An Bang Beach in Hoi An | My Practical Guide & Tips 2026
An Bang Beach is one of the places I go when I simply feel like going to the beach. No long rows of big resorts, no loud music everywhere, just a beach, a few restaurants right on the sand, and a generally relaxed atmosphere. You can come for one hour, half a day, or spend the whole day without overthinking it.
In this guide, I explain where An Bang is, how to get there, when to go, what to do, where to eat, and above all what to realistically expect, without unnecessary tourist talk. The goal is simple: help you decide whether An Bang is right for you, and how to enjoy it once you’re there.
Where is An Bang Beach located?
An Bang Beach is located about 4 km from Hoi An Old Town, between the historic center and Cua Dai Beach. In practical terms, it’s a 10–15 minute ride by bicycle or scooter, depending on where you start from and the time of day.
Getting there is straightforward and well signposted. You simply follow Hai Ba Trung Street and continue straight. You can even stop by Tra Que village on the way before heading to the beach. Most visitors arrive via the main entrance to An Bang, where restaurants, cafés and direct beach access are concentrated. This is the liveliest area, convenient if you want to eat, have a drink, or easily find a sunbed.
If you’re looking for something quieter, just walk north along the beach. After a few minutes, the atmosphere becomes noticeably calmer, with fewer people and more space to settle in. That’s usually where I go when I just want to walk or sit away from the crowds.
How to get to An Bang Beach from Hoi An?
1) By bicycle
This is the most pleasant option if you’re comfortable riding. From the Old Town, allow 15 to 20 minutes on flat roads. The route is straightforward once you’re out of the center and works very well in the morning or late afternoon.
I see many travelers doing the trip by bike, especially since the road passes through rice fields. You’ll come across three or four farmers with their water buffalo, who may pose for a photo in exchange for a small tip. They’re not there by chance, it’s a common local practice to earn a bit of money.
Simply avoid the hottest hours (11 am to 3 pm). If you like moving around freely, this is clearly my first choice.
2) By scooter
By scooter, An Bang is about 10 minutes away, depending on traffic. It’s fast and practical, especially if you’re two people, carrying bags, or in a hurry.
Parking is easy around the beach, sometimes free, sometimes paid, depending on the area or the restaurant. Be a bit more cautious late in the day, when traffic gets busier.
3) By taxi or electric shuttle
This is the easiest option if you’re traveling with family, children, or equipment. The ride is inexpensive (around 120,000 VND) and avoids any hassle. I recommend the Hoi An electric shuttles, which are more pleasant than regular taxis.
It’s also useful for the return in the evening, especially after sunset or dinner on the beach.
4) On foot
Walking only makes sense if you’re already staying in An Bang or near Cua Dai. From the Old Town, it’s not realistic due to the distance and the heat.
Parking and access
Parking at An Bang is generally paid, between 5,000 and 10,000 VND, depending on whether you’re on a bicycle or a scooter.
As you approach the beach, you’ll often see someone whistling to get you to park in their lot. They sometimes add a sign that makes it look like the road is blocked. In reality, you can’t go straight ahead, but you can turn left or right to reach restaurant parking areas, which are free if you eat or drink there.
In practice, ignore the whistling and simply continue to the restaurant where you plan to stop. That said, some restaurants don’t have parking. In that case, it’s easier to use one of the nearby paid parking lots.
Small tip: you can park your scooter in a restaurant’s parking area even if you don’t consume anything.
When to go? The best time to enjoy An Bang
Early morning
This is clearly the best time if you want to enjoy the beach in good conditions. The sea is usually calmer, there are fewer people, and the light is pleasant. I often go early to swim quietly, walk along the sand, or have a coffee facing the sea without any rush.
Late afternoon and sunset
At the end of the day, An Bang changes atmosphere. The beach slowly fills up, sunbeds are gradually taken, and the vibe becomes much livelier, especially with the arrival of locals around 5 pm.
It’s the perfect time for a drink, a few simple photos, and sunset, which is often very nice when the sky is clear.
What to do in An Bang?
1) Swim and enjoy the beach
No need to hide it: swimming and enjoying the beach are a big part of the An Bang experience. Whether it’s a quick dip or spending several hours with your feet in the sand, it’s the most obvious activity… and the most enjoyable.
Locals usually go swimming around 5 am or after 5 pm to avoid the strongest sun.
2) Walk along the beach and explore the village
The beach is wide and long, perfect for walking without any real destination. The best times are early morning or late afternoon, when the sand isn’t too hot and the light is softer. Walking north or south, you quickly move away from the busiest areas.
