Is Hue a beach Destination?
Hue isn’t a classic beach city like Da Nang or Nha Trang, but it’s close to several quiet, scenic beaches that are perfect for a relaxing day trip. While these beaches offer a peaceful escape, they’re not designed for luxury beach holidays, and you’ll find better options further south, where the beaches are generally nicer, better maintained, and have more resorts directly on the sand. However, if you’re looking for a quick beach getaway while in Hue, this list of best beaches in Hue is definitely worth exploring.
Best time to visit Hue’s beaches
Before we dive into the beaches themselves, it’s important to know the right season for your beach trip. Hue experiences two distinct seasons: a dry season from March to August and a rainy season from September to January. The dry season brings warm, sunny weather and calm seas, making it the ideal time to enjoy the beaches.
- Best months: March to August—dry, sunny, warm water.
- Avoid: September to January—rainy season, rougher seas.
- Local tip: Weekdays are quieter. For the best swimming experience, visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Beach pollution issues
Before you head out, it’s good to know that not all of Hue’s beaches are well maintained—especially outside the main beach season. Many of the beaches are remote and not very developed, so regular cleaning only happens in the more tourist-friendly areas, and usually only during the dry season (March to August). In the off-season, wind and waves often wash up a lot of trash, and in quieter, undeveloped areas, it tends to stay there.
That doesn’t mean the beaches aren’t worth visiting—some spots can still be beautiful and peaceful, especially when conditions are right. But don’t expect spotless white sand everywhere. Hue’s beaches are more for a quiet escape than a polished resort experience. They’re still a nice break from the city or a scenic stop along the coast—just go with the right expectations.
Best beaches in Hue
Hue is home to some beautiful and peaceful beaches, though they’re not always as polished as those in other areas of Vietnam. If you’re looking for a place to relax or a quick stop while you’re exploring the coast, here are the best beaches in Hue to consider:
1. Lang Co Beach
Lang Co is probably the most famous beach near Hue. It’s a great stop if you’re driving along the coast, especially if you’re taking the scenic route from Hue to Da Nang, passing through the Hai Van Pass. The beach is long with soft sand and clear water, perfect for a swim or a walk along the shore. You’ll find a few places to eat along the beach, offering fresh seafood and great views.
Lang Co is a quiet spot, far from the hustle of Da Nang, and it’s an excellent place for a break. However, keep in mind that while it’s beautiful, it can be a bit quiet, especially in the off-season, with some parts needing a little more attention to cleanliness. There are a few resorts in the area if you’re thinking of staying overnight, but options are limited.
2. Thuan An Beach
Thuan An Beach is the easiest beach to get to from Hue, just 15 km away. It’s a popular spot for locals to hang out, so you’ll see plenty of families enjoying the sand and surf. The beach is long and golden, but the water isn’t always crystal clear, and it can get busy with people in the afternoons.
If you want to avoid the crowds, head a little further east from the main restaurant area. Here, you’ll find a quieter stretch of beach to relax and enjoy the views. While it’s great for a quick beach day, Thuan An isn’t the place for a long beach holiday—there aren’t many places to stay, so it’s better to stay in the city and visit as a day trip.
3. Canh Duong Beach
Canh Duong is a more remote beach, around an hour’s drive from Hue. It’s a peaceful spot, with clear water, fine sand, and hardly any crowds. If you’re looking for a quiet, off-the-beaten-path place to unwind, this is a great option. The northern end of the beach is home to some luxury resorts, but the southern part remains undeveloped, with no restaurants or accommodations.
Canh Duong is perfect for a day trip if you want to escape the busier beaches around Hue. Just be prepared for minimal services—there are no fancy restaurants or shops nearby, so bring your own food and water. If you’re into camping, this could be a good spot for a night under the stars.
4. Vinh Thanh Beach
Vinh Thanh Beach is another quiet option, about 30 km from Hue. This beach is still quite untouched, making it perfect if you’re looking for a peaceful retreat. It’s not as popular as some other beaches, so it doesn’t have many facilities. But the clean water and quiet surroundings make it a great spot for swimming or just relaxing by the sea.
The area doesn’t offer much in terms of food or accommodations, so it’s a good idea to pack your own snacks if you plan to spend some time here. It’s a bit out of the way, but that’s part of its charm.
