This coastal city on Vietnam's southeast shore has miles of white-sand beaches and clear waters. Visitors can explore local markets, dive coral reefs, or visit ancient temples.
Nha Trang, a coastal city in southern Vietnam, stretches along 6 kilometers of sandy shoreline. Visitors can explore ancient Cham towers, shop at bustling Dam Market, or take boat trips to nearby islands. The city's clear waters invite snorkeling and diving enthusiasts, while its local cuisine tempts food lovers with specialties like bánh canh chả cá (fish cake noodle soup) and nem nướng (grilled pork rolls).
Beaches and Coastal Life
Nha Trang's main beach runs alongside Tran Phu Street. Here, you'll see a mix of locals and tourists enjoying the warm sand and calm waters. You can rent sun loungers, try water sports like jet-skiing or parasailing, or relax under palm trees. For a quieter experience, head to Long Beach, south of the city center. This area has a more relaxed atmosphere and local seafood restaurants where you can taste the day's fresh catches.
Exploring the Islands
The bay off Nha Trang's coast contains 19 islands. Hon Mun Island, part of Vietnam's first marine protected area, has clear waters and coral reefs ideal for snorkeling and diving. On Hon Tre Island, you'll find VinWonders amusement park, accessible via a cable car ride spanning 3,320 meters over water. Monkey Island houses over a thousand primates, while Yen Sao Island is home to swiftlet birds, whose nests are used in Chinese cuisine.
Local Markets and Cuisine
Dam Market, the largest in Nha Trang, sits at the heart of local life. As you walk through the market, you'll see stalls selling fresh produce, seafood, clothing, and household items. It's an excellent place to observe daily city life and try local foods. Nha Trang's cuisine centers around seafood. Try bánh canh chả cá (fish cake noodle soup) or bún cá sứa (rice vermicelli with jellyfish). Nem nướng, grilled pork rolls, have become a local favorite and are worth tasting.
Relaxation and Wellness
Nha Trang has several mud baths and hot springs. These facilities often combine mud treatments with massage services and mineral pools. After applying the mud, which some claim improves skin health and circulation, you can rinse off in cool waterfalls before soaking in hot mineral pools. Some centers, like I-Resort, also include water parks with slides and other water attractions, allowing for a full day of activities.
Nightlife and Entertainment
As evening falls, Nha Trang's nightlife comes alive. The beachfront area has many bars and clubs catering to different tastes. Sailing Club Nha Trang has been a popular spot for over two decades, particularly known for its weekend beach parties. For a different perspective, visit Skylight Nha Trang on the 43rd floor of Havana Hotel. Here, you can look out over the city while listening to live music or DJ sets.
Historical Sites
Po Nagar Cham Towers, built between the 7th and 12th centuries, represent the region's ancient past. The complex, dedicated to the goddess Yan Po Nagar, originally had eight or nine towers, though only four remain today. These brick structures showcase the architectural style of the Cham people who once ruled the area. In the city, you'll find Long Son Pagoda, notable for its large white Buddha statue sitting atop a hill. If you climb the 193 steps to reach the statue, you'll see wide views of Nha Trang.
Best Time to Visit
Nha Trang has a tropical savanna climate with sunshine throughout the year. The dry season from January to August is generally good for visiting, with March to June offering particularly pleasant weather. The rainy season runs from September to December, but showers are often short and shouldn't significantly impact your trip. Keep in mind that July and August can be quite hot, while January and February are the coolest months.
Getting There and Around
Cam Ranh Airport, about 30 kilometers south of Nha Trang, serves domestic and international flights. From the airport, take a taxi or pre-arranged shuttle to the city center. In Nha Trang, you'll easily find taxis, but cycling is also popular due to the city's relatively flat terrain. For island hopping, book boat tours from operators along the beach or through your accommodation.
