Top 5 Beaches Near Hanoi to Add to Your Hanoi Tour Itinerary

1. Do Son Beach – The beaches near Hanoi Vietnam for Culture & Comfort

• Location: Van Huong Ward, Do Son District, Hai Phong Province
• Distance from Hanoi: ~125 km (~2 hours by private car, limousine, or tourist bus)

Among all the beaches near Hanoi Vietnam, Do Son Beach is the nearest and easiest for city people seeking a breezy escape. Situated in Hai Phong Province, this beach resort is bounded by Rong Mountains and runs along a peninsula of verdant pine forests, soft sea breezes, and expansive sandy beaches.

Why it stands out:

• Discover three zones of beaches divided into clean, soft waves for recreation, swimmers, and families.
• Historic, featuring French colonial villas and pagodas nestled within forested hills.
• Make a day trip to Hon Dau Island to see historic Hon Dau Lighthouse and Buddhist shrines atop cliffs.

Who should go:

• Families who have young kids and are seeking the closest beach to Hanoi, which has calm waters and minimal traveling time
• Festival-going travelers who love local events such as the exhilarating Buffalo Fighting Festival in September.
• Travellers who value affordable locations that are a blend of nature and heritage

What to eat:

Seafood from Hai Phong Province is famous throughout Vietnam, and Do Son specifically is no different. These are a few spots you need to try, and where to try them.

• Grilled Oysters (Hau nuong mo hanh)
  → Found at Hai San Manh Hung, 32 Ly Thai To Street, Do Son, from 60,000-80,000 VND/plate
• Shrimp Pancakes (Banh tom Hai Phong)
  → Try at Nha hang Huong Bien, Khu 2, Bai Tam Trung, Do Son, priced around 50,000-70,000 VND
• Crispy Squid Cakes (Cha muc Do Son)
  → Best served fresh at Hai San Dung Hoa, So 1, Duong Van Hoa, khu 1, Do Son, approx. 70,000-90,000 VND/portion

Where to stay:

Do Son Resort (Khu nghi duong Do Son)

• Address: Zone II, Do Son District, Hai Phong City
• Room Rate: From 1,200,000 VND/night
• Facilities: Beachfront access, swimming pool, spa, in-house seafood restaurant
•  Ideal For: Families and couples who desire relaxation and an ocean view
  

Legacy Hotel Do Son

•  Address: No. 3 Ly Thai To Street, Do Son Town, Hai Phong
• Room Rate: From 550,000-750,000 VND/night
• Facilities: Clean and affordable, within walking distance from the beach and nearby restaurants
• Ideal For: Budget travelers and overnight/short-term stay guests

Do Son Beach (Sours: vietspacetravel)

2. Cat Ba Island – Where Adventure Meets Tranquility

• Location: Tran Chau Commune, Cat Hai District, Hai Phong Province
• Distance from Hanoi: ~140 km (~3.5 to 4 hours including ferry transfer from Got Port)

For something a little wilder and more immersive than your run-of-the-mill Hanoi beach day trip, go to Cat Ba Island, a popular choice for more intrepid Hanoi-to-beach travelers. Cat Ba Island is the biggest island in the Hai Phong Province and is famous for its spectacular cliffs, verdant forests, and beaches located in secluded coves with crystal waters.

Why it stands out:

• Cat Co 1, Cat Co 2, and Cat Co 3 beaches are ideal for sunbathing and swimming, with lifeguards and golden sand.
• Kayak around Lan Ha Bay, equally beautiful but less crowded than Ha Long Bay
• Trek through Cat Ba National Park, which boasts endangered langur and colorful birdlife.
• Embark on a boat tour to Monkey Island or find ancient caves such as Trung Trang and Hospital Cave.

Who should go:

• Outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, kayaking, and rock climbing.
• Nature enthusiasts and couples seeking a serene environment and eco-friendly resorts.
• Visitors who desire a relaxed, natural option compared to commercial resorts.

Where to stay:

Flamingo Cat Ba Beach Resort

• Address: Cat Co 1 Beach, Cat Ba Town, Cat Hai District, Hai Phong Province
• Room Rate: Starting from 2,500,000 VND/night (seasonal and room-dependent)
• Facilities: Oceanfront suites, infinity pool, spa, beach, rooftop garden, upscale dining
•  Ideal For: Couples, families, and tourists who are looking for luxury and proximity to one of Vietnam’s most iconic beaches near Hanoi Vietnam

Cat Ba Eco Lodge

• Address: Xuan Dam Village, Cat Ba Island, Cat Hai District, Hai Phong Province
• Room Rate: From 750,000-1,200,000 VND/night
• Facilities: Nature bungalows, organic food, jungle scenery, guided jungle trekking tours
• Ideal For: Nature enthusiasts, those who prefer a serene break from town center bustle, and eco-travelers

Cat Ba Island (Sours: eviva)

3. Hai Tien Beach – Long Shorelines, Local Charm & Peaceful Retreats

• Location: Hoang Hoa District, Thanh Hoa Province
• Distance from Hanoi: ~173 km (~3.5 hours by car or limousine)

Sought after for beaches near Hanoi that offer wide open spaces, serene surroundings, and a true coastal way of life? Hai Tien Beach is making a splash. Situated in Thanh Hoa Province, this is a beach along Vietnam’s longest unbroken sandy beach in the North, extending more than 12 km, perfect for a weekend retreat from everything.

