Halong Bay Beach: Top 8 Beaches in Halong Bay Vietnam
Ivy
I’m Ivy. Over the past 10 years, I’ve planned private trips for more than 500 travelers, and those journeys have received 100% positive feedback.
In 2018, I traveled solo across Indochina. Since then, I’ve looked at routes differently. Some need another night. Some transfers take too much time for too little reward. And sometimes, an itinerary simply has too much packed into it.
That is the kind of detail I focus on when I write—how long to stay, which route makes sense, and what is actually worth including.
Email me about your travel idea
Halong Bay is most widely known for its stunning emerald waters and limestone karsts. Visitors flock to the UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Gulf of Tonkin to take a cruise to enjoy the scenery and explore islands, caves, and grottoes. Less well-known are the beautiful beaches where you can unwind and soak up the sun surrounded by world-renowned natural beauty.
Top 1 Tuan Chau Beach: The Most Popular and Developed Beach in Halong Bay
Top 2 Bai Chay Beach: Largest Beach with Incredible Night Life on Weekends
Top 3 Ti Top Beach: Well-equipped for Visitors Located in the Heart of Halong Bay
Top 4 Hon Gai Beach: A One-stop Beach Destination for Beach Lovers
Top 5 Ba Trai Dao Beach: "Three Peaches Beach" Only Open for Swimming
Top 6 Ban Chan Beach: A Hidden Gem Visited Only by Overnight Halong Cruises
Top 7 Ngoc Vung Beach: Pristine White Sand Beach for Swimming & Camping
Top 8 Soi Sim Beach: Features a Convenient High Point for Panoramic Halong Bay Views
Top 1 Tuan Chau Beach: The Most Popular and Developed Beach in Halong Bay
About 8km from the harbor are the 3 km of white sand that make up Tuan Chau Beach. It is one of the few artificial beaches, with a backdrop of pine tree forests and lots of activities to enjoy. Tuan Chau is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and wave surfing. You can even camp on the beach overnight in the eco-tourism zone.
Tuan Chau BeachTop 2 Bai Chay Beach: Largest Beach with Incredible Night Life on Weekends
Bai Chay is a beautiful beach near the coast of Halong Bay City. It offers a stunning view of Halong Bay and attracts visitors for its calm waters and beachfront promenade. Many restaurants serve freshly caught seafood, and traditional theatres are located at the nearby Hoang Gia Park.
Bai Chay Beach comes alive at night. Beachfront bars feature live music and cultural performances. Visitors can also enjoy quiet dining or a nighttime stroll along the beach.
Bai Chay BeachTop 3 Ti Top Beach: Well-equipped for Visitors Located in the Heart of Halong Bay
Ti Top Beach sits in the heart of Halong Bay on Ti Top Island. It was named after the Russian cosmonaut Gherman Stepanovich Titov following his visit to Halong Bay in 1962. The secluded beach is a popular cruise stop, surrounded by green hills and rocky cliffs.
Visitors love the calm, clear water, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. You can also climb to the top of the island for a breathtaking panoramic view of Halong Bay.
Ti Top BeachTop 4 Hon Gai Beach: A One-stop Beach Destination for Beach Lovers
Hon Gai Beach, located in the Hon Gai district, is a beach escape in the cultural and political center of Halong Bay City. Designed by Italian architects, the 900m artificial beach is lined with coconut trees. It's conveniently located near attractions like Sun World Ha Long Park and the Ha Long Night Market (one of the best Vietnam night markets for travelers).
At night, the spacious promenade lights up with entertainment and food. People come to the beach to admire in the moonlight over an iced coffee of bubble tea.
Top 5 Ba Trai Dao Beach: "Three Peaches Beach" Only Open for Swimming
The less visited Ba Trai Dao Beach has a pristine beauty and never gets very busy. About 22 km from the tourist wharf, the beach is tucked into the rock formations of Ba Trai Dao Island. The name "Three Peaches Beach" comes from the appearance of the surrounding rock formations.
It is a fantastic place for swimming, but only accessible for a few hours a day. The soft white sands disappear under the high tide. If you're visiting the beach as part of a cruise, the cruise director will make sure you get there at the right time. Otherwise, check in advance.
Ba Trai Dao BeachTop 6 Ban Chan Beach: A Hidden Gem Visited Only by Overnight Halong Cruises
Ban Chan Island, known as Footprint Island for its shape, is home to the secluded Ban Chan Beach. It is a hidden gem in Bai Tu Long Bay with soft, golden sand and clear water. Limestone outcroppings surround Ban Chan Beach, making it a captivating sight.
The beach is well off the beaten track for most tourists and preserves a natural feel. It is only visited by overnight Halong Bay cruise and offers visitors a serene experience of swimming, sightseeing, and kayaking. Quan Lan Beach, located on Quan Lan Island in Bai Tu Long Bay, and Minh Chau Beach are nearby places also worth visiting in Bai Tu Long Bay.
Ban Chan BeachTop 7 Ngoc Vung Beach: Pristine White Sand Beach for Swimming & Camping
Ngoc Vung Island is a remote island in Halong Bay, 34 km southeast of the tourist wharf. It boasts the 3 km-long, pristine white sand Ngoc Vung Beach. Completely unspoiled by tourism, it is an idyllic setting for sunbathing, swimming, and sightseeing.
There are no big hotels on the island, but small guesthouses and beachfront bungalows are available. You can also enjoy camping and campfire on the beach. With more time there, you can bike around the island to explore the nearby fishing village and pearl farm.
Ngoc Vung BeachTop 8 Soi Sim Beach: Features a Convenient High Point for Panoramic Halong Bay Views
Soi Sim Beach has only been open for around 10 years. Located on Soi Sim Island, only 700m from Titop Island, its name comes from the Sim Tree that blooms from March to August. The beach is famous for its clear, emerald waters and lush old forest.
After enjoying snorkeling or swimming in the quiet atmosphere, you can climb up one of the hills to take in panoramic views of Halong Bay. Only 100-200m high, it's a leisurely climb for a sight you'll never forget.
Conclusion
A Halong Bay cruise is not to be missed, but neither are the beaches there. Halong Bay Beaches offer peaceful relaxation and exciting water activities in beautiful natural surroundings. A good mix of vibrant hot spots and hidden gems is waiting for you to explore. Contact us to start planning your Halong Bay vacation.
Ivy
I’m Ivy. Over the past 10 years, I’ve planned private trips for more than 500 travelers, and those journeys have received 100% positive feedback.
In 2018, I traveled solo across Indochina. Since then, I’ve looked at routes differently. Some need another night. Some transfers take too much time for too little reward. And sometimes, an itinerary simply has too much packed into it.
That is the kind of detail I focus on when I write—how long to stay, which route makes sense, and what is actually worth including.
Email me about your travel idea
