Thing to know Nha Trang, Vietnam

Nha Trang, a coastal city located in the central part of Khánh Hòa province, has long been one of the most popular tourist destinations in Vietnam. Blessed with beautiful beaches, stunning bays, and many islands, the city also features numerous scenic landmarks, recreational spots, and accommodation facilities.

When is Nha Trang Beautiful?

The climate in Nha Trang is relatively mild, with a dry season lasting from January to August, and no cold winter. Therefore, travelers can visit at any time of the year. From April to the end of June, the weather is sunnier and hotter but not overly sweltering.

By September, scattered rains begin, which do not significantly affect tourist activities. From October to December, the rains increase and may bring cool air. This period is no longer considered peak tourist season in Nha Trang, making it suitable for travelers seeking a peaceful retreat.

Getting There

Currently, Vietnamese airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Jetstar operate flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang, via Cam Ranh Airport. Bamboo Airways also has flights from Hanoi. Ticket prices range from 1,400,000 VND to 2,500,000 VND.

Cam Ranh Airport is about 35 km from the city center. Taxi companies operate in the area, with fares around 300,000 VND per trip. Additionally, tourists can use bus line 18, costing 50,000 VND for a single ride.

Nha Trang city viewed from above. Photo: Efired/Shutterstock

Nha Trang is not a large city, and the main road runs along the beach, so it is advisable for visitors to rent a motorbike to explore, especially if they want to enjoy local cuisine. The rental price for a motorbike is around 100,000 - 150,000 VND. Typically, hotels provide this service.

Hotels and Resorts

Trần Phú is the main road running along the beach, where many hotels are available for tourists. Recommended hotels include Mường Thanh, Novotel, InterContinental Nha Trang, Sheraton Nha Trang, and Lodge. With their close proximity to the beach and the city center, these hotels are priced from 900,000 VND per night. Higher-end accommodations range from 2 million to 3 million VND per night.

To save costs, tourists can look for hotels or homestays located behind Trần Phú, specifically on Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, Hùng Vương, or Nguyễn Thiện Thuật streets.

For those who prefer a tranquil vacation in private settings away from the city center, Amiana Resort on Phạm Văn Đồng; Vinpearl Resort, Hòn Tre; or MerPerle are excellent options.

What to Eat

Aside from seafood, the city offers many specialties and delicious dishes such as squid pancakes, grilled spring rolls, fish noodles, bánh căn, and bánh ướt. Below are some recommended dining spots in Nha Trang:

Bò Nướng Lạc Cảnh - 44 Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm
Quán Dê Thanh Đa - 66 Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai
Lẩu Đuôi Bò Anh Sang - 126 Nguyễn Khuyến
Bò Né, Bò La Quán Hoa - 9 Cô Bắc (only open in the morning)
Bánh Mì Ba Lẹ - 2 đường 2/4
Bánh Đập Dì Loan - 16A Hồng Lĩnh
Nem Nướng Hiệp - 96 Lương Định Của
Bánh Xèo Tôm Mực Chảo Nhỏ - 3 Trần Kim Hùng
Bánh Xèo Chảo To - Đầm Market
Bún Cá Dầm - 24 Nguyễn Công Trứ
Ốc Lễ - 76 Võ Trứ
Hẻm Ốc 89/5 Vân Đồn
Hải Sản Sơn Cảng Quán - 142 Phạm Văn Đồng

Additionally, there are many coffee shops and tea stalls that are popular among tourists and locals alike.

Chè Bà Nhị - 19 Phan Đình Giót
Thế Giới Nước Ép Son Juice & More - 102 Hồng Bàng
Cà Phê và Bia Nói 1992 - 2/4 street
Sunday Coffee - 336 Dã Tượng
Xưởng 1925 Roastery Coffee - 27 Cầu Bè

What to Do

Beaches and Islands

Nha Trang Beach stretches along the city, and visitors can walk from Trần Phú street to reach the beach. However, the busiest area for swimming is around the Trầm Hương Tower. The city beach is rated highly by visitors for its clear waters and fine golden sand.

The islands in Nha Trang Bay possess unique beauty, featuring fishing villages, pristine beaches, a "monkey kingdom," and colorful coral reefs.

Hòn Miễu is known as one of the most beautiful islands in the bay, located near the mainland. Here, Tranh Beach stretches nearly 500 meters long, with one side featuring fine white sand and the other a shallow area with small pebbles. The water here is crystal clear, and the gentle slope makes it suitable for swimming. Tranh Beach is also a hub for a variety of water sports and activities, including jet skiing, parasailing, banana boat rides, and flyboarding.

Here, don’t forget to visit the Trí Nguyên Aquarium, designed like a giant ship. Inside, there are four fish tanks showcasing hundreds of marine species, creating a mini-ocean experience. The second and third floors house a restaurant and souvenir shops.

Hòn Tằm is located about 7 km southeast of the city. This island features green forests and long beaches with gentle waves, making it particularly suitable for those who enjoy leisure travel.

