Beaches Close to Hanoi: Where to Find Sun, Sand, and Serenity

Although Hanoi isn’t a coastal city, it doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the sun and sea. Thanks to its location in northern Vietnam, Hanoi is within easy reach of several scenic beaches, perfect for a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of the capital. Whether you’re dreaming of a relaxing day trip or a weekend by the sea, there are plenty of beaches near Hanoi waiting to be explored.

This guide is here to help you plan your perfect escape with all the information you need about beaches close to Hanoi, how to get there, and what to expect.

1. How Far Is the Beach from Hanoi?

Hanoi might not be a coastal city, but that doesn’t mean a beach escape is out of reach. In fact, you can get to several beautiful beaches in just 2 to 6 hours, depending on where you’re heading and how you choose to get there. Whether you’re planning a spontaneous day trip or a laid-back weekend by the sea, there’s a beach route that fits every type of traveler.

Here’s a breakdown of the best transportation options from Hanoi to nearby beach destinations, and how long each journey typically takes.

Limousine Vans: Comfortable and Convenient

Best for: Do Son, Bai Chay, Tuan Chau
Travel time:

• Do Son Beach (Hai Phong): ~2.5 hours
• Bai Chay / Tuan Chau (Ha Long): ~3 – 3.5 hours

Limousine vans are a popular choice for travelers who want a bit more comfort. These sleek, air-conditioned vans typically include free Wi-Fi, reclining seats, and hotel pickup in Hanoi. They’re faster than regular buses and ideal for couples, small groups, or families who want a smooth, stress-free ride.

Sleeper & Express Buses: Budget-Friendly Options

Best for: Bai Chay Beach, Ha Long City, Hai Phong (for Cat Ba Island)
Travel time:

• Bai Chay / Ha Long City: ~3.5 – 4 hours
• Hai Phong (to reach Do Son or Cat Ba): ~2 – 2.5 hours

Buses depart frequently from Hanoi’s My Dinh, Gia Lam, and Nuoc Ngam bus stations. They’re affordable and reliable, especially if you’re traveling solo or on a budget. Some buses even offer sleeper-style seating for early morning or late-night departures.

Private Car: Door-to-Door Flexibility

Best for: Families or travelers with a flexible schedule
Travel time:

• Do Son: ~2.5 hours
• Ha Long Bay (Bai Chay / Tuan Chau): ~3 – 3.5 hours
• Ferry ports for Cat Ba / Co To / Quan Lan: ~3.5 – 4.5 hours

Private cars give you the freedom to travel at your own pace. No need to worry about bus schedules or multiple transfers, you’ll get picked up and dropped off exactly where you want. It’s perfect for weekend trips with kids or when you’re carrying a lot of beach gear.

Train + Ferry Combo: For Island Getaways

Best for: Cat Ba Island, Quan Lan Island, Co To Island
How it works:

• Take a train from Hanoi to Hai Phong (for Cat Ba) or Hanoi to Cam Pha/Van Don (for Quan Lan or Co To)
• From there, transfer to a speedboat or ferry

Estimated total travel time:

• Cat Ba Island: ~4.5 – 5 hours
• Quan Lan Island: ~5.5 hours
  Co To Island: ~6 hours

This combo is ideal for travelers who want a mix of comfort and scenery. Train rides through northern Vietnam offer a peaceful, no-traffic option. Just remember to check ferry schedules in advance, especially during low season or stormy weather.

Best Time to Travel for Beach Weather:

Northern Vietnam’s beach season runs from March to October, with May to August being the warmest and sunniest months, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Avoid January and February, when it’s often cloudy and too cold for a true beach day.

2. Top Beaches Close to Hanoi (1–4 hours away)

2.1. Do Son Beach – Hai Phong

Located about 120 km from Hanoi, Do Son Beach is one of the most accessible seaside spots for a quick day trip. This beach, nestled on a narrow peninsula, is known for its cooler breeze, long shoreline, and shady pine trees. Once a resort town for French colonists, it still carries a nostalgic charm with a few colonial villas and traditional Vietnamese pagodas nearby.

The beach is divided into three main areas, with Zone II being the most popular for swimming and beach games. Families often gather here for picnics, and local food vendors serve up fresh seafood like steamed clams and grilled squid right by the shore.

