Best places to visit in Nha Trang, Vietnam: A guide to a beautiful beach town

Nha Trang is the jewel of Southern Vietnam. Located just a few hundred kilometers from the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang is like a different country. This humble provincial town offers both modern and traditional experiences to travelers from all over the world. Unlike other sleepy beach towns, Nha Trang also has a much more vibrant nightlife to keep you busy at all hours of the day!

I. Is Nha Trang worth a visit?

Yes. Absolutely. This bustling seaside city is one of the cleanest and most spectacular tourist spots in Vietnam. With a huge range of activities and attractions in Nha Trang, you’ll never feel too busy either. Here’s just a taste of the best experiences you can have:

• Discover ancient temples and the National Oceanographic Museum of Vietnam
• Climb through the Ba Ho Waterfall Gorge
• Scuba dive in the crystal-clear ocean waters
• Dine on seafood specialties at Vinpearl Island Resort
• Relax on any number of local pristine beaches

II. What is Nha Trang known for?

This coastal city, of course, has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. However, Nha Trang city attractions are also world-class, from dazzling pagodas and ancient architecture to exciting journeys through museums and water parks. Let’s look at 5 of the top landmarks Nha Trang has to offer!

1. Po Nagar Towers

Just a little North of the city, the Po Nagar Towers are an ancient remnant of a civilization that once inhabited Southern Vietnam. The stone buildings have an intricate, ornate design and date back to the 8th century. They were originally built as a tribute to ancient deities, but are still used for traditional worship by the Cham ethnic minority. Festivals are held here from late May to early April.

Po Nagar Towers

>> Read more: Po Nagar Cham Towers - a must-see in Nha Trang

2. Long Son Pagoda

Opened in 1886, this historic site is home to a 24-meter-high white Buddha statue. Impressive and grandiose, the white Buddha statue that stands atop the hill can be seen from almost anywhere in Nha Trang, but to get a closer look, you must first climb 152 steps up from an ancient Buddhist temple below. On the way up from Long Son Pagoda, be sure to stop and enjoy the awe-inspiring views of Nha Trang, the mountains and the vast sea below.

Long Son Pagoda

3. Oceanography Museum

Heading south of the city, a spectacular six-kilometer coastal road leads to the National Oceanographic Museum of Vietnam. Housed in a colonial-era building with French architecture, the exhibit includes a monstrous whale skeleton, aquariums with sharks and specimens of other wondrous marine life. There are many other conservation and research areas to explore and the drive up here is worth the effort alone, especially if you plan to visit Hon Tre Island. With the ferry terminal so close, it's convenient to do both!

The National Oceanographic Museum of Vietnam @ The Oceanographic Museum website

4. Nha Trang Cathedral

Nha Trang Cathedral, also known locally as Nhà thờ Núi Nha Trang, is a must-see attraction for people of all faiths. She was founded in 1886 as a simple parish for colonial missionaries, a famous priest named Louis Vallet later began his lifelong residency and redesigned the church in French Gothic architecture. Extensive work was done to create stunning stained glass windows depicting scenes from the Life of Jesus.

King's Cathedral (Stone Church), Nha Trang, Vietnam

>> Read more: The unique architecture of the stone cathedral of Nha Trang

5. Alexandre Yersin Museum

This French-Swiss scientist is credited with discovering the bacteria that causes plagues and other diseases. Although far from his hometown, he spent most of his distinguished career in Nha Trang until he died in 1943. The Alexandre Yersin Museum was founded in his name and is in his former home. Here, guests can wander around and see relics of his research, his equipment, and a large collection of photographs he took while traveling in Vietnam in the early 20th century.

The Alexandre Yersin Museum @ Internet

III. Sandy Beaches

Nha Trang has many clean, pristine beaches that are either within walking distance of the city center or a short drive away. It is easy and inexpensive to get to these attractions by motorbike or taxi. The islands have many beaches that can be reached by boat, so it is best to book a tour. This list only includes locations that are on the mainland.

1. Tran Phu Beach

Also known as Nha Trang Beach for its location right across from the main tourist and business district, it stretches across the bay for about 6 beautiful kilometers. As the most accessible beach in Nha Trang, it has large promenade sections that regularly host concerts and events. Many resorts, hotels and restaurants are located nearby and welcome all kinds of Vietnamese and foreign visitors.