Hòn Chồng, situated on Phạm Văn Đồng street, is about 3 km northeast of the city center. It is a cluster of large rocks in various shapes, stacked from the cliffs down to the sea. This tourist spot is one of the best places to view the coastal city in a serene and clean atmosphere.

Hòn Mun is the best destination for diving and snorkeling, located 12 km from Cầu Đá port. The island, shaped by the merging of two warm currents, hosts around 2,000 coral species alongside numerous tropical marine creatures. Joining a dive tour at depths of 6 to 8 meters, visitors can marvel at the vibrant underwater world and interact with various starfish and fish species.

Yến Island - Hòn Nội, situated 25 km from the port, is famous for its pristine and peaceful beauty. It features a twin beach with fine white sand on one side and crystal-clear water on the other. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views from the summit of Du Hạ Mountain via a set of approximately 200 steps.

Monkey Island - Hòn Lao is a special attraction, home to around 1,500 monkeys that roam freely. As you stroll around the island, you may encounter them everywhere. Most of the monkeys here are friendly toward humans; however, visitors should be cautious as they may approach to steal food. There is also a circus performance area with shows at 9:30 AM, 10:30 AM, and 3:15 PM.

In addition to these incredible destinations, Nha Trang offers a luxurious sailing experience with the VIP Yacht Tour. This exclusive tour allows you to relax on a luxurious yacht while exploring the stunning waters of Nha Trang Bay. Experience the beauty of the bay, enjoy sumptuous meals prepared by top chefs, and engage in various exciting activities such as snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing on isolated beaches. This is an ideal way to experience the natural beauty and tranquility of Nha Trang.

Oceanography Museum

The Oceanography Museum is part of the Nha Trang Oceanography Institute, established in 1923, located at 1 Cầu Đá. The museum includes areas for breeding marine creatures, nature disaster displays, artificial mangrove forests, large marine life samples, oceanographic research equipment, and intangible resources.

Here, visitors can admire over 20,000 specimens of marine and freshwater species. Some of the creatures are displayed in glass tanks, such as devil fish, lionfish, and tube anemones, showcasing the diversity of Vietnam's marine ecosystem. Notably, the museum exhibits an 18-meter whale skeleton and a preserved Dugong specimen caught in nets by fishermen in Phú Quốc in 2003.

Entrance fees for the museum are 40,000 VND for adults, 20,000 VND for students, and 10,000 VND for schoolchildren.

Ponagar Tower

Ponagar is a Cham temple located atop a hill approximately 10 meters above sea level at the mouth of the Cái River, now located in Vĩnh Phước ward. It is one of the largest cultural heritages of the Cham civilization in the country.

The architecture consists of three levels, accessed via stone stairs. The gate tower area is no longer present. The middle level, or the Mandapa area, is where guests rest and prepare offerings. Here, there are four octagonal columns featuring 12 smaller columns outside and 10 larger columns inside.

Following the steep stairs, visitors arrive at the temple complex, which consists of six red brick Kalan (temples), two of which have been destroyed, leaving only their foundations. The towers are built in the same style but differ in size, with the northeast tower being the tallest at about 23 meters. Each corner of the roof features three tiered roofs adorned with various symbols like elephants, swans, and goats. Surrounding the temple complex are many trees where visitors can sit and relax.

In addition to praying and taking photos with the magnificent ancient towers, visitors can also enjoy views of the bustling boats on the river.

Cô Tiên Mountain

Visitors to Nha Trang city should head north along Phạm Văn Đồng road and towards Đường Đệ to find Cô Tiên Mountain in Vĩnh Hòa ward, formed by three adjacent peaks ranging from 200 meters to over 300 meters high. Located about 10 km from the city center, this spot is often climbed by locals for exercise or camping.

The path up Cô Tiên Mountain is not too difficult; even children can climb alongside adults, taking about 30 to 45 minutes from the base to the camping site at the summit. The best times to climb for sunrise are around 5:30 AM and for sunset around 3:30 PM. If traveling by motorbike, you can park at a nearby resident's home along Ngô Văn Sở road for 5,000 VND/bike. Tents and flashlights can be rented here.

VinWonders Nha Trang

This is an amusement and resort area located on Hòn Tre island, covering a total area of 200,000 square meters, connected to the mainland by a modern cable car system. The amusement area is divided into indoor and outdoor sections, water parks, aquariums, performance art areas, an ocean film castle, and a dining area.

Here, visitors have plenty of options, such as enjoying the water park or experiencing thrilling rides like the free-fall tower, roller coasters, and high-speed trains. For families with children, don’t forget to visit the movie castle or candy fortress.

At the end of the day, families can enjoy a ride on the 120-meter giant wheel for panoramic views of the stunning Nha Trang bay.

The entrance fee, including a round-trip cable car ticket, is 950,000 VND for adults, 750,000 VND for children between 1 meter and 1.4 meters, and a special ticket price of 530,000 VND for customers over 60 years old.