Vietnam Beach: Cua Dai Beach, Hoi An

Third in this series of short descriptions about different beach destinations in Vietnam. Cua Dai Beach in central Vietnam is at the southern end of the same strip of sand which starts at ‘China Beach’ in Danang, 35km to the north, and stretches all the way to ancient Hoi An.

Also see:
Vietnam Beach: Lang Co Beach, Lang Co
Vietnam Beach: China Beach (Non Nuoc), Danang
Vietnam Beach: Cua Dai Beach, Hoi An
Vietnam Beach: Nhat Le Beaches, Dong Hoi
Vietnam Beach: Quy Nhon Beaches, Binh Dinh
Vietnam Beach: Nha Trang Beach, Khanh Hoa
for other Vietnam Beach destinations.

Why visit Cua Dai Beach, Hoi An, Vietnam?
5km from the ancient town of Hoi An, the beach is about 3km long x 300m wide (depending on tides of course) and there is always a spot to sit.

What is Cua Dai Beach?
Pure beach relaxation. Gently sloping white sands with lapping waves, this is a swimming beach and definitely not one for the surfers. Not really secluded and rarely deserted, the sheer size of this beach guarantees there is a spot for all.

As with almost all Vietnamese beaches, Cua Dai has its fair share of commercialism. Deckchairs, umbrellas, rubber tubes, etc. can be hired and there is usually no shortage of food and drink vendors. However, since most travelers to Hoi An are either ensconced within the confines of one of the luxury hotels or simply visit for the day, the in-your-face commercialism doesn’t happen as badly here.

If your Vietnam travel itinerary does not afford time for a dedicated beach destination stopover, then this is the perfect choice to kill two birds with one stone: take the extra day to do the historical and cultural charms of ancient Hoi An town and a short beach break as well.

Where is Cua Dai Beach?
Hoi An is 35km south of Danang. Cua dai beach is 5km northeast of Hoi An town.

When to visit Cua Dai Beach?
April to August is the best time to visit Cua Dai beach. August-September also heralds the beginning of the typhoon season, so some pounding surf and stormy weather can be experienced.

How to get to Cua Dai Beach?
By Air
Vietnam Airlines flies to/from HCMC (Tan Son Nhat), Hanoi (Noi Bai) and Danang several times daily. Return tickets, before taxes and charges, are approximately VND 476,000 (US$26.75) from both. Several regional international airlines also fly directly into Danang International Airport.

By Rail
All express and non-express trains stop at Danang station. Ticket costs for the 17-odd hour journey from HCMC to Danang start at VND 388,000 (US$21.80). VND 328,000 (US$18.43) will get you the cheapest ticket for the 14 or so hour journey down from Hanoi.

By Road

A taxi between Danang and Hoi An will cost approximately VND 200,000 (US$11.25). A taxi from Hoi An to Cua Dai beach will cost approximately VND 50,000 (US$2.80) one way. For the adventurous, a xe om to/from Hoi An and Cua Dai beach should be no more than VND 50,000 (US$2.80) return – not including waiting time.