The Best Surf Spots in Vietnam for Beginners

From mellow beach breaks to friendly tropical waves, these are the best places to learn surfing in Vietnam.

Vietnam might not be the first country that comes to mind when people think about surfing. But along its 3,000-kilometer coastline, a growing surf scene is quietly taking shape.

Warm water, long sandy beaches, and relatively uncrowded lineups make Vietnam a surprisingly welcoming place for beginner surfers. During the northeast monsoon season — typically from October to March — consistent swells arrive along the central and southern coast, creating waves that are perfect for learning.

For travelers and new surfers alike, a few spots stand out as ideal starting points.

Here are three of the best beginner-friendly surf breaks in Vietnam.

My Khe Beach — Da Nang

Vietnam’s Most Beginner-Friendly Surf Beach

https://vietnamsurflife.com/my-khe-beach-the-pulsing-heart-of-da-nangs-surfing-scene/: The Best Surf Spots in Vietnam for Beginners

If Vietnam has a surf capital, it’s Da Nang — and at the center of that scene sits My Khe Beach.

Stretching for miles along the city’s coastline, My Khe is a classic sand-bottom beach break that produces gentle rolling waves during the winter swell season. For beginners, this kind of wave is ideal. The sandy bottom makes wipeouts safer, and the soft wave shape allows new surfers to practice popping up and riding straight before learning turns.

Another reason My Khe is perfect for beginners is the growing surf community. Several surf schools and board rental shops operate along the beach, making it easy to find lessons or gear.

On a clean morning, the lineup often fills with a mix of local surfers, traveling backpackers, and first-time riders catching their first wave of the day.

For many surfers in Vietnam, My Khe is where the journey begins.

📍 Best season: October – May
🌊 Wave type: Beach break
🏄 Skill level: Beginner to intermediate

Hon Chong Beach — Nha Trang

A Relaxed Beginner Spot by the Reef

https://vietnamsurflife.com/hon-chong-the-legendary-point-break-in-the-heart-of-nha-trang-city/: The Best Surf Spots in Vietnam for Beginners

Just north of Nha Trang sits Hon Chong Beach, one of the few surfable spots along the city’s coastline.

Unlike many beaches in Vietnam, Hon Chong has a mix of sand and reef formations, which can help shape the waves into longer rides when conditions line up. For beginners, the inside section near the beach usually provides smaller, more manageable waves that are perfect for learning.

The vibe here is calm and local. Fishing boats drift in the distance while small waves roll across the bay. On most days the lineup stays relatively quiet compared to larger surf destinations in Southeast Asia.

When winter swells arrive, Hon Chong can deliver fun shoulder-high waves that are perfect for practicing balance and timing.

For beginners who want a tropical surf experience without the crowds, this beach offers a great introduction.

📍 Best season: November – March
🌊 Wave type: Beach break with reef influence
🏄 Skill level: Beginner to intermediate

Little Buddha Beach — Mui Ne

A Gentle Wave in Vietnam’s Wind Capital

Mui Ne is famous around the world for kitesurfing, thanks to its strong coastal winds. But tucked along the shoreline is a mellow surf spot known by many travelers as Little Buddha Beach.

When the winter swell arrives, small waves break along the sandy shoreline, creating friendly conditions for beginner surfers.

The waves here are typically soft and forgiving, making them ideal for practicing pop-ups and riding whitewater. Several surf schools operate in the area, offering beginner lessons and board rentals.

The atmosphere in Mui Ne also adds to the experience. After a surf session, it’s easy to relax at a beach café, watch the sunset over the ocean, or explore the town’s laid-back surf and kite culture.

For beginners looking for a relaxed surf holiday, Little Buddha Beach is a great place to start.

📍 Best season: November – March
🌊 Wave type: Small beach break
🏄 Skill level: Beginner

Why Vietnam Is Great for Beginner Surfers

Surfing in Vietnam is still developing, which makes it different from famous surf destinations like Bali or the Philippines.

The waves are generally smaller and the crowds are much lighter — two things that actually benefit beginners.

Instead of fighting for waves in crowded lineups, new surfers in Vietnam often find space to practice, fall, and try again without pressure.

Warm water, tropical scenery, and friendly surf communities make the experience even better.

For many travelers, catching their first wave in Vietnam becomes the beginning of a lifelong obsession with the ocean.