Stunning Bai Chay Beach: Guide on Burning Beach of Vietnam

Located in the lively city of Why not include Bai Chay Beach in your Vietnam Tour Package, which translates to “Burning Beach”? If you’re dreaming of a beach getaway that’s full of fun, beautiful views, and exciting things to do in Bai Chay Beach, Vietnam, it should definitely be on your list!

Located in the lively city of Halong, Bai Chay is famous for its golden sandy shores and clear blue waters. It’s actually an artificial beach in Halong, but you would never guess it! The beach feels natural, fresh, and perfect for relaxing or playing around.

Whether you love swimming, shopping at local markets, or trying delicious seafood, Bai Chay Beach, Vietnam has it all. One of the perfect places to visit in Vietnam for families, couples, and even solo travellers. In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know before your visit. From the best time to visit, fun activities, nightlife, food, and shopping. Let’s dive in and discover the magic of Bai Chay!

Bai Chay Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Vietnam, even though it's an artificial beach in Halong, the white sandy stretch and clear waters feel just like a natural tropical paradise. Spreading over more than 500 meters, it offers plenty of space for visitors to swim, sunbathe, and relax.

The name "Bai Chay" comes from the Vietnamese words "Bai", meaning beach or area, and "Chay", meaning burned or fire. Long ago, fishermen would burn casuarina leaves by the shore to clean their boats, and the constant smoke inspired the beach’s name, which means "Burning Beach."

Local legends also tell a heroic story from the Tran Dynasty, when General Tran Khanh Du burned the invading Yuan-Mongol ships. The fire spread to the nearby forests, leaving a lasting mark on the area’s history and giving Bai Chay its memorable name.

In the past, Bai Chay was a quiet beach known mostly to locals. With the growth of tourism in Ha Long Bay, it has transformed into a lively coastal stop. Even though it is an artificial beach, the soft white sands and clear waters make it feel genuinely natural once you are there.Today, Bai Chay is one of the standard overnight stops on the northern leg of a wider Vietnam tourism circuit — the beach itself is the quiet counterweight to the busier Halong Bay cruise days that most itineraries build around it.

• Swimming and Relaxing on the Beach

The most popular thing to do at Bai Chay Beach is, of course, swimming! The calm and clear waters are safe for all ages, making it ideal for a refreshing swim. You can also relax on the soft sands, enjoy the sea breeze, and watch the beautiful sunset.

• Water Sports and Adventure Activities

For those seeking a thrill, Bai Chay offers fun water sports like kayaking, jet-skiing, and parasailing. Renting equipment is easy and affordable along the beach, where you can participate in various adventure activities in Vietnam. Trying these activities will surely add an extra layer of excitement to your trip.

• Enjoy Bai Chay Beach Nightlife

As night falls, the beach becomes lively with music, lights, and fun! Bai Chay Beach nightlife is all about beachside bars, rooftop lounges, and lively night cruises. You can enjoy drinks with ocean views or dance the night away at nearby clubs, which is one of the best places to experience Vietnam’s nightlife.

• Shopping at Bai Chay Night Market

A visit to Bai Chay isn't complete without shopping at the night market! It’s a colourful place filled with food stalls, souvenir shops, and local crafts. You’ll find some of the best souvenirs to buy at Bai Chay Night Market, like handmade jewellery, embroidered clothes, and local snacks.

• Taking a Beachside Spa Treatment

Many hotels and resorts around Bai Chay offer open-air spa services — a long massage with the sound of the waves in the background honestly ends up being the quietest hour of the trip. This is also why Bai Chay is the Halong-side overnight anchor on most of our Vietnam couple honeymoon packages— a couples spa afternoon pairs cleanly with the sunset cruise the next evening.

The best time to visit Bai Chay Beach is from March to May and September to November. The weather during these months is pleasant and sunny, making it perfect for beach activities. It’s also the best time of year to visit Bai Chay Beach for swimming, as the sea is calm and the crowds are manageable. Summer is good too, but can get hot and busy, while winters are cooler and less crowded.

• By Air

You can fly into Cat Bi International Airport (Hai Phong) or Van Don International Airport (Quang Ninh). From there, it takes about 1–2 hours by taxi or bus to reach Bai Chay. Flights from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City are frequent and affordable.

• By Bus from Hanoi

If you are in Hanoi, you can easily catch a bus to Halong City. Buses run frequently, are comfortable, and take about 2.5 to 3 hours. From the bus station, local taxis or Grab rides take you directly to Bai Chay Beach. If you are still weighing which coastal stop to combine with your Hanoi days, we have mapped the other options in our guide to the beaches near Hanoi— Bai Chay is the headline, but Cat Ba and Do Son both work as alternatives on a shorter trip.

• By Private Car or Train

For a more relaxed trip, book a private car or take the Halong Express Train. The car ride offers flexibility to stop along the way, while the train offers scenic countryside views.

• Hong Hanh Restaurant

One of the top affordable seafood restaurants in Bai Chay beach area! Try their grilled oysters, seafood hotpot, and squid rolls, they are simply delicious and made with the freshest catch.

• Co Ngu Restaurant

If you want great seafood with a cosy vibe, Co Ngu is a perfect pick. Their crab dishes and steamed fish are must-tries. Plus, the service is friendly and fast, making it popular among tourists for Vietnamese cuisine.

• Local Seafood Stalls at the Night Market

Don’t miss the local food stalls near the night market! Here, you can taste a variety of seafood like grilled shrimp, mussels, and squid cooked right in front of you. It's fresh, tasty, and super affordable.

• Sun World Halong Complex

A huge amusement park with exciting rides, water parks, and even a beautiful beach area. You can spend a perfect for a fun day out with family or friends at Sun World.

• Halong Bay Cruises

Start a memorable cruise from Bai Chay Port and explore the famous limestone islands, caves, and emerald waters through Halong Bay Cruises.

• Queen Cable Car and Sun Wheel

Take a ride on the Queen Cable Car — one of the tallest in the world — and enjoy breathtaking views of Halong City and the bay from above.

• Bai Chay Old Town

Wander through colourful streets filled with charming cafes, boutique shops, and historical buildings. It’s a lovely place for a slow afternoon walk.