Discover the differences between Cua Dai Beach and An Bang Beach in Hoi An, Vietnam! Compare facilities, atmosphere, activities, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and top providers for a perfect beach experience with Vietnam Travel. Plan your visit today!
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. Legend Travel Group since 2008. Information based on the latest data; verify before travel.
=> Vietnam - 10 Days. Departure every Monday from Hanoi
=> Vietnam - 12 Days. Departure every Saturday from Hanoi
=> Vietnam and Cambodia - 12 Days. Departure every Monday from Hanoi
=> Vietnam - 10 Days. Departure every Monday from Saigon
=> Vietnam - 12 Days. Departure every Saturday from Saigon
=> Vietnam and Cambodia - 14 Days. Departure every Saturday from Hanoi
Immerse in An Bang’s relaxed, bohemian vibe (Source: Internet)Hoi An, a charming UNESCO World Heritage town in central Vietnam, is renowned for its proximity to two beautiful beaches: Cua Dai Beach (5 km east of Hoi An Ancient Town) and An Bang Beach (4 km northeast). Both offer golden sands, clear waters, and stunning sunrises, but they differ in atmosphere, facilities, and vibe, making the choice ideal for various travelers. Cua Dai Beach features resort-lined shores with developed amenities, while An Bang Beach offers a more relaxed, local feel with trendy beach clubs. Exploring these beaches with Vietnam Tours immerses you in Hoi An’s coastal charm, perfect for families, couples, or groups seeking relaxation or activities. Legend Travel Group’s packages often include beach extensions, with flexible payments—deposit just 10% and pay the rest 30 days before departure for peace of mind. A blend of sun, sea, and culture, these beaches, facilitated by trusted Vietnam Travel providers, cater to all ages and traveler types.
This guide compares the two beaches, provides practical tips, cultural insights, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for an unforgettable Hoi An beach experience.
Visiting Cua Dai and An Bang Beaches requires no entry fee (public beaches), but nearby Hoi An Ancient Town costs $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND) for a ticket. A Vietnam visa is required for most nationalities ($25–$50 or 625,000–1,250,000 VND). Beach activities and tours cost $5–$50 (125,000–1,250,000 VND). Beaches are accessible by bicycle, tuk-tuk, or tour transport from Hoi An. Verify travel advisories via Legend Travel Group’s support.
Location and Access:
Cua Dai Beach: 5 km east of Hoi An Ancient Town, easily reached by bicycle (20 minutes) or tuk-tuk ($2–$3 or 50,000–75,000 VND).
An Bang Beach: 4 km northeast, slightly closer, with a more scenic route through rice fields.
Atmosphere and Vibe:
Cua Dai Beach: More developed with luxury resorts (e.g., Victoria Hoi An, Palm Garden); family-friendly, bustling during peak seasons, but affected by erosion in recent years.
An Bang Beach: Laid-back, bohemian vibe with trendy beach bars (e.g., The DeckHouse, Soul Kitchen); quieter, appealing to couples and younger travelers.
Facilities and Amenities:
Cua Dai Beach: High-end resorts with pools, spas, restaurants; sun loungers ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND); water sports available.
An Bang Beach: Casual beach clubs with live music, seafood restaurants; sun loungers ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND); more local feel.
Activities:
Cua Dai Beach: Swimming, jet-skiing, resort-based yoga; family-oriented.
An Bang Beach: Surfing (seasonal), beach volleyball, sunset drinks; relaxed vibe.
Crowds and Seasonality:
Cua Dai Beach: Busier in dry season (February–August); erosion has reduced sand in some areas.
An Bang Beach: Less crowded year-round; best in cool season (November–February).
Sustainability: Both beaches promote eco-practices; An Bang has more community-led clean-ups.
Choose Cua Dai Beach for luxury resorts, family facilities, and easy access.
Choose An Bang Beach for a relaxed, local atmosphere and trendy beach clubs.
Photograph the stunning dawn at Cua Dai Beach (Source: Internet)Cultural etiquette ensures a respectful beach experience during Vietnam Tours. Here’s your guide:
Greetings: Offer “xin chào” (hello) with a slight nod to locals or vendors.
Dress: Wear appropriate swimwear; cover up with sarong or shirt when leaving the beach or visiting nearby temples.
Behaviour: Keep beaches clean; avoid loud music; respect local fishermen; ask permission before photographing locals. A guest shared: “Respecting Vietnamese customs made our beach days enriching.”
Customs: Tipping beach staff ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND) appreciated; avoid littering to preserve natural sites.
Tip: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you) to vendors or guides; use eco-friendly practices like reusable water bottles ($2 or 50,000 VND) to support sustainable Vietnam Travel. Tony Bùi notes: “In 20 years guiding, I’ve seen respectful travellers thrive in Vietnam’s coastal culture.”
General Tips:
Language: Carry a phrase card ($1 or 25,000 VND) for Vietnamese basics; English is common in beach areas.
Respect: Follow beach rules; support local vendors with fair purchases.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) with “Cua Dai Beach” or “An Bang Beach” for navigation.
