Best Beaches in Vietnam vs Cambodia: A Comprehensive Coastal Comparison Guide

Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys. By Legend Travel Group.

A Tropical Paradise Showdown for Your Next Coastal Escape

Both Vietnam and Cambodia boast stunning coastlines along the Gulf of Thailand and South China Sea, offering pristine sands, turquoise waters, and vibrant marine life. Whether you seek serene island retreats with Vietnam Tours or historic coastal gems with Cambodia Tours, this guide compares the top beaches to help you choose your perfect destination. From Vietnam’s dramatic karsts in Ha Long Bay to Cambodia’s untouched islands in Koh Rong, each offers unique experiences for relaxation, adventure, and culture. Legend Travel Group specializes in eco-friendly Vietnam Travel and Cambodia Travel packages, allowing you to explore these coastal wonders with peace of mind—secure your tour with just a 10% deposit, payable up to 30 days before departure.

This guide highlights beach comparisons, cultural etiquette, sustainable tour options, and practical tips to plan your ultimate Southeast Asian beach getaway with Legend Travel Group.

Administrative Note

Beach visits in Vietnam and Cambodia require no special permits beyond standard entry visas. Access top beaches via domestic flights, ferries, or private transfers included in Legend Travel Group tours. Beach activities range from free relaxation to $5–$50 (125,000–1,250,000 VND or 20,000–200,000 KHR) for water sports. Book Vietnam Tours or Cambodia Tours with flexible payments—only 10% deposit required. Verify ferry schedules and weather with Legend Travel Group for seamless Vietnam Travel and Cambodia Travel.

Vietnam’s Coastal Gems

• Phu Quoc Island (Kien Giang Province): Known for Sao Beach’s powdery white sand and calm waters, ideal for families and snorkeling. Development includes luxury resorts but retains natural charm.

• My Khe Beach (Da Nang): Forbes-listed “one of the world’s most luxurious beaches,” with soft sands, clear waters, and urban access. Perfect for surfing and seafood.

• An Bang Beach (Hoi An): Relaxed vibe with bamboo loungers, fewer crowds than My Khe, and proximity to Hoi An’s ancient town for cultural day trips.

• Con Dao Islands (Ba Ria-Vung Tau): Remote archipelago with pristine beaches like Dam Trau, excellent for diving and turtle watching. Limited development preserves eco-paradise feel.

Cambodia’s Coastal Treasures

• Koh Rong Island (Sihanoukville Province): Long Beach offers 7km of untouched white sand, bioluminescent plankton at night, and backpacker-friendly vibes. Less developed than Phu Quoc.

• Otres Beach (Sihanoukville): Quieter alternative to Sihanoukville’s main beaches, with laid-back bars, yoga retreats, and golden sands. Ideal for digital nomads.

• Koh Russey (Bamboo Island): Emerging eco-luxury destination with private villas, coral reefs, and serene beaches. Exclusive feel with minimal crowds.

• Kep Beach: Historic crab market town with a small, pebbly beach and nearby Rabbit Island for day trips. Focus on Khmer seafood culture.

Direct Comparison Table

Respecting Local Coastal Customs

Cultural etiquette enhances your beach experience during Vietnam Tours and Cambodia Tours. Here’s your guide:

• Greetings: Use “xin chào” in Vietnam or “sous-dey” in Cambodia with a smile; avoid physical contact with monks or elders at beachside temples.

• Dress: Wear cover-ups over swimsuits when leaving the beach; modest attire (shoulders and knees covered) for nearby temples or villages. A lightweight sarong ($3 or 75,000 VND/12,000 KHR) is perfect.

• Behaviour: Remove shoes before entering beachside cafés or temples; avoid pointing feet at people or Buddha statues; ask permission before photographing locals, especially fishermen. A guest shared: “Respecting local customs made our beach days magical.”

• Customs: Tipping beach vendors or boat operators ($0.50–$1 or 12,500 VND/2,000 KHR) is appreciated; avoid feeding marine life to protect reefs; support local fishermen with fair purchases.

• Tip: Say “cảm ơn” (Vietnam) or “arkun” (Cambodia) to locals; use reef-safe sunscreen ($5 or 125,000 VND/20,000 KHR) to support sustainable Vietnam Travel and Cambodia Travel. Tony Bùi notes: “In 20 years guiding, respectful beachgoers create lasting connections.”

General Tips:

• Language: Carry a phrase card ($2 or 50,000 VND/8,000 KHR) for basics; English is common at tourist beaches.

• Respect: Avoid loud music near local communities; support eco-friendly vendors.

• Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for beaches like Sao or Long Beach.

• Eco-Tip: Choose reef-safe activities; avoid single-use plastics.

Below are curated Vietnam Tours and Cambodia Tours for beach lovers. Book with just 10% deposit—full payment due 30 days before departure.

1. Self-Guided Beach Exploration

• Details: Visit Phu Quoc’s Sao Beach or Koh Rong’s Long Beach independently; ideal for flexible travelers.

• Schedule: Year-round; best November–April (dry season).

• Cost: Ferry: $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND or 40,000–80,000 KHR); beach entry free; water sports $5–$50.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Use reusable snorkel gear; support local operators.

