“The Beaches around Hanoi”

1. Do Son, Hai Phong:

My first getaway was to Do Son, a beach situated around 120 km from Hanoi in Hai Phong city. While it may not be the most idyllic beach in Vietnam, its proximity to the capital makes it a favored spot for a leisurely day trip.

I chose to travel to Do Son by bus, which was the most cost-effective option. For approximately €3-4, I boarded a bus at My Dinh train station that transported me to Hai Phong in less than 3 hours. Then, I opted for a motorbike taxi for a few extra euros to reach the beach.

Do Son is divided into different sections, and I selected the quieter area to enjoy some peace far from the crowds. The beach is encircled by hills, and while it may not be as exotic as those found in southern Vietnam, it provided a serene retreat from the city’s hustle. I rented a lounge chair for a small fee and spent my day observing local fishermen at work.

• Transportation: Public bus (3-4€).

• Activities: Swimming, watching fishing boats, relaxing.

2. CAT Ba Beach, Ha Long Bay:

Another unforgettable experience was my trip to CAT Ba Island, which serves as the gateway to the renowned Ha Long Bay. Although Hanoi is several hours away from this natural marvel, I discovered an economical way to reach it. For about 5€, I traveled by bus from Hanoi to Hai Phong, then took a local ferry for an additional 2€ directly to CAT Ba Island.

Once I arrived, I rented a bicycle to explore the island's beaches including Cat Co 1 and Cat Co 2 BEACH. These smaller beaches are framed by dramatic cliffs and boast stunning views of the emerald waters. Later in the afternoon, I climbed up to a viewpoint on the cliffs where I witnessed one of the most spectacular sunsets of my life.

CAT Ba is a great base for accessing Ha Long Bay, and although the boat tours can be pricey, it's possible to find reasonable options by teaming up with fellow travelers.

• Transportation: Bus (5€) + ferry (2€).

• Activities: Cycling, swimming, hiking, beach exploration.

3. Tra Co Beach, Mong Cai:

Tra Co Beach, located near the Chinese border, was another beach I visited that was quite far from Hanoi. It was an adventure to make the journey; however, by choosing budget-friendly transport, I was able to travel without overspending.

I took an overnight bus from Hanoi to Mong Cai, which is a border town about 350 km from the capital. The trip cost about €10, and although it was lengthy (approximately 8-9 hours), I saved on hotel expenses by sleeping on the bus. Once I landed in Mong Cai, I took a motorbike taxi for a few more euros that dropped me off at Tra Co.

Tra Co Beach extends over 15 km of fine sand and is nearly deserted, with only a handful of locals strolling around. The water was crystal clear, and the sea breeze felt refreshing. I found a small restaurant nearby serving freshly caught seafood for under €5, making it a perfectly tranquil escape from Hanoi’s bustle.

• Transportation: Night bus (€10).

• Activities: Swimming, beach walks, immersing in local culture.

4. Sam Son Beach, Thanh Hoa:

Another captivating beach that I had no trouble reaching from Hanoi was Sam Son, located in Thanh Hoa province, approximately 170 km to the south. The local bus fare was around €4, and after about 4 hours of travel, I arrived at this beach that is very popular among Vietnamese visitors.

Sam Son is known for its vibrant atmosphere with numerous seafood restaurants, street vendors, and hotels. I enjoyed strolling along the promenade. Despite the crowds, the sea was pleasant, and the beach was relatively clean. I particularly liked exploring the small markets close to the beach where I could buy souvenirs or dried seafood.

Dining was also quite economical. For about €2-3, I savored a local seafood soup at a small eatery near the beach.

• Meals: Public bus (€4).

• Activities: Swimming, walking, seafood tasting.

5. Plage de Hai Thinh, Nam Dinh :

My final adventure took place in Hai Thinh, located in Nam Dinh province, about 150 km from Hanoi. This beach, although not particularly famous, left me amazed with its serenity and charm. I traveled by local bus for around 3€, which dropped me directly at the beach.

Hai Thinh is a more natural beach that attracts locals primarily for fishing. I appreciated the authentic atmosphere, much different from the typical tourist beaches. It was an ideal spot to unplug and observe the lives of local fishermen. There were no large hotels or fancy restaurants, only small shops offering grilled fish for under 2€.

• Means of transport: Public bus (3€).

• Activities: Watching fishermen, walking, swimming.

These trips to the beaches around Hanoi confirmed for me that it's possible to enjoy stunning landscapes without spending excessively. Traveling by bus and ferry is the most budget-friendly choice, and each beach I explored offered a distinct experience, whether it involved lively resorts or tranquil, secluded shorelines. Vietnam is rich in hidden treasures within a few hours' drive, and even living in Hanoi, it's entirely feasible to escape the metropolis and immerse oneself in the beauty of the coast.

Where can you find beaches near Hanoi?

What are the nearby destinations for beach enjoyment? The most convenient beaches to reach from Hanoi are located in Hai Phong and Quang Ninh provinces. Notable destinations include:

• Do Son: A quaint coastal town situated approximately 120 km from Hanoi.

• CAT Ba: A stunning island featuring numerous beaches along with a national park.

• Ha Long: Renowned for its bay, Ha Long also has beautiful beaches.

How can you reach the beaches from Hanoi?

• Bus: This is the most economical choice, although travel times can be lengthy.

• Train: The train offers greater comfort than the bus and is a good alternative.

• Car or motorcycle: For added flexibility, consider renting a car or motorcycle.

What activities are available on these beaches?

• Swimming: Enjoy refreshing swims in the ocean.

• Lounging: Relax on the beach and take in the sights.

• Watersports: Some locations provide opportunities for activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and scuba diving.

• Cultural tours: Explore nearby fishing villages and historical landmarks.

When is the optimal time to visit beaches near Hanoi?

The best period to enjoy the beaches near Hanoi is from May to September. The weather is generally pleasant, with less rainfall.

Additional advice

What essentials should you pack for a beach day? Remember to bring:

• Sunscreen: Crucial for protecting against the sun's harmful rays.

• Hat and sunglasses

• Swimsuit and towel

• Drinks and snacks

• Local currency