Why it’s worth visiting:

• Go for a bike ride along the coast during sunrise and see fishermen getting their nets ready at dawn.
• Stretch out on sandy beach as calm waves roll up onto shore a great location for families or couples who seek a soothing, serene environment.
• Visit local fish markets, talk to friendly locals, and taste fresh local food directly from the sea.

Best for:

• Travellers looking for affordable, tranquil getaways free from crowds
• Couples and travelers on their own who wish to experience Vietnam’s beaches and its cultural life 
• Anyone who enjoys experiencing the beat of neighborhood culture in fishing villages

Stay Options:

Hai Tien Resort & Spa

• Address: Khu Du Lich Bien Hai Tien, xa Hoang Tien, Hoang Hoa District, Thanh Hoa Province
• Room Rate: From 900,000 – 1,500,000 VND/night
• Highlights: Include large rooms, direct beach access, in-house restaurant, garden view
• Perfect For: Families or groups looking for proximity and access to the beach

Paracel Resort Hai Tien

• Address: Duong ven bien Hai Tien, xa Hoang Thanh, Hoang Hoa District, Thanh Hoa Province
• Room Rate: From 1,500,000 – 2,500,000 VND/night
• Highlights: Elegant design, sea-facing rooms, outdoor pool, spa services
• Perfect For: Couples or travelers looking for an elegant coastal experience
• Highlights: Include beautiful design, sea view rooms, outdoor pool, spa treatments
• Perfect For: Couples or travelers seeking an upscale coastal experience

Hai Tien Beach (Sours: crystalbay)

4. Dong Chau Beach – Budget-Friendly & Culturally Rich

• Location: Tien Hai District, Thai Binh Province
• Distance from Hanoi: ~130 km (~3 hours by car)
  

For tourists interested in the genuine beaches near Hanoi, Dong Chau Beach is a gem. In Thai Binh, this beach provides a rural atmosphere well away from resort towns. Shallow waters and a peaceful climate, along with an authentic connection to native local traditions, combine to create a serene refuge in Dong Chau.

What to do:

• Clam digging along tidal flat regions around local fishermen
• Capture stunning sunrise photography along low-tide beaches
• Embark on a boat tour around nearby Con Vanh and Con Thu, unspoiled isles ideal for nature enthusiasts

Who will enjoy it most:

• Budget travelers or backpackers
• Photographers and nature observers
• Anyone who wants to get away from the masses and experience local life

Where to stay:

Nha Nghi Hoa Bien

•  Address: Thon Dong Chau, xa Dong Minh, Tien Hai District, Thai Binh Province
•  Room Rate: From 250,000 – 400,000 VND/night
•  Highlights: Clean and simple rooms, friendly host family, within walking distance from the beach
•  Perfect For:  Budget tourists and travelers who use a backpack

Thien Hai Hotel

• Address: Khu du lich sinh thai Dong Chau, xa Dong Minh, Tien Hai District, Thai Binh Province
• Room Rate: From 500,000 – 800,000 VND/night
• Highlights: Garden views, seafood on request, peaceful atmosphere
• Perfect For: travelers who prioritize comfort and need to be near nature

Dong Chau Beach (Sours: vietnam)

5. Quat Lam Beach – Seafood Heaven Meets Spiritual Escape and beaches near Hanoi Vietnam

• Location: Giao Thuy District, Nam Dinh Province
• Distance from Hanoi: ~130 km (~2.5-3 hours by car)

Among the more traditional beaches near Hanoi, Quat Lam Beach in Nam Dinh Province is famed for its local seafood culture, salt fields, and unique mix of spirituality and beach fun. This is not somewhere you go for a swim, it’s a beach town that’s full of local color and energy

Highlights:

• Enjoy a food tour of seafood stands selling crab, squid, and clams at prices that cannot be beaten.
• Visit local churches having French architecture.
• Get a glimpse of the sun setting near Xuan Thuy National Park, one of Vietnam’s leading wetland reserves

Best for:

• Seafood enthusiasts looking for tasty and affordable local foods
• Travellers seeking a day trip from Hanoi that is both coastal and cultural
• Photographers, food enthusiasts, and weekend trippers

Where to Stay:

Nha Nghi Anh Duong Quat Lam

•  Address: Khu du lich bien Quat Lam, Thi Tran Quat Lam, Giao Thuy District, Nam Dinh Province
• Room Rate: From 300,000 – 600,000 VND/night
• Highlights: On-site seafood restaurant, locally owned guesthouse, just minutes from the beach
• Perfect For: Individuals traveling alone or small groups seeking an economic, local-oriented stay

Khach San Hoa Bien Quat Lam

•  Address: Duong so 1, khu du lich Quat Lam, Giao Thuy District, Nam Dinh Province
•  Room Rate: From 700,000 – 1,200,000 VND/night
• Highlights: Comfortable amenities, AC, beachfront property, seafood delivery service 
• Perfect For: Families or couples who desire convenience and beach proximity  

Quat Lam Beach (Sours: viettrans)

Conclusion

From the serene beaches along Dong Chau to the bustling energy of Cat Ba Island, Hanoi Vietnam have plenty to offer beyond a swim in the sea. They’re doors open into nature, history, and unforgettable local color. Taking a quick Hanoi to beach vacation or planning an immersive experience? Don’t miss an opportunity to combine your seaside hidden gems in Hanoi off-the-beaten-path treasures. Occasionally, the ideal hideaway is merely several hours and a few lapping waves away.