An Bang Hoi An Beach: Where to Eat, Swim, and Catch a Sunset

You’ve made it to Hoi An—the lantern-lit heart of Central Vietnam—and you’re wondering where to soak up some sun.

Let me take you to An Bang Hoi An Beach, a relaxed stretch of sand just outside the Ancient Town.

I visited Hoi An for four days while my partner was getting his diving certification and had the chance to visit the beach for a few hours.

The beach area is much smaller than I was expecting but it was a nice spot to grab some food and relax.

Getting to An Bang Beach From Hoi An Ancient Town

An Bang Beach is just about 4 kilometers from the Ancient Town. It will take about 10-15 minutes to get there from the ancient city area.

Here are a few ways to get to the beach at Hoi An:

• Use Grab (Vietnam’s version of Uber): Quick, cheap, and air-conditioned if it’s too hot to ride a bike or scooter.
• Rent a scooter: You will see many shops around town to rent one, they cost around 120,000 VND ($5 USD) per day.
• Hop on a bicycle: It’s a flat road to get to the beach and takes around 20 minutes.

There’s no entrance fee to the beach and there are several places from the main road, to enter.

You can park your bike for a small fee at the beach entrances,—usually around 5,000 VND (20 cents USD). Some restaurants offer free parking if you eat there.

What to Expect at An Bang Hoi An

The beach runs for about 4 kilometers. At the very front entrance of the beach, it can get crowded especially if the tide is high.

If you walk a little further down the beach, there are not as many lounge chairs but the crowd is less.

The sand is soft and light, perfect for barefoot walks. The sea is clean and swimmable—gentle waves most days.

There isn’t a massive party scene here. Think afternoon cocktails, lazy lounging, and kids building sandcastles. It’s also one of the few public beaches in Hoi An.

There’s a lineup of beachfront restaurants that are all laid-back with a mix of local and Western menus.

Beach Front Restaurants with an Ocean View:

• Shore Club: Western menu with blue and white decor, right on the beach (#2)
• The DeckHouse: Beachy vibes, seafood dishes, loungers with shade (#3)
• Soul Kitchen: Live music at sunset, great cocktails, fun but chill (#4)

Prices range from budget to mid-range, and many of these places let you use their loungers and umbrellas if you order something.

Bars with Craft Beers and Street Views:

• Blackfinn – Restaurant with a bottle shop next door. The duck tacos are really good! (#5)
• Dom’s Hoi An Brewing Co – Small Bar with street views and fresh beer (#6)
• Bungalow Beach Bar – Indoor/ Outdoor Bar with a Pool table and draft beers (#7)

Facilities: Bathrooms, Showers, and Shade

Yes, there are public bathrooms and showers at a few access points near the main beach entrance.

They’re basic, but the bathrooms are free—which is amazing considering how rare that can be in beach towns. Some will have a tip box outside and even 10,0000 Vietnamese Dong (40 cents USD) can be a token of appreciation.

You can also use restaurant restrooms if you’re eating or drinking there. Bring a towel and change of clothes if you plan to hang out all day.

To sit in the shade you will need to pay for a lounge chair. Each area has different pricing, some require you to just buy a drink, and others you just pay a small fee in cash.

Best Things to Do at An Bang Beach

1. Catch a Sunset With a Cold Drink

The sunsets are a popular time to visit the beach. Head to one of the beachfront restaurants around 5:30 PM. The horizon stays wide open—no buildings, just palm silhouettes, and slow skies.

Even during sunset, a reservation was not needed for any of the restaurants in February.

2. Lounge and Swim

Bring a book, grab a lounger (some are free with a drink), and spend the afternoon doing absolutely nothing.

The water is swimmable year-round, but best from March to August. After that, waves can get a bit choppy.

Early morning or late afternoon is best—cooler, quieter, and ideal light for photos.

3. Get a Workout In

Yes, it may be simple and outside, however, there is free gym equipment that you can use right at the entrance of the beach.

You might even catch a beach yoga class in the mornings—just ask around or check nearby resorts.

Tips for Visiting An Bang Beach

• Traffic light: You’ll hear locals say “The beach with the traffic light.” That’s the turn-off from Hai Ba Trung Street—it’s your landmark
• Bring cash: Not all beach bars take cards, though most mid-range places do
• Weather: Dry season is from February to August—blue skies and beach days
• Umbrella rental: If you’re not eating at a restaurant, you can still rent an umbrella and two loungers for about 100,000 VND ($4 USD)
• Sun protection: The sun can be fierce—bring sunscreen, a hat, and hydrate often

Final Thoughts on An Bang Hoi An

An Bang Hoi An Beach is the closest beach in Hoi An to the ancient city so it may be the only beach you visit while here.

It’s close enough to Ancient Town that you can head back for lantern-lit dinners. But it’s far enough away to give you that proper beachy escape.

Whether you’re there for a few hours or a few days, An Bang Hoi An offers that slow coastal magic that’s hard to leave behind!

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