Nha Trang, Vietnam

Nha Trang is another coastal city in Vietnam and is located on 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 white sandy beaches and warm coastal breezes, it attracts a year-round flock of travelers. Because it’s so close, many Chinese and Russian tourists flock to this area, which has garnered Nha Trang the reputation as “Little Russia”. Walking around town you’ll spot many menus and signs written in Russian (and Mandarin).

There are plenty of hotels, restaurants, shops, and attractions to accommodate them all. It’s the capital city of the Khanh Hoa Province.

Nha Trang Vietnam Ocean Bridge — Nha Trang bridge. Photo: Tu

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 a bus or drive your motorbike. Commute time will vary from an hour to ten hours, depending on your choice.

French colonization transformed this small village into 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 meter park where Under Water World, a shopping mall, sumptuous restaurants, and the 3,320 square meter Guinness-record holder long sea-crossing cable reside.

Doc Let Beach Nha Trang — Doc Let Beach in Nha Trang. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Nature-lovers will appreciate this seaside area’s crystal clear waters replete with flourishing reefs, abundant marine life, fine sandy beaches, and natural hot springs. Nha Trang has recreational activities ideal for any budget and preference, and traditional temples standing in the midst of modern structures.

History

Reclining Buddha Nha Trang Vietnam — Reclining Buddha. Photo: Sarah Worthy

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

White Sand Beach Nha Trang Vietnam — Nha Trang white sandy beach. Photo: YangTS

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-kilometer coastline stretches across this one quiet fishing town.

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 tourist 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. Afterward, they can wash off in the pools that are said to reduce stress, arthritis, and rheumatism.

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 thrill-seeking tourists. Aside from the cable car ride, Vinpearl also has the biggest wave pool in Southeast Asia.

Vinpearl Land Nha Trang Vietnam — Vinpearl Land. Photo: sbertaux51

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. They were made to honor the goddess Po Nagar also known as “The Mother of the Country”.

Nightlife

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.

Nha Trang Vietnam Tran Phau Street Night — Night on Tran Phau Street. Photo: credit_00

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.

Beaches

Hit up the great beaches around Nha Trang. You can pick up a surfboard or jet ski rental. Whatever water sport you’re looking to do you usually can find it locally. Swimming and sunbathing are popular activities for beachgoers.

Overall, there are just a lot of things to do in Nha Trang, enough to keep you occupied year-round.

Accommodations

Tran Phau Street Nha Trang Vietnam — Tran Phau Street in Nha Trang. Photo: NguyenTrung

Booking.com

There is no shortage of hotels to choose from in nifty Nha Trang. Since it’s a beach holiday, we naturally recommend one of the luxury hotels that line the coast. You’ll afford yourself an unobstructed view of the Pacific Ocean from your room, and most likely, a local rooftop bar.

There’s also a slew of nice upscale hotels all around town to choose from. Budget accommodations like room shares and hostels are easy to come by too.

Hotels and lodging:

Read about the best hotels in Nha Trang.
Read about the top 5-star hotels in Nha Trang.
Read about the cheap hotels in Nha Trang.
Read about the beach resorts in Nha Trang.

Special Events

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 exhibitions, beach games, and contests.