China Beach, Vietnam

With twenty miles of gorgeous sand, luxury resorts, and historic temples, China Beach is well on its way to becoming Vietnam’s hottest tourist destination. This beautiful stretch of coastline, known locally as My Khe, became famous during the war as a popular R&R destination for American soldiers. Abandoned helicopter hangars are still visible along the beach, strangely out of place beside the tranquil sea.

The official centre of China Beach is the cluster of luxury resorts around the Non Nuoc Hotel. A you move north, the lavish villas give way to simple guesthouses, which are a good option for budget backpackers. At the northernmost edge of China Beach, the frantic city of Danang (or Da Nang) spills out onto the sand. While this sleepless town boasts some excellent restaurants and a vibrant night-life, the beach can get crowded, and pushy beggars are always on the lookout for western tourists. It does, however, have good transport links (including an airport), and is the main gateway for travelers heading down to China Beach.

Sightseeing on China Beach, Vietnam

While China Beach has enough sand and surf to keep any beach bum occupied, culture vultures will be enthralled by the area’s fascinating historic sites. Hoi An, on the southern edge of the beach, is a traditional Vietnamese harbour town, with picturesque streets and intricate architecture. The Marble Mountains are also well worth a look, with dramatic limestone caves and hidden Buddhist temples. When you’ve had your fill of sightseeing, head back to the beach and grab a surf-board – China Beach is also the capital of Vietnam’s surfing culture, with reliable waves throughout the year. Surf shops are dotted all along the beach-front. Just ask in your hotel for the nearest place to rent a board.

Although China Beach does boast long stretches of gorgeous, undeveloped coast, it’s not going to last forever. Investors are already buying up their portions of paradise, and big plans are in the pipeline for new resorts and luxury villas. So if you want to experience China Beach in all its glory, with endless lengths of uninterrupted sand, then get out there as soon as you can.