2. Bai Dai

Locally known as Bai Dai Beach, it is located further South of the main hustle and bustle of the city center. Visitors to this beach can enjoy a more relaxed and exclusive atmosphere with far fewer tourists and an abundance of pristine white sand and clear waters. Many large resorts are positioned on the beachfront for tourists who enjoy 5-star service.

3. Hon Chong Beach

Hon Chong Beach is a small patch of sand to the north that offers great panoramic views and makes a great stopover when traversing the coast from Nha Trang. Local Vietnamese seafood restaurants and quaint cafes are on hand for refreshments.

4. Ninh Van

Much further North of Nha Trang city center is the Ninh Van Peninsula. The beaches are quiet and look like a scene from King Kong. This mountainous outcrop is also a great place for hiking and there are several jungle waterfalls for intrepid travelers to discover. It takes about 2 hours to drive from Nha Trang, with a choice of 5-star hotels, hostels and boutique hotels.

>> Read more: Nha Trang Vietnam - what to do in 2 or 3 days?

IV. Adventure and Theme Parks

Adventure and water parks are big attractions for both domestic and international visitors to Nha Trang. Below are 4 of the best parks on offer:

1. VinWonders Amusement Park and Cable Car

Located in the VinPearl Resort on Hon Tre Island, VinWonders offers a large water park, an exotic zoo and sprawling gardens. In addition, the resort has several theme park attractions such as a steel roller coaster and a 4D cinema. A visit to VinPearl involves a dizzying spin on the 3km cable car that connects the mainland to the VinPearl resort. The cable car ride crosses the ocean, giving guests a lucrative glimpse of the tropical terrain for which Nha Trang is famous.

2. 100 Eggs Tourist Area

This multicultural water park has several large mud baths and swimming pools in a beautiful forest setting. Accommodation is offered in decorative egg huts nestled into the mountainside. Visitors can also enjoy mud baths and personal spa treatments, delicious local culinary experiences, and events that include campfires and traditional mountain dances, making it a top attraction for families.

3. Ba Ho Waterfall

If relaxing on a pristine beach gets a bit tiring, Ba Ho Waterfall is sure to ignite the adventurer in you. Although it is also operated and managed as a resort, day visitors can traverse the vast canyon network that connects three waterfalls. The river banks provide a serene spot for picnicking and splashing around. Other activities include an Asian-style piñata, swan pedalos, and plenty of Instagram opportunities. Be sure to bring appropriate footwear if you plan to climb the gorge, and ask the lifeguards for advice on the best cliff diving spots among the waterfalls!

The Natural Beauty of Ba Ho Waterfall

4. Central Park

Located at the Southern end of Nha Trang City Bay, Central Park offers guests luxurious pools with dreamy four-poster beds perched near the water. The restaurants offer poolside dining and the entire property overlooks the bay. It’s a great place to retreat from the beach which is just steps away from the palm trees and sun loungers of Central Park.

V. Islands and Archipelagos

Several islands and archipelagos dot Nha Trang’s coastline and local travel agencies offer a myriad of tours for a variety of adventures. For those who enjoy self-discovery, boats depart to the main islands from the Southern Harbor near the National Oceanographic Museum. Here are some of the best places you can visit:

1. Hon Mun Island

Hon Mun Marine Park is the easternmost of the island chain. Vibrant coral attracts even more vibrant schools of fish, making this one of the best scuba diving spots in Vietnam. Tour operators offer diving, snorkeling, and lunch in affordable packages.

2. Hon Tam Island

Closer to the mainland is the volcanic island of Hon Tam. A day trip offers bathing in natural hot springs, white-sand beaches, and stunning views of rugged mountains and thick jungles. Several luxury hotels also cater to guests who want to stay a little longer. Villas with private pools and hot springs are just a few of the accommodation options on offer.

3. Hon Tre Island and Vinpearl Resort

As mentioned earlier, Hon Tre Island is home to VinWonders and VinPearl Estates which are accessible by a monstrous 3km cable car ride over the sea. Other areas of the island are home to local fishermen and serene mountain scenery. Small hotels are nestled in the quiet coves that surround the island. The conservation and crystal clear waters mean that scuba diving, snorkeling and swimming are the best things to do on your trip.

>> Read more: A trip to Tri Nguyen fishing village (Nha Trang)

4. Monkey Island Resort

Also known as Hon Lao, Monkey Island Resort is located North of Nha Trang, just below the Ninh Van Peninsula. A visit to this destination will include both a live animal show and interactions with wild monkeys. Go-kart racing and scuba diving are just some of the games and activities on Monkey Island that cater to families and thrill-seekers alike.

