Korean Job Discussion Forums

[robot]

I'm flying to Hanoi. Was hoping to do a lot of lazing on the beach and drinking, but doesn't look like there are many sandy beaches that far north.

Where are the best beaches to check out around Hanoi? (or surrounding area; if necessary I can hop the train).

[DHC]

There are no beaches near Hanoi. The nearest beach is DoSon, near Haiphong, several hours by bus from Hanoi. Beaches there are lousy and polluted. Also expensive to eat and drink as it has become a western tourist trap. HaLong Bay also has a small beach, also lousy, and more expensive. Also several hours from Hanoi by bus. Best beaches are in the central and southern part of the country. Lived in Hanoi and elsewhere in Vietnam for years. PM me for additional info if you have any questions.

[interestedinhanguk]

I didn't spend much time on the beach itself, but Cat Ba, an island in Halong Bay, is nice. There's some beaches that I think might be decent, though not great.

You get there by boat, there's a few that run from Haiphong, maybe also from Halong City, that go to different parts of the island. You may have to take a mini-bus to the town. Bring enough cash, because unlike most places in Vietnam (at least those with tourists), there's no ATM, unless it has changed since November 2008 (it may very well have).

[comm]

Probably posting too late for the OP, but hit Hanoi over Chuseok and it was great. Halong Bay wasn't sandy in the least, but I'd have taken at least 2 days there if I could have.

Strange though, I think I'd have been better off converting Korean won to USD to spend there, rather than converting it to Vietnam Dong as I did o_O

[bassist33]

I would definitely recommend Halong Bay. Stay overnight on a Chinese Junk boat and enjoy the scenery, don't know about 2 days though. For beaches, head to Hoi An in the central of the country. I went there last Christmas and fell in love with the place. Beautiful beach, beautiful town, beautiful people! I got a flight on Air Asia for like $45 one way. Can't beat that! (well unless you fly with Jetstar which would most likely lead to your flight being cancelled last minute!)

[sweet_potato]

u should book a domestic flight to a different place in vietnam to enjoy the beaches. check out vietnam airlines website, you can get a roundtrip from hanoi for around 80usd (book in advance and no cancellations).
for beaches, i recommend danang, hoi an, nha trang, mui ne, and of course, phu quoc island

[deessell]

You will have to stay down south as it is winter in the North. Even Hoi An will be cool this time of the year, not my idea of a beach holiday.

[comm]