If you are used to crowded beach destinations, long stretches of resorts and familiar Instagram check-in spots, you may want to try a different kind of getaway.
Just a few hours' drive from Ho Chi Minh City, there are still coastal areas where local life continues around you, and you can experience it as part of your trip. Fishing boats return early in the morning, seafood is bought and sold at local fishing villages, quiet beaches remain relatively peaceful, while forests, rocky shores and coastal waterways retain much of their natural character.
For travelers in Ho Chi Minh City looking for a short beach getaway that still feels like discovering somewhere new, AdoraBay recommends these four coastal destinations. We have also included practical information on how to get there, where to stay, and the local places and experiences worth exploring.
1. Ke Ga - A Relaxing Beach Getaway with Fishing Villages, a Historic Lighthouse and Local Farms
About a three-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City, Ke Ga is a particularly interesting choice for travelers looking for a balance between relaxation and exploration.
Ke Ga is quieter than more established beach destinations such as Vung Tau and Mui Ne, but that does not mean there is little to do. The area is home to an active fishing village, natural rocky shores, seasonal water sports, local cultural attractions and agricultural areas that are characteristic of the surrounding countryside.
Things to Experience in Ke Ga
Visit Ke Ga Fishing Village and Its Seafood Market
Ke Ga Fishing Village is still active every day along the coast near Ke Ga Lighthouse. Local fishermen mainly work with fishing nets and other traditional fishing methods, and the village's seafood market starts early in the morning, from around 5:00 AM, with seafood brought in from the previous night's fishing trips. Depending on the season and the day's catch, you may find shrimp, squid, scad, tuna, crabs, sea snails and other freshly caught seafood.
For travelers staying nearby, waking up early to watch the sunrise and visit the fishing village is one of the simplest ways to experience everyday coastal life in Ke Ga. You can also buy fresh seafood and enjoy it later during your stay.
See this video of Ke Ga Fishing Village to get a closer look at the scenery and daily activities.
Explore Ke Ga Lighthouse
Ke Ga Lighthouse is one of the oldest landmarks along this coastline, with a history of more than 120 years. A visit to the lighthouse can easily be combined with exploring the distinctive red granite rocks around Ke Ga Cape and taking in the views of the sea.
Under normal conditions, you can take a short boat or basket boat ride of around three minutes from the mainland to the lighthouse island. During low tide, a stretch of sand may appear, allowing visitors to walk across to the lighthouse.
Try Seasonal Water Sports
When wind and wave conditions are suitable, the waters around Ke Ga can be a great place to try surfing, kitesurfing or wing foiling. The windier season, generally from October to March, can bring stronger winds and waves around Ke Ga Cape, attracting people interested in water sports.
Trekking Ta Cu Mountain
Located around 30 km from Ke Ga, Ta Cu Mountain is a good option if you want to spend part of your beach holiday exploring inland nature. The trekking route takes roughly one to two hours and passes through green forest and natural terrain. You can also combine the trek with a visit to the Ta Cu Mountain tourist area. It is a good choice for travelers who want their beach holiday to include a little exercise and adventure rather than spending the entire trip by the sea.
Visit Dragon Fruit Farms and Local Agricultural Areas
Around 10 - 15 km from Ke Ga Cape, you will start to see the agricultural landscapes that are characteristic of the area, particularly extensive dragon fruit farms. You can also visit local agricultural models such as Binh An Farm, learn more about how local farmers grow their produce, enjoy fresh fruit straight from the farm and see another side of life in the countryside near the coast. This is a relaxed experience that works well as part of a day exploring the area around Ke Ga.
Where to Stay in Ke Ga
Ke Ga has more accommodation options than many travelers might expect, ranging from beachfront resorts and villas to hotels and small homestays. If you prefer a comfortable stay with a range of facilities within the property, options include AdoraBay Ke Ga - Beach Resort, Edensee Ke Ga Beach Resort and Azerai Ke Ga Bay.
