Bãi Sao (Bai Sao Beach)

1. Seasons and sea cleanliness

The atmosphere and sea conditions at Bai Sao depend strongly on the season and changing winds:

• The ideal season (“Bounty”): from March/April to October, the east coast becomes calm, the sea crystal-clear and the water transparent.^1,2
• Winter period (November to February/March): changing currents and monsoons from the east often bring waves, seaweed and plastic rubbish ashore. During this time, cleaning mainly covers areas around paid cafés and loungers.²

2. Beach access: paid versus free

Vietnam’s entire shoreline is public, but approaches to Bai Sao are organised differently:

• Paid access (Bai Sao 1): when turning right at the Bai Sao 1 sign, you are asked to pay 60,000 VND per person at the entrance. This is a deposit (voucher) that you spend in full on drinks or food at a local restaurant, such as Chez Doung, and it also gives toilet and shower access.^1,2
• Free access: instead of turning right towards Bai Sao 1, continue straight or walk a little left along the beach to enter completely free.^1,2

3. Facilities and prices

• Loungers and umbrellas: sun lounger rental costs 50,000 to 150,000 VND, depending on the location and whether a towel is included.²
• Food and drinks: several cafés and a Highlands Coffee operate on the coast. Beach prices are above the island average: pho bo soup \~150,000 VND, beer \~40,000 VND, fresh juices \~75,000 VND, coconut \~35,000-50,000 VND.²
• Activities: paddleboard (SUP) rental, jet skis, parasailing and the famous waterside swings for photographs.^1,2

4. Tips from expats and tourists

1. Look for quiet to the left: the central beach can be noisy with jet skis and tour groups. Walk 100-200 metres left along the shore for fewer people and cleaner water.^1,2
2. Protection from sandflies: sand fleas/flies occur on dry sand, especially towards evening or in tree shade. Using repellent or sunbathing on loungers is recommended.^1,2
3. Transport: no scheduled buses run directly to the shore. A motorbike or taxi is the most convenient way to get there.^1,2