Located about 60 km from downtown Vung Tau and roughly 125 km southeast of Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Coc is a small, untouched beach in Xuyen Moc District, Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province.

Just 2 km along the coastal road from Ho Coc is Ho Tram Beach, which was once hailed by CNNGo as one of the world’s most beautiful and pristine beaches.

Visitors from Ho Chi Minh City or nearby provinces can drive to Ho Coc - Ho Tram for a day trip or a relaxing 2-day, 1-night getaway.

“Even during holidays or Tet, Ho Coc Beach only becomes slightly livelier - there’s never the overwhelming crowds you’d see elsewhere,” said Tran Ngoc Tuan, a young tourism worker in Ba Ria - Vung Tau.

“Ho Coc is like a hidden gem, where visitors can fully immerse in tranquility and poetic scenery. It’s the perfect destination for those looking to retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life,” he added.

Situated on the edge of a forest and far from residential areas, Ho Coc offers a calm and pristine setting. Its waters are crystal clear, the shoreline is clean, and dotted with rocks in various shapes.

The beach is lined with tall casuarina trees and lush Australian pine trees that provide plenty of shade. The wide shoreline features a gentle slope, making it safe and inviting for swimming.

The best time to visit Ho Coc is from April to August. Often referred to by young travelers as “Vung Tau’s beach movie set,” it offers numerous picturesque check-in spots such as pine forests, casuarinas, and rock formations.

In recent years, Ho Coc has become a favorite among camping enthusiasts.

Visitors can pitch tents beneath the cool pine groves by the sea, listening to the sounds of waves crashing and birds chirping, while enjoying the fresh sea breeze. During the day, activities like beachside cycling or stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) are popular.

Today, Ho Coc offers various lodging options, from regular campsites to luxury glamping experiences.

In addition to relaxing by the beach, tourists can explore nearby attractions such as the Binh Chau - Phuoc Buu Nature Reserve, Binh Chau hot springs, or the Binh Chau fishing port.

The Binh Chau hot springs are part of the nature reserve and feature over 70 natural hot water vents. The mineral-rich waters are believed to help treat various health conditions.

Binh Chau Port is the only fishing harbor in Xuyen Moc District, home to hundreds of fishing boats that dock and trade daily.

In 2015, Ho Coc Beach was ranked 8th by U.S. travel site Thrillist on its list of 12 surprisingly affordable paradise destinations and remains a must-visit spot.

Explaining why the beautiful Ho Coc Beach remains relatively uncrowded, Tuan said: “It’s not located on a major national highway and hasn’t been widely promoted. Infrastructure is still developing.

“In contrast to the bustling beaches of Vung Tau with their dining, nightlife, and entertainment hubs, Ho Coc caters to travelers seeking tranquility and privacy.”

Linh Trang