WHAT TO DO IN NHA TRANG?

Nha Trang is the capital of Khanh Hoa province and Vietnam’s most famous seaside resort, thanks to a particularly pleasant climate and a 5 km long golden sandy beach lined with palm trees.

The city of Nha Trang belonged to an ancient Kingdom and was inhabited by the Chams, and we can see some of the remnants of his past. If you travel from North to South or vice-versa, Nha Trang is a nice place to stop for a few days.

Don’t be surprised by the large number of Russian travellers, indeed a low-cost airline recently opened between Russia and Nha Trang, hence the number of Russian tourists and the Cyrillic inscriptions everywhere in front of the shops.

This selection may be useful in planning an itinerary and organizing your trip to Nha Trang, giving you a taste of the best things to do and places to visit.

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Here are 10 must-see things to do and see during a trip to Nha Trang:

1. THE LONG SON PAGODA

Located 3km from the city centre, it’s a Buddhist temple built in 1886 near a 24-metre high Buddha statue. Admission to the pagoda is free, contrary to what the touts say. Also, don’t accept incense sticks or you will have to give money to them. Cover your shoulders and knees to visit the pagoda.

2. HAVE A DRINK AT THE SKYLIGHT SKYDECK

For a impressive 360° view of Nha Trang and the surrounding mountains while enjoying a cold beer, go to Skylight Skydeck on the 43rd floor of the Havana Hotel. It’s best to go there at sunset. There is also a swimming pool and a dance floor.

More information here

3. DO SCUBA DIVING

Nha Trang is Vietnam’s number one diving destination, although you shouldn’t expect such beautiful spots as Thailand or Indonesia… Visibility is best between April and the end of July.

4. THE NIGHT MARKET

A nice evening outing, the Cho Dam outdoor market is in the centre of Nha Trang and you can buy souvenirs there. Consider negotiating prices to get a good deal.

5. VISIT THE CHAM TEMPLES

The Cham temples are beautiful temples built in 817, at the mouth of the Cai River. Entirely made of bricks, they are a little reminiscent of the temples of Bagan, in Myanmar. They are quite huge and you can see them from afar. It’s possible to walk there from the centre of Nha Trang (bring a bottle of water and a hat to protect you from the sun), but for the return trip it’s better to take a taxi (beware of scams!!!).

6. VINPEARL AMUSEMENT PARK

Located on an island off the coast of Nha Trang, it can be reached by cable car or boat. There is an aquatic complex with slides and wave pools, as well as an amusement park. The entry costs 600000 VND.

7. THE YERSIN MUSEUM

A museum dedicated to Alexandre Yersin, an explorer and researcher who discovered the plague bacillus and found the vaccine for it. It’s very small but very interesting to visit.

• Practical information

8. EXPLORE THE ISLANDS AROUND NHA TRANG

Excursions are available in the agencies to explore the surrounding islands. Prices generally include lunch, snorkeling equipment and transfers to your hotel. it’s nice to meet other travellers. The excursions stop at Hon Mun Island, Hon Mot, Hon Tam, and Hon Mieu.

If you have time, Whale Island is beautiful to visit (2 hours of travel).

9. THE CATHEDRAL

An imposing neo-Gothic style building located a little above ground, built between 1928 and 1933. It has beautiful stained glass windows.

10. THE I RESORT

Located 4 km from the centre of Nha Trang, you can take mud and thermal water baths, massage…

• More information here.

MORE THINGS TO DO AND SEE IN NHA TRANG

If you have more time in Nha Trang, here are some other activities to do and places to visit:

• Ba Ho Falls: 20km north of Nha Trang. Bring good shoes. Entrance + paid parking (25000 VND).
• Go to the cinema: located in the Lotte Mart, films are subtitled in English. Perfect for enjoying the air conditioning.
• Yang Bay Waterfall: located 45 km from Nha Trang, at an altitude of 1000 meters. Paid entry (100000 VND).
• Thap Ba Hot Springs Centre: 15 minutes by taxi from Nha Trang. Mud baths, jacuzzi, sauna…

THE BEST PLACES TO SEE IN NHA TRANG ON GOOGLE MAP