Nha Trang, Vietnam

Nha Trang, located on Vietnam’s south-central coast, is famous for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and a variety of marine activities. It’s a popular destination for both domestic and international travelers, offering a mix of relaxation, adventure, and culture. Nha Trang is also known for its islands, mud baths, and historical sites.

 

1. Tourist Attractions

  • Nha Trang Beach

    • Highlights: The main beach of Nha Trang stretches along the city, offering soft white sand and clear blue waters. It’s ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and beach sports. The beachfront promenade is lined with restaurants and bars.
    • Entrance Fee: Free.
    • Opening Hours: Always open.
    • Getting There: Located right in the heart of Nha Trang city, it’s easily accessible by foot, bicycle, or taxi.

  • Vinpearl Land

    • Highlights: An amusement park located on Hon Tre Island, Vinpearl Land features water slides, an aquarium, a safari, and adventure rides. It’s perfect for families and thrill-seekers.
    • Entrance Fee: 800,000 VND (~33 USD) including the cable car ride.
    • Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 9:00 PM.
    • Getting There: Take the cable car from Nha Trang mainland (a 10-minute ride) to reach Hon Tre Island.

  • Po Nagar Cham Towers

    • Highlights: Built between the 7th and 12th centuries by the Cham civilization, these towers are a key religious site and provide insight into the Cham culture. The towers are dedicated to the Hindu goddess, Po Nagar.
    • Entrance Fee: 22,000 VND (~1 USD).
    • Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM.
    • Getting There: Located about 2 km from Nha Trang city center, you can take a taxi or rent a motorbike.

  • Long Son Pagoda

    • Highlights: This Buddhist pagoda is famous for its giant white Buddha statue, which can be seen from across the city. Climbing the 152 steps to the statue offers a panoramic view of Nha Trang.
    • Entrance Fee: Free, but donations are encouraged.
    • Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM.
    • Getting There: Located 1.5 km from the city center, you can reach the pagoda by taxi or motorbike.

  • Hon Mun Island

    • Highlights: A popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving, Hon Mun is a protected marine reserve with vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.
    • Entrance Fee: 220,000 VND (~9 USD) for island access, but diving or snorkeling packages may cost more.
    • Opening Hours: Dependent on tour schedules, but typically accessible from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
    • Getting There: You can book boat tours that depart from Nha Trang’s Cau Da Port, approximately 6 km from the city center.

  • Ba Ho Waterfalls

    • Highlights: A series of three cascading waterfalls surrounded by lush jungle. Visitors can swim, hike, and enjoy nature in this serene location.
    • Entrance Fee: 100,000 VND (~4 USD).
    • Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
    • Getting There: Located 25 km north of Nha Trang, you can get there by taxi or rented motorbike.

2. How to Get Around

  • Taxis: Taxis are widely available in Nha Trang and are a convenient way to get around the city. Be sure to use reputable companies like Vinasun or Mai Linh.
  • Motorbike Rentals: Renting a motorbike (around 100,000 – 150,000 VND per day) is popular for those who want to explore on their own. Always wear a helmet and have an international driver’s permit.
  • Bicycles: Many hotels offer bicycles for rent, which is a great way to explore the beachfront and nearby attractions.
  • Xe Om (Motorbike Taxis): Motorbike taxis are a quick and affordable way to travel short distances.
  • Local Buses: Nha Trang has an affordable local bus system, although it’s not commonly used by tourists. Bus number 4 is useful for reaching Vinpearl Land and other attractions.

3. Popular Local Food

  • Nem Nuong (Grilled Pork Sausage): This dish consists of grilled pork sausage served with fresh vegetables and rice paper for wrapping. Nem Nuong is often dipped in a sweet and tangy sauce.
  • Bun Ca Sua (Jellyfish Noodle Soup): A specialty of Nha Trang, this dish features rice vermicelli noodles in a light fish broth, topped with fresh jellyfish and fried fish cakes.
  • Banh Canh Cha Ca (Fish Cake Noodles): This hearty noodle soup features thick noodles, fish cakes, and a flavorful broth. It’s a popular breakfast option.
  • Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Pancakes): Crispy, savory pancakes filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, typically served with fresh herbs and dipping sauce.
  • Seafood: Nha Trang is famous for its fresh seafood. Don’t miss the opportunity to try grilled lobsters, prawns, crabs, and a variety of shellfish at beachfront seafood restaurants.

4. Top Nightlife Spots in Nha Trang

Nha Trang has a lively nightlife scene with bars, clubs, and lounges catering to a range of tastes.

  • Sailing Club

    • Highlights: The most popular beachfront bar and club in Nha Trang, Sailing Club offers cocktails, DJs, and live performances right on the sand. It transforms into a lively party scene at night.
    • Entrance Fee: Free during the day, but there may be an entrance fee (usually 100,000 – 150,000 VND) for special DJ events at night.
    • Happy Hour: Typically from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM, with discounts on drinks.
    • Getting There: Located on Tran Phu Beach in central Nha Trang, within walking distance from most hotels.

  • Skylight Rooftop Beach Club

    • Highlights: This rooftop bar offers 360-degree views of Nha Trang, with an open-air dance floor, cocktails, and international DJs. It’s one of the trendiest spots in the city.
    • Entrance Fee: Around 100,000 VND (~4 USD), but this may vary depending on events.
    • Happy Hour: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM, with discounted drinks.
    • Getting There: Located on the 43rd floor of the Premier Havana Hotel, right on Tran Phu Street.

  • Why Not Bar

    • Highlights: A popular bar among backpackers, Why Not Bar offers affordable drinks and a casual, fun atmosphere. The bar is open until late, with music and games.
    • Entrance Fee: Free entry.
    • Happy Hour: Typically from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM, offering “buy one, get one free” deals on drinks.
    • Getting There: Located on Nguyen Thien Thuat Street, close to the main tourist area.

  • ZIMA Club

    • Highlights: A popular nightclub that plays EDM and attracts a younger crowd. ZIMA offers a lively party scene with local and international DJs.
    • Entrance Fee: Around 100,000 – 200,000 VND (~4 – 8 USD), depending on the event.
    • Getting There: Located on Tran Phu Street, near the beachfront.

5. How to Get to Nha Trang

  • By Air: The closest airport is Cam Ranh International Airport (CXR), located about 30 km south of Nha Trang. Many domestic and international flights operate here. From the airport, you can take a taxi or shuttle bus to the city (45-60 minutes).
  • By Train: Nha Trang has a train station with regular services connecting to major cities such as Ho Chi Minh City (8 hours) and Hanoi (24-26 hours).
  • By Bus: Sleeper buses from Ho Chi Minh City (8-10 hours) and other cities frequently operate to Nha Trang. Buses typically stop at the main bus terminal, which is a short taxi ride from the city center.

6. Happy Hours in Nha Trang

  • Sailing Club: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM with discounts on cocktails and beers.
  • Skylight Rooftop Beach Club: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM for discounted drinks and cocktails.
  • Why Not Bar: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM with “buy one, get one free” offers.

Nha Trang is a dynamic destination with a mix of cultural attractions, pristine beaches, and exciting nightlife. Whether you’re looking to relax by the ocean, explore ancient history, or dance the night away, Nha Trang has something for everyone.