

Getting to Sam Son from Hanoi is easy. You can travel by private car, bus, motorbike, or train. There are many bus services from major Hanoi bus stations like My Dinh, Giap Bat, and Nuoc Ngam, with ticket prices ranging from $4 to $6. However, the most convenient way to get there is by car.

Quan Lan Island

• Location: Van Don District, Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam

Quan Lan Island, in Quang Ninh province, is about 210 km from Hanoi and sits in the beautiful Bai Tu Long Bay. This island, covering over 10 square kilometers, remains a peaceful and untouched spot despite its popularity. 

The air is fresh and clean, making it a great escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. On Quan Lan, you can enjoy swimming, join summer programs, go camping, participate in team-building activities, and taste delicious seafood at seaside restaurants.

The best time to visit Quan Lan Beach is during the dry season, from October to April. The weather is mild and there’s little rain, making it perfect for outdoor fun. If you prefer a quieter experience and don’t mind a bit of rain, visiting from May to September can be a great option with fewer crowds and lower prices. Just make sure to check the weather forecast before you go.

To get to Quan Lan Island from Hanoi, there are several ways, but taking a limousine is a faster and more comfortable choice. The journey takes over four hours to reach Cai Rong port in Van Don. From there, you’ll need to take a boat to reach Quan Lan Island. Speed boats take about 1-2 hours, while wooden boats take 2-4 hours. 

On the island, there are two piers: Quan Lan Pier and Minh Chau Pier. Quan Lan Pier is closer to the center, and beach, and has more hotels and restaurants. Minh Chau is quieter with fewer accommodation options, perfect if you’re looking for a more peaceful stay.

Cat Ba Island

• Location: Tran Chau, Cat Hai, Hai Phong City

Cat Ba Island, located about 150 km from Hanoi, is a charming destination renowned for its picturesque swimming beaches, especially Cat Co 1, 2, and 3. These beaches boast clear waters and captivating natural surroundings, making them a favorite among visitors. 

Beyond swimming, visitors can enjoy activities like kayaking and snorkeling to explore the vibrant coral reefs. Cat Ba Island also offers attractions like Lan Ha Bay, Monkey Island, and an ancient fishing village. 

From June to August, Cat Ba Island becomes a popular spot for family vacations and sees more crowds compared to other times of the year. For a more relaxed experience, the best times to visit are autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May), when the island is less crowded. 

Traveling from Hanoi to Cat Ba is convenient with options such as train, bus, private car, or motorbike to Hai Phong. From there, get a taxi ride or a local bus to Got Port or Dinh Vu Ferry Terminal to catch a ferry or fast boat to the island. 

Bai Chay Beach

Bai Chay Beach, the closest beach to the Halong Bay complex, is a perfect spot for a beach day mixed with some sightseeing. This 500-meter-long and 1000-meter-wide artificial beach is surrounded by hills covered in pine trees, creating a picturesque setting. 

It’s a popular destination for both locals and tourists, especially during the summer. The ideal time to visit Bai Chay Beach is from April to June when the weather is cool and sunny, perfect for enjoying the white sand and clear waters. The beach area is bustling with resorts, hotels, and a variety of seafood restaurants, from casual food vendors to high-end dining options. Many visitors combine their beach trips with tours of Halong Bay and nearby attractions. 

Getting to Bai Chay Beach from Hanoi is easy and convenient, with the distance being around 150 km. You can take a train from Hanoi to Ha Long, which offers a scenic journey and a glimpse into local life. Alternatively, frequent buses depart from Luong Yen and My Dinh bus stations, making it a hassle-free option. 

For the adventurous, a motorbike trip covering about 155 km via the route Hanoi – Bac Ninh – Uong Bi – Ha Long is another exciting way to travel.

Best beach resorts near Hanoi  

Hon Dau Holiday Resort, Hai Phong

• Location: Area 3, Van Huong Ward, Do Son, Hai Phong, Vietnam
• Transfer time from Hanoi: 2h.
• Price: From $50/room/night.

Hon Dau Holiday Resort is in Do Son District, Hai Phong City, right next to the well-known Do Son Beach. Spread over 120 hectares, the resort beautifully blends with the natural surroundings, offering a spacious, cool, and fresh environment. 

It’s conveniently located about 27km from Hai Phong city center and less than 20km from Cat Bi International Airport. If you’re coming from Hanoi, it’s just a one-hour drive. 

This makes Hon Dau a perfect spot for a weekend getaway, with plenty of unique recreational areas to enjoy. It’s an ideal place to relax and unwind away from the hustle and bustle.