If you prefer to stay closer to local life and have more flexibility with your budget, there are also smaller hotels and homestays such as Moon Ke Ga Hotel, Mo Ke Ga Homestay, Peaceful Hill Homestay and several other sea-view homestays. These smaller properties can be a good fit for travelers who plan to spend more time outside exploring the fishing village, eating local seafood, visiting the lighthouse and discovering the surrounding area.
2. Binh Chau - Beach, Fishing Port and Nature in One Trip
If Ke Ga offers a balance between relaxation and exploration, Binh Chau has a stronger connection to nature and local fishing life.
Located around a two-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Chau remains closely connected to fishing and its local fishing port. Visitors can observe fishing boats, experience the everyday life of a coastal community and enjoy locally caught seafood.
After exploring the beach and fishing port, you can take your trip in a completely different direction by relaxing at Binh Chau Hot Springs or exploring the natural areas of Binh Chau - Phuoc Buu.
About Binh Chau Fishing Port
Binh Chau Fishing Port is one of the most interesting places to experience the rhythm of a traditional fishing community. The port is used by hundreds of fishing boats of different sizes, and mornings can become particularly lively as boats return, fishermen unload their catches and seafood is bought and sold around the port. You can visit to observe local coastal life, see the colorful fishing boats and experience the everyday atmosphere of a working fishing community. Early morning around sunrise or late afternoon can be particularly pleasant times to visit.
Experience Binh Chau Hot Springs
One of Binh Chau's most distinctive experiences is visiting its hot springs and relaxing in naturally heated mineral water surrounded by greenery. You can spend time in the hot spring pools, soak your feet or simply enjoy a few quiet hours after exploring the coast. It is an interesting addition to a beach trip if you want something different from the usual combination of swimming, sunbathing and seafood.
Explore Binh Chau - Phuoc Buu Nature Reserve
If you want to leave the beach behind and explore the natural landscape further, the Binh Chau - Phuoc Buu Nature Reserve offers a completely different experience. This coastal forest area is home to a diverse natural ecosystem, with green landscapes and quiet paths suitable for walking, nature exploration and observing local flora and fauna. Combining a beach trip with time in the forest gives you a chance to experience another side of this coastal region.
Where to Stay in Binh Chau
Binh Chau offers a range of accommodation, from resorts and homestays to camping options. If you want to combine a relaxing stay with hot spring experiences, Minera Hot Springs Binh Chau is one of the most notable choices. For groups of friends or families who enjoy outdoor activities, Hodota Binh Chau Resort & Camping offers a different type of stay with more space and outdoor experiences.
For travelers on a budget, local hotels and homestays can be found around the area, making it easier to explore the fishing port, coastal communities and local seafood restaurants. Some local travel providers also offer Binh Chau - Ho Tram packages, combining accommodation, meals and hot spring experiences.
3. Phuoc Hai - A Long-Established Fishing Village Beneath Minh Dam Mountain
If you are looking for a coastal destination that combines local fishing life, nature and history, Phuoc Hai is well worth considering.
Around a 1.5-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City via the expressway, Phuoc Hai Fishing Village sits at the foot of Minh Dam Mountain and is one of the area's long-established fishing communities. Fishing, seafood processing and making dried seafood remain an important part of everyday life here.
A Day in Phuoc Hai
In the morning, take a walk along the fishing village as the boats return to shore. You may see basket boats pulled up on the beach, fishermen removing their nets, seafood being brought ashore and local trading activities beginning early in the day.
After enjoying a seafood meal, spend the afternoon exploring Minh Dam Mountain.
Minh Dam is more than a trekking destination. The area is also a historical site associated with the Minh Dam Base, which played an important role during the resistance period. A visit here can therefore combine outdoor activity, nature and an opportunity to learn more about the history of the local area.
Where to Stay in Phuoc Hai
Phuoc Hai has several larger beachfront resorts, including Tran Chau Beach & Resort and the villa/resort complex Oceanami. Oceanami has been introduced by the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism as a five-star resort with a large villa system, making it suitable for families or larger groups looking for more private space and on-site facilities.
