Mövenpick Resort Phan Thiet - Luxury hotel - Bikini Beach

Discover Bikini Beach, Phan Thiet: Your Complete Travel Guide

Bikini Beach Phan Thiet is one of the most popular beaches in Vietnam, hidden away along the breathtaking southern coastline, providing the ideal fusion of sparkling white sands, dazzling seas, and cultural charm. Adventurous tourists looking for a tranquil escape from the busy beaches of Vietnam are increasingly drawn to this hidden gem.

This guide will help you get the most out of your trip to Bikini Beach, whether you’re planning a leisurely retreat or an exciting coastal exploration.

Everything You Need to Know About Phan Thiet’s Bikini Beach

Bikini Beach, located within the scenic coastal town of Phan Thiet, is Vietnam’s most beautiful and intact stretch of coastline. The scenic beach runs for a number of kilometres along the South China Sea, offering visitors a paradise retreat from city life, but with good accessibility and amenities.

The beach’s peculiar name came from its crescent-shaped coastline, which when seen from an aerial view, resembles the curved outline of a bikini. The region’s uniform tropical climate and this natural feature combine to make it the perfect place for beachgoers and water sports enthusiasts alike.

As the capital of Binh Thuan Province, Phan Thiet has developed from a traditional Vietnamese fishing village to a modern resort town retaining its true Vietnamese culture. Phan Thiet is easily accessible and located for foreign and local visitors alike, as it lies about 200 kilometers northeast of Ho Chi Minh City.

Even during midday, the uniformly soft white sand of the beach is perfect to walk on. With an average year-round water temperature of 26 to 28°C, it is perfect for swimming and snorkeling as well as other activities in the water. It is safe for people of all ages and capabilities, as the gentle gradient of the beach ensures safe swimming.

Following years of massive infrastructure investment, the area is now graced with first-class eating, cozy accommodation, as well as experienced tour operators. Bikini Beach avoids the commercialization affecting some of Southeast Asia’s most well-known beach resorts by retaining its serenity and natural beauty instead of embracing urbanization.

Other local attractions comprise ancient Cham towers, local fishing villages, and Phan Thiet’s famous red and white dunes of Mui Ne, just 22 kilometers from here. Bikini Beach provides an excellent jumping-off point to visit greater Phan Thiet because it is within walking distance of a vast variety of attractions.

Top 5 Things to do in Bikini Beach

There are various activities that tourists and locals can enjoy while in Bikini. Here are the 5 best things that you should not miss out on.

1. Enjoy World-Class Water Sports

The consistent wind patterns and calm waters of Bikini Beach make it an ideal playground for fans of water sports. The spot has received international attention for windsurfing and kitesurfing, and the consistent northeast winds between October and March are perfect for both beginners and professionals.

There are quite a few water sports centers along the beach that offer rental equipment and instruction in a variety of languages. These centers offer the best equipment and professionally trained instructors who offer safe and fun experiences for beginner and advanced skiers alike. Jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boats offer some extra thrills for tourists wishing to experience more extreme water sports.

For others with a taste for less strenuous pursuits, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding provide wonderful ways of seeing the coast in comfort. The clear waters and abundance of sea life make snorkeling particularly rewarding, with colourful coral reefs a short distance off the shore.

2. Visit Traditional Fishing Villages

The coastline around Bikini Beach is dotted with several old fishing villages with authentic Vietnamese coastal life. Dawn visits to the villages coincide with the return of overnight fishing expeditions and provide the opportunity to see traditional fishing practices in action and purchase the freshest seafood available.

It is not uncommon for local fishermen to invite respectful visitors aboard for dawn fishing trips. The tours typically include a traditional Vietnamese breakfast onboard and a chance to learn ancient fishing skills passed down for centuries.

The villages also conduct traditional boat-making workshops where skillful master craftsmen construct the typical round boats known as “thúng chai” with traditional skills. Watching these craftsmen is an invaluable experience that uncovers interesting details about Vietnamese seafaring culture.

3. Enjoy happy moments at Novaworld Phan Thiet

Welcome to Novaworld Phan Thiet, a vibrant seaside utopia where families across generations can enjoy boundless entertainment, relaxation, and discovery together. Winding across a picturesque coastal landscape, Novaworld offers a diverse selection of theme parks and activities to suit every generation.

Fun-lovers will adore the vibrant theme park and also the exciting Dino Park, where kids’ and adults’ dinosaur adventures come alive. Golfers can tee off at the championship 36-hole PGA golf course, with beautiful ocean panoramas in the background. Alternatively, those who prefer to unwind can do so at the beach clubs or shop and dine at a multicultural range of shops and restaurants along lively promenades.

Families can splash into the fun water parks, enjoy outdoor performances, and stroll through nicely landscaped spaces that mix fun and culture. From sun-kissed shores to exclusive entertainment zones, Novaworld Phan Thiet is the perfect destination where treasured memories abound and laughter never ends.

4. Savor Fresh Seafood Cuisine

Bikini Beach’s strategic location in a prime fishing region ensures the freshness of seafood that is prepared in the conventional Vietnamese manner. Seafront restaurants serve grilled fish, steamed crab, and prawns in varying local flavors that enhance the natural flavor of the produce.

