Today, it is hard to imagine that it had such a tumultuous past. Known as My Khe to Vietnamese, its endless stretch of golden sand has become one of the most sought-after destinations in the country. This year it was ranked among the "World's Most Luxurious Beaches" by Forbes magazine. Its 20-mile stretch of sand is placed alongside famous spots such as Bondi Beach in Sydney and Wailea in Hawai. The magazine noted that China Beach was enjoying a resurgence in tourist travel: "Today the beach is one of Asia's prettiest - and most historic."

One of the reasons why China Beach has become so desirable is its location at the hub of four World Heritage Sites - the ancient port of Hoi An, the spiritual centre of the Champa civilization My Son, the imperial city of Hue and the mystical Phong Nha caves in Dong Hoi. These world-class attractions are now promoted as The World Heritage Road. The nearby town of Danang is also the home of the Ho Chi Minh Museum, which documents the Vietnamese Revolution.

The Furama Resort is the place to stay on China Beach. A striking example of contemporary Asian architecture blended with French colonial styling, this resort has everything one could expect from a five-star hotel - deluxe suites with seaviews, fine restaurants, swimming pools - all set on this glorious untouched beach.

Days of relaxation on the beach or at the pool interspersed with trips to the heritage sites make for a unique holiday experience. Most visitors to China Beach fly to Danang aiport, only 10 minutes away from the hotel. It has direct flights from Singapore, Bangkok, Taipei and Siem Reap in Cambodia, as well as an increasing number of daily domestic connections from the two major cities, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

China Beach may have international stature, but there are many other great beach destinations in Vietnam. Blessed with a coastline stretching 3,000 kilometers, there are hundreds of bays up and down the country that cater to all tastes; from white sand beaches where you can view sunsets, to beaches with luxury resorts and those where you just swim, relax and enjoy the local culture.

Further down the coast, Nha Trang is in the heart of the "Vietnamese Riviera". If you want a quiet stroll on an isolated beach, this is not the place for you. However, if you want a bustling seaside atmosphere with good hotels, many restaurants and excellent day trip to islands for diving and snorkelling, then Nha Trang is a good choice.

The town is surrounded by nine kilometres of white sandy beaches, backed by green hills. A wide palm-lined boulevard separates elegant Mediterranean villas and modern hotels from the beach. You can find the best beaches, like Hon Chong, to the north of the city and on the islands.

The best place to stay is the Ana Mandara Resort, which is located directly on the beach off the most famous thoroughfare, Tran Phu Boulevard. With spacious tropical gardens overlooking the sea, the resort is an oasis of serenity and refinement. When you are not on the beach, you can relax at the spectacular pool or take a massage in the world-renowned Six Senses Spa.

If you would prefer an island location, try the Sofitel Vin Pearl Resort. With 500 rooms, it dominates the beachfront of Hon Tre Island, a 10-minute boat ride from the mainland. It offers a wide variety of watersports, but you could also try your hand at horse riding or just relax on your balcony overlooking the South China Sea.

Further south down the coast is Phan Thiet, which is a popular weekend destination for residents of Ho Chi Minh City. This fishing town has a laid-back feel. The best hotel in town, the Novotel Ocean Dunes Resort adjoins a Nick Faldo-designed golf course. However, the best beaches can be found at Mui Ne, which is 24 kilometres to the north. This area is characterized by sweeping gold sand dunes lined with palm trees and lapped by turquoise sea.

Choose from a number of hotels, including the five-star Palmira Resort to affordable bungalow-style options like Bamboo Village and Little Mui Ne Cottages. A great mid-market choice is the Saigon Mui Ne Hotel, which is designed in traditional Vietnamese style. Rooms overlook tropical gardens or the beach.

Beaches near to Hanoi in the north cannot compete with those in the south in terms of beauty, but they do provide a welcome break from the city and offer excellent seafood harvested from nearby Ha Long Bay. The most popular resort is Bai Chay, which draws large weekend crowds in summer. Ha Long Bay offers many small beaches on islands in the bay. The best way to visit them is by kayak, as they have rocky shorelines.

So, whether you opt for idyllic China Beach, the booming “Vietnamese Riviera” around Nha Trang or one of the little-known stretches of sand in the north, a holiday in one of Vietnam 's coastal resorts will be a unique experience. Take time off from the beach to experience the culture and explore the history of this fascinating country and you will be richly rewarded.