Amenities and facilities

Hon Dau Holiday Resort offers a range of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. You can stay in luxurious beachfront villas, romantic wooden bungalows on the hillside, or modern and comfortable hotel rooms

Each option is designed with modern amenities and facilities to ensure a pleasant stay. No matter where you stay, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the beautiful Do Son coastline.

Highlights

Hon Dau Holiday Resort offers a variety of highlights for visitors to enjoy. Start your day with a visit to Vong Canh Hill for breathtaking panoramic views of the sea and mountains. 

Take an electric car tour through the picturesque Love Valley, surrounded by lush greenery, flowers, and wildlife. Relax and enjoy a cup of coffee at one of the charming tea houses. For water lovers, the resort boasts the largest artificial wave pool in Vietnam, complete with exciting water slides. 

You can also take advantage of the year-round beach for swimming and other fun water activities. With diverse accommodation options and plenty of attractions, Hon Dau Resort is a perfect getaway.

FLC Grand Hotel Samson, Sam Son

• Location: Ho Xuan Huong Street, Sam Son Street, Thanh Hoa, Vietnam (~180km from Hanoi).
• Transfer time: 3.5h – 4h.
• Price: From $60/room/night.  

FLC Luxury Hotel Sam Son is located on Ho Xuan Huong Street in Thanh Hoa City, right on the stunning Sam Son Beach. It’s nestled against scenic mountains and offers views of the serene Ma River.

Beyond relaxing on the beach, guests can easily explore nearby attractions like Trong Mai Rock, Doc Cuoc Pagoda, Fairy Temple, the bustling Seafood Market, and Sam Son Church.

Amenities and facilities

FLC Luxury Hotel Sam Son offers a wide array of services and modern amenities to make your stay enjoyable. You can dine at various restaurants onsite and unwind at the Spice Spa, which offers traditional treatments in a vibrant, modern atmosphere. 

One of the highlights is the largest saltwater swimming pool in Vietnam and Southeast Asia, spanning an impressive 5,100 square meters. For those who love sports, there’s an 18-hole golf course covering 8,000 square meters.

The hotel has 350 luxury rooms spread across 7 floors, including Studio, Couple, Family, and Seaview suites. Each room is designed with a living room, bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen, equipped with modern comforts. Some rooms even feature balconies or courtyards for a more memorable experience. 

Highlights

FLC Luxury Hotel Sam Son features a distinctive arc-shaped design and offers 350 luxurious rooms, each with stunning views overlooking Sam Son Beach. From each room, you can enjoy watching the sparkling sea and colorful sunrise while feeling the refreshing sea breeze. 

Make sure to indulge in the delightful dining experience at Fish Ca Restaurant, which serves a diverse “All-day dining” menu including buffets and delicious dishes from around the world. 

Flamingo Cat Ba Beach Resort

• Location: Cat Ba, Cat Hai, Hai Phong, Vietnam.
• Transfer time: 3h.
• Price: From $90/room/night

The Flamingo Cat Ba Beach Resort is nestled on the beautiful Cat Ba Island in Hai Phong City, an area known for its rich and diverse ecosystem. Cat Ba is one of Vietnam’s most amazing natural heritage sites. 

The resort is perfectly located between the island’s two most beautiful beaches, giving you stunning views of Lan Ha Bay and the mountains. It’s a great spot to relax on the beach or explore the island’s natural beauty. Whether you’re here for the scenery or the adventure, The Flamingo Cat Ba Beach Resort has you covered.

Amenities and facilities

The Flamingo Cat Ba Beach Resort features three large hotel buildings, Forest on the Sea, Forest in the Sun, and Forest on the Sand. Each with 17 floors and 208 rooms. These buildings have unique architectural designs that blend seamlessly with nature, offering stunning sea views.

The Flamingo Cat Ba Beach Resort also provides a variety of dining experiences, featuring a buffet restaurant and a 5-star international dining venue with a sky bar. 

It includes extensive conference and meeting facilities, comprising a Grand Opera hall and smaller meeting rooms, catering to both leisure and business travelers. 

Additionally, guests can unwind with health and wellness amenities like a spa and natural hot springs. The resort also boasts various sports and recreational facilities, such as an infinity pool, pool bar, and fitness center, ensuring a diverse range of activities for visitors.

Highlights

Flamingo Cat Ba Beach Resort is a luxurious 5-star getaway situated right on Cat Co 1 Beach, Cat Ba Island. It’s perfect for travelers seeking relaxation and fun by the sea. The resort offers spacious rooms with balconies overlooking the mountains, providing excellent service for all types of guests.  

