With thousands of kilometres of coastline, Vietnam offers plenty of choices for a beach holiday — from lively shores to unspoilt islands. Here are the coastal areas most worth considering.

The central coast

My Khe Beach in Danang has been named by Forbes among the world's beautiful beaches, while Lang Co Bay rests quietly at the foot of the Hai Van Pass. Further south, Eo Gio and Ky Co in Quy Nhon keep their wild beauty with natural coral reefs. Nha Trang is known for diving and beachfront resorts, along with its distinctive mineral mud baths.

Phu Quoc & Con Dao

Set apart from the mainland, Phu Quoc is the choice for a relaxed holiday: calm waves and a deep-red sunset over the Gulf of Thailand each evening. If you want quiet and a touch of nature, unspoilt Con Dao is a rare destination — home to a sea-turtle reserve and a calm, private atmosphere.

You don't need to travel all the way to the Caribbean — Vietnam's golden sands and warm sun are enough for a complete beach holiday.