5. Loc Binh Beach
Loc Binh Beach is a small, remote beach nestled in a bay. It’s a mix of sandy and rocky areas, offering some stunning views. The water is calm, but there are parts of the beach that are rocky, which makes it less ideal for swimming. However, if you’re a fan of fishing or photography, you’ll find plenty to explore here.
This beach is a hidden gem for those who enjoy a bit of solitude. It’s a quiet spot, though some reviews mention it’s getting busier with local eateries and karaoke spots during weekends. If you want to visit, it’s best to go on a weekday when it’s quieter and more relaxed.
6. Phu Dien Beach
Located between Thuan An and Vinh Thanh, Phu Dien Beach is a peaceful place with clear waters and a relaxed vibe. It’s not heavily developed, so you won’t find big resorts or lots of tourists here. The beach is clean and great for a swim, but be mindful of the strong currents. There are a few small local restaurants, but not much else in the way of amenities.
If you’re in the area and looking for a quiet place to spend a few hours, Phu Dien is a good choice. Just be sure to keep an eye on the weather and water conditions, as it can get a bit rough at times.
7. Chan May Beach (Tan Canh Duong)
Chan May Beach is an area that stretches along a bay with crystal-clear water and smooth white sand. The beach is relatively undeveloped compared to Lang Co, but it’s growing in popularity with local tourists. There are some camping areas and local food stalls, making it a good stop for a quick break or a place to camp for the night.
The further you go from the more developed areas, the quieter it gets. If you’re up for some exploration and enjoy a rustic beach experience, this could be your spot. Just be aware that like other less-developed beaches in Hue, there might be some litter around, so it’s always a good idea to bring a bag for your trash.
8. Ham Rong Beach
Ham Rong Beach is one of those hidden gems, tucked away from the main tourist routes. It’s pristine, with clear water and a stunning natural setting. The beach is deserted for most of the day, so if you’re after some solitude, this is the place to go. It’s not developed, so don’t expect many facilities, but you’ll enjoy the peaceful vibe and beautiful surroundings.
The only downside here is the strong surf—there are no lifeguards, so swimming might be a bit risky. If you’re looking for a relaxing day of reading or taking photos, though, this beach is ideal.
9. Tan An Beach
Tan An Beach is a quieter option, located around 20 km from Hue. The beach has beautiful, clear water and a peaceful atmosphere, but like some of the other beaches in Hue, it can get a bit littered, especially outside of peak season. The area is still developing, so there are some nice roads and trees lining the beach, but it’s not as polished as other spots.
It’s a great place for a quick swim or to snap some photos, but don’t expect luxury facilities here. The beach is becoming popular with young people looking for a scenic place to relax and take pictures, so it’s best to visit early in the morning or during weekdays to avoid the crowds.
10. Hai Duong Beach
Hai Duong Beach is one of the more untouched spots in the area. The beach is a bit rugged, with both clean sand and some scattered litter, but it’s still a peaceful retreat from the city. The area has small seaside huts and local restaurants, but it’s not developed for mass tourism.
It’s a great place for those who love raw nature and aren’t bothered by a bit of imperfection. You can walk along the beach, explore the rocks, or sit by the waves and enjoy the quiet. It’s a perfect place if you’re into nature and don’t mind a simpler beach experience.
Travel tips for visiting beaches near Hue
Hue’s beaches are simple, quiet, and sometimes remote—so it helps to come prepared. With these tips, you’ll know what to expect and get the most out of your beach trip.
Bring the basics
Pack your own towel, sunscreen, and anything else you’d usually expect from a beach setup. Most beaches don’t offer much in terms of rentals or shaded areas.
Don’t count on restaurants
Some beaches have seafood stalls or local restaurants nearby, but others have nothing at all. It’s always smart to bring some snacks, water, or a picnic, just in case.
Be aware of jellyfish
Jellyfish are sometimes found in the water, especially during the warmer summer months. Keep an eye out, and avoid swimming if you see any in the area.
Swim safely
Most beaches around Hue don’t have lifeguards. The water is often calm, but it’s best to be cautious, especially if you’re not a strong swimmer or the waves pick up.
Visit on weekdays
If you want a quieter experience, aim for a weekday. Weekends can get busy with local families, especially in the afternoons.
Bring cash
You’ll rarely find card payment options near the beach. Small shops and seafood stalls deal in cash only, so bring enough for drinks, food, and parking.
Take your trash with you
Bins can be hard to find, especially on the more remote beaches. The best way to keep these places enjoyable for everyone is to take your trash with you when you leave.