• Tip: Book ferries via Legend Travel Group partners; a guest noted: “Self-guided beaches were paradise with our tips.”

2. Legend Travel Group Vietnam Beach Escape

• Details: 3-day Vietnam Tours package: Phu Quoc island hopping, Sao Beach relaxation, and sunset sailing; includes flights from Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City, eco-resort stay, and meals.

• Schedule: Daily departures; peak November–April.

• Cost: $199–$399/person (includes flights, accommodation, activities).

• Pick-up/Drop-off: Phu Quoc Airport.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Carbon-offset flights; reef-safe activities.

• Tip: Book via https://www.legendtravelgroup.com; 10% deposit secures your spot.

3. Legend Travel Group Cambodia Island Hopper

• Details: 4-day Cambodia Tours package: Koh Rong Long Beach, Koh Russey eco-retreat, and bioluminescent plankton swim; includes speedboat transfers from Sihanoukville, beachfront bungalow, and meals.

• Schedule: Daily; best November–April.

• Cost: $249–$449/person (includes transfers, stay, activities).

• Pick-up/Drop-off: Sihanoukville Port.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Solar-powered bungalows; marine conservation support.

• Tip: Book via https://www.legendtravelgroup.com; flexible payments keep you stress-free.

4. Multi-Country Vietnam & Cambodia Coastal Odyssey

• Details: 7-day combo Vietnam Travel and Cambodia Travel: Phu Quoc, Kep crab market, Koh Rong; includes flights, ferries, eco-lodges, and guided activities.

• Schedule: Weekly; optimal November–April.

• Cost: $599–$999/person (all-inclusive).

• Pick-up/Drop-off: Ho Chi Minh City or Phnom Penh.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Zero-waste tours; community homestays.

• Tip: Secure with 10% deposit at https://www.legendtravelgroup.com; a guest raved: “Best beaches in both countries—effortless!”

• Expertly Curated: Handpicked beaches, eco-resorts, and local experiences.

• Flexible Payments: Only 10% deposit; balance 30 days before departure.

• Eco-Conscious: Reef-safe, carbon-offset, and community-supporting.

• 24/7 Support: Dedicated team for Vietnam Tours and Cambodia Tours.

• Peace of Mind: Full refunds for weather cancellations.

• Dry Season (November–April): Ideal for both countries; calm seas, sunny skies (25–32°C).

• Shoulder Seasons (May, October): Fewer crowds, occasional rain; great for deals.

• Wet Season (June–September): Lush greenery, bioluminescent plankton in Cambodia; indoor alternatives available. Morning beach visits (7:00 AM–11:00 AM) avoid heat; sunset (5:00 PM) for romance. Book early for peak season with Legend Travel Group.

• Essentials: Swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen ($5), snorkel mask ($10), quick-dry towel ($5), reusable water bottle ($3).

• Clothing: Lightweight cover-up, flip-flops ($2), sun hat ($3).

• Tech: Waterproof phone case ($5), portable charger ($10).

• Eco Items: Biodegradable shampoo, reusable straw. Tip: Pack light; Legend Travel Group provides beach bags on tour.

• Budget: $30–$60/day (self-guided, street food, local ferries).

• Mid-range: $80–$150/day (Vietnam Tours or Cambodia Tours with Legend Travel Group).

• Luxury: $150–$300/day (private islands, spa retreats). Tip: Save with 10% deposit; full payment 30 days before—stress-free planning.

• Book Early: Secure spots for peak season Vietnam Travel and Cambodia Travel.

• Stay Hydrated: Carry reusable bottles; avoid plastic.

• Protect Reefs: Use reef-safe sunscreen; no touching coral.

• Safety: Swim in designated areas; lock valuables.

• Sustainability: Support local; avoid single-use plastics.

• Which has better beaches? Vietnam for developed resorts; Cambodia for untouched paradise.

• Are beaches family-friendly? Yes—Phu Quoc and Otres are calm and safe.

• Can I island-hop? Yes with Legend Travel Group multi-day Vietnam Tours and Cambodia Tours.

• How to book? Visit https://www.legendtravelgroup.com; 10% deposit.

• Best for snorkeling? Con Dao (Vietnam) and Koh Rong (Cambodia).

• Phu Quoc Paradise (3 Days): $199–$399; eco-resorts, snorkeling.

• Koh Rong Escape (4 Days): $249–$449; bioluminescence, yoga.

• Vietnam & Cambodia Coastal Combo (7 Days): $599–$999; all-inclusive. Book at https://www.legendtravelgroup.com—10% deposit, balance 30 days before departure.

Choosing the Best Beaches in Vietnam vs Cambodia depends on your vibe—Vietnam for polished luxury and culture, Cambodia for raw, eco-friendly seclusion. With Legend Travel Group’s expertly crafted Vietnam Tours and Cambodia Tours, explore both with ease. Secure your dream beach escape with just a 10% deposit—full payment due 30 days before departure. Visit https://www.legendtravelgroup.com to book your sustainable Vietnam Travel and Cambodia Travel adventure today. Paradise awaits—by Legend Travel Group.