Cập nhật: 01-01-1970 12:00:00 | Blogs about Vietnam | Lượt xem: 1020
Encircled by green hills and a turquoise bay adorned with tropical islands, the seaside city of Nha Trang is a lively location that will keep you fascinated. As the bright star of numerous Vietnam beach tours, Nha Trang offers countless opportunities to lounge on sun-kissed shores, delve into thrilling watersports, discover abundant marine life, and taste delicious cuisine. In other words, this is the perfect place to turn your coastal getaway into an unforgettable adventure.
Nha Trang is the administrative center of Khanh Hoa Province and one of Vietnam’s most well-known beachside retreats. The city is quite compact, with a natural area of only 251 km², but it has been rapidly developed in recent decades. Nha Trang has long been dubbed the Pearl of the East Sea thanks to its natural charm and pleasant climate, situated along the country's southern coastline.
Alongside local appreciation, this place has also gained noticeable international acclaim. It soon entered the Club of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World in 2003 and has made it to recommended lists of prestigious magazines multiple times, typically “Best Places in the World to Go Scuba Diving” by Forbes in 2020, and “Best Beach Destinations to Retire in” by Travel + Leisure in 2024, just to name a few.
Nha Trang’s climate is relatively mild with an average annual temperature of 25⁰C - 26⁰C. It only features a short rainy season from September to December, which is not ideal for traveling due to cold air, heavy downpours, and occasional typhoons. Therefore, the best time for your excursion here is from January to August, when the weather is dry, sunny, and warm, creating favorable conditions for beach activities and other types of exploration.
Khanh Hoa Province’s Cam Ranh International Airport is only 35 km from Nha Trang. In addition to domestic connections with major hubs like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, it also serves international flights from Thailand, Malaysia, China, and South Korea. Upon arrival at the airport, you can take a taxi or bus no. 18 to Nha Trang’s city center.
Another considerable option to reach Nha Trang is by train. Nha Trang Station is a key stop on the Reunification Express, which connects Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and offers fantastic views of Vietnam’s countryside along the way. The train ride only takes 8 hours if you’re traveling from Ho Chi Minh City, while it’s roughly 28 hours from Hanoi.
Notably, from Ho Chi Minh City and other nearby locations, long-distance buses are the most affordable choice.
Stretching 12 km along the beach, Tran Phu Street is generally the most popular area to stay in Nha Trang, thanks to its mesmerizing ocean views and high-energy vibe.
On nearby streets like Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Yersin, or Le Thanh Ton, same-quality accommodations usually cost a little less while remaining close to the shoreline. Especially in the backpacker-friendly areas around Hung Vuong and Nguyen Thien Thuat Streets, you’ll find budget guesthouses and hostels.
If you prefer luxury options, high-end resorts and beachfront villas are available on Hon Tre Island and along Bai Dai Beach.
Undoubtedly, the first experience you must have in Nha Trang is discovering its gorgeous beaches. The city’s main beach, Nha Trang Beach, is a bustling hub where you can indulge in tons of fun things like sunbathing, swimming, parasailing, kite surfing, paddleboarding, and jet skiing... If you seek tranquility instead, just head 30 km south to Bai Dai (Long Beach), which stands out with a 10-km stretch of white sand and provides amazing opportunities for relaxation, surfing, and sampling fresh seafood.
Another exciting experience you can’t miss here is joining an island-hopping tour to explore the picturesque islands surrounding Nha Trang Bay. Some common spots you should pass by are Hon Tre - the biggest and home to the huge waterpark VinWonders Nha Trang, Hon Mun - a paradise for snorkeling and diving, Hon Tam with its pristine beach and famous mineral mud bath complex, and Monkey Island where about 1,500 cute monkeys currently reside.
Only a few kilometers north of Nha Trang’s city center is Po Nagar, an ancient temple complex dedicated to Lady Po Nagar - the goddess of the Cham who founded the Cham Kingdom in the past, according to legend. The name “Po Nagar” belongs to the main tower, but now it’s used to refer to the whole site. Built between the 7th and 12th centuries on a hill overlooking the Cai River, these well-preserved towers inspiringly blend Hindu and Buddhist architectural styles, offering a peaceful escape from the beach crowds.
Not far away from Po Nagar Cham Towers is Long Son Pagoda, an imposing structure dating back to the late 19th century. The main draw of the pagoda is a 24-meter-tall white concrete statue of Buddha, which was recognized as Vietnam’s largest outdoor Buddha statue. You’ll have to climb 193 steps to reach the statue, but the breathtaking panoramic view of Nha Trang afterward is pretty rewarding. Just like the Cham Towers, this pagoda is one of the most awe-inspiring things to see in Nha Trang, Vietnam, if you wish to learn more about the city’s cultural and spiritual side.
Located approximately 25 km north of Nha Trang, Ba Ho (meaning “Three Pools”) is a beautiful ecotourism area that boasts three cascading waterfalls in the middle of lush green settings. These falls drop from a 660-meter high peak before separating into three pools of different heights, creating a moderately challenging trek route that suits almost every fitness level. If you’re not into trekking, you can just take an electric buggy at the reception for an additional fee.
After a long day of exploring, don’t forget to treat yourself to a mud bath, a unique wellness experience with incredible healing properties. The mineral-rich mud will help rejuvenate your skin, improve circulation, promote relaxation, relieve stress, and calm your mind. In the hills just north of the city, you’ll see numerous spas and resorts that let you soak your fatigue away with their warm mud tubs and hot mineral springs.
Placed at the heart of Nha Trang, Dam Market is the city’s largest trading space and a nice place to visit if you’re into local culture. This is where you can find high-quality handmade crafts, fresh seafood, and authentic dishes. However, the market is only open during the daytime. After sundown, just head 2 kilometers south to the Night Market instead. Unlike Cho Dam, which is more about fresh produce and local life, Nha Trang Night Market leans heavily into souvenirs, clothes, accessories, and local art. Bargaining is expected, so brush up on your haggling skills.
Nha Trang’s culinary scene is a delight for food lovers, especially when you’re fond of seafood. Besides the mentioned markets, beachfront restaurants are also great spots to feast on freshly caught oysters, prawns, squid, crab, shellfish, and more. For a broader taste of regional cuisine, don’t miss other specialties such as bún chả cá (fish cake noodle soup), nem nướng Nha Trang (grilled pork rolls), bánh căn (mini rice pancakes), bánh xèo (Vietnamese sizzling pancake), and chè (sweet soup dessert)...
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