Phu Quoc. Photo: Shutterstock Last month, the Vietnamese national football team defeated its traditional rival, the Thai national team, and there was great joy in the streets. The competition between the two countries, while not reflected in their excellent diplomatic relations, extends beyond the football field and is evident in other areas. One particular field is tourism, where Vietnam is rapidly closing the gap with Thailand, crossing the 20 million tourist mark for the first time in its history.
But is Vietnam also a strong competitor for Thailand's beach sector? The answer may not be unequivocal, but one thing is clear: Vietnam has an impressive, diverse, and surprising coastline. We have collected the most prominent destinations for an excellent vacation, each with its own specific features.
Phu Quoc. Credit: ShutterstockPhu Quoc
The country's most famous beaches are on Phu Quoc Island, located off the coast of Cambodia. The small island has undergone a dramatic transformation over the last decade, from a quiet fishing village island to a leading tourist destination. Today, the destination offers large hotel and resort chains, long beaches, calm waters, and spectacular sunsets. Alongside the accelerated development, you can still find quiet and less touristy areas on Phu Quoc, especially outside the central areas.
Nha Trang
Nha Trang is a major coastal city with a wide stretch of beaches and turquoise waters. Prices in Nha Trang are relatively low, making it a popular, convenient destination for a relaxing vacation. Another significant advantage is its proximity to Đà Lạt, so if you've exhausted the beach, you can easily combine a trip to the mountain town with its European atmosphere and cool weather.
Nha Trang. Credit: ShutterstockDa Nang
Da Nang is the largest city in central Vietnam and offers a combination that is hard to come across: city life alongside beautiful beaches with impressive sunsets. The city offers a wide selection of restaurants and resorts, a well-maintained promenade, and a major advantage: proximity to Hoi An, one of the most beautiful and beloved cities in the country, just a short drive away.
Da Nang. Credit: shutterstockVung Tau - The Perfect Escape From Saigon
Vung Tau is hardly known to many tourists, but for Ho Chi Minh City residents, it is a classic destination for a weekend escape from the bustling city. The city offers accessible beaches, a pleasant promenade, and fresh seafood at affordable prices. Vung Tau also has an interesting and slightly bizarre historical story: in the 1970s, Russians settled there as part of cooperation between communist regimes, and lived in Soviet housing estates that give the city a unique character. An unusual coastal town with beautiful beaches within easy reach of the city.
Statue of Jesus in Vung Tau. Credit: Shutterstock