VietNamNet Bridge - Beaches near Hanoi make ideal getaways for those in need of some fresh air during their stay in the capital city of Vietnam. 

Offering a tranquil atmosphere and breathtaking views, these beaches also host lavish resorts, seafood restaurants and recreational facilities, as well as traditional villages and historical landmarks that are within easy walking distance. 

Best of all, these coastal towns are practically deserted (apart from public holidays and weekends), so you can enjoy a day of sunbathing, swimming and surfing in absolute privacy. Accessible within a two to four-hour drive from the city centre, check out our list of Hanoi’s closest beaches. 

Do Son 

Do Son Beach features a four-kilometre-long promontory formed by the Rong Mountains in Hai Phong port city. 

Less than two hours away from Hanoi by car, it was a popular resort town among the French during their occupancy in Vietnam thanks to its smooth sands, picturesque surroundings and close proximity to the Vietnam capital. 

The beach also houses plenty of restaurants, hotels and resorts with views of the ocean and islets, while the main town is renowned for its annual ritual buffalo fights (late-September or October), attracting travellers looking to experience the local culture during their holiday in Hanoi. 

Thinh Long Beach 

Thinh Long Beach, located within Nam Dinh Province, is a relatively untouched landscape that’s mostly frequented by locals during weekends and holidays. 

Perfect for when you’re in need of a break from Hanoi’s often chaotic pace, this quiet and clean beach also offers cool winds and gentle waves that are suitable for surfing, swimming and canoeing to rock islets just off the coast. 

There are local eateries serving authentic Vietnamese dishes and fresh seafood sourced from fishing villages within the area. 

Bai Chay Beach 

Bai Chay Beach is a coastal town about 100 km northeast of Hanoi, attracting a huge crowd of beachgoers in the summertime. It’s also the closest beach to the iconic Ha Long Bay, where you can find plenty of resorts, seafood restaurants and beachside activities such as jet skiing, surfing and canoeing. 

For those looking to enjoy some sightseeing during their visit, notable landmarks on Bai Chay Beach include the Hoang Gia Park, Royal Water Park and Ha Long Night Market. 

Tuan Chau Beach

Tuan Chau Beach on Tuan Chau Island, Quang Ninh Province boasts modern villas, stylish upmarket restaurants and recreational facilities for travellers looking to enjoy a luxurious vacation outside Hanoi. 

Located 160 km east of Hanoi, this manmade resort town also houses one of the largest entertainment complexes in Southeast Asia, where visitors can watch daily dolphin and seal performances, laser light shows and film screenings. 

Tuan Chau Beach also has a massive botanical garden and marine wildlife centre as well as tour companies offering day trips to the iconic Ha Long Bay. 

Cat Ba Island 

Cat Ba Island is one of the many islets within the UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay, with almost every tour company offering a boat trip there. While it’s full of the usual tourist places (such as hotels, restaurants and bars), you can still find several sandy beaches along the east coast of the Cat Ba Town.

The beaches of Cat Co One and Cat Co Three are linked by a cliff-facing pathway that’s great for daytime strolls, while Cat Co Two Beach offers plenty of bungalows and chalets that are perfect for romantic getaways. 

Compiled by Pha Le