There’s plenty to do here too, like splashing in one of four seasonal pools, pampering yourself at the Onsen Spa, and exploring the waters with kayaking adventures.

Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long

• Location: Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh (~125km from Hanoi).
• Transfer time: 2.5h.
• Price: From $200/room/night.  

Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long is located on beautiful Reu island, just 9 km from Halong city center. Getting there is easy—a quick 5-minute boat ride takes you right to the hotel entrance. 

The location is perfect for exploring the area. The lively Halong Night Market is only a 10-minute walk away, and Bai Chay Beach is just a 15-minute drive. This makes Vinpearl a great starting point for tours around the city. Tuan Chau Island, which has lots of entertainment options, is just 10 km southwest of the resort.

Amenities and facilities

Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long offers a wide array of activities and amenities to ensure a fantastic stay for guests. You’ll find a large outdoor pool and barbecue area, perfect for gatherings with family and friends. 

Kids will love the playground, and everyone can enjoy the private beach with its clear, inviting waters—great for swimming, snorkeling, and diving adventures. 

For relaxation, there’s a spa offering natural treatments and traditional therapies, along with two top-notch tennis courts near the beach.

The resort also provides practical services like currency exchange, concierge assistance, a business center, and a 24-hour front desk. You’ll find babysitting services and souvenir shops onsite too. Luxury facilities such as yoga classes, sauna sessions, and a fitness center are available for guests looking to unwind and stay active.

Accommodation choices at Vinpearl Halong Resort span over 380 luxury rooms, including options like Deluxe Garden View, Deluxe Pool View, Family Suite, Executive Suite, and Presidential Suite.

Each room features elegant neoclassical decor with amenities like carpeted floors, an LCD flat-screen TV with cable channels, high-speed WiFi, a personal safe, a minibar, and private bathrooms with a separate bathtub and shower. 

Complimentary tea and coffee sets are provided for a cozy touch, and 24-hour room service ensures convenience at any hour.

Highlights

Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long is a charming escape with a design inspired by the neoclassical style of the Rennes Municipal Theater in France. Nestled on a beautiful island in Halong Bay, often described as a “fairy castle in the sea,” the resort offers stunning ocean views from every corner.

When it comes to dining, Vinpearl Halong Bay boasts an impressive selection of restaurants and bars. The Pavilion restaurant is a unique floating venue on the clear blue sea, where guests can savor fresh seafood and Vietnamese BBQ while soaking in breathtaking sunset views.

Akoya and Bay View restaurants offer a delightful mix of international dishes and local Vietnamese flavors. For those looking to relax with a drink, Pearl Lounge offers a great variety, while the Pool Bars serve up refreshing cocktails in a peaceful poolside atmosphere.

Angsana Quan Lan

• Location: Son Hao village, Quan Lan commune, Van Don district, Quang Ninh.
• Transfer time: 4h.
• Prices: From $149/room/night.

Angsana Quan Lan is located on the eastern edge of the Bai Tu Long archipelago, it’s just a scenic 3-hour drive from Hanoi, followed by a short seaplane or speedboat ride.  

Amenities and facilities

The resort features 156 rooms and suites designed with modern elegance and touches of Vietnamese culture, like ceiling fans shaped like conical hats and bedside lamps resembling traditional lanterns. 

Each room includes a spacious bathtub and a private balcony with views of the garden, pool, or ocean. At Angsana Spa and Onsen, guests can enjoy revitalizing treatments using fresh fruits, flowers, and aromatherapy, blending Eastern and Western healing techniques. 

Activities range from watersports to mini-golf and Vietnam’s first coastal zipline, offering a relaxing and culturally enriching experience amidst unspoiled surroundings.

Highlights

Angsana Quan Lan is a new 5-star resort that opened in 2024, managed by the Banyan Group. It combines top-notch service with a modern design that beautifully integrates North Vietnamese cultural elements. 

The architecture and decor showcase the charm of traditional craft villages, making guests feel connected to the local culture and the stunning natural surroundings. Perfect for travelers looking for authentic experiences and a mix of nature and cultural traditions, Angsana Quan Lan truly stands out.

The resort also offers diverse dining options, including Breeze – Beach & Pool Bar for tasty local street food and drinks, Market Place for a vibrant market-inspired menu or buffet, and The Sky Bar for breathtaking views of Bac Bo Bay and starry night skies.

Conclusion

As you plan your next beach getaway from Hanoi, consider these best beaches and beach resorts near Hanoi for a memorable experience. Explore Vietnam’s coastal wonders, indulge in local cuisine, and unwind in luxury at these premier beach destinations near Hanoi. Start your adventure today and create memories that will last a lifetime!