• Vibe: Relaxed, nostalgic, family-friendly
• Best for: Families, day trips from Hanoi
• Highlights: Colonial architecture, seafood stalls, shady pine groves
• Pros: Close to Hanoi, gentle waves for kids, spacious beach
• Cons: Water can be murky after heavy rains, gets busy on weekends

2.2. Tuan Chau Island – Ha Long

Tuan Chau is a small island just outside of Ha Long City, connected by a road bridge. It’s home to a large artificial beach with golden imported sand, clear waters, and plenty of space to sunbathe or join in on water activities.

Tuan Chau is also the departure point for many Ha Long Bay cruises, making it a smart add-on if you’re planning to explore the bay. The island is dotted with mid- to high-end resorts, a small amusement park, and water sport centers offering kayaking, parasailing, and jet skiing.

• Vibe: Resort-style, active, well-equipped
• Best for: Combining beach and Ha Long Bay cruise
• Highlights: Water sports, resort stays, family attractions
• Pros: Good facilities, clean beach, great for families
• Cons: Not a natural beach, can feel commercialized

2.3. Bai Chay Beach – Ha Long City

Bai Chay is the main beach area in Ha Long City and has recently been expanded and improved. The sandy stretch is now broader and cleaner, making it suitable for swimming, beach volleyball, or simply lounging with a cold drink in hand.

The surrounding area is bustling, with cafes, seafood restaurants, bars, and night markets. If you prefer city comforts with your beach, this is a solid choice. It’s also convenient if you’re taking a one-day cruise in Ha Long Bay and want to unwind afterward without traveling far.

• Vibe: Urban, energetic, tourist-friendly
• Best for: First-timers to Ha Long, social travelers
• Highlights: Central location, nightlife, shopping
• Pros: Everything is nearby, easy access
• Cons: Can be noisy and busy, less peaceful than island beaches

3. Best Beaches for a Weekend Trip (4–6 hours away)

3.1. Cat Ba Island – Hai Phong

Cat Ba Island is a perfect blend of beach, jungle, and adventure. The island lies south of Ha Long Bay and is known for its dramatic limestone cliffs, quiet coves, and lush national park. The three main beaches, Cat Co 1, 2, and 3, are within walking distance of Cat Ba Town and connected by a cliffside walking path.

Cat Co 1 is the largest and busiest, while Cat Co 2 is a bit quieter and shaded. Cat Co 3 offers excellent views and fewer crowds. Besides the beaches, travelers can explore Lan Ha Bay by kayak, hike in Cat Ba National Park, or visit the historic Hospital Cave.

• Vibe: Scenic, adventurous, nature-packed
• Best for: Outdoor lovers, backpackers, photographers
• Highlights: Cliffside beaches, kayaking, hiking trails
• Pros: Diverse activities, stunning scenery
• Cons: Ferry ride required, can be busy in peak season

3.2. Quan Lan Island – Quang Ninh

For travelers seeking tranquility and unspoiled nature, Quan Lan is a hidden treasure. Located in Bai Tu Long Bay, the island remains largely untouched by mass tourism. The beaches, Son Hao and Minh Chau, are known for their powdery white sand and turquoise waters.

Minh Chau Beach is wide, clean, and perfect for sunrise walks, while Son Hao offers a peaceful stretch for swimming or reading under casuarina trees. Accommodations are modest but charming, with a few local homestays and eco-lodges offering a real village feel.

• Vibe: Rustic, peaceful, slow-paced
• Best for: Couples, nature lovers, digital detox
• Highlights: Pristine beaches, quiet nights, fresh seafood
• Pros: Authentic experience, fewer tourists
• Cons: Limited services, basic infrastructure

3.3. Co To Island – Quang Ninh

Co To is perhaps the most scenic island beach getaway in northern Vietnam. Its Hong Van Beach boasts crystal-clear water and a gently sloping shoreline—great for swimming and relaxing. Van Chay Beach, on the other hand, is more dramatic and photogenic, backed by rolling dunes and pine forests.

The island has a romantic, laid-back charm, making it popular among couples and photographers. You can rent a motorbike to explore the lighthouse, seafood markets, and rocky coastal viewpoints. Despite being more developed than Quan Lan, Co To still maintains a relaxed, island vibe.

• Vibe: Serene, romantic, photogenic
• Best for: Couples, honeymoons, scenic getaways
• Highlights: Beautiful beaches, motorbike rides, scenic viewpoints
• Pros: Clear waters, romantic settings, good local food
• Cons: Ferry schedule dependent on weather, longer travel time

4. What to Pack for a Hanoi Beach Trip

When heading to the beach from Hanoi, packing smart will ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. Start with lightweight clothes and swimwear, northern Vietnam can get hot and humid, especially during beach season. Don’t forget sunscreen and a wide-brim hat, as the sun can be intense, even on cloudy days.

