Nha Trang, a vibrant coastal city situated at the heart of Khanh Hoa province, has long been a favorite destination for travelers in Vietnam. Blessed with stunning beaches, beautiful bays, and numerous islands, the city also boasts a wealth of scenic spots, attractions, entertainment options, and excellent accommodations.
When should you visit Nha Trang?
The climate in Nha Trang is typically mild, and it experiences a dry season between January and August. Notably, there is no distinct cold winter. Consequently, tourists can visit this appealing city throughout the year. From April to the end of June, expect sunnier and hotter days, though the heat remains manageable.
September marks the beginning of occasional rainfall. Despite the rain, it typically doesn’t have a big impact on things to do for tourists. In contrast, the period from October to December experiences more frequent rain, potentially accompanied by cooler air. This time is considered the off-peak season for domestic tourism in Nha Trang, making it ideal for visitors seeking a tranquil getaway.
How to go to Nha Trang?
Currently, major Vietnamese airlines, including Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Jetstar, operate flights to Nha Trang from both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, arriving at Cam Ranh International Airport. Bamboo Airways also offers flights from Hanoi. Ticket prices generally range from VND 1,400,000 to VND 2,500,000 (about $ 26 to $96).
Situated roughly 35 kilometers from the city center is Cam Ranh International Airport. When you arrive, taxis are readily accessible, and the fare to get into the city typically amounts to VND 300,000 per journey (about $12 ). Alternatively, visitors can utilize the local bus service, specifically route number 18, with a one-way ticket priced at VND 50,000 ($2).
Where to Stay in Nha Trang?
Beachfront Hotels
Tran Phu Street runs along the beach. It has many hotels for visitors. Good choices include Muong Thanh, Novotel, and InterContinental Nha Trang. Sheraton Nha Trang and Lodge are also recommended. These hotels are close to the beach and the city center. Nightly prices start at VND 900,000 (around $35 USD). More luxurious hotels cost VND 2,000,000 to VND 3,000,000 per night (about $71 to $116 USD).
Budget-Friendly Options
Travelers on a budget can find many hotels and homestays behind Tran Phu Street. Check streets like Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Hung Vuong, and Nguyen Thien Thuat.
Resorts for Relaxation
If you want a quiet and relaxing place away from the city center, consider Amiana Resort on Pham Van Dong Street. Vinpearl Resort on Hon Tre Island and MerPerle Hon Tam Resort are also great options.
What to Eat in Nha Trang?
Nha Trang offers more than just its fresh catches from the sea. The city features a wealth of unique local dishes that are sure to tempt your taste buds. Among them are squid crepes (`bánh xèo mực`), BBQ fermented pork sausage (`nem nướng`), noodle soup with fish patties (`bún chả cá`), tiny savory pancakes (`bánh căn`), and delicate steamed rice rolls (`bánh ướt`). For those looking to explore these flavors, here are some recommended eateries in Nha Trang:
- Lac Canh Grilled Beef – 44 Nguyen Binh Khiem
- Thanh Da Goat Restaurant – Address: 66 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai
- Anh Sang Oxtail Hot Pot – Address: 126 Nguyen Khuyen
- Ba Le Bread – No. 2, 2/4 Street
- Di Loan Banh Dap (Crispy Rice Paper with Mung Bean Paste) – Located 16A Hong Linh
- Hiep Grilled Fermented Pork Sausage – 96 Luong Dinh Cua
- Small Pan Seafood Pancakes – 3 Tran Kim Hung
- Large Pan Pancakes – Dam Market
- Oc Le (Snails) – 76 Vo Tru
- Alleyway Snails – 89/5 Van Don
- Son Cang Seafood Restaurant – 142 Pham Van Dong
Furthermore, the city offers a wide selection of cafes, lemon tea stalls, milk tea shops, and sweet soups (`chè`) that are popular among both tourists and locals.
- Ba Nhi Sweet Soup – 19 Phan Dinh Giot
- Son Juice & More – 102 Hong Bang
- Noi 1992 Coffee & Beer – 2/4 Street
- Sunday Coffee – 336 Da Tuong
- Workshop 1925 Roastery Coffee – Located: 27 Cau Be Street
Things to See and Do in Nha Trang
Beaches and Islands
Nha Trang Beach stretches along the city’s main thoroughfare, making it easily accessible on foot from Tran Phu Street. However, the area around Tram Huong Tower is the most popular spot for swimming. Many visitors praise the city’s beaches for their clear water, cleanliness, and fine golden sand.
The islands within Nha Trang Bay each possess unique charm, featuring fishing villages, pristine double beaches, a “monkey kingdom,” and vibrant coral reefs.