VI. What to do in Nha Trang at night?

Nha Trang was a small colonial town until Vietnam began opening up to the international travel community in the late 1980s. Today, it has grown to cater to the appetites of a huge tourism industry with a variety of culinary and drinking experiences. Here are some of the bars and restaurants that put Nha Trang on the map.

1. Sailing Club - Best Overall

Located along Tran Phu Beach on the Southern end of the city, Sailing Club is a lively and luxurious beachfront property equipped with 3 kitchens and various dining areas, including beanbag lounges set up by the sea. Authentic Asian and international dishes are part of an extensive menu. Lunch is served overlooking the vast East Sea. On Saturday nights, guests can enjoy beach raves, with hip-hop dance performances and international DJs until 2 am.

2. Why Not Bar - Best Party Atmosphere

Located just a 10-minute walk from Nha Trang Beach, this party hub boasts a huge dance floor, and advanced club lighting systems last orders are at 3 am. Generous drinks promotions last until 1 am, when a small cover charge also applies. While an eclectic mix of electro-dance music plays to crowds of up to 200 inside, an outdoor terrace offers comfortable chairs and tables for those who want more of a seated celebration.

3. Skylight - Best Rooftop Bar

In Nha Trang’s main tourist district is Skylight, which prides itself on creating memories. Offering a diverse menu of Vietnamese and international cuisine, Skylight also features a top deck with spectacular 360˚ views of the entire area, including Nha Trang Bay and the mountains surrounding Nha Trang. Skylight hosts huge parties with famous artists and private events for up to 350 people.

4. Enjoy Street Food at the Night Market

One of the best things about Nha Trang is the abundance of street food. Further away from the tourist district, travelers will find the street bustling with local street vendors and motorbikes with portable barbecues. A traditional dish like Banh Trang Nuong is usually sold for less than a dollar.

If you’re looking for more than just food, a centralized night market is located along Nha Trang Boulevard at 46 Tran Phu Street, while a smaller market can be found on Tue Tinh and Tran Quang Khai Streets. Yasaka Beach Resort on Tran Phu Street also runs a night market.

These night markets are a great place to pick up some tasty Vietnamese cuisine or buy trinkets for friends back home.

VII. Is Nha Trang expensive?

Relatively no. Although it’s a city known for tourism, prices are comparable to Ho Chi Minh City. Other more rural areas of Vietnam are of course cheaper, but these places also lack the services and infrastructure that make Nha Trang touristy.

VIII. When is the best time to visit Nha Trang?

As Nha Trang is located in the Southern part of tropical Vietnam, it enjoys a hot and humid climate for most of the year with average temperatures around 27°C. This number can reach up to 40°C during the day and drop to below 20°C at night, so it is best to pack for both scenarios. The year is divided into two distinct seasons, summer and the rainy season.

Summer

Summer runs from January to August and the weather is quite pleasant, making these months the busiest for the tourism sector. This is also the best time to go scuba diving as there is very little rainfall, marine life is thriving and the waters are clear. On the other hand, some smaller waterfalls can be quite dry during this time if there has been no rain for a while.

Rainy Season

Nha Trang's rainy seasonoccursbetween September and December. Monsoons will often be accompanied by typhoons and heavy thunderstorms. This time of year is the low season for the tourism industry and prices are cheaper. Plus, it's the best time of year to take a trip to the waterfalls and the scenery will be much greener and more vibrant.

Whether you're looking for marine life or nightlife, Nha Trang is the one-stop destination that will keep any savvy traveler busy for days or even weeks.

Related articles:

>> Top 10 tips and tricks for a successful trip to Cambodia

>> Best things to do in Vietnam

>> Tour 3 weeks in Vietnam, an exciting tour of the Dragon

>> Vietnam tour 15 days: What to do? What itinerary ideas do you have?

>> Tour 1 week in Vietnam: Good deals for a 7-day tour in Vietnam

>> Tour in Vietnam in one month: 3 options to absolutely enjoy!

>> Preparations for the traditional Tet, the Vietnamese New Year

>> Tour to the Mekong Delta: itinerary ideas in 1,2,3,4,5,6 days to know

>> Vietnam Cambodia tour 2 weeks: What to do?