The 2026 Ultimate Guide: Top 10 Beaches in Vietnam & Cambodia

Figure: Bai Khem’s powder-soft sand and calm, crystal-clear waters.

Bai Khem (Cream Beach) is widely regarded as Vietnam’s most beautiful beach – a 1.5-kilometer crescent of fine, ivory sand lapped by exceptionally clear, calm turquoise water. Located on Phu Quoc’s southern tip, it is framed by gentle hills. The beach is home to the JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay and the Regent Phu Quoc, both of which offer private, dedicated beach sections with full-service butler attention. Water sports include non-motorized kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. The sunrises here are legendary, with the bay facing east.

Figure: Dat Doc Beach – absolute seclusion within a protected marine park.

Accessible only to guests of Six Senses Con Dao and a handful of private villas, Dat Doc Beach offers unparalleled exclusivity. The mile-long stretch of white sand is backed by dramatic granite mountains and fronts the crystal-clear waters of Con Dao National Park – a marine reserve. The beach is a nesting ground for green sea turtles (May-October). Snorkeling directly offshore reveals vibrant coral gardens. The absence of jet skis or motorized water sports preserves the tranquil atmosphere. This is the ultimate beach for those seeking deep isolation.

Figure: Saracen Bay’s powdery sand and famous bioluminescent night waters.

Saracen Bay on Koh Rong Sanloem is Cambodia’s most exquisite beach – a 1.5-kilometer arc of fine, white sand with exceptionally shallow, warm water. The bay faces west, offering spectacular sunsets. The water is so clear that visibility often exceeds 15 meters. At night, from November to May, bioluminescent plankton creates a magical glowing effect in the waves. The adjacent Song Saa Private Island resort offers overwater villas and exclusive access to a nearby private island. The atmosphere is ultra-relaxed, with no motorized water sports allowed. Snorkeling and kayaking are the primary activities.

Figure: Bai Truong’s endless stretch and world-class sunset views.

Phu Quoc’s west coast is defined by Bai Truong (Long Beach), a 15-kilometer arc of golden sand that offers consistently spectacular sunsets. While the northern section is busier with mid-range resorts, the southern stretch near Sunset Town is home to ultra-luxury properties like Premier Village Phu Quoc and New World Phu Quoc, which offer private, dedicated beach sections. The water is generally calm and swimmable year-round, though clarity varies with tide. The sunset viewing here is unparalleled, with direct views over the Gulf of Thailand.

Figure: An Bang Beach – where heritage meets the sea, just minutes from ancient town.

An Bang Beach offers the ideal balance of luxury beach relaxation and cultural exploration. Located just 4 kilometers from Hội An’s UNESCO-listed Ancient Town, the beach is a long, wide stretch of golden sand. The Four Seasons Nam Hai anchors the southern end, offering the most exclusive beachfront in the area, with private cabanas and butler service. The central section has a vibrant collection of upscale beach clubs and fresh seafood restaurants. While water clarity is less than southern islands, the consistent waves make it popular for bodyboarding. The proximity to Hội An’s lantern-lit streets and world-class dining is the key advantage.

Figure: Mũi Né’s consistent thermal winds make it Asia’s kite-surfing capital.

Rang Beach in Mũi Né is Vietnam’s premier destination for wind and kite-surfing, thanks to consistent thermal winds from November to March. The beach itself is a long, golden crescent framed by dramatic red sand dunes. While the central section can be busy, the southern end near luxury resorts like Anantara offers a quieter experience. Water clarity is moderate, but the appeal here is the active, sport-oriented luxury lifestyle. Beyond the beach, the famous sand dunes and fishing harbor provide unique photographic opportunities.

Figure: Bãi Dài’s expansive bay and calm, clear waters.

Bãi Dài (Long Beach) on the Cam Ranh Peninsula is a 10-kilometer stretch of golden sand backed by low hills. The bay’s geography shelters the beach from strong waves, resulting in exceptionally calm, warm water ideal for swimming year-round. Water clarity is very good, especially in the morning. The beach is home to a cluster of luxury resorts, including JW Marriott Cam Ranh Bay and The Anam, each offering private beach sections. The ambiance is relaxed and family-friendly, with plenty of space even during peak season. The newly expanded Cam Ranh International Airport is just a 15-minute drive away.

Figure: Koh Ta Kiev’s untouched jungle-backed coves – the ultimate castaway experience.

Koh Ta Kiev is the Koh Rong Archipelago’s best-kept secret – a large island with multiple pristine coves, including the spectacular Long Beach (3 kilometers of powder-white sand). There are no paved roads, no large resorts, and no jet skis. Accommodation is limited to a handful of boutique eco-lodges with rustic-luxury bungalows. Water clarity is exceptional, with healthy coral gardens accessible directly from shore. The island is largely covered by primary jungle, with hiking trails connecting the various beaches. This is the destination for travelers seeking absolute disconnection and authentic tropical island immersion.

Figure: Non Nuoc Beach with the iconic Marble Mountains rising behind.

Non Nuoc Beach is Đà Nẵng’s premier luxury beach, a 5-kilometer stretch of fine, golden sand at the foot of the Marble Mountains. The beach is wide and gently sloping, with consistent waves suitable for swimming and bodyboarding. The InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort (set on the nearby Sơn Trà Peninsula) offers the most exclusive access, while other luxury properties like the Hyatt and Pullman line the southern section. The beach is well-maintained and less crowded than nearby China Beach. Its proximity to Đà Nẵng’s international airport and the UNESCO heritage town of Hội An makes it a highly convenient luxury coastal base.

Figure: Lazy Beach’s expansive shallow lagoon – perfect for families and wading.

Lazy Beach on Koh Rong’s west coast is a unique geographical marvel – a large, protected cove where the water remains knee-deep for up to 200 meters offshore at low tide, creating a massive, warm, turquoise lagoon. The sand is fine and white, and the beach is backed by jungle. Because of the shallow, protected water, it’s exceptionally safe for children and ideal for stand-up paddleboarding. Accommodation is limited to the eponymous Lazy Beach Bungalows, a rustic-luxury property with no air conditioning (only fans) and limited electricity, emphasizing the back-to-nature experience. Sunsets here are breathtaking.