Long Hai beach

There are still some remnants of Long Hai’s days as a small beachside enclave of the wealthy. Vietnam’s last emperor, Bao Dai, had a villa here. And one of the wealthiest families of the French colonial era, the Chinese Hui Bon Hoa family, built one of the most spectacular structures of the area - that now lies in ruin.

Photo: Mark Bowyer Hui Bon Hoa's ruined mansion, Long Hai

Photo: Mark Bowyer Long Hai Beach

The Hui Bon Hoa building, also referred to as the Palace Hotel, is a bit of a mystery. We don’t know when it was built or much else.

We did manage to get in for a look though and images from our visit are included here. The mansion looks right across Long Hai beach. You can't miss it.

Long Hai beach is nothing special. We wouldn't suggest you make this your beach escape from Saigon either - on the basis of the beach itself, or nearby accommodation.