Nha Trang is another coastal city in Vietnam and located in the South Central Coast of the country. It has more than 500,000 in population and is a well-known tourist destination for backpackers and affluent travelers because of its beautiful beaches.
Due to its sizable popular and white sandy beaches, it attracts a year round flock of travelers. There are plenty of hotels, restaurants, shops and attractions to accommodate them all.
It lies about 410-440 kilometers from Saigon, depending on how you travel to Nha Trang. You can take a flight, board a train, hop on bus or drive your motorbike. Commute time will very from an hour to ten hours, depending on choice.
History
During the 16th to 19th century, Nha Trang used to be a deserted area full of wildlife. It was only in the 20th century when things began to change and the Governor-General of French Indochina made Nha Trang an urban center.
In 1958, Nha Trang was divided into two rural areas named Nha Trang Dong or Eastern Nha Trang and Nha Trang Tay or Western Nha Trang. It was eventually proclaimed the capital of Khanh Hoa Province in 1989 and then 10 years later, it was recognized as a first class municipal city.
Main Attractions
Experience the exotic along with the wholesomely divine at Nha Trang. Touted as the Riviera of the South China Sea, this lovely coastal town offers visitors – regardless of age, gender or preference – a positively memorable holiday. A pristine six-kilometre coastline stretches across this one quiet fishing town.
French colonization transformed this small village to a bustling resort area filled with entertainment complexes such as the Tri Nguyen Aquarium, Vinpearl Amusement Park, Vinpearl Resort Nha Trang, and Vinpearl Land Complex. Families can enjoy themselves at the spacious 200,000 square metre park where Under Water World, a Shopping Mall, sumptuous restaurants, and the 3,320 square metre Guinness-record holder long sea-crossing cable reside.
Nature-lovers will appreciate this seaside area’s crystal clear waters replete with flourishing reefs, abundant marine life, fine sandy beaches, natural hot springs, recreational activities ideal for any budget and preference, and traditional temples standing in the midst of modern structures. Overall, there’s just a lot of things to do in Nha Trang, enough to keep you occupied year round.
Here are just a few of the activities in Nha Trang, in no particular order:
Po Nagar Cham Towers – This historical complex was built by the Cham people way back in the 8th to 11th century. The towers, similar to what you can find in Cambodia and Thailand, were built by the Cham people who are known for their exceptional skills in sculpture and architecture.The towers were made to honor the goddess Po Nagar also known as “The Mother of the Country”.
Long Son Pagoda – Famous for the big white Buddha that sits on top of the mountain, this attraction is located at the foothill of Trai Thuy Mountain. Long Son Pagoda became the home of many high-ranking monks. It underwent many restorations after it was destroyed by a cyclone in 1990. Today, it is one of the most popular Taoist architecture that can be found in the city.
Thap Ba Hot Springs – This is a recommended tourists spot for those who want to try something different. The hot springs is where visitors can get down and dirty in their mineral-enriched mud bath. Afterwards, they can wash off in the pools that are said to reduce stress, arthritis and rheumatism.
Experience the cable car rides – Visit Vinpearl Land and take a ride in their cable cars. It’s said to be the world’s longest over-the-sea cable that’s perfect for the thrill seeking tourists. Aside from the cable car ride, Vinpearl also has the biggest wave pool in Southeast Asia.
Island hopping – There are many tour companies that offer affordable day trip packages for those who want to visit the islands and go snorkeling. Most of them are inclusive of a seafood lunch, all for a very reasonable price.
Party at night – For those who want to have some fun after the sun goes down, Nha Trang has many bars and nightclubs to choose from. Some of the best bars are nestled along the famous Tran Phu Beach while the Skylight Skydeck and Rooftop Beach Club is another place to party up high and in style.
Festivals
Nha Trang Sea Festival – This colorful festival happens every two years and lasts for a week in Nha Trang City. The event aims to honor Nha Trang and its natural beauty. The festival includes street parades, food exhibition, beach games and contests.
Accommodations
There is no shortage of hotels to choose from in nifty Nha Trang. Since it’s a beach holiday, we naturally recommend one the luxury hotels that line the coast. You’ll afford yourself an unobstructed view of the Pacific Ocean from your room, and most likely, local rooftop bar. There’s also a slew of nice upscale hotels all around town to choose form. Budget accommodations like room shares and hostels are easy to come by too.
Hue, Vietnam