Nha Trang Travel Guide

Thanks to the modern tourism infrastructure, more and more tourists choose Nha Trang, Vietnam as a destination for beach relaxation, both local and foreign visitors alike. Wonder about things to do in Nha Trang, what to eat, where to stay, etc., check out the following Nha Trang travel guide to find your own answer.

General Information

Nha Trang is one of the main beach holiday resorts in Vietnam. Located on the coast of the South China Sea, 480 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City, crossed by the Cai River, the climate is pleasant. It is famous for its bay, which is part of the “most beautiful bay club in the world”, its long white sand beach swimming in crystal clear water… a real postcard setting and a little delight for diving enthusiasts Heaven!
Nha Trang is also popular with families with children as it offers many water activities and fun activities.

Nha Trang Weather & Best time to visit

Nha Trang is located in tropical southern Vietnam. The climate is hot and humid for most of the year, with an average temperature of around 27°C. During the day, this number rises to 40°C, but at night it drops below 20°C. The city has two distinct seasons: dry and rainy.

Low humidity (around 80%) can be expected during the dry season, but some months are hotter than others. Therefore, the dry season is more popular with tourists. The rainy season in Nha Trang is from September to December. Monsoons are often accompanied by typhoons and severe thunderstorms. This time of year is a low season for tourism and prices are relatively low. For those who want to enjoy the natural beauty of Nha Trang’s beautiful coastline and white sand beaches, as well as participate in various fun beach activities and local street tours, it is highly recommended to go during the dry season, especially from February to April. Most of the time is sunny and the temperature is comfortable at 27 °C and 28°C, allowing you to make the most of this charming city. May and June are the hottest months with heavy rainy days.

Getting to & around Nha Trang

By bus

You can choose to go to Nha Trang by bus from some neighboring and nearby provinces:

• From Da Lat  – Nha Trang: 150 km. Duration: 3 hours
• From Ho Chi Minh City – Nha Trang: 460km. Duration: 10 hours
• From Mui Ne, Phan Thiet – Nha Trang: 220km. Duration: 4 hours
• From Buon Me Thuot – Nha Trang: 200 km. Duration: 4 – 4.5 hours
• From Quy Nhon – Nha Trang: 230km. Duration: 5 hours
• From Hue – Nha Trang: 630km. Duration: 14 hours

By train

Nha Trang train station is located in the city center. It is served by trains from Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang.

• Danang to Nha Trang by train: 9am-10am
• From Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang by train: 8 hours

You can buy tickets at the ticket office at the station or you can book in advance online through 12go.asia, duongsatvietnam.com… We are always ready to help you book train tickets in advance. Please contact us for more information.

By plane

Nha Trang has its own international airport. Cam Ranh International Airport (CXR) is located 35 kilometers from Nha Trang, about a 45-minute drive. Therefore, you can easily travel to Nha Trang by direct flight from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, or Da Nang. This is the fastest way and you will have the best physical strength to explore this resort town in no time. The 3 airlines that offer direct flights to Nha Trang are Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet, and Jetstar Park.

• From Ho Chi Minh (SGN) – Nha Trang (CXR): 460km. Duration: 1 hour
• From Da Nang (DAD) – Nha Trang (CXR): 500km. Duration: 1 hour
• From Hanoi (HAN) – Nha Trang (CXR): 1300km. Duration: 1 hour 55 minutes

By private car

Here, car rental is a good choice so that you can fully enjoy your trip to Nha Trang. This vehicle is designed just for you, your personal driver will take you to any destination you wish to visit safely. IDC Travel offers car rentals for sightseeing in Nha Trang. Prices are determined before departure.

By taxi

Nha Trang is a tourist city, so you have many options to get around the city by taxi. Several major taxi companies in Nha Trang are Mai Linh Nha Trang Taxi, Vinasun Nha Trang Taxi, Asia Nha Trang Taxi, and so on.

By moto-taxi (Xe om)/ Grab

You can consider getting a driver right off the street. Just give directions, say where you’re going, preferably with a map or translated information, and negotiate a price. The drivers are very friendly and helpful.

