Is Nha Trang Worth Visiting? 7 Key Facts About Vietnam's Coastal City

Nha Trang Bay has been recognized as one of the most beautiful bays in the world, bringing international fame to this Vietnamese city as a tourist destination. With its sublime beaches, its paradise islands, its varied aquatic life, and its lively nightlife, Nha Trang has it all.

If you're wondering what to see in Nha Trang, what to eat, how to get there, when to go, or where to stay, this article provides you with all the information you need. Let's enjoy an unforgettable stay by the sea together!

Written by Jade NGUYEN, (local expert) Updated on 05-11-2024

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Where is it?

Nha Trang is a picturesque coastal city located on the south-central coast of Vietnam. It is situated 1290 km (approximately a 1 hour 50 minute flight) from the capital city of Hanoi, and about 450 km (approximately a 1 hour 10 minute flight) from Ho Chi Minh City. Nha Trang Bay is renowned for its system of islands and islets, spanning over 500 km2 and home to 19 large and small islands offering both grandiose and picturesque scenery.

Nha Trang itself is a fairly developed city, especially in its downtown area, offering lively and dynamic activities while still preserving the maritime beauty of its offshore islands.

 How to get there?

You can get to Nha Trang by plane, train and bus.

• By plane

Khanh Hoa International Airport is not located in Nha Trang but in Cam Ranh, about 30 kilometers from Nha Trang, a 50-minute drive. You can take flights from Da Nang, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City to Cam Ranh.

• By bus

Bus is the most preferred way as it is convenient and costs less than flying. The most reliable companies are The SinhTourist, Phuong Trang and Hanh Café Open tour.

• By private car

To benefit from assistance in planning your stay in Nha Trang, consider reserving a car through a travel agency. These agencies offer complete packages including round-trip transportation, which is convenient and recommended. Opting for a private car with driver is an optimal choice for free management of your time and peace of mind when traveling.

• By train

Nha Trang is located on the Reunification train route so many trains stop at Nha Trang station. It is recommended to check timetables and fares with the railway company before booking to get the best possible rate. (official website: dsvn.vn )

It is accessible from Saigon by a train journey of 8 to 9 hours. There are 6 trains per day on this line, which are operated by Vietnam Railways and Livitrans (SNT1 and SNT2).

(The information is for reference only. For exact timetable, please check the official website (dsvn.vn) of Vietnam Railways).

>>> Click to get Vietnam Travel Advice

What are the most beautiful islands in Nha Trang?

Chong Island is situated in the heart of the city, roughly 3 km northeast, and features a fascinating mix of large rocks extending from the shoreline into the sea. This location offers tourists a breathtaking panoramic view of Nha Trang's coastal cityscape.

Mieu Island, one of the bay's most picturesque islands, boasts Tranh Beach, which spans nearly 500 meters. The beach is characterized by fine white sand on one side and a shallow area filled with small pebbles on the other. The light blue sea here is perfect for swimming and supports various water activities, including jet skiing, parasailing, and flyboarding.

Located approximately 7 km southeast of the city, Tam Island is a lush, green retreat with long sandy beaches and gentle waves, ideal for those seeking a luxurious holiday experience.

Mun Island, 12 km from Cau Da Port, is a prime spot for diving enthusiasts, featuring around 2,000 species of coral and numerous tropical sea creatures. Scuba diving tours, ranging from 6 to 8 meters in depth, allow visitors to explore the vibrant underwater world and encounter various species of starfish and fish.

Lastly, Hoa Lan Island, reachable by a 30-minute boat ride through the scenic Nha Trang Bay, serves as a serene sanctuary perfect for relaxation and tranquility.

What to do and see in Nha Trang?

Take a boat trip

Taking a boat trip in Nha Trang is an unforgettable experience to explore the natural beauty of the bay and its islands. This excursion offers the opportunity to discover pristine white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and breathtaking landscapes. The islands and islets of Nha Trang Bay also offer grandiose and poetic landscapes, as well as a rich marine fauna and flora.

