1. Quan Lan Beach - Van Don
Quan Lan Island is located in Bai Tu Long Bay, Van Don District, Quang Ninh Province. This island is becoming a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists. Quan Lan Island consists of two communes: Quan Lan and Minh Chau. It is home to several stunning and pristine beaches like Minh Chau, Son Hao, and Quan Lan, all considered the most beautiful beaches in Van Don. Quan Lan offers a perfect blend of adventure and tranquility, with breathtaking natural beauty that will leave you in awe. The island features crystal-clear waters, long stretches of white sand, lush pine forests, ancient pagodas, and rich cultural heritage. Located about 50 km from Ha Long City by sea, Quan Lan remains untouched and serene despite attracting many tourists each year. The boat ride from Cai Rong Port to Quan Lan Island takes around 45 minutes, providing travelers with the opportunity to admire the spectacular scenery of Bai Tu Long Bay and the island from the water.
Quan Lan is known for its soft, white sandy beaches, accessible only by boat or speedboat. The journey to the beach passes through a beautiful hill with lush greenery. This beach is a favorite among travelers for its untouched natural beauty and pristine environment, offering clear, refreshing air and a peaceful atmosphere. The long beach and smooth sands are perfect for relaxation, while the waves here are relatively large, making it an ideal spot for swimming and playing in the surf. Visitors can also capture stunning photos on the rocks that protrude from the water. However, it's advisable to wear sandals when walking on the rocky areas as they may have barnacles that can cause injury if stepped on barefoot.


2. Son Hao Beach
Located on Quan Lan Island, Son Hao is a stunning natural beach, stretching over 3 kilometers of soft sand, with clear blue waters and a picturesque, serene atmosphere. Many visitors feel a sense of romance and tranquility when they visit Son Hao, a beautiful destination nestled within the untouched waters of Van Don. The beach is known for its gentle slope, with a smaller beach area during high tide. Son Hao is located between Quan Lan and Minh Chau, offering a perfect escape from the summer heat with mild waves and a relaxed environment. One special feature of this beach is the natural bathing area, where you can disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature.
Son Hao is famous for its unique landscape, featuring rich vegetation and a charming pine forest along the coastline. One of the most delightful experiences here is walking along the long stretch of white sand, breathing in the fresh morning air, riding the gentle waves, or sitting in the pine forest to watch the sunrise and sunset. For those interested in adventure, there are round stones on the beach where you can explore and listen to local legends from the fishermen. The area is also known for its beautiful stilt houses hidden within the pine forests, 8 well-designed Bungalow-style villas by the beach, and villas nestled in the forest. To ensure the safety of visitors, Son Hao has recently invested in a safety system with floating markers, rescue boats, and a team of lifeguards. In June 2014, Son Hao was officially recognized as the first beach in the province to meet the new tourism standards for guest services.


3. Hong Van Beach
Coto is the most remote island from the mainland in Quang Ninh Province. In late 2013, a daring project brought electricity to the island, helping reduce service costs for visitors. Hong Van Beach, with its romantic name, offers some of the clearest and coolest waters on the island. Right next to the beach lies a pristine forest with many rare tree species, making it a must-visit spot for tourists. From the moment you set foot on Hong Van Beach, you'll notice it’s much quieter compared to popular spots like Van Chay Beach or Love Beach. Hong Van Beach is calm with crystal-clear water and soft, white sand stretching for miles. While walking along the beach and taking in the surrounding scenery, you’ll encounter creatively designed wooden houses that blend harmoniously with nature. If you stay in one of these homes, you can enjoy the cool sea breeze, watch the sunrise, or witness the sunset from your room.
For a more immersive experience with nature at Hong Van Beach or nearby attractions, you can go kayaking or snorkeling to see colorful fish swimming through the “seaweed forests” that move with the waves. The evening is the most romantic time on this beach, when you can enjoy a seafood feast with fresh squid, shrimp, fish, or clams while listening to the soothing sound of the waves under the soft glow of lanterns. Hong Van Beach will be an unforgettable destination for you and your family during your trip to Coto. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and come to Hong Van to relax by the sea — it will be a truly meaningful and memorable journey. Don’t forget to visit Hong Van, you won’t regret it!