The best solution is to use a traffic monitoring app like Grab, Be, or Gojek. In Southeast Asia, it is the most popular and trusted app that you should use. The good thing is that it lets you know who your driver is, how much you’ll be charged, and your pickup details. So every transaction is ready in an instant and you can avoid haggling.

By bike or motorbike

If you are an adventure seeker, renting a bicycle or motorbike allows you to explore Nha Trang at your own pace. To rent them, you will have to pay a deposit and present your identity card, passport, etc. As such, beware of scams and respect the rules of the road.

Where to Stay in Nha Trang

As a tourist town, this coastal city has no shortage of accommodation options to choose from. Hotels are mainly concentrated in the southern part of the city. It benefits from being close to the beach. Here are some recommendations for your trip to Nha Trang:

• Sunrise Beach Hotel & Spa (5-star)

Address: 12-14 Tran Phu Street

• Amiana Resort & Spa  (5-star)

Address: Turtle Bay, Pham Van Dong, Vinh Hai Commune

• Mia Resort Nha Trang (5-star)

Address: Bai Dong, Cam Hai Dong, Cam Lam, Khanh Hoa

• Alana Nha Trang Beach (4-star)

Address: 7 Tran Quang Khai Street

• Dessole Beach Resort (4-star)

Address: Km 11, Nguyen Tat Thanh, Bai Dai, Cam Hai Dong, Cam Lam, Khanh Hoa

Places to visit in Nha Trang

Nha Trang is the perfect destination for your family vacation in Vietnam with its stunning beaches, delicious seafood, educational museums, and gorgeous places of worship.

Picturesque Beaches

With its beautiful beaches, Nha Trang is a popular destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of life in bustling cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Its beaches are beautiful with white sand, palm trees, and clear blue water. Regardless of the quality of your hotel, the beach is less than a 15-minute walk away. A fantastic beach vacation is definitely possible for those on a budget.

Among the many beaches in Vietnam, Nha Trang beaches have become the most recognized beaches that are considered as wonders and dazzling natural wonders. In addition to swimming, you can enjoy many other fun water activities such as diving, sailing, or fishing.

Some most beautiful beaches of Nha Trang are:

Doc Let Beach

Doc Let Beach, about 45 kilometers north of Nha Trang, is the quietest and cleanest beach. On the coast, you can walk among the lush green casuarina bushes or relax in huts and taste fresh seafood sold and prepared by local fishermen on the shore.

Nha Trang Beach

Nha Trang beach is 7 kilometers long, crescent-shaped, and surrounds the city. The region has a pleasant climate throughout the year. The water is green like turquoise. The waves are not too big so you can swim easily. Besides swimming, you can also relax with adventurous water sports: paragliding, flying, jet skiing, etc. On the coast, you will also find many green areas, restaurants, hotels, and bars.

Bai Dai Beach

Bai Dai is located about 30 kilometers from the city center on the way from Nha Trang to Cam Ranh Airport. The sandy beach is 1 km long with white and smooth sand and clear blue water; perfect depth for swimming or other fun activities like pedal boating, windsurfing, and diving.

Hon Tam Beach

The harmony between the sea and the forest will make travelers fall in love at first sight. Located 7 kilometers southeast of Nha Trang, this beach is considered a watercolor painting with lush tropical forests, golden sands, and stunning coral reefs under the sea.

Spectacular Islands

Mun Island (Hon Mun)

Hon Mun is one of the most beautiful islands in Nha Trang and Vietnam. It is located 10 kilometers from the coast and is often included in organized tour groups. Hon Mun Island is the first and only protected marine area in Vietnam. According to WWF, it has one of the most diverse marine flora and fauna in Vietnam. There are 1,500 species of corals and several species of fish.

Mot Island (Hon Mot)

Hon Mot is one of the smallest islands in Nha Trang Bay, with an area of ​​less than one square kilometer and a population of over 200. The island also has very rich ecosystems including coconut plantations, mango plantations, and many beautiful corals.

Tam Island (Hon Tam)

Located in the bay, a 20-minute boat ride from the coast, is another beautiful island, Nha Trang. Hong Tam Island has a one-kilometer long pristine beach with white sand and emerald-green water.