If you prefer to stay closer to the beach and experience local Phuoc Hai life, smaller hotels and homestays around the fishing village are another option, including Sunsea Homestay Phuoc Hai, Sea Breeze Homestay and VEGAN Homestay (Phuoc Hai Fishing Village).
There are also camping and glamping options for groups of friends or travelers who prefer to stay closer to nature, such as Phuoc Hai Island - Glamping & Fishing and BUI Homestay & Glamping Phuoc Hai.
4. Can Gio - Mangrove Forests, Wildlife and Local River Life
Can Gio is about more than the beach. Here, mangrove forests, waterways, the sea, history and local communities come together in an area relatively close to Ho Chi Minh City.
As a result, a trip to Can Gio can include a range of experiences that go far beyond spending time on the beach.
Explore Sac Forest War Zone
One of the most distinctive experiences in Can Gio is exploring the Sac Forest War Zone. Rather than simply reading about wartime history, visitors can enter the mangrove environment and gain a better sense of the challenging conditions in which Vietnamese soldiers once had to live and fight.
This is one of the experiences that makes Can Gio different from many other coastal destinations: the natural environment here is not only beautiful, but also closely connected to local history.
Explore Vam Sat and Monkey Island
Continue your journey to Vam Sat and Monkey Island, where you can explore the mangrove ecosystem and encounter groups of monkeys living in the area.
This is particularly suitable for families with children or travelers who want to learn more about Can Gio's ecosystem rather than spending their entire trip by the beach.
Enjoy Seafood on Local Floating Rafts
Another experience worth adding to your itinerary is visiting the floating seafood rafts along the waterways.
Some local aquaculture areas also welcome visitors, allowing you to sit on the raft, enjoy fresh seafood and see more directly how local communities use the waterways for aquaculture and tourism.
See more about the floating seafood raft experience in Can Gio.
Where to Stay in Can Gio
Can Gio has fewer resorts than many other beach destinations near Ho Chi Minh City. Most accommodation consists of small hotels, homestays and camping options, which are suitable for travelers who want to spend their time exploring the mangrove forests, fishing communities, seafood markets and other local attractions. If you prefer a more comfortable resort-style stay, options include Can Gio Resort and Phuong Nam Pearl Resort. For travelers looking to stay closer to nature and try something different, riverside camping or glamping can also be an interesting option.
So, Which Coastal Destination Should You Choose?
🌊 Choose Ke Ga if you want...
A relaxing beach holiday with plenty to explore.
You can stay at a resort, enjoy the swimming pool and beach, but still head outside to discover fishing villages, fresh seafood, rocky shores, the lighthouse, seasonal water sports and Ta Cu Mountain.
🦐 Choose Binh Chau if you want...
A combination of the coast, nature, fishing life and relaxation.
A single trip can include the fishing port, local seafood, the beach, hot springs and the surrounding natural landscape.
⛰️ Choose Phuoc Hai if you want...
The sea, a fishing village and local history in one trip.
Start your morning by experiencing everyday life in the fishing community, then spend the afternoon trekking Minh Dam Mountain and learning more about the history of the area.
🌳 Choose Can Gio if you want...
To explore a destination rather than simply stay at a resort.
You will need to be a little more independent and plan your own activities, but in return you can experience mangrove forests, the Sac Forest War Zone, Vam Sat - Monkey Island, floating seafood rafts, local markets and river life.Explore Ke Ga with AdoraBay
Located by the coast of Ke Ga, AdoraBay Ke Ga - Beach Resort is a comfortable option if you want to combine a relaxing beach holiday with opportunities to experience the local area.
From the resort, you can spend your time enjoying the beach, swimming pool and on-site facilities, while also easily exploring Ke Ga Fishing Village, Ke Ga Lighthouse, the area's natural rocky shores and other local attractions.
Discover more Ke Ga travel guide by AdoraBay and AdoraBay's short all-inclusive Ke Ga getaway packages with transportation, accommodation, meals and local experiences.
Beyond the Beach: 4 Coastal Destinations Near Ho Chi Minh City to Experience Local Life