 Among the islets to visit, we find Mun, Tam, Mieu and Tre, which offer exceptional landscapes. Mun Islet is famous for its marine park, Vietnam's first marine park, where you can admire corals, tropical fish and other incredible sea creatures. The islet of Tam is a true tropical paradise, with its white sand beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters. The islet of Mieu is renowned for its magnificent landscapes and unique rock formations.

Explore the seabed of Nha Trang

In Nha Trang, water activities are a must-do experience for those looking to explore the natural beauty of the area. In addition to taking a boat trip to visit the bay's islands and islets, water sports enthusiasts can participate in a variety of fun and exciting activities. Scuba diving or snorkeling is one of the best ways to discover the area's coral reefs and fascinating sea creatures. If you prefer to stay on the surface, you can try surfing, water skiing, windsurfing or jet skiing.

Nha Trang offers a variety of water activities for all tastes, from exciting water sports to thrilling underwater explorations. Whether you're an experienced diver or just looking to have fun on the water, you're sure to find something to enjoy in this beautiful coastal region of Vietnam.

Some best diving spots to mention:

• From 10 to 15m deep: Hard Rock, Pipe Beach, Lobster Beach,...
• From 15 to 30m deep: Fisherman bay, Moray Beach, Madonna Rock, South Rock, Whale Island, Big wall,...

Night activities in Nha Trang

If you are looking for night activities in Nha Trang, you will not be disappointed. The city offers a multitude of options for all tastes and ages. You can stroll along the beach to enjoy the sea breeze and admire the city lights. Seaside restaurants and bars offer delicious dishes, as well as exotic drinks. For those looking for a livelier atmosphere, nightclubs and discos are open until midnight. Whatever you choose, evenings in Nha Trang are unforgettable.

Cham Po Nagar Tour

When you visit Nha Trang Vietnam, be sure to discover Po Nagar Tower, a remarkable architectural and cultural site of the Cham culture, which is carefully preserved in central Vietnam. This tower is a remarkable testimony to the exceptional architecture of Champa and is built to honor different deities. You won't be able to help but be amazed by the beauty of this place.

• Entrance fees: $1 - $1.5 per person
• Opening hours: Daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

National Oceanographic Museum

The National Oceanographic Museum represents an exhibition of approximately 60,000 specimens of marine creatures, marine mammals, birds... and numerous fishing equipment and local boats. It is the most extensive collection of aquatic life in the Eastern Sea.

There are two floors to discover: on the 1st floor are the aquariums and the 2nd floor houses an 18 m long whale skeleton, an absolutely extraordinary sight to see.

• Opening hours: Daily from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Address: Number 1 Cau Da, Nha Trang, Vietnam
• Entrance fee: $2 per person

Relax on the beaches of Nha Trang

Nha Trang is known for its incredible white sand beaches that stretch along the city. Nha Trang also has a wide range of interesting accommodation and leisure activities that you can enjoy.

Recommended: Tran Phu Beach, Hon Chong Beach, Bai Tru Beach, Long Beach (Bai Dai Beach), Doc Let Beach, etc.

Dream beaches in Nha Trang

• Tran Phu beach

This beach is the most preferred because it is easily accessible. In particular, this beach is located in the city center, on Tran Phu Street which is full of a large number of hostels, restaurants and bars. Other leisure activities: bike rides, spa, meditation and yoga…

• Bai Dai Beach

Located about 28 km from Tran Phu Beach, Bai Dai Beach is an ideal day trip from Nha Trang for those who love empty, pristine beaches. Here you have the chance to immerse in emerald water, taste delicious local seafood and beer.

• Doc Let beach

Located 45 km north of the city, Doc Let deserves to be the most magnificent and untouched beach in Nha Trang. This site is home to an incredible white sand beach in the shade of lush palm trees.

Have fun at Vinpearl Land

Vinpearl Land is the perfect choice for families with countless interesting indoor and outdoor games. To get to Vinpearl Land, you will need to take the Vinpearl Cable Car, the longest sea-crossing cable car in the world with a length of over 3 km. Your children will be excited when they set foot in the “Disneyland of Vietnam”.

