An Bang Beach Hoi An
A laid-back shoreline escape.
π₯ Highly Recommended
4.3 β (17K)
Introduction
An Bang Beach Hoi An (BΓ£i biα»n An BΓ ng) is a stretch of public coastline located approximately five kilometers east of Hoi An's Ancient Town. Known for its soft white sand, gentle waves, and a more relaxed, bohemian atmosphere than other regional beaches, it has become a popular destination for both locals and travelers. The shore is lined with casuarina trees, local seafood restaurants, and low-key bars, retaining a semblance of its origins as a quiet fishing village.
β
Relaxing on the Sand
The primary activity at An Bang is unwinding. The beach has a gentle slope, making it suitable for swimming when conditions are calm. You can rent a sun lounger and umbrella for a fee or get one for free by patronizing one of the many beachfront restaurants.
β
Beachfront Dining and Bars
An Bang is distinguished by its diverse collection of beachfront eateries, ranging from simple shacks serving fresh-caught seafood to stylish bars with extensive menus. Itβs an excellent place to sample local dishes with your feet in the sand or enjoy a sunset drink. Establishments like Soul Kitchen have become well-known spots for live music and a relaxed social scene.
β
Sunrise and Local Life
An early morning visit offers a quieter, more authentic experience. This is the time when local fishers can be seen with their traditional bamboo basket boats (thΓΊng chai), either heading out or returning with their daily catch, providing a glimpse into the rhythm of local life.
β
Water Sports
For those seeking more activity, several vendors offer water sports. Options typically include stand-up paddleboarding, surfing, and parasailing, with availability and safety dependent on the season and daily weather conditions.
Getting there
From Hoi An Ancient Town to An Bang Beach (approx. 5 km):
β
π² Bicycle: 20-30 mins. This is a very popular, scenic, and flat ride.
β
π΅ Motorbike: 10-15 mins
β
π Taxi: 10-15 mins | 80,000 - 120,000 VND ~ $3.20 - $4.80 USD
β
π Ride-Hailing App (Grab): 10-15 mins | 70,000 - 100,000 VND ~ $2.80 - $4 USD
β
β οΈ Cycling is the classic way to reach the beach from town. Grab is readily available and offers a fixed price. If you ride a motorbike, use the designated parking lots near the beach entrance which charge a small, fixed fee.
Hours & Admission
π Opening hours:
- The beach is a public space and is accessible 24/7.
- Note: Restaurants and service providers generally operate from early morning (around 8:00 AM) to late evening (around 10:00 PM).
β
π« Ticket prices:
- Beach Access: Free
- Other Potential Costs:
- Sun Lounger Rental: 50,000 - 100,000 VND ~ $2 - $4 USD per day (often free if you purchase food/drinks from the associated restaurant).
- Motorbike Parking: 10,000 VND ~ $0.40 USD.
- Public Showers: Around 20,000 VND ~ $0.80 USD.
β
πΆ Best time to visit:
- The dry season from February to August offers the best weather with calm seas and sunny skies. To avoid the intense midday heat and crowds, visit in the early morning (6-9 AM) or late afternoon (after 3 PM). The late afternoon is perfect for watching the sunset from a beachfront bar.
β
β Recommended duration:
- Plan for at least 3-4 hours to enjoy a swim, relax on the sand, and have a meal. Many visitors find it easy to spend a full or half day here.
Tips from locals
Local tips
β
π½οΈ Get a free sunbed and umbrella by purchasing food or a drink at one of the many beachfront restaurants. It's almost always a better value than paying a separate rental fee just for the chair.
β
πΆ The main entrance can get busy, especially during peak season. For a quieter experience, walk 10-15 minutes north (to your left) or south (to your right) along the sand to find more secluded spots away from the central cluster of bars.
β
π° While some larger restaurants accept credit cards, many smaller vendors, parking lots, and fresh coconut sellers only take cash. It's best to bring enough Vietnamese Dong for these small, convenient purchases.
β
π‘ Arrive before 8 AM to see the beach in its most authentic state. You'll witness local fishermen returning with their catch in traditional basket boats, a scene that offers great photo opportunities and a glimpse into local life before the tourist crowds arrive.
β
Be aware
β
π Pay attention to the water conditions and any posted safety flags, as rip currents can occur, particularly during the stormier season (September to January). Always try to swim in areas where others are present.
β
π΅ Stick to official parking areas that have a clear, posted price list (usually around 10,000 VND for a motorbike). Be cautious of individuals on the approach roads who may try to direct you to "private" parking for a higher or unclear fee.
β
π£οΈ Some restaurant staff and vendors near the main entrance can be quite persistent in trying to get your business.
FAQs
Is An Bang Beach Hoi An free to enter?
Yes, access to An Bang Beach is completely free for everyone. You only pay for services like parking, chair rentals, food, or activities.
β
How far is An Bang Beach from Hoi An Ancient Town?
It is located about 5 kilometers northeast of the Ancient Town, making it easily accessible by bicycle, motorbike, or a short taxi ride.
β
Can you swim at An Bang Beach Hoi An?
Yes, swimming is one of the main activities. The beach has a gentle slope and the water is generally calm, especially during the dry season (February-August). However, always be mindful of potential rip currents.
β
What is the best time of day to visit An Bang Beach Hoi An?
Early morning (6-9 AM) is ideal for a quiet atmosphere and to see local fishing life. Late afternoon (3-6 PM) is best for avoiding the heat and enjoying the sunset.
β
Are there showers and toilets available?
Yes, most beachfront restaurants offer toilets for their customers. There are also public facilities available that typically charge a small fee (around 20,000 VND).
β
Is An Bang Beach better than Cua Dai Beach?
While "better" is subjective, An Bang is currently far more popular. Cua Dai Beach has suffered from significant coastal erosion, leaving much less sandy area, whereas An Bang offers a wide, stable shoreline with a more developed but still relaxed scene.
β
Are there water sports at An Bang Beach Hoi An?
Yes, you can find vendors offering activities like stand-up paddleboarding, surfing, and parasailing, particularly in the central part of the beach.
β
Does the beach get very crowded?
The area near the main entrance can be busy, especially on weekends and holidays. However, the beach is long, and you can easily find a quiet spot by walking for just 10-15 minutes in either direction.
β
How do sunbed rentals work at An Bang Beach Hoi An?
You can either pay a fixed rental fee for a chair and umbrella (around 50,000-100,000 VND) or, more commonly, get free use of them for the day by ordering food or drinks from the restaurant that owns them.
β
Is An Bang Beach Hoi An good for families?
Yes, its calm waters (in good weather), soft sand, and casual dining options make it a very suitable destination for families with children.
Last updated:
