What to do in Nha Trang, the Vietnamese coastal city that’s a mix of history, relaxation, sports and nightlife?
Nha Trang is Vietnam’ s best-known seaside resort: its palm-fringed golden beaches immediately set the scene. It’s an ideal spot for water sports, especially diving and surfing. The immaculate beach and discreet town are set at the foot of small mountains, while the small offshore islands invite you to come and explore them. Its adventurous activities and trendy beach clubs suggest that it’s a dynamic town without much of interest. But think again: Nha Trang is steeped in history and culture, and is great fun to explore.
Nha Trang deserves at least 3 days’ visit, as there are so many things to do.
Dive with sharks and rays
Nha Trang has been Vietnam’s diving mecca for just over a decade, when the government created a marine nature reserve off the Nha Trang coast in 2003. Hon Mun Island is one of the best diving spots in Southeast Asia. Local diving agencies will take you to Hon Mun Island, which is only a short boat ride away. Here, you can snorkel and swim, even if it’s diving you’re after. The myriad of colorful corals are very close to the shore. The waters are teeming with tropical fish, including demon fish (Inimicus), clown fish and nudibranchs. And although rare, spotting the odd coral shark, turtle or manta ray is quite possible. Hon Mun is perfect for all types of diver: from beginners to those looking to complete their PADI training amidst sumptuous underwater scenery.
Explore the Cham towers of Po Nagar
Flickr – Canadian Veggie
The four brick towers that make up the Po Nagar complex date back to the Champa kingdom, which ruled this region between the 7th and 12th centuries. These towers were built to honor Yan Po Nagar, who was considered the matriarch of this kingdom. Located around 2 km north of Nha Trang, the towers are strategically placed at the mouth of the Cai River. You’ll be able to catch the intense, intoxicating scent of incense sticks burning in the towers, which attract Vietnamese, Cham and Chinese Buddhists who come to pray and make offerings. In fact, this site has been used as a place of worship since the year 2.
Enjoy magnificent beaches and water sports
Flickr – Malingering
In addition to diving, Nha Trang also offers water sports such as surfing, kitesurfing, windsurfing, wakeboarding, sea kayaking and water skiing. Enough to fill your days. After all that effort, simply sunbathe on Nha Trang beach. It’s full of little stores, bars and restaurants. If you’re looking for a little more peace and quiet, head for the beaches of Bai Duong, Nui Hon Chong or Bai Dai.
Nha Trang is also the departure point for day trips by boat to the offshore islands. On the program: island discovery, food tasting on the boat, snorkeling…
Discover the magnificent Long Son pagoda
Flickr – diego hernandez
Founded in the late 19th century, Long Son Pagoda is a fine example of a Buddhist temple. The pagoda’s roof is adorned with colorful glass mosaics depicting dragons. Behind the pagoda, atop a small hill, stands a gleaming giant statue of a seated white Buddha, which can be seen all over Nha Trang. The Buddha is 24 metres tall. Don’t forget to cover your shoulders and knees, and contrary to what touts might tell you, entry to the pagoda is free.
Admire Nha Trang Cathedral
Flickr – zachho
Nha Trang’s imposing French Gothic cathedral (aka Nha Tho Nui) is a beautiful building. The cathedral was built on top of a small hill between 1928 and 1933, under French colonial rule. The sumptuous architecture features stained glass windows and three large bells in the bell tower. Regular masses are still held here, thanks to the strong local influence of French Catholicism.
Shopping at Cho Dam Market
The Cho Dam open-air market is a great experience. With traders selling fresh produce, the day’s catch and all the knock-offs, I suggest you take a stroll prepared to negotiate for some bargains.
Have fun at Vinpearl amusement park
Nha Trang certainly has plenty to offer. If you’ve got a bit of childhood in you, you should take the cable car to Hon Tre Island, home to the Vinpearl Amusement Park. One-day admission costs around €12.
Take a mud bath at Thap Ba
Flickr – Canadian Veggie
Hot springs and mud baths are popular in Nha Trang. A relaxing pastime where mud is said to have healing powers with mud formed from volcanic rocks and ash.
Experience Nha Trang’s nightlife
If I remember correctly, Nha Trang is a good place to go out at night. There are nice, inexpensive bars on the beach and in the streets along the coast. Get out there and you’re sure to meet some party-goers!
How to get to Nha Trang
Nha Trang is a major city in Vietnam and can be reached by plane, train and bus. Flights from Ho-Chi-Minh City and Hanoi start at €25. Prices can go up to 120€ (for both departure destinations).
By bus or train, your journeys from Hanoi and Saigon, or closer to Hue, Danang, Dalat or Mui Ne, will be much cheaper, but much longer and more tiring.
On site, we recommend renting a scooter for a smoother tour of the city.
Where to stay in Nha Trang?
As in many Vietnamese cities, it’s quite possible to find a hotel room on arrival. In off-peak periods, you can even negotiate the price of a night depending on the length of your stay. To find a cheap hotel in Nha Trang, you can always check prices on our hotel comparator.
Flickr – Bruce Tuten
Did you know Nha Trang? It was one of my favorite cities in Vietnam!
Hotels and accommodation map – Vietnam