Vinpearl Land Water Park is also a great place for children as well as adults looking to cool off and have fun in the water. With its many attractions and slides, it offers an unforgettable experience for young visitors who want to enjoy a day out with their family. You can indulge in thrills by sliding down the high-speed slides or tackling the waves in the wave pool.

Parents can also relax in the comfortable lounge chairs and enjoy the sun while watching their children. With a wide variety of water activities, Vinpearl Land Water Park is a great destination for a day of family fun. If you are a thrill and adventure seeker, ziplining at Vinpearl Land Nha Trang is an experience you must not miss. This activity will allow you to fly over breathtaking landscapes and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Nha Trang Sea.

The average price for the Vinpearl Land 2024 ticket: $24 - $35

Visit the fishing village and the Tri Nguyen aquarium

If you prefer sights off the beaten track, head to the fishing village of Tri Nguyen. This site is truly an ideal destination to escape the summer heat and hustle and bustle of the city. The village is located on the waterfront and offers stunning views of the sea. You can admire the colorful fishing boats and fishing nets that are strung along the quays. You can also enjoy delicious meals prepared by local fishermen, using fresh fish and other seafood specialties.

Near the village, you can visit the Tri Nguyen Aquarium, a wonderful place to take your children to explore the underwater world. There you can closely observe a wide variety of fish and other marine creatures. The best way to get to Tri Nguyen fishing village is by local boat. You will be able to enjoy the view of the sea during your journey and arrive directly at the village.

Admiration of the architecture of Nha Trang Cathedral

Built between 1928 and 1933, Nha Trang Cathedral is a jewel of French Gothic architecture in Vietnam. It is located on a small hill opposite the train station, offering a panoramic view of Nha Trang city.

Nha Trang Cathedral is a fascinating example of French Gothic architecture, with flying buttresses, rose windows and soaring spires. It is built of cement, a modern material for the time of its construction, but which gives it exceptional durability. The interior of the cathedral is just as impressive as the exterior, with colorful stained glass windows, marble statues, murals and carved wooden decorations.

• Address: Intersection of Nguyen Trai Street and Thai Nguyen Street, Nha Trang Vietnam
• Opening hours: Daily from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Long Son Pagoda

Long Son Pagoda is truly one of the best things to do in Nha Trang with its impressive Buddha statue located on the hillside. This statue is 24 meters high and is visible from the foot of the hill. Just 400 meters west of the station, Long Son Pagoda is easily accessible by taxi or on foot.

• Opening hours: Every day from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Address: At the end of Xom Bong Bridge, 2 km from downtown Nha Trang

Mudbath

Are you looking to relax and take care of your body during your vacation in Nha Trang? Don't miss the unique mud bath experience! This activity, considered one of the city's must-sees, offers numerous health benefits.

Mud bathing can relieve joint pain, relax muscles, improve blood circulation, promote detoxification and even help with skin problems such as acne. Mud bathing is practiced in the region's natural thermal springs, known for their healing properties. During the session, you will be invited to immerse yourself in a warm, humid mud bath and then rest while the natural minerals work on your body. You can also enjoy a relaxing massage or other body treatments during your session. This is definitely a healthy activity to do in Nha Trang.

Take a hike in Nui Chua National Park

Located right next to Cam Ranh Beach, Nui Chua National Park should be on your itinerary if you're a hiking enthusiast. Nui Chua is an ecotourism destination that covers a total area of 24,300 hectares. The national park is home to 664 species of plants and 201 species of animals, including many rare and almost extinct species.

 >>> It must be valuable for a hiking lover: Vietnam Hill Tribe & Trekking Tour in 5 Days

What are the culinary specialties of Nha Trang?

In Nha Trang, you have the opportunity to enjoy rustic and tasty cuisine. In addition to fresh seafood, you won't miss other specialties, such as “nem nuong”, “goi ca mai”, “bun cha ca”…

• Nem nuong

This dish is known and a favorite in Nha Trang and throughout central Vietnam. The main ingredient of Nem nuong is grilled pork sausages. The Ninh Hoa district of Khanh Hoa is the most famous place for this specialty.

