There are two types of beaches in Vietnam. The absolutely pristine, tourist only, blue water, bungalow practically on the ocean beaches, and then there are the local beaches.

Oh the local beaches.

Rob and I were able to visit a few local beaches in a few different towns during our year abroad. Near Ho Chi Minh City, just a short boat ride away, is Vung Tau. We went out for a day trip and after renting a motorbike to tour during the morning, we found ourselves walking the beach and then just sitting to watch the shenanigans with beers in hand.

If you visit a Vietnamese beach, note that you have to rent the chair you sit in and the umbrella you sit under. Some charge by the hour and some charge by the entire day. Make sure you know what’s going on before you sit down!

What we assumed to be a coorporate fun day was making circles in the sand, just as the waves were coming in.

A family was burying themselves alive and hysterical in the process.

This guy just found a perfect spot and wasn’t going to move for anyone.

While we were walking the beach, cameras in hand, the locals would stop to pose for us. It was so cute how fast they would gather together, smile wide, and flash the peace sign (also considered fertility).

And then there were those that we just weren’t sure what they were doing.

Another local beach we visited was in Hoi An. Hoi An is better known for it’s custom-made tailoring and magical lanterns, but this was our second visit and we wanted to explore a bit further afield.

Our rented bicycles brought us to a beach about 5k away from our hotel. We sipped some drinks while our books lay at our sides, unopened. There was just entirely too much to look at, starting with a police-involved argument.

Tables, chairs, bamboo mats were all set up as hoards of locals came for a dip and a meal. The chatter, smells of grilling fish, and laughter entertained us for quite some time.

That is one thing I loved about the Vietnamese: their happiness and easy-going attitudes in just about every situation. A day at the beach just magnified those natural vibes.

RQ: Do you prefer quiet, or active beaches (if you prefer beaches at all)? 

Brooke Selb

I’m Brooke Selb, a Personal Trainer and Health Coach specializing in helping busy moms and moms to be to easily juggle mom life with family friendly recipes, and easy exercise routines to help you achieve your fitness goals that fit in with your already busy life with sound nutritional advice.