Halong Bay – Vietnam’s Legendary Seascape
Just 2–3 hours from Hanoi, Halong Bay is Vietnam’s most iconic natural wonder. With thousands of limestone karsts rising from emerald waters, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has become a symbol of the country’s beauty and consistently ranks among the world’s must-visit destinations.
🌟 Best experiences in Halong Bay:
- Cruise through hidden lagoons and floating fishing villages.
- Kayak into limestone caves and grottoes.
- Savor fresh seafood while watching a magical sunset.
📌 Traveler’s review:
“Halong Bay feels like a dream. The limestone islands, turquoise water, and peaceful cruise experience were unforgettable. Watching the sunset from the deck was one of the most romantic moments of our trip.” – Marie Lefevre, Tripadvisor
Lan Ha Bay – Halong’s Peaceful Sister
Just south of Halong, Lan Ha Bay surrounds the islands of Cat Ba. With more than 100 limestone islets, secluded beaches, and emerald lagoons, it offers the same breathtaking scenery but without the heavy crowds.
🌟 Top things to do in Lan Ha Bay:
- Hike through Cat Ba National Park, home to lush jungle trails and rare wildlife.
- Visit Viet Hai Village to discover authentic countryside life.
- Swim or kayak in hidden turquoise lagoons.
✨ Why visit Lan Ha Bay?
It’s the perfect choice for travelers seeking tranquility, pristine landscapes, and an off-the-beaten-path alternative to Halong Bay.
Lang Co Bay – Central Vietnam’s Hidden Gem
Tucked between Hue and Da Nang, at the foot of the famous Hai Van Pass, lies Lang Co Bay, one of central Vietnam’s most stunning coastal treasures. Stretching over 10 kilometers, its powdery white sands meet calm, turquoise waters framed by lush mountains and tranquil lagoons. Recognized as one of the world’s most beautiful bays, Lang Co remains relatively unspoiled, offering visitors a perfect mix of natural beauty and cultural discovery.
🌟 What to do around Lang Co Bay:
- Drive the Hai Van Pass – often described as one of Asia’s most scenic coastal roads, with panoramic sea and mountain views.
- Hike Bach Ma National Park – just 30 km away, this park offers waterfalls, cool mountain air, and trails leading to breathtaking viewpoints.
- Relax at Lap An Lagoon – a peaceful spot where fishermen harvest oysters and sunsets reflect across mirror-like waters.
📍 Travel tip: Lang Co is also ideally located for cultural exploration. Within an hour’s drive, you can explore Hue’s Imperial City—a UNESCO-listed monument of Vietnam’s royal past—or head south to the enchanting streets of Hoi An Ancient Town. This makes Lang Co not just a beach escape, but also a perfect cultural stop in central Vietnam.
Nha Trang Bay – Where Adventure Meets Culture
Nicknamed the “Bay of Swiftlets” (after the prized bird’s nests harvested here), Nha Trang Bay is world-famous for its clear blue waters, golden beaches, and 19 surrounding islands. Protected as part of a marine reserve, it’s one of Vietnam’s best destinations for snorkeling, scuba diving, and island-hopping.
🌟 Highlights of Nha Trang Bay:
- Hon Tre Island – the largest in the bay, home to luxury resorts, VinWonders theme park, and family-friendly activities.
- Hon Mun Island – a marine paradise with coral reefs, colorful tropical fish, and some of the best diving spots in the country.
- Hon Noi Island – known for its swiftlet caves and the stunning double beach, where a sandbar divides the sea into two shades of blue.
But Nha Trang isn’t just about the sea. The city itself offers cultural and historical gems:
- Po Nagar Cham Towers – ancient Hindu temples dating back to the 8th century, still used for worship today.
- Long Son Pagoda – with its giant white Buddha statue watching over the city.
- A thriving food scene where you can enjoy local seafood specialties and coastal Vietnamese flavors.
📍 Travel tip: Nha Trang is well-connected, with an airport nearby, making it a convenient destination for combining beach relaxation, marine adventure, and cultural exploration.
Vinh Hy Bay – Vietnam’s Untouched Beauty
Roughly a 2-hour drive south of Nha Trang, nestled in Ninh Thuan Province, lies Vinh Hy Bay—a hidden gem often called one of Vietnam’s last unspoiled coastal wonders. Unlike the bustling beaches of Nha Trang or Phu Quoc, Vinh Hy offers a slower pace, where rugged mountains meet crystal-clear waters and traditional fishing life unfolds daily.
🌟 Things to do in Vinh Hy Bay:
- Visit the fishing village – rise early to watch fishermen return with their morning catch of squid, shrimp, and fresh fish.
- Glass-bottom boat tours – sail across turquoise waters to explore coral reefs and visit nearby landmarks like Dolphin Cape and Turtle Island.
- Squid fishing at night – join local fishermen for a hands-on experience under the starlit sky.
- Relax on quiet beaches – Vinh Hy’s secluded stretches of sand are perfect for those seeking peace far from tourist crowds.
For nature lovers, the bay is also the gateway to Nui Chua National Park, where you can trek through forests, discover rare wildlife, and enjoy panoramic views of the bay from above.
📍 Why visit? Vinh Hy is ideal for travelers who want to escape mass tourism and experience Vietnam’s coastline in its most authentic, untouched form.
🌴 Best Time to Visit Vietnam’s Bays
Vietnam’s long coastline means the weather can vary greatly between north and south, but here are some general tips:
- April – September → Warm, sunny, and calm seas. The best season for swimming, kayaking, and cruising.
- May – June → A sweet spot with great weather and fewer crowds.
- July – September → Lively peak season, especially in Halong, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc, but expect more tourists.
- October – December → Cooler in the north and central regions, with occasional storms around Hue, Da Nang, and Nha Trang. Southern bays like Phu Quoc remain warm and pleasant.
✨ Final Thoughts
From the majestic limestone peaks of Halong Bay to the quiet charm of Lan Ha, the poetic beauty of Lang Co, the vibrant energy of Nha Trang, and the untamed landscapes of Vinh Hy, Vietnam’s bays promise unforgettable adventures.
Whether you’re looking for romance, adventure, or pure relaxation, these 5 most beautiful bays in Vietnam should be at the top of your travel bucket list. 🌊🇻🇳