Flip-flops or waterproof sandals are essential for walking on sandy shores or rocky areas. If you’re traveling to an island by boat, bring motion sickness pills, especially if you’re sensitive to waves. A power bank is helpful since charging outlets may be limited on ferries or in some remote guesthouses, and extra cash is also a must as ATMs aren’t always available on the islands.

5. Where to Stay at These Beaches

Whether you’re planning a short beach escape or a longer island retreat, you’ll find plenty of accommodation options catering to different budgets and travel styles. 

If you’re traveling on a budget, guesthouses and homestays are the most affordable and culturally enriching choice, especially on islands like Quan Lan or Co To. These stays often include meals with the host family, giving you a chance to experience daily local life, enjoy home-cooked seafood, and learn about the coastal culture firsthand. Rooms are usually simple but clean and comfortable, with fan or AC options.

For travelers who want more privacy and comfort, mid-range hotels located near the beach are widely available in areas like Bai Chay, Tuan Chau, and Cat Ba Town. These are often locally-run boutique hotels or private lodgings with good facilities such as air conditioning, private bathrooms, and sometimes a small restaurant or rooftop café. Examples include Cat Ba Central Hotel and Ha Long Boutique Hotel, both known for their central locations and reliable service.

If you’re after a premium beach holiday with all the bells and whistles, northern Vietnam also boasts a growing number of upscale resorts. These are ideal for couples, families, or anyone wanting a truly relaxing experience. 

Look into Flamingo Cat Ba Beach Resort, which offers ocean-view rooms, infinity pools, and spa services, or A La Carte Ha Long Bay, a high-end resort with modern architecture, rooftop bar, and five-star amenities. These resorts typically provide on-site restaurants, wellness centers, and tour packages, offering a full resort experience.

You can easily browse and book these stays through popular travel platforms like Agoda and Traveloka, which offer helpful reviews, deals, and flexible booking policies.

Tip: Booking early is essential during weekends or holidays, especially for island stays where rooms are limited. While luxury resorts offer modern conveniences, the charm of homestays lies in their simplicity and warm hospitality, so choose according to your travel goals.

6. What to Eat at Coastal Destinations

One of the best parts of a coastal getaway in Vietnam is the incredible seafood. Along the northern coast, fresh catches are served up daily in everything from street-side stalls to charming family-run eateries and seaside restaurants.

Start with the iconic grilled squid, often seasoned with chili and salt, giving it a smoky, spicy kick that’s perfect with a cold drink. 

Steamed clams with lemongrass are another local favorite, light, fragrant, and ideal for sharing with friends as a starter or beach snack.

Adventurous eaters should try mantis shrimp, a specialty in many coastal towns. These crustaceans are packed with flavor and are often served grilled or stir-fried with garlic. 

Fresh oysters and sea snails are also widely available, often eaten raw with lime and chili or stir-fried with tamarind sauce.

If you’re visiting Ha Long, Bai Chay night market is a great place to sample a wide variety of seafood dishes, from simple grilled skewers to seafood hotpots. On islands like Cat Ba and Co To, many homestays and small restaurants offer home-cooked meals using seafood caught the same day.

Don’t miss the chance to explore local markets where you can eat like a local, grab a plastic stool, order a dish or two, and enjoy your meal with your toes in the sand and the sea breeze in the air.

7. Travel Tips & Local Etiquette

To make the most of your beach trip from Hanoi, a few simple travel tips and cultural considerations can go a long way. First, try to travel mid-week if possible, weekends and holidays can get quite crowded, especially at popular beaches like Bai Chay or Cat Ba. Visiting during weekdays also means more peaceful beaches and often better accommodation rates.

When exploring coastal villages or smaller islands, it’s best to dress modestly, especially if you’re walking through local communities. While beachwear is fine at the shore, covering up when entering town or visiting temples is a respectful gesture.

A warm smile and a simple greeting like “xin chào” can brighten any local’s day. Engaging with small vendors and homestay owners supports the local economy and leads to more memorable, authentic experiences.

Lastly, be a responsible traveler by keeping the environment clean. Don’t litter, and if possible, bring a small bag to collect any trash you create or find during your visit. Coastal communities are working hard to preserve their natural beauty, and every little bit helps.

8. Final Thoughts: Which Beach Is Right for You?

Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

No matter which destination you choose, the beaches near Hanoi offer a refreshing change of pace. Pack your swimwear, hop on a van or ferry, and get ready to explore the coastal charm of northern Vietnam!

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