4. Tuan Chau Beach
When visiting Ha Long, Quang Ninh, one of the most developed coastal cities in Vietnam, you'll encounter luxurious infrastructure, high-end services, and stunning natural landscapes. Tuan Chau Beach is one of the highlights that visitors cannot miss. Located in the Tuan Chau Island resort area, about 8 km from the tourist harbor, Tuan Chau Beach is an artificial beach with a 2 km stretch of golden sand. Despite being man-made, the beach is in a prime location within the expansive and impressive Tuan Chau resort complex. To get to Tuan Chau Beach, tourists can take a road trip from Hanoi, which takes about 2 hours, or 3 hours from Mong Cai; alternatively, a more scenic and enjoyable route is by sea, with hydrofoil services from Mong Cai to Ha Long or from Hai Phong. The 2 km long artificial beach offers clear blue waters, smooth white sand, and gentle waves, making it perfect for families, including young children. The clean, fresh air makes the atmosphere of Tuan Chau Beach incredibly refreshing.
Close to the beach, you'll find a range of accommodations, from villas and hotels to dining areas and pavilions, all offering a relaxing experience. On Tuan Chau Island, visitors can enjoy water sports such as high-speed jet skiing, parasailing, windsurfing, fishing in Ha Long Bay, kayaking, hot air balloon rides for panoramic views of Ha Long Bay, mountain climbing, and camping. The island also offers various entertainment activities, including dolphin and sea lion shows, circus acts, martial arts performances, and vibrant displays at the water music park. Visiting Tuan Chau Beach not only allows you to enjoy its beautiful scenery but also gives you the chance to immerse yourself in nature, whether at sunrise when the day breaks or at sunset when the sun sets over the horizon. The familiar surroundings here take on an enchanting, almost magical quality. The atmosphere can be lively and bustling at times, yet peaceful and poetic at others. If you’ve been to Tuan Chau during the earlier, less developed years of tourism, you’ll be amazed by how much the island has transformed into the stunning destination it is today.


5. Bai Chay Beach
Bai Chay is renowned not only for its stunning bridge, the longest and most beautiful cable-stayed bridge in the world, but also for its smooth, white sandy beach. This artificial beach stretches along the Halong Bay, and while it may not have the mystical beauty or grandeur of Halong Bay itself, it offers unique features that visitors can truly appreciate. Along the beach, you'll find small, charming hotels and villas with distinctive designs. Located not far from Hanoi, Bai Chay Beach is a perfect weekend getaway by motorbike, offering a unique coastal adventure. The beach is embraced by clear blue waters and a long stretch of soft sand lined with ancient trees. The peaceful sunsets and sunrises here create a serene, tranquil atmosphere for visitors. Additionally, you can rent bicycles to cycle along the shore, ride wave cars, fly kites, or enjoy diverse and delicious food services.
As the largest beach in Ha Long city, Bai Chay Beach captures the attention of all visitors. This 1,000-meter long artificial beach, which is more than 100 meters wide, boasts crystal-clear waters and a pristine environment, making it a favorite destination for tourists. The beach is flanked by a line of tall pine trees that create a refreshing, relaxing atmosphere with the cool sea breeze. Visitors can take advantage of free Wi-Fi and enjoy the calming view while reading a book or taking photos. They can also learn about the local legends of the heroic battles fought by our ancestors. The unique feature of Bai Chay Beach is a low hill running directly down to the sea, with ancient pine trees lining the shores and charming villas and famous Quang Ninh hotels nearby.


6. Van Chay Beach, Co To
Van Chay Beach is known for its expansive shoreline and powerful waves, making it a perfect spot for wave enthusiasts to have fun. The rocky formations along the beach are ideal for watching the sunset. If you’re visiting Co To and haven’t experienced this beach, you’ll truly be missing out. Surrounded by lush green nature, the tranquil blue of the sea, and the warm sun, the beach offers plenty of space for various outdoor activities. The waves here are quite strong, and the tide rises rapidly, often sweeping over the thatched umbrellas. For a romantic experience, couples can camp out on the beach, enjoying the moonlit sky and the sound of the crashing waves. Co To's Van Chay Beach is a must-visit for anyone looking for a serene and raw natural beauty.
When you visit Co To, it would be a shame not to explore Van Chay Beach. This beach, with its pristine natural beauty, is perfect for swimming, playing in the sand, or engaging in exciting activities. If the crowded tourist beaches with commercial services are getting monotonous, or if you find that many beaches are no longer as clean and beautiful, then head straight to Co To. This island has preserved its untouched charm, with its clean, beautiful blue waters and peaceful ambiance, making it a rare gem in northern Vietnam. Co To is home to a collection of stunning beaches, each with its own character, but all offering a perfect retreat for relaxation. Notable spots include Cau My Beach, Hong Vang Beach, and Binh Minh Beach, but Van Chay stands out for its emerald green waters and pristine white sands.