Local specialties are “bánh khọt” (small savoury pancakes topped with shrimp), “bánh căn” (ball-shaped pan cakes), and noodle soups with fresh fish and shellfish. Many restaurants have cooking courses where one can learn to cook these dishes in the old way with ingredients from the region.

Seafood night markets provide exciting food experiences where travelers can select their own fresh catch and have it prepared according to individual preferences. Participatory dining at such value for money is excellent while ensuring maximum quality and freshness.

5. Snap a picture at the iconic gate

No trip to Novaworld Phan Thiet would ever be complete without a trip to the iconic Bikini Beach Gate, one of those must-see attractions where the vibrant energy of the beach truly explodes. Standing tall against the breathtaking view of the boundless blue ocean, this lovely gateway is not just an entry point – it is also the perfect photo stop to capture the wonderful memories with loved ones.

Whether it’s the sun’s golden light, the glinting sea, or the carefree beach vibe, each corner at Bikini Beach Gate is about fun, freedom, and beach beauty. Don’t miss the chance to snap your picture here and take back a memory of the unforgettable Phan Thiet seaside enchantment.

Travel Tips

Opening Hours and Accessibility

Bikini Beach is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year, with no entry fee or restriction. Water sports facilities and equipment hire are normally open from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM but during peak season from October to March, when the opening hours are longer.

Most coastal bars and restaurants begin their operations at 6:30 AM to serve early-morning tourists and end operations at around 10:00 PM. A few outlets are open longer hours during weekends and holidays to accommodate increased visitor numbers.

Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to visit Bikini Beach is October to March, when northeast monsoon winds ensure excellent weather conditions for water sports while maintaining respectable temperatures of 24-28°C. There is minimal rainfall, maximum hours of sunshine, and transparent wind patterns during this period that are perfect for kitesurfing and windsurfing.

April-May and September shoulder seasons offer excellent value with fewer people and rates on accommodations, though the wind patterns can be harder to predict for water sports enthusiasts. The monsoon season in June to August brings heat, humidity, and thunderstorms in the afternoon, but has the lowest rates and real experiences with fewer foreign tourists.

Important Items to Bring

Good-quality sunscreen, at least SPF 30, is a must with powerful tropical sun and reflection off water and sand surfaces. Every two hours, or after swimming or perspiring. Use reef-safe products if available to keep the local marine ecosystem safe.

A large-brimmed hat and sun-blocking attire provide added protection when spent at the beach. Light, moisture-wicking attire functions best in the hot, muggy tropical climate. Waterproof phone cases protect valuable electronics from sand and water damage when utilized at the beach.

Comfortable, well-gripped walking shoes are required when walking rocky terrain and sand dunes, while flip-flops or beach sandals are fine for general use around the beach. A refillable water bottle keeps the person hydrated while conserving plastic waste.

Currency and Payment Options

The official currency is Vietnamese Dong (VND), although US dollars are commonly accepted by tourist businesses. ATMs are abundant in Phan Thiet, and major credit cards are accepted by most upscale restaurants and hotels. Carry small bills for tips, street vendors, and street food.

Best Accommodation Near Bikini Beach in 2025

For an unforgettable beach vacation, Mövenpick Resort Phan Thiet is the place to be, directly adjacent to Bikini Beach. This five-star luxury resort provides you with hassle-free direct beach access, and you can exit the comfortable luxury of your high-quality room out to the white sand beaches in seconds.

Every room and suite at Mövenpick Resort Phan Thiet incorporates modern sophistication with coastal sophistication, featuring private balconies or terraces and breathtaking ocean views. Elegant furniture, plush linens, and state-of-the-art facilities such as rain showers, free Wi-Fi, smart TVs, and espresso machines in the rooms ensure a truly memorable stay. Certain suites feature expansive living areas and extra perks for the most discerning travelers.

Guests may enjoy an international dining experience with many on-property restaurants and bars, from an international buffet with breakfast available all day to a specialty seafood grill, stylish lounges, and active beachside bars. There is a breakfast spread of a wide variety to satisfy every taste, with room service available for quiet, relaxed meals.

For relaxation, the resort features large swimming pools with sea views, peaceful sun loungers, and friendly poolside service. The spa is lavish, complete with a variety of massages, facials, and holistic treatments. Fitness buffs have access to the new gym, yoga facilities, and well-being classes.

Family travelers will appreciate the staffed children’s club with supervised activities, children’s pool, and kids’ menus in the restaurants. Extremely attentive service throughout your visit from the resort staff and concierge guarantees all details are taken care of, from special occasions to special island and culture excursion reservations.

With its unbeatable location, excellent amenities, and thoughtful hospitality, Mövenpick Resort Phan Thiet brings any vacation to Bikini Beach to a peak level of experience, making it the best vacation choice for a memorable and indulgent vacation.

How to Go to Bikini Beach from Mövenpick Phan Thiet

Guests staying at Mövenpick Resort Phan Thiet enjoy the exceptional advantage of having Bikini Beach just steps away. With direct access from the hotel grounds, you can simply walk out from your room and reach the soft sands and sparkling shoreline within moments. This effortless connection allows you to make the most of your beach time – whether it’s a sunrise stroll, an afternoon of sunbathing, or a spontaneous swim – whenever you wish, without the need for any transportation or planning.

Book your stay with Mövenpick Resort Phan Thiet now and experience Bikini Beach at its utmost.