Eco-Tip: Use bicycles ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND/day) or tuk-tuks to reduce emissions.
Below is a curated list of tour options for exploring Cua Dai and An Bang Beaches, based on Legend Travel Group’s expertise. Confirm schedules and prices before booking.
Details: Visit Cua Dai or An Bang Beach independently; suitable for all travelers; low difficulty.
Schedule: Daily; beaches accessible anytime (best sunrise 5:30 AM or sunset 6:00 PM).
Cost: Beach entry: free; bicycle rental: $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND/day); tuk-tuk: $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND); sun lounger: $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).
Location: Hoi An, Quang Nam Province.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use bicycles or walk to reduce emissions; avoid littering.
Tip: Visit early for serenity; a guest noted: “Self-guided beach days were relaxing and authentic.”
Details: 1-day group tour visiting Cua Dai and An Bang Beaches with relaxation time; includes English-speaking guide, bicycle/tuk-tuk transport, lunch, and sun loungers; low difficulty.
Schedule: Daily; departs 8:00 AM from Hoi An hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $15–$30/person (375,000–750,000 VND, includes transport and loungers).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Hoi An.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group transport with fuel-efficient vehicles minimizes impact; supports local vendors.
Tip: Book via legendtravelgroup.com; a guest noted: “Legend’s tour offered perfect beach relaxation.”
Details: 1-day guided tour visiting An Bang Beach and Hoi An Ancient Town; includes English-speaking guide, bicycle transport, lunch, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Schedule: Daily; departs 7:30 AM from Hoi An hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $20–$40/person (500,000–1,000,000 VND, includes entries).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Hoi An.
Eco-Friendly Note: Small groups and cycling reduce environmental impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via localvietnam.com; a guest noted: “The combo tour blended beach and culture perfectly.”
Details: 2–3 day tour combining Cua Dai/An Bang Beaches, Hoi An Ancient Town, and nearby sites like My Son Sanctuary; includes English-speaking guide, transport, accommodation, meals, and entries; low to moderate difficulty.
Schedule: Daily; departs from Hoi An hotels; returns after 2–3 days.
Cost: $80–$200/person (2,000,000–5,000,000 VND, includes entries).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels or custom locations in Hoi An.
Eco-Friendly Note: Uses eco-lodges and fuel-efficient transport; supports local communities.
Tip: Book Vietnam Tours via legendtravelgroup.com or WhatsApp (+84 825862222); a guest noted: “The multi-day tour was a deep beach and cultural immersion.”
Experience Hoi An’s beaches with guided tours (Source: Internet)Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for independent travelers.
Group Beach Relaxation Tours: Affordable and guided, perfect for relaxed beach days.
Combo Beach and Hoi An Tours: Blend beach time with cultural visits for a comprehensive experience.
Multi-Day Beach and Cultural Tours: Offer in-depth exploration, perfect for all traveler types.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group and multi-day tours use fuel-efficient transport, supporting Vietnam’s green tourism goals.
Key beach exploration opportunities include:
Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year): Typically late January to February, vibrant with local celebrations; warm and dry (18–28°C).
Mid-Autumn Festival: Typically September, festive with lantern parades; warm and wet (24–31°C).
Year-Round Opportunities: Dry season (February–August) for sunny beach days; cool season (November–February) for comfortable weather.
Dry season (February–August, 24–33°C) is ideal for beach activities and clear skies. Hot period (April–August, 28–33°C) suits water sports. Wet season (September–January, 24–31°C) brings rain (5–20 mm/day); focus on indoor activities or early beach visits. Morning visits (6:00 AM–11:00 AM) are best to avoid heat or crowds. Verify weather via Legend Travel Group’s assistance.
Start your journey with An Bang’s tranquil glow (Source: Internet)Online Platforms: Book Vietnam Tours via legendtravelgroup.com or localvietnam.com ($15–$80). Provide pick-up details (e.g., Hoi An hotels); e-tickets are acceptable, but printing is recommended.
Tour Operators: Contact Legend Travel Group for bundled tours with beaches, Hoi An Ancient Town, or regional sites.
Direct: Beach access free; bicycle/tuk-tuk rentals ($1–$5 or 25,000–125,000 VND); book guided tours via local agencies; confirm schedules via Legend Travel Group’s support.
Eco-Tip: Use digital tickets to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND/day) or tuk-tuks to minimize emissions.
Tip: Book early for peak seasons (February–August); arrive by 6:00 AM for sunrise; carry small VND notes for purchases; confirm visa requirements ($25–$50).
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), printed e-visa ($25–$50 or 625,000–1,250,000 VND if required), wallet ($5 or 125,000 VND), tour bookings.
Clothing: Swimwear, cover-up or sarong for modesty; lightweight clothing like cotton or linen; quick-dry clothing and raincoat ($2 or 50,000 VND) for wet season; comfortable sandals or flip-flops ($5 or 125,000 VND); hat ($2 or 50,000 VND).
Essentials: Reusable water bottle ($2 or 50,000 VND); snacks ($0.30–$1 or 7,500–25,000 VND, e.g., banh mi); beach towel or mat ($2 or 50,000 VND); sunscreen ($1 or 25,000 VND); insect repellent ($1 or 25,000 VND).
