Cua Dai Beach
Hoi An's closest beach, now fighting a slow battle against the sea.
Cua Dai Beach is the long, sandy stretch of coastline sitting about 5 kilometers east of Hoi An's ancient town — close enough to reach by bicycle, which is exactly how most visitors arrive. For decades it was one of central Vietnam's most beloved beaches: calm, clear water, a relaxed atmosphere, and that unmistakable backdrop of coconut palms. It's still beautiful, but it's been dealing with serious coastal erosion since around 2014, and that's a reality worth knowing before you go.
The beach runs for several kilometers and is lined with sun loungers operated by the restaurants and hotels along the shore — plant yourself at one and you'll typically get basic drink service included or at a low minimum spend. The South China Sea here is warm and generally swimmable, particularly in the dry season, though the erosion has eaten into the beach's width in places and some sections are protected by ugly but necessary sandbag barriers. In the early morning, local fishing boats still push out from nearby, and it's genuinely lovely before the tour groups arrive. Sunsets here are spectacular.
Come by bicycle from the old town — the flat ride along Cua Dai Road takes about 20 minutes and passes through rice paddies and local neighborhoods, which is half the pleasure. Most of the beach restaurants are casual, open-air affairs serving fresh seafood and cold Huda beer. Go on a weekday if you can; weekends draw bigger Vietnamese domestic crowds. Avoid the beach during October and November when typhoon season brings rough seas, strong currents, and frequent closures.