Nha Trang is a coastal resort city in southern Vietnam known for its beaches, diving sites and offshore islands. Its main beach is a long, curving stretch along Tran Phu Street backed by a promenade, hotels and seafood restaurants. Aerial cable cars cross over to Hòn Tre Island, and the nature reserves of Hòn Mun and Hòn Tằm islands, reachable by boat, have coral reefs.
The best time to visit Nha Trang is from January to August when the weather is sunny and warm, with little rainfall. The peak tourist season is during the summer months (June to August), but if you prefer less crowded conditions, visiting in April or May is ideal. The rainy season lasts from September to December, so it’s best to avoid this period if you want clear skies and calm seas.
By Air:
Cam Ranh International Airport (CXR) is the closest airport to Nha Trang, located about 30 km south of the city. It handles both domestic and international flights. You can easily reach Nha Trang by taxi, shuttle bus, or private car from the airport.
By Train:
Nha Trang is well connected by the North-South Railway, making it easy to travel by train from cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. The train station in Nha Trang is centrally located, making it convenient for tourists.
By Bus:
Many buses connect Nha Trang to other major cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang. Bus travel is budget-friendly and takes around 12–14 hours from Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang.
By Car:
If you're coming from nearby cities like Da Nang or Mui Ne, you can rent a car or take a private transfer. The coastal roads offer beautiful views, especially if you’re traveling along the National Route 1A.
Nha Trang Beaches:
Nha Trang is famous for its beautiful sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. Tran Phu Beach is the most popular, while Bai Xep and Doc Let offer a quieter and more peaceful atmosphere.
Po Nagar Cham Towers:
These ancient Cham towers, built between the 7th and 12th centuries, are one of Nha Trang’s most important historical sites. Located on a hill, they offer great views of the city and coastline.
Vinpearl Land:
Located on Hon Tre Island, Vinpearl Land is an amusement park, water park, and resort complex. It’s a family-friendly destination with rides, an aquarium, and a cable car with stunning views.
Long Son Pagoda:
Famous for its giant white Buddha statue, this Buddhist pagoda is set on a hill, offering panoramic views of Nha Trang and surrounding areas.
Nha Trang Cathedral:
Also known as the Stone Church, this French Gothic-style cathedral is located on a hill, offering a peaceful atmosphere and scenic views of the city.
Hon Mun Island:
Known for its underwater activities, like snorkeling and scuba diving, this island is famous for its vibrant marine life and crystal-clear waters.
Ba Ho Waterfalls:
A beautiful natural attraction, Ba Ho Waterfalls consists of three waterfalls surrounded by lush jungle, perfect for hiking and swimming.
Mud Baths:
Nha Trang is famous for its natural mud baths, where you can relax and indulge in a rejuvenating spa experience. Thap Ba Hot Springs and I-Resort are popular spots for mud baths.
Snorkeling & Scuba Diving:
Nha Trang offers some of the best opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving in Vietnam. You can explore the underwater world at Hon Mun Island, Hon Tam Island, and Bai Truong.
Boat Tours:
Take a boat tour around the Nha Trang Bay to explore its smaller islands, secluded beaches, and hidden caves. Many tours also offer fishing and beach barbecue experiences.
Relax on the Beach:
Nha Trang’s beaches are perfect for lounging under the sun, swimming, or enjoying water sports like jet skiing, parasailing, or wind surfing.
Visit the National Oceanographic Museum:
Located near the waterfront, this museum showcases marine life and sea creatures of the region, making it a great activity for families.
Nightlife and Bars:
Nha Trang has a lively nightlife scene, with a wide range of bars, nightclubs, and seaside pubs. Sailing Club and Louisiane Brewhouse are popular spots to enjoy drinks by the beach.
Shopping at the Local Markets:
Explore Dam Market and Nha Trang Night Market for local handicrafts, clothing, souvenirs, and fresh seafood.
