What is Tan Thanh Beach?
Location & Geography
Tan Thanh Beach is located in Go Cong District, Tien Giang Province, about 70 km south of Ho Chi Minh City and roughly 50 km from My Tho. It sits on the Mekong Delta coastline, where the rivers meet the sea, shaping a muddy, alluvial shore rather than the clear-water beaches Vietnam is often known for.
There is also a more popular beach with the same name near Hoi An in central Vietnam. If you were searching for that destination, check our Tam Thanh Beach guide here.
Landscape & Features
The beach stretches for around 7 kilometers, with dark, silty sand carried by the Mekong’s river systems. Instead of golden beaches and turquoise water, you’ll find embankments, a long concrete jetty, and scattered wooden fishing huts on stilts out at sea. Offshore, a row of modern wind turbines adds a somewhat unusual backdrop, reminding you that this is as much a working coastal zone as it is a leisure spot.
Cultural & Economic Context
The area is closely tied to fishing and aquaculture, especially clam farming, which is the pride of Tan Thanh. Clams harvested here are well known across southern Vietnam for their size and sweetness, and they’re sold both locally and to restaurants in bigger cities.
On weekends and during seafood seasons, the beach becomes a gathering point for local families and day-trippers who come not just for the sea breeze, but for affordable fresh seafood and a change of scenery from the city.
Highlights of visiting Tan Thanh Beach
1. Sunrise, Sunset & Jetty Walk
The beach itself is muddy, but the atmosphere can be surprisingly rewarding at the right times of day. Early mornings bring soft light and a fresh sea breeze, while sunsets often paint the horizon in orange and pink tones. The long concrete jetty is the best place to take it all in, stretching far out into the water with wide views of fishing huts and the coastline.
2. Clam Raking & Seafood
Clam farming is the main livelihood here, and if you visit during the right season you may see or even join locals raking clams from the muddy flats. It’s not easy work, but it’s a memorable experience that gives you a glimpse of daily coastal life. For something more relaxed, buy clams, crabs, or shrimp directly from local sellers. Most restaurants by the beach will cook your seafood on the spot for a small fee — fresh, cheap, and the real highlight for most visitors.
3. Fishing Huts on Stilts & Wind Turbines
Scattered wooden huts stand on stilts offshore, used by local fishermen to keep watch over their clam beds. They give the coastline a rustic, photogenic look. On the horizon, you’ll notice rows of giant wind turbines. This mix of traditional huts and modern energy infrastructure makes Tan Thanh quite different from Vietnam’s typical beaches.
4. Swimming & Relaxation
You can technically swim here, but don’t expect clear water. The sea is alluvial and muddy, and most visitors come for the air and seafood rather than the swimming. Still, there are restrooms and shower facilities, so if you want a dip you won’t be the only one. Think of it more as a local outing than a beach holiday.
5. Birdwatching & Nature
The mudflats attract migratory birds, and some sightings — like the critically endangered spoon-billed sandpiper — have been reported here. For casual visitors, you’ll mostly notice seabirds and waders along the shore, but for patient photographers and bird enthusiasts the area holds some unique opportunities.
6. Other coastal stops in Tien Giang
If you’re already exploring this part of Tien Giang, a couple of nearby beaches are worth a look. Cây bần Nhiếp ảnh has mangroves and a wilder, more natural setting that’s popular with photographers. Tan Dien Beach is quieter and more undeveloped, making it a pleasant cycling stop or place to rest in a hammock. These aren’t major destinations in themselves, but they can add variety if you’re making a coastal loop.
Best time to visit Tan Thanh Beach
The dry season from November to April is the most comfortable time to visit, with sunnier skies and less rain. This makes the jetty walk, sunrise and sunset views, and general exploring much more pleasant.
That said, if your main interest is seafood or local life, the rainy months are still fine — you don’t need perfect weather to enjoy fresh clams or watch the fishing activity. In fact, the real “peak” times are not tied to the weather but to the clam and crab seasons, when the beach is liveliest and the seafood at its best.
Crowd levels also matter: weekends and holidays, especially Tet, draw large numbers of domestic visitors from Ho Chi Minh City. If you prefer a quieter visit, plan for a weekday when the atmosphere is more relaxed.
Practical visiting information & Tips
Getting There
Tan Thanh Beach is about a two-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City, which makes it feasible as a short day trip. The most convenient option is a private car with driver, especially if you’re combining the beach with other Mekong Delta stops. More adventurous travelers can ride a motorbike via Highway 50 and the My Loi ferry, which adds some local character to the journey. Buses also leave from Mien Dong station in Ho Chi Minh City, though you’ll still need a short transfer at the end to reach the beach.
Facilities & Services
The beach area has a row of restaurants and stalls where you can buy clams, shrimp, or crabs and have them cooked to order for a small fee. Parking is available next to these restaurants (expect a modest charge for motorbikes or cars). The jetty and embankments are open for walking, giving you the best views over the coast.
Accommodation
There are only a few basic guesthouses near the beach, suitable if you just want to stay overnight and leave early. For a more comfortable experience, it’s better to stay in My Tho or Ben Tre, where you’ll find hotels, homestays, and a broader range of Mekong Delta activities.
Travel tips
- Bring cash for parking, seafood, and small purchases.
- Don’t expect turquoise water or sandy swimming — this is an alluvial coast.
- Morning or late afternoon are the best times for cooler weather and better photos.
- If you’re planning a wider Mekong Delta trip, keep Tan Thanh as a short stop rather than the main destination.
Is Tan Thanh Beach worth visiting?
If you’re looking for a classic beach holiday, Tan Thanh is not the place — the water is muddy, the sand is silty, and swimming isn’t the main draw. What makes it unique is the seafood culture: clam raking with locals, rustic fishing huts on stilts, and cheap, fresh dishes cooked right by the shore.
As a stop on a Mekong Delta trip, especially if you’re already in Tien Giang or My Tho, it can add variety and give you a glimpse of coastal life. But if your main focus is the canals, orchards, and river scenery the Delta is famous for, you won’t miss too much by skipping it.
