Cua Lo Beach

Cửa Lò is one of the most famous beaches in north-central Vietnam, about 18 km northeast of central Vinh (now Thành Vinh ward) in Nghệ An province and close to 300 km from Hanoi. The beach runs for about 12 km from Cửa Lò to Cửa Hội, between the mouths of the Cấm River to the north and the Lam River to the south.

The French are said to have picked it as a seaside resort as early as 1907, but it only became a major destination for Vietnamese and foreign visitors from the 2000s.

Its biggest strengths are a long, wide beach that slopes gently into the sea and waves that are usually mild, which makes it feel safe for swimming, especially with children. Three islands sit off the coast: Lan Châu, right by the shore, and Hòn Mắt and Hòn Ngư (Song Ngư) further out. Locals and regular visitors often rate it cleaner and calmer than Sầm Sơn to the north, though opinions on water clarity vary.

Cửa Lò is well connected and easy to reach. The expressway from Hanoi now gets you there in about 4 hours by car, and buses and trains run to Vinh, about 20 minutes' drive from the beach. From Vinh, take a taxi, Grab or local bus to Cửa Lò. Parking is easy, with plenty of car parks along the beachfront.

Expect a broad sandy beach backed by a seafront road, trees, hotels and seafood restaurants. At low tide in the morning the beach is wide and flat, and you may have to walk a long way out to reach deeper water; in the afternoon the tide comes in, the sand narrows and the waves pick up. Lifeguards are on duty, floats are for rent, and outdoor showers and foot-washing points cost about 10,000 VND - though some facilities are run-down, and changing areas can be basic tin enclosures.

In some sections the stalls have been cleared from the sand, which keeps the beach open but leaves few services. Photographers on the beach charge about 10,000 VND per shot sent by Zalo, or 30,000 VND for a printed photo.

Beyond swimming, there are water sports around beach areas A and B, boat trips to Lan Châu and Hòn Ngư islands, night squid fishing a few kilometres offshore, and an early-morning seafood market in the Thu Thủy area. It's very busy on summer weekends and holidays, but the seafront square and surrounding streets can feel quiet, even deserted, in the evenings and off-season. Midday is very hot.

Cửa Lò suits travellers looking for a simple, budget-friendly beach break with good seafood rather than a luxury resort experience - if you want upscale stays or stylish check-in spots, look elsewhere. For many northerners it is the best beach between Nghệ An and Hanoi, though beaches further south are cleaner and prettier.

Prices are where opinions split most: some visitors find Cửa Lò cheaper and more relaxed than Sầm Sơn, while others report overcharging at seafood restaurants and call the food expensive. Ask prices before ordering anything. If you're travelling with family, stay close to the beach, go early in the day, and skip the holiday weekends.