Destinations

Breathtaking landscapes appear at every turn in Vietnam. From the window of a trundling train, you’ll witness an endless patchwork of impossible-green rice paddies. In Halong Bay, a horizon studded with incisor-like limestone islands makes for an ethereal sight. From Mui Ne in the deep south, where you can marvel at the Sahara-esque scene of wind-sculpted sand dunes from the basket of a hot-air balloon, to the stupendous karst mountains of the far north, Vietnam offers a bewitching array of superlative landscapes.

Vietnam might not have the reputation of its Southeast Asian neighbours when it comes to leaning palms and turquoise waters, but its 3400km of coast hides its fair share of resplendent beaches – not to mention the handful of tropical, coral-ringed islands bobbing off shore. Whether you’re looking for a stretch of sand near one of the country’s buzzing cities, a spot suitable for families, or a quiet cove to escape the crowds, here’s our pick of the best beaches in Vietnam.