I recommend heading north of An Bang Beach. Due to erosion, the beach becomes blocked after a few hundred meters when going south.
Even though the village has changed a lot since the first time I visited in 2011, wandering through An Bang’s small alleys remains one of my simple pleasures. You still come across some real hidden gems.
3) Chill on a sunbed
Most restaurants offer sunbeds. In most cases, they’re free if you order a drink or a meal. There’s no need to negotiate, they’ll simply explain how it works. It’s ideal if you want to stay for several hours without any hassle.
If you don’t consume at a restaurant, expect prices between 50,000 and 100,000 VND for a sunbed.
4) SUP, kayaking, light surfing or bodyboarding
Depending on the season, you may get small waves, enough for light surfing or bodyboarding. It’s not Bali, but when conditions are right, it’s fun and accessible. The best period for surf is from September to January, during the rainy season.
When the sea is very calm, you can rent a SUP, which I tested in this article, or a kayak.. It’s not interesting every day, but with flat water it’s a nice way to paddle a bit offshore without difficulty.
I strongly recommend checking the board carefully and taking photos before starting, to avoid paying for damage that was already there.
Surf & paddle prices in Hoi An (per person):
- Bodyboard: 100,000 VND / hour
- Surfboard: 200,000 VND / hour
- Paddle board (SUP): 300,000 VND / hour
5) Yoga in An Bang beach
Since 2025, Phin Lounge has been offering yoga classes in An Bang.
Sessions run daily at 8:30 am, 10 am and 4 pm, easy to fit in before or after the beach. Classes are open to all levels, with clear explanations and adaptations. The goal is simple: feel better when you leave than when you arrived.
Phin Lounge also offers aerial yoga, a more playful and different option, still well supervised, even if you’re a beginner.
6) Mini golf
If you’re traveling with kids, I can only recommend this mini golf course in An Bang, right next to Hoi An Roastery. It’s not very big, but laughs are guaranteed. I often go there with my son, and it’s one of the best activities to do in An Bang with children.
Feel free to read my dedicated article about this mini golf in Hoi An for more details.
7) Spa in An Bang
If you’re looking for a good spa near An Bang Beach, I recommend Heaven Garden Spa. The place is calm, clean and well run, with serious treatments and no heavy sales talk. It’s a solid option after the beach or late in the day.
Among the treatments available, you’ll find for example:
- Traditional Vietnamese massage (380,000 VND for 1 hour)
- Manicure (150,000 VND)
- Facial treatments (430,000 VND for 1 hour)
Simple, effective, and easy to fit into a beach day.
Where to eat in An Bang? My picks and how to choose
On An Bang Beach, just like in Hoi An Old Town, you’ll find a bit of everything: burgers, pizzas, kebabs, Western dishes, as well as Vietnamese food and seafood. The advantage is simple: everyone can eat what they want without searching for long.
If you’re in the mood for a good burger, Bikini Bottom is a safe bet. Simple, efficient, and practical when you want to eat quickly between swims. I already recommend it in my article on the best burgers in Hoi An.
For a calmer atmosphere and well-executed Italian food, La Riva is a good option. It’s not directly on the beach, so I mainly recommend it for dinner in the evening, if you want a change from local cuisine.
If you’re looking for a versatile place, The DeckHouse works very well. You’ll find seafood, Vietnamese dishes and international cuisine, in a comfortable setting where you can easily spend several hours. It’s more upscale than most restaurants in An Bang.
In the evening, for a different vibe, Soul Kitchen is known for its live music. It’s livelier, sometimes noisier, but enjoyable if you want dinner with a bit of atmosphere.
Finally, if you want something more local and quieter, Phuong Beach Restaurant is an excellent choice. Slightly off the main area, with simple Vietnamese cuisine, often focused on seafood, it’s one of my personal favorites for local food in An Bang.
Tip: wherever you eat, especially for seafood, always ask for the price before ordering, particularly if you choose your fish. Overpricing on seafood is common in Vietnam in general, not just in Hoi An or Da Nang.
My Opinion
An Bang Beach has gone from being the expats’ beach to the number one beach in Hoi An. It’s not spectacular, but it’s easy to enjoy, well located, and varied enough to suit many types of travelers. You can come for an hour or a full day without feeling like you’re wasting your time.
I clearly recommend it if you’re looking for a relaxed beach close to the Old Town, with good restaurants, cafés, and plenty of space to walk or sit. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a wild, empty beach or a high-end, closed resort-style beach, An Bang is probably not the best choice. Here, everything is close at hand, with no frills, and that’s exactly what makes it appealing.
If you want a simple, practical and enjoyable beach in Hoi An, An Bang clearly does the job.