7. Bai Dai, Van Don
Located along the scenic Bai Tu Long Bay, Bai Dai has become a popular eco-tourism destination in recent years, drawing visitors to the Van Don Archipelago. Each morning, as the cool breeze fills the air, visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the beach, enjoying the breathtaking views of the unspoiled mountains. The bay, dotted with rocky islands, resembles a serene landscape painting. To the south, the hills curve gently like the tail of a dragon, enveloping the bay in a natural embrace. There is no other place in Vietnam where the harmony of clouds, sky, mountains, and sea blends as perfectly as it does here. Van Don is a well-known tourist destination, especially in the past year, contributing to the growing fame of Quang Ninh’s coastal tourism. This island district of Quang Ninh combines both the sea and mountains, creating a scenic landscape that captivates visitors. It remains far quieter and more peaceful compared to other destinations in Quang Ninh, preserving much of its untouched beauty.
Bai Dai is one of the most visited attractions in Van Don. Located on the eastern and southeastern part of the district, about 50 km from Ha Long City, Bai Dai Beach stretches 2 kilometers with fine white sand and crystal-clear water. The cool, fresh climate adds to the appeal of this pristine beach. Bai Dai stands out for retaining its natural beauty and calmness, unlike many other tourist destinations that have become over-commercialized. Like most beaches in Quang Ninh, Bai Dai has long stretches of white sand and clear water that attract tourists. But what sets it apart is the opportunity to immerse oneself in the untouched nature, enjoying the tranquil, picturesque scenery. Visitors often remark that Bai Dai is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The surrounding area is quiet, cool, and refreshing, making it a perfect place to relax and unwind. These qualities ensure a fulfilling and peaceful holiday experience for all who visit.


8. Soi Sim Beach
Soi Sim Beach is located on the southwest of Halong Bay, offering a pristine and majestic marine ecosystem with a stunning view of the surrounding islands. It is about 10 km from the Bai Chay tourist port. This beach is known for its fine white sand, tranquil atmosphere, and crystal-clear waters, where you can even spot schools of small fish swimming. The beach has a gentle slope, making it ideal for swimming, bathing, and snorkeling. Soi Sim Island is small, covering about 8 hectares, and is home to a large number of Sim trees, which is likely the reason behind its name. The beach has now become a popular spot for tourists who come to enjoy its peaceful waters, with facilities such as restrooms, waste management, fresh-water showers, and convenient services for visitors.
Additionally, Soi Sim Island attracts tourists with its breathtaking, lush scenery and panoramic viewpoints. From these vantage points, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of both the southeast and northwest of the Halong Bay World Heritage Site. The Halong Bay Management Authority has also constructed a staircase leading to the summit of the island, making it easy to reach the top for those who wish to capture stunning aerial photos of the bay. Today, visitors can book overnight tours to Halong Bay, with itineraries lasting two or three days, and enjoy a visit to Soi Sim Island. This beach is a perfect retreat for those seeking a cool, natural paradise—an ideal destination for escaping the summer heat. Pack your bags and head out for a refreshing getaway!


9. Hon Gai Beach
Unlike the peaceful and natural beauty that blends seamlessly with the sky, trees, and islands, Hon Gai Beach offers a distinct charm of its own – modern, vibrant, and bustling. Located on Tran Quoc Nghien Street, Hong Ha, Ha Long City, this man-made beach is in one of the most lively and attractive areas of Quang Ninh. Recognized as one of the largest artificial beaches in the North, it has received an investment of up to 100 billion VND, boasting modern amenities that cater to international standards. This beach not only offers a beautiful coastal landscape but also a variety of exciting entertainment activities, along with local specialties to enjoy.
Opened on May 1, 2021, Hon Gai Beach stretches for 900 meters and is 185 meters wide. Visitors here can relax in the clear waters, snap some photos, and take part in a range of fun activities. Located in the northern region, the climate in Hon Gai offers a distinct charm year-round, but the best times to visit are in spring and summer. In spring, the weather is warm and pleasant, perfect for exploring, while summer is ideal for swimming and beach activities.
In addition to the beach, visitors can explore nearby attractions in Hon Gai such as the Quang Ninh Museum, Quang Ninh Cathedral, Hon Gai scenic pier, and the Hon Gai seafood market. Immerse yourself in the peaceful yet lively atmosphere of this area. Hon Gai Beach offers a unique experience where you can forget your worries and indulge in endless activities at this modern, vibrant coastal paradise.


