Hoi An and Danang, Vietnam

Visitors to Vietnam are often drawn to the city centers of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh—the two having the country’s biggest international air terminals. I’ve been to the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh before, but on my last trip to Vietnam, I was able to travel to the central region of the country to the cities of Hoi An and Danang, and discovered some spectacular stretches of coastlines.

The shoreline of Central Vietnam is a breathtakingly beautiful destination with stunning beaches, turquoise waters, and dramatic cliffs. Here, Vietnam’s coast is caressed by a warm and inviting sea that offers excellent visibility for snorkeling and scuba diving. Along certain nooks, lush vegetation of palm trees and mangroves flourish to provide a natural habitat for a variety of bird and marine life.

For those seeking natural beauty, a much-deserved decompression, and scrumptious eats, the beaches of An Bang and Non Nuoc, are must-visit destinations when gadding around this beautiful country of pleasurable surprises.

Nestled just three kilometers north of Hoi An lies a hidden gem, a place where white sand and endless horizons create a truly enchanting setting. An Bang Beach, with its hippie-vibe and relaxed atmosphere, is quickly becoming one of Vietnam's most captivating destinations.

I arrived at midday, as the sun was beating down on my skin. Good thing that the warm breezes blowing in from the sea cooled the sunbaked shores. But despite the heat, the beauty of An Bang Beach is simply breathtaking, with the Cham Islands in the distance adding to the stunning seaside view. An Bang Beach was even recognized by CNN in 2016 as one of the world's “Top 100 Best Beaches.”

Notwithstanding its growing popularity, An Bang has managed to maintain its charming, small-town feel. And true to its reputation as a culinary powerhouse, tasty Vietnamese cuisine is one of An Bang’s attractions.

So, we had a long and leisurely lunch at Restaurant Tuyet, a popular dining place of thatched nipa roofs and long tables. Ms. Tuyet, the smiling owner, served as a delicious and filling lunch comprised of crispy fried spring rolls, a tasty soup of sweet chip chip clams topped with refreshing herbs, baked oysters served on the shell with chopped spring onions and toasted garlic, and fat juicy shrimps sprinkled with, again, toasted garlic.

At the Deck House, an open-air café by the shore, I had one of Quang Nam’s creamiest and best tasting iced coconut coffee. It’s robust-tasting Vietnamese coffee poured over ice, laced with generous amounts of coconut milk, and topped with a big dollop of coconut ice cream.

At An Bang Beach, visitors can truly immerse themselves in Vietnamese culture, with opportunities for yoga classes, sunrise walks, and even cooking classes. An Bang Beach is also a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts, with activities such as surfing, paddle boarding, and kiteboarding available for visitors to enjoy. For those looking to relax, the beach is perfect for lounging under an umbrella and watching the waves roll in. For those who want to take a dip in the warm waters, the gently sloping beach and the calm waves make it easy to wade in and out of the sea.

One of the most unique experiences to be had at An Bang Beach is the opportunity to take a basket boat ride. These traditional round boats are made of woven bamboo and are used by local fishermen to navigate the shallow waters of the nearby coconut palm forests. Visitors can take a ride in these charming boats, guided by a local fisherman, to explore the area and see the unique flora and fauna of the region up close.

As the sun sets, the beach transforms into a magical wonderland, with live music and cocktails filling the air with energy and excitement. The beach is home to a number of lively bars and restaurants, many of which offer live music and entertainment. From reggae to rock and roll, there is always something going on at An Bang Beach after dark. Whether you are looking to party the night away or simply enjoy a quiet drink by the water, there is something for everyone to enjoy at this enchanting beach destination.

Non Nuoc Beach

Mesmerizing Non Nuoc Beach

I wasn’t prepared to be amazed by the breathtaking beauty of Non Nuoc Beach. This hidden gem located in Danang Sea has been voted one of the most stunning and alluring beaches in the world by Forbes, America's leading magazine. And it's not hard to see why.

With five kilometers of white sand stretching along the shore of Hoa Hai Ward at the foot of Ngu Hanh Son (The Marble Mountains), Non Nuoc Beach boasts a gentle slope, mild waves, and clear blue waters. It's no wonder tourists flock to this pristine beach to bathe and unwind on the weekends.

The beach is surrounded by a lush forest of age-old casuarinas, providing ample shade and a cool breeze. This idyllic spot is perfect for camping, and when the sun sets, you can sit back and relax on smooth benches along the beach while listening to the soothing sounds of the waves and taking in the mystical atmosphere.

Located along the sandy beach of Non Nuoc is the palatial Shilla Monogram Quangnam Danang. The hotel has 309 rooms, with 10 main room types ranging from basic to trendy. All of them bring an upscale feeling like the rooms of A-list stars. The upscale resort also features an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and a well-tended garden. Among the other facilities of this capacious property are a restaurant, a kids' club and a shared lounge, and a sauna.

As I looked back at the coast, now bathed in the golden light of sunset, I knew that Central Vietnam had stolen my heart. It is a place of natural beauty, warm hospitality, and endless surprises. And as I boarded my flight home, I knew I would be back, drawn once again to the siren call of the Vietnamese sea.

THE SHINING SHORES

Hanging Loose in An Bang Beach

Mesmerizing Non Nuoc Beach

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