7 Most Beautiful Beaches in Halong Bay, An Ultimate Guide

Halong Bay is globally renowned for its stunning limestone islands and emerald waters, but its lesser-known beaches also offer exceptional beauty. Whether you’re seeking tranquil, hidden shores or bustling, activity-filled destinations, Halong Bay’s beaches are perfect for a beach escape. With Vietnam Discovery Travel, explore these breathtaking spots and create unforgettable memories in this paradise.

1. Overview of Halong Bay’s Beaches

Halong Bay is home to thousands of small islands, each offering unique beaches that range from lively, tourist-filled spots to tranquil, untouched stretches of sand. Whether you prefer an adventure-packed day of water sports or a peaceful escape in nature, the beaches in Halong Bay cater to all types of travelers.

2. Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Halong Bay’s beaches is from March to May and September to November when the weather is mild, making it ideal for swimming and outdoor activities. During these months, you can enjoy clear skies, calm seas, and pleasant temperatures.

The beaches of Halong Bay are a marvel of the region. While the magnificent limestone mountains make Halong Bay famous and undoubtedly attract tourists, you cannot beat a beautiful beach.

3. Top Beaches in Halong Bay

1. Tuan Chau Beach

• Location: Tuan Chau Island, Halong, Quang Ninh (Map)
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Tuan Chau Beach is one of the most accessible and well-developed beaches in Halong Bay. As an artificial beach on Tuan Chau Island, it draws many visitors due to its proximity to major tourist spots. The beach is lined with resorts and restaurants, making it a great option for those seeking a lively beach experience. Activities like jet skiing, kayaking, and sunbathing are popular here.

2. Ngoc Vung Beach

• Location: Ngoc Vung Island, Van Don District, Quang Ninh (Map)
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Known for its untouched beauty, Ngoc Vung Beach offers a serene escape with soft white sands and crystal-clear waters. Located on the quiet Ngoc Vung Island, this beach is perfect for travelers who want to relax in a tranquil environment. Besides swimming and sunbathing, visitors can explore the island’s natural surroundings by bike.

3. Minh Chau Beach

• Location: Quan Lan Island, Minh Chau, Van Don, Quang Ninh, Vietnam (Map)
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Minh Chau Beach is often referred to as a paradise due to its fine white sand and turquoise waters. Located on Quan Lan Island, this beach offers the ultimate escape from the hustle and bustle of tourist crowds. Visitors can enjoy beach camping and peaceful nights under the stars.

4. Ba Trai Dao Beach

• Location: Ba Trai Dao Island, Cat Hai, Hai Phong, Vietnam (Map)
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Ba Trai Dao Beach is a hidden gem nestled among limestone karsts. Its secluded location and pristine condition make it an ideal spot for beachgoers who crave privacy and relaxation. However, due to the tides, the beach is only accessible for a few hours each day, so timing your visit is crucial.

5. Titop Beach

• Location: Ti Tốp Island, Cat Hai, Hai Phong (Map)
• Entrance Fee: Free
• A small but well-maintained beach on Ti Tốp Island, Titop Beach is a favorite stop for cruises in Halong Bay. Visitors can hike to the top of the island for panoramic views of the bay before cooling off in the clear waters. Facilities like showers and snack stands are available, making it a convenient stop for day-trippers.

6. Hong Van Beach

• Location: Dong Tien, Co To District, Quang Ninh, Vietnam (Map)
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Hong Van Beach on Co To Island is ideal for those interested in water sports like snorkeling and surfing. The beach is known for its incredibly clear waters and calm waves, making it perfect for both relaxation and adventure.

7. Quan Lan Beach

• Location: Van Don District, Quang Ninh, Vietnam (Map)
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Quan Lan Beach is a remote stretch of white sand located on Quan Lan Island. This beach is surrounded by nature, with minimal tourism development nearby, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the island’s peaceful atmosphere. It’s an ideal spot for those seeking solitude and a connection to nature.

4. How to Get to Halong Bay’s Beaches

The easiest way to reach the beaches of Halong Bay is by taking a cruise from Bai Chay tourist wharf, which offers tours to many of the area’s beaches and islands. For beaches like Tuan Chau and Ngoc Vung, you can also drive or take a bus from Hanoi to Halong City, followed by a ferry or boat ride to the islands.

5. Beach Activities in Halong Bay

Halong Bay’s beaches offer a variety of activities, including:

• Swimming and Sunbathing: Relax on the sandy shores of Tuan Chau Beach or dive into the clear waters of Ngoc Vung and Minh Chau.
• Water Sports: Popular beaches like Tuan Chau offer jet skiing, parasailing, and kayaking.
• Hiking and Exploring: For those looking to stretch their legs, Ti Tốp Island offers hiking trails with panoramic views of the bay.
• Beach Camping: Minh Chau Beach on Quan Lan Island is a great spot for camping overnight under the stars.
• Snorkeling and Surfing: Hong Van Beach is perfect for snorkeling and surfing enthusiasts, thanks to its calm waters and vibrant marine life.

6. Sunset Views: Capturing the Perfect Moment

The beaches of Halong Bay offer breathtaking sunset views, making them an ideal spot for photography and relaxation. For the best sunset views, head to Tuan Chau or Quan Lan Beach, where the fading sun casts a golden glow over the bay’s limestone karsts.

7. Practical Information

• Best Time to Visit: March to May and September to November
• Getting There: Cruise from Bai Chay or drive from Hanoi to Halong City
• Travel Tips: Bring sunscreen, a hat, and swimwear; high tides may affect beach accessibility