Hon Mieu Island: known as one of the bay’s most beautiful islands, is located close to the mainland. Here, Bai Tranh beach extends for nearly 500 meters, with one side boasting fine white sand and the other a shallow area with small pebbles. The seawater here is remarkably clear and gently slopes, making it ideal for swimming. Bai Tranh is also a hub for various water sports such as jet skiing, parasailing, banana boat rides, and flyboarding.
While on Hon Mieu, don’t miss the Tri Nguyen Aquarium, designed in the shape of a giant ship. Inside, the basement houses four fish tanks, the main attraction showcasing hundreds of marine creatures, resembling a miniature ocean. The upper two floors feature a restaurant and a souvenir shop.
Hon Tam Island, situated approximately 7 km southeast of the city, is characterized by its lush green forests and long, gentle sandy beaches, making it particularly appealing to those seeking a relaxing vacation.
Hon Chong Promontory, located on Pham Van Dong Street, about 3 km northeast of the city center, is a cluster of large, uniquely shaped rocks piled on top of each other, extending from the high shore down to the sea. This scenic spot is also one of the best places to admire the coastal city, offering fresh air and tranquility.
Hon Mun Island is a prime destination for snorkeling and coral viewing, located 12 km from Cau Da Port. Due to the convergence of two warm ocean currents, the island is home to approximately 2,000 species of coral and numerous tropical marine creatures. Joining a diving tour to depths of 6-8 meters allows visitors to witness the colorful underwater world and even touch various starfish and sea fish.
Yen Island – Hon Noi, about 25 km from the port, is renowned for its pristine and peaceful beauty. The location offers a remarkable double beach, with a line of white, fine sand separating two bodies of clear blue water. From the top of Du Ha Mountain, which can be reached by climbing about 200 steps, visitors can see sweeping views of the sea.
Monkey Island – Hon Lao: This island is home to about 1,500 monkeys living freely in the forest. While strolling around the island, you are likely to encounter them anywhere. Most of the monkeys here are friendly towards humans; however, visitors should be cautious as they often approach to snatch food. The island also features a circus performance area with shows at 9:30 AM, 10:30 AM, and 3:15 PM.
Hon Mot Island captivates visitors with the serene beauty of its floating fishing village, featuring houses with moss-covered roofs and boats bobbing gently on the sea. Visitors here can breathe in the fresh ocean breeze and watch the everyday activities of fishermen. The island also offers various activities such as shallow-water snorkeling to view coral, jet skiing, glass-bottom boat rides, and parasailing.
Nha Trang Oceanographic Museum
The museum encompasses areas for marine life domestication, natural disaster exhibits, artificial mangrove forests, a large marine specimen collection, oceanographic research equipment, and intangible resources.
This is where you can see an impressive collection of over 20,000 marine and freshwater specimens.. Some live specimens are displayed in glass tanks, including devil fish, lionfish, and tube anemones, showcasing the diversity of Vietnam’s marine ecosystems. Notably, the museum also exhibits an 18-meter-long whale skeleton and a preserved Dugong (sea cow) that was caught in fishermen’s nets in Phu Quoc in 2003.
Po Nagar Cham Towers
This ancient Cham temple complex sits atop a hill approximately 10 meters above sea level, at the mouth of the Cai River, now part of Vinh Phuoc ward. It stands as one of the largest and most significant Cham cultural heritage sites in Vietnam.
The architecture comprises three levels, ascending via stone steps. The gate tower area no longer exists. The middle level, or Mandapa (preliminary hall), served as a resting place for visitors and a preparation area for offerings. It features four rows of octagonal columns, including 12 smaller outer columns and 10 larger inner columns.
Co Tien Mountain
Visitors traveling north along Pham Van Dong Street in Nha Trang City will encounter Co Tien Mountain in Vinh Hoa ward, easily recognizable by its three adjacent peaks ranging in height from 200 to over 300 meters. Located about 10 km from the city center, this destination is a popular spot for locals who hike for exercise or camping.
VinWonders Nha Trang
This expansive entertainment and resort complex is located on Hon Tre Island, covering a total area of 200,000 square meters and connected to the mainland by a modern cable car system. You’ll find the entertainment area separated into indoor and outdoor parts, as well as a water park, an aquarium, an area for artistic performances, a movie theater with an ocean theme, and a food court.
Nha Trang, a coastal city blessed with a stunningly long and picturesque shoreline, warmly welcomes visitors with its friendly people and captivates them with its rich and varied culinary scene. Without a doubt, it has firmly established itself as one of the top destinations to experience in Vietnam, offering a memorable blend of natural beauty and cultural charm.