10. Tra Co Beach
Tra Co Beach in Quang Ninh is known as the most beautiful beach in Vietnam. It holds many 'firsts' – the longest beach, the beach closest to the border, the most pristine beach, and the most romantic beach. The shore is lined with soft white sand that curves gracefully, surrounded by crystal-clear waters year-round, making it an increasingly popular destination. The picturesque scenery, especially at sunset or sunrise, adds to its allure. Visitors can also join the local fishermen for a night of squid fishing, as the area offers a rich variety of fresh, delectable seafood that will satisfy even the most discerning tastes. A visit to this tranquil and pristine beach at the nation's edge will surely soothe your soul and leave you longing to return. Stroll along the Tra Co coastline, and you can even reach the Sa Vi Cape – don’t forget to take a photo as a memento of your visit to this sun-kissed, breezy corner of Vietnam.
When you think of Tra Co, you immediately picture one of the most romantic and untouched beaches in Vietnam. With its serene, harmonious beauty and fine white sand stretching into the tranquil, emerald waters, Tra Co embodies the essence of peace. With more than 15 kilometers of coastline, it is one of Vietnam's longest beaches, located on the outer edge of a naturally formed island that has been shaped by wind and waves, retaining its natural charm. Unlike beaches in Ha Long or Do Son, Tra Co blends the qualities of central and northern coastal regions, offering a perfect mix of smooth sand and clear blue water, with mountains in the distance. This unique combination gives Tra Co a peaceful, poetic, and scenic charm. The beach has earned several titles, including 'the most pristine beach', 'the most romantic beach', and 'the beach closest to the border'.


11. Minh Chau Beach
Minh Chau Beach is a destination that draws you in just by its name. Often referred to as Vietnam's 'Hawaii', this hidden gem is situated far from the mainland, making it a true getaway, still largely untouched and waiting to be explored. The waters here are a serene turquoise, the waves gentle, and the sand is soft and pure. The island boasts a rich, diverse ecosystem, with lush greenery that refreshes the spirit, and the air is fresh and invigorating. On special holidays, you can join the locals in their bonfire celebrations, enjoy traditional music performances, sip on a glass of forest pineapple wine, and indulge in fresh seafood – a truly memorable experience. Minh Chau Beach is also an excellent place for beach sports and tourism activities. Visitors can sunbathe on the soft, white sand, swim in the crystal-clear waters, or admire the vibrant green vegetation on the distant rocky islands.
Aside from beach activities and sightseeing at Minh Chau Beach, you can also enjoy camping, cycling, flying kites, and learning about marine life. Watching the sunset over the ocean and savoring local seafood delicacies are experiences you shouldn't miss. The best time to visit Minh Chau Beach is from April to early July, when the summer weather is perfect for outdoor activities and beach fun. It's best to avoid visiting from late July to August as this is the storm season in Ha Long. If you're planning a trip to Ha Long, don't hesitate to make Minh Chau Beach a part of your summer itinerary.


12. Ti Top Beach
Ha Long, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, is not only a well-known destination in Vietnam but also attracts international tourists eager to witness its majestic beauty. Ha Long is so vast that a day’s journey barely scratches the surface of its charm. Contributing to this breathtaking landscape is Ti Top Beach, a name that intrigues and entices. Ti Top Island, located about 1 km north of Bo Nau Cave, features a steep rocky hill with a gently sloping beach below. Tourist boats frequently dock here, allowing visitors to swim, relax on the shore, or climb a series of steps leading to a viewpoint offering stunning panoramic views of the bay. The crescent-shaped beach, though small, is peaceful, spacious, and consistently clean, with crystal-clear waters throughout the year. Today, the beach is equipped with a bar, and services like swimsuit rentals, water floats, fresh-water showers, and jet ski rentals are available for visitors.
Despite its compact size, Ti Top Beach remains tranquil, clean, and refreshing. The tide constantly washes the sand, keeping it white and spotless, while the water remains clear all year round. Thanks to these features, Ti Top continues to be a favorite among travelers, especially international visitors. During summer, dozens of tourist boats bring guests to the island for sightseeing and beach activities. As a must-see stop in Ha Long Bay's tour circuits, Ti Top Beach is a destination you can’t miss. If you haven't visited yet, now is the time to experience the natural wonders that this beautiful island has to offer.