Tech: Phone with translation apps (e.g., Google Translate); charger ($3–$5 or 75,000–125,000 VND); local SIM ($2–$3 or 50,000–75,000 VND); waterproof camera ($6 or 150,000 VND) for photos.
Eco Items: Reusable tote ($1 or 25,000 VND) for purchases; phrase card ($1 or 25,000 VND) with Vietnamese basics.
Extras: Small VND notes for tips or purchases; small first aid kit ($2 or 50,000 VND); umbrella ($2 or 50,000 VND) for wet season; money belt ($2 or 50,000 VND) for valuables. Tip: Pack light (1 small bag, max 5 kg); reusable items support sustainability.
Travel Tour Costs
Self-Guided Exploration: Beach entry: free; transport (bicycle: $1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND/day; tuk-tuk: $2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND).
Group Beach Relaxation Tours: $15–$30 (375,000–750,000 VND, includes transport and loungers).
Combo Beach and Hoi An Tours: $20–$40 (500,000–1,000,000 VND, includes entries).
Multi-Day Beach and Cultural Tours: $80–$200 (2,000,000–5,000,000 VND, includes entries).
Safety-Related Costs
Money Belt: $2 (50,000 VND).
Local SIM for Emergency Calls: $2–$3 (50,000–75,000 VND).
Travel Insurance (Recommended): $10–$30 (250,000–750,000 VND).
Other Costs
Sun Lounger/Umbrella: $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).
Beach Snacks/Drinks (e.g., coconut, seafood): $0.50–$5 (12,500–125,000 VND).
Souvenirs (e.g., crafts, textiles): $1–$20 (25,000–500,000 VND).
Total Daily Cost (Per Person)
Budget: $10–$30 (self-guided, snacks, transport).
Mid-range: $30–$60 (group tour, purchases).
Luxury: $60–$100 (private tour, premium souvenirs). Tip: Budget $10–$100 for tours, safety items, or transport, and $0.50–$20 for purchases or add-ons.
Beach Tips: Visit early (6:00 AM) for sunrise and fewer crowds; choose An Bang for relaxed vibe or Cua Dai for resorts; rent bicycles for eco-friendly travel; try local seafood at beach restaurants.
Etiquette: Use “xin chào”; dress modestly when leaving beach; respect local vendors; avoid littering on beaches.
Access: Choose self-guided visits for flexibility, group tours for guided insights, or multi-day tours for deeper exploration.
Schedules: Beaches accessible daily; peak crowds in dry season (February–August); book tours early for weekends.
Sustainability: Use bicycles or tuk-tuks; carry reusable items; support local vendors with fair purchases.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) with “Cua Dai Beach” or “An Bang Beach” for navigation.
Weather: Dry season (Feb–Aug, 24–33°C) ideal; wet season (Sep–Jan, 24–31°C) suits early visits; check forecasts via Legend Travel Group’s assistance.
Safety Note: Secure valuables with a money belt ($2 or 50,000 VND); beware of strong currents; carry emergency numbers (Police: 113, Medical: 115).
An Bang Beach Seafood (Source: Internet)Which beach is better: Cua Dai or An Bang? Cua Dai for resorts and families; An Bang for relaxed, trendy vibe.
How do I get to the beaches from Hoi An? Bicycle (20 minutes) or tuk-tuk ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND); tours include transport.
Are the beaches free? Yes, public access free; sun loungers $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).
What activities are available? Swimming, sunbathing, water sports at Cua Dai; beach clubs and surfing at An Bang.
How do I book beach tours? Book via legendtravelgroup.com or local agencies; confirm schedules.
Are eco-friendly tours available? Yes, Legend Travel Group’s tours use sustainable practices; check legendtravelgroup.com.
Enhance your Hoi An beach journey with eco-conscious tours from Legend Travel Group:
Hoi An Beach Eco-Tour ($20–$40/person, 1 day): Guided beach visit with sustainable practices.
Hoi An Beach and Culture Trail ($80–$150/person, 2 days): Combine beaches with ancient town using low-emission transport.
Vietnam Explorer ($150–$250/person, 3 days): Multi-site adventure with eco-lodges and community-focused activities.
Prices include guides, transport, and fees; group discounts available. Deposit 10% and pay the rest 30 days before departure for peace of mind. Explore options at legendtravelgroup.com or contact sales@legendtravelgroup.com / WhatsApp (+84825862222) for your Vietnam Travel plans.
Comparing Cua Dai Beach vs An Bang Beach with cultural etiquette—modest attire, polite greetings like “xin chào,” and respectful behavior—unlocks a relaxing, cultural beach experience in Hoi An. With tour costs from $10–$100, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and the unique vibes of both beaches, this trip offers sun, sea, and sustainability for all travelers. Whether choosing self-guided relaxation or guided adventures with Vietnam Travel, book with Legend Travel Group for flexible payments and memorable journeys. Safe travels!
Sources:
Legend Travel Group’s expertise
Internal data from Vietnam tourism
Favorite experiences booked by travelers