Mieu Island (Hon Mieu)

But the main attraction in Hon Mieu is the Tri Nguyen Aquarium, a unique boat-shaped building that, along with the surrounding waters, is home to a variety of fish and other marine life, including giant shrimp. , sharks, and turtles.

Bamboo Island (Hon Tre)

The beautiful Bai Tru Beach is located on Hon Tre, the largest island in the bay, with an area of ​​32.5 m² and can be reached by cable car or boat. In addition to the beautiful beaches, the island also has an aquarium and a large amusement park: Vinpearlland (the local version of Disneyland). Located just 3.5 kilometers off the coast, Hòn Tre Island is a must-see for families.

Binh Ba Island

Binh Ba Island is about 15 kilometers from Cam Ranh Port. Transportation costs here are very cheap. Binh Ba is known for Chuong, Nom, and Nha Cu beaches, where you can dive and fish in the reefs.

Diep Son Island

Diep Son Island is an island consisting of three small islets of different sizes connected by long sandbars. When you visit Diep Son Island, you will get lost in a sea paradise.

Po Nagar Cham Towers

Po Nagar Towers, also known as Thap Ba, is one of the busiest attractions in Nha Trang. In the past, the ancient Cham civilization was influential in Southeast Asia, especially Cambodia and Vietnam.

The towers differ only slightly from the original design. Each Ponagar tower is dedicated to a unique deity. Of these towers, the largest tower is about 23 meters high and contains a linga and a statue dedicated to Po Nagar, which is said to have taught the locals new farming and weaving techniques. Local residents built a complex to honor the goddess.

• Ticket price: 22,000 VND / person
• Hours: 07:30 – 17:00 daily
• Location: 2 Thang 4, at the end of Xom Bong Bridge

Vinpearl Land Nha Trang

Vinpearl Land is undoubtedly a world-class entertainment paradise. The park has hundreds of exciting games that will challenge the abilities of any visitor. In addition, Vinpearl Land has the second longest cable car in the world (3320 meters). From the viewpoint of the cable car, you can enjoy the extraordinary beauty of Nha Trang’s coastal scenery and appreciate the creativity of nature as well as man-made power. Vinpearl theme park can satisfy people with all interests.

Long Son Pagoda

Inaugurated in 1886, this historic site houses a 24-meter-tall white Buddha statue. Impressive and majestic, the white Buddha statue standing on top of a hill can be seen almost everywhere in Nha Trang, but to get a closer look you have to climb the 152 steps of the ancient Buddhist temple. On your way up from the Dragon Mountain pagoda, be sure to stop and enjoy the breathtaking views of this beautiful coastal town, the mountains, and the vast sea below.

• Opening hours: 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. daily
• Address: No. 22 October 23 Street, about 2 kilometers from the center of the city.

Nha Trang Cathedral

Nha Trang Cathedral (locally known as the Stone Church or Nui Church) is the largest church in the city. Located on a hilltop overlooking Nha Trang Station, it was built in the early 19th century in the French Regional Gothic style by the priest Louis Vallet. This cathedral serves the local Catholic community. This is a popular spot for weddings and beautiful landscape shots.

• Opening hours: 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 4:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.
• Address: the intersection of Nguyen Trai Street and Thai Nguyen Street

National Oceanographic Museum of Vietnam

The National Maritime Museum displays around 60,000 marine animals, marine mammals, and birds as well as lots of fishing gear and local boats. It is the largest aquatic biome in the East China Sea. There are two floors to explore: the first floor is an aquarium, and the second floor is home to an 18-meter-long whale skeleton, which is an absolute sight to behold.

• Opening hours: 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily
• Address: Number 1, Cau Da

Tu Van Pagoda

Located 50 kilometers south of the city center, the pagoda is made entirely of seashells and dried coral and is a museum of coral and seashells. Due to the unique materials used, Tufan is also known as the Shell Tower. Its charm lies in Bao Tich’s 2 buildings and 18 floors of hell. Bao Tich Tower is a shell and coral tower built by pagoda monks. There will be terrible experiences on the eighteenth floor of hell, but there is the Buddha’s teaching of not doing evil.