Luxury Hotels:
InterContinental Nha Trang: A 5-star beachfront resort offering luxurious rooms, a pool, and a range of dining options.
Vinpearl Luxury Nha Trang: Located on Hon Tre Island, this luxury resort offers a private beach, top-notch facilities, and a peaceful getaway.
Sheraton Nha Trang Hotel & Spa: A beachfront property with modern rooms, a rooftop bar, and a full-service spa.
Mid-Range Hotels:
Novotel Nha Trang: A modern hotel located along Tran Phu Beach with spacious rooms, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant with sea views.
The Light Hotel: A centrally located hotel offering comfortable rooms, a rooftop pool, and easy access to Nha Trang’s attractions.
Alana Nha Trang Beach Hotel: A stylish, mid-range hotel with a great location and excellent services, including a pool and spa.
Budget Accommodation:
Seaview Hotel Nha Trang: A budget-friendly option with simple, clean rooms and an excellent location near the beach.
Nha Trang Backpackers Hostel: A great option for budget travelers, offering dormitory-style rooms and a social atmosphere.
The Summer Hotel: A budget hotel offering clean and comfortable rooms in a central location, close to the beach and markets.
Nha Trang is famous for its fresh seafood and coastal cuisine, offering a delightful mix of traditional Vietnamese flavors with a focus on the sea. Here are some of the must-try dishes and popular restaurants:
Bánh Canh Chả Cá (Fish Cake Noodle Soup):
A hearty noodle soup made with fish cakes, this dish is a local specialty and can be found in many of Nha Trang's eateries.
Nem Ninh Hoa (Vietnamese Spring Rolls):
A specialty from the Ninh Hoa region (close to Nha Trang), these spring rolls are filled with pork, shrimp, and often wrapped in rice paper or served with rice noodles.
Bánh Xèo (Vietnamese Pancake):
A savory pancake made with rice flour, turmeric, shrimp, and pork, often served with fresh herbs and dipping sauces. It’s crispy and packed with flavor.
Seafood:
Fresh seafood is abundant in Nha Trang. You can find a variety of dishes such as grilled fish, crabs, shrimp, squid, and oysters. Many restaurants offer seafood platters or individual items cooked in various styles.
Gỏi Cá (Fish Salad):
A refreshing dish made with raw fish, herbs, peanuts, and lime. It’s a light, zesty dish perfect for a warm day by the beach.
Mực Nướng (Grilled Squid):
A popular choice for seafood lovers, grilled squid is often served with a tangy dipping sauce and is a must-try when visiting Nha Trang.
Bánh Đập (Cracked Rice Cake):
A crunchy rice cake often served with grilled pork or shrimp, it’s a delicious snack or side dish to complement a larger meal.
Sailing Club Nha Trang
A well-known beachfront restaurant and bar offering a variety of Western and Vietnamese dishes, along with a great selection of seafood. It’s a perfect spot for a sunset dinner.
Louisiane Brewhouse
This beachfront brewery offers craft beers and a great selection of local seafood. It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy a relaxed meal with a view of the ocean.
Nha Trang Seafood
Located near the beach, this popular spot serves fresh seafood. Try their seafood hotpot or grilled fish—both local favorites.
The Grill House Nha Trang
Offering an excellent selection of steaks, BBQ, and seafood, The Grill House is an ideal option for those seeking hearty Western-style meals in Nha Trang.
Shantaram Restaurant
A fantastic place for both Vietnamese and international cuisine, Shantaram offers a mix of authentic flavors with a cozy ambiance. Don’t miss their delicious seafood dishes and local delicacies.
Mona Lisa Restaurant
A cozy, romantic setting offering Mediterranean and Vietnamese fusion cuisine. It’s well-loved for its fresh seafood and relaxing atmosphere.
Dam Market Food Stalls
If you're looking for a more local experience, head to Dam Market. There are food stalls offering a variety of authentic Vietnamese street food, including pho, banh xeo, and