Doc Let Beach

From Nha Trang: about 1 to 1.5 hours by car via Highway 1A. A taxi or hotel car costs roughly 400,000–500,000 VND (about $15–19) one way. Grab will get you there, but getting a Grab back is hard, so agree a return time with your driver or have your hotel book it. From Cam Ranh International Airport (CXR): allow about 2 hours by car, since you drive past Nha Trang first; ask your resort about a pickup. By bus: the Quyet Thang bus leaves from 86 Tran Phu in Nha Trang (about 5:20am to 6pm) and runs all the way to the Doc Let tourist area in about 100 minutes; check the route number and fare at the stop. By train: Ninh Hoa station is about 15 km from the beach, then a taxi. Full details in the Doc Let guide.

Best time to visit: March to August — calm seas, clear visibility, and dry weather. Avoid October to December, when heavy rain, strong currents and washed-up litter arrive. January and February are in between.

Things to do: swimming and snorkeling in the shallow, calm water; kayaking to Doc Let Island (around 30 minutes offshore); sand sledding on the adjacent dunes.

Nearby: Ninh Thuy Fishing Village for a glimpse of local coastal life; Hon Khoi Salt Fields (one of Vietnam's largest); Hon Heo Island for snorkeling.

Food: facilities on the beach are limited — bring water and snacks. Local stalls serve bun ca (fish noodle soup), banh canh, and nem nuong. Stock up in Nha Trang or Ninh Hoa before arriving.

Tips: bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water. There are few ATMs near the beach, and small restaurants and the beach entrance are cash only — carry enough for the day.