Alexandre Yersin Museum

This disciple of Pasteur, the discoverer of Bacillus pestis, lived in this city for a long time and died on February 28, 1943. He developed the Pasteur Institute in Vietnam and worked for the Nha Trang community, especially the fishermen. The museum traces the scientist’s life, exhibiting many of his belongings and working tools, as well as recreating the atmosphere of his office and rooms.

• Opening hours: 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m. (Monday and Friday: 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.)
• Closed every Saturday and Sunday
• Ticket price: 26,000 VND/ person
• Address: Institute Pasteur, 10 Tran Phu Street

Khanh Hoa Museum

The museum features a collection of Cham art, statues, and artifacts, as well as a collection dedicated to Ho Chi Minh, including the microphone he used to deliver a speech in Ba Dinh Square, Hanoi on September 2, 1945.

• Opening hours: 8 am – 11 am and 2 pm – 5 pm Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday
• Location: No. 16 Tran Phu Street

Local Markets

Located in the commercial center of the city, the Dam market is the busiest market in the city. When visiting Dam Market, you should not skip the dried seafood section to the right of the market. The nearby Xom Moi market is especially for locals buying their daily household and food items. This market is not as big as the first one, but shopping here will give you a more local experience.

Moreover, you can experience the nightlife of the locals by visiting Night Market. It is a pleasant evening where the local population and travelers passing through the seaside town mingle in a relaxed atmosphere. It is a great opportunity to taste the many Vietnamese culinary specialties with its multiple kitchen stalls. It is also a great place to buy souvenirs from Vietnam.

Foods to Eat in Nha Trang

Grilled pork roll (Nem Nuong)

When it comes to cuisine, one cannot ignore the Grilled Pork Rolls, also known as Ninh Hoa Grilled Pork Rolls. You can eat freshly fermented pork rolls (nem chua) or grilled (“nem nuong”). However, most tourists choose to eat “nem nuong” in Nha Trang and buy “nem chua” as gifts for their families. Fermented pork rolls are grilled directly over a hibachi fire and served with raw herbs and pickled green papaya sauce.

Rice cake with filling (Banh can)

Sitting by the scorching fire of a charcoal stove, watching the chef skillfully pour flour into molds, and then enjoying a warm “banh can” on a windy day is an unforgettable experience for anyone in Nha Trang.

Banh can is a popular snack in the central and southern regions of Vietnam made from rice flour, lard, green onions, and eggs. The cakes are sold in pairs and served with a special sweet and sour dip made from Nha Trang’s famous fish sauce and raw vegetables.

Fish and vermicelli noodle soup (Bun cha ca)

Bun Cha Ca broth is made from boiled sailfish and mackerel bones, which gives this specialty its signature taste. A bowl of Bun Cha Ca also contains steamed jellyfish.

Seafood

The coastal town is famous for its seafood. In the local fishing villages, you will find an assortment of king prawns, squid, sea urchins, crabs, jellyfish, and shellfish of all shapes and sizes. Seafood is charged by weight and you can choose from live or frozen sea creatures.

Some famous restaurants in Nha Trang

Fish noodles soup:

• Ninh Hoa Restaurant: 2 Lan Ong Street
• Nguyen Loan Restaurant: 123 Ngo Gia Tu Street

Seafood

• Vietnam Village (Lang Viet) Restaurant: 1 Tran Quang Khai Street
• Gio Bien Restaurant: 10 Pham Van Dong Street

Banh can:

• Can Cake 151 Hoang Van Thu Street
• Can Cake 165 Nguyen Trai Street

Nha Trang Souvenirs

During your trip to Nha Trang, you can easily find interesting, charming, unique, and creative souvenirs in markets, malls, or souvenir shops.

His memorabilia varies in type, color, size, and price. You can buy jewelry (stone rings, pearls, pearl necklaces, earrings…), shell flowers, shell wind chimes, mother of pearl or shell creations, and some other unique souvenirs.

We hope this article provides you with useful information for your trip to Nha Trang. Contact us to find out more about this beautiful coastal town!