Bai Dai and Cam Ranh

South of Nha Trang, the coast road runs over the hills and down towards the Cam Ranh peninsula. Here the landscape opens out: a long, straight beach of pale sand, low dunes and the open sea. Locals call this stretch Bãi Dài, the long beach and in recent years it has become the main resort coast near Nha Trang.

What it is like

Unlike the city seafront, Bãi Dài is spacious. Resorts are spread out along the shore, each with its own gardens, pools and restaurants, and the beach in front of them is rarely crowded. The views are of the sea and sky rather than of other buildings.

The beach is more exposed than the bay at Nha Trang, so the waves can be bigger and the wind stronger, especially in the afternoon. Many resorts have large pools for days when the sea is rough.

Who it suits

This is the place for a classic resort holiday: families who want kids’ clubs and pools, couples who want space, and anyone who plans to spend most days at the resort. It is also convenient for short stays, since the airport is only a short drive away.

Getting into town

The city is a drive away, so evenings in Nha Trang take some planning. Many resorts run shuttle buses at set times, and taxis and ride-hailing apps work well. If you want to explore the city in depth, consider splitting your stay between Cam Ranh and the Tran Phu seafront.