Pork sausages are flavored with garlic, fish sauce, sugar and black pepper. Sausages, all kinds of vegetables, slices of fragrant fruits and herbs are all wrapped in rice paper and then dipped in a bowl of wonderful sauce. This sauce is made from fish sauce, ground pork and lime juice.

This is one of the best seafood dishes in Nha Trang, made with local herring fish. The dish requires a careful preparation process. The local herring is smaller than many other fish. The herrings used to make the salad should be freshly caught, with the bones removed, and then marinated with lime juice, tamarind, sour fruits, or vinegar. After a while, the fish is mixed with ground-roasted peanuts, chopped onions, garlic, cilantro, and perilla.

>>> Get The five most interesting facts about Vietnamese cuisine

•  Bun cha ca (Rice noodles with grilled fish)

Bun cha ca can be eaten for any meal of the day, but best at breakfast and lunch. Noodle soup is served with grilled fish. This rather simple dish mainly focuses on flavorful and meaty grilled fish. Served with herbs, onions, sweet and sour broth, this dish will leave a great taste.

•  Bun sua (Rice noodles with jellyfish)

Are you ready for the most unique specialty in Nha Trang? This dish is similar to Bun cha ca but much more unique for its chopped jellyfish meat. It is served with grilled fish to create an exceptional taste that you can only find in Nha Trang. The jellyfish should be processed into thick pieces the size of two fingers or a thumb.

When are the best times to visit?

The climate in Nha Trang, Vietnam is pleasant throughout the year, with a dry season extending from January to August, without harsh winters.

• April to June, temperatures are warmer and sunny, but not excessive.
• September onwards, showers become sporadic, but they do not significantly affect tourist activities.
• October to December there can be more rain and a cooler atmosphere.

This is a time less crowded with tourists, ideal for those looking for a more peaceful vacation. However, you should remain vigilant as storms may occur.

In summary, the ideal time to visit Nha Trang in Vietnam is from January to August.

Where to stay in Nha Trang?

In Nha Trang, you have a wide range of accommodation options, from budget choices to luxury accommodations. It is crucial to choose carefully to ensure a pleasant experience during your visit. To do this, consult reputable hotel reservation sites such as Booking, Agoda, etc. Don't forget to take into account the opinions of other travelers regarding the establishment that interests you, and do not hesitate to directly contact the hotel of your choice to ensure all the details.

Among all the options available, we have selected three hotels particularly appreciated by our travelers:

V Hotel Nha Trang

• Address: 8 Hung Vuong, Nha Trang, Vietnam

V Hotel Nha Trang is a modern and stylish hotel located in the heart of the city. With just 3 minutes of walking you can reach the beach, tourist attractions and shopping centers. The hotel has 100 elegant rooms and suites with large windows or private balconies offering stunning city views. Enjoy comfortable sleep, delicious breakfast and relax in the infinity pool with stunning views of Nha Trang Bay.

Queen Ann Hotel Nha Trang

• Address: 100 Tran Phu, Loc Tho Ward, Nha Trang City

Queen Ann Hotel in Nha Trang is a well-located and quiet hotel, just 150 meters from the beach. The rooms are spacious and offer a partial view of the sea. The bathrooms are equipped with a shower and a bathtub offering a view of the sea, for a special moment of relaxation. The staff is very welcoming and available to respond to customer requests. Near the hotel, it is easy to rent a deckchair to enjoy the beach. Breakfast is excellent and offers a variety of choices to start the day off right.

Mia Nha Trang

• Address: Bãi Dông, Cam Hải Đông village, Cam Lâm district, Khánh Hòa province, Vietnam

Nestled on the slopes of the coastal mountains, this resort is perched above a peaceful, sunny beach, surrounded by lush tropical gardens and bordered by sparkling, bountiful seas. Mia stands out for its serene beauty, tranquility, private spaces and exceptional hospitality.

With its spectacular location on the edge of cliffs, rolling gently over the hills and nestled in a secluded and peaceful bay, each panorama here offers an emotional experience of rare beauty.

Our last words,

Nha Trang is an exceptional destination for a vacation in Vietnam. Here you will find a multitude of exciting activities, magnificent beaches, and immersion in Vietnamese culture. Don't miss this unforgettable travel experience.

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