To mark World Oceans Day on June 8, a US-based beach ranking organisation unveiled its annual global beach guide, the Corona Beach 100 for 2026.
This year's list spans 22 countries and includes 27 newly added beaches. Destinations were selected based on their natural beauty, beach culture and connection with the surrounding environment.
Vietnam's sole entry is Soi Sim Beach, located in the core area of Ha Long Bay. The beach covers approximately 8.7 hectares and lies about 12km from Tuan Chau International Passenger Port.
Soi Sim beach (Photo: Nguyen Duong).
Soi Sim is regarded as one of the few beaches in Ha Long Bay that has retained its unspoilt character within the UNESCO World Heritage site. The island takes its name from the sim (Rose myrtle) plant, which grows abundantly on its hillsides.
During the summer months from May to August, purple sim flowers bloom across the slopes, creating a distinctive landscape that sets the island apart within the heritage area.
In addition to its sim forest, the island is home to a primary forest with a diverse ecosystem. The area supports more than 78 plant species and 32 animal species, including several plant species endemic to Ha Long Bay, such as mountain dracaena, bong moc and yellow lady's slipper orchid.
According to the organisation behind the guide, the publication aims not only to showcase some of the world's most beautiful beaches but also to celebrate the natural ecosystems that contribute to their appeal.
The inclusion of Soi Sim Beach on the shortlist further reinforces the international appeal of Quang Ninh Province and Ha Long Bay as tourism destinations. It also highlights the effectiveness of efforts to preserve natural heritage while promoting sustainable and environmentally responsible tourism.
Other Southeast Asian beaches featured on the list include Alegria, Cloud 9 and Nacpan in the Philippines; Koh Mak and Railay in Thailand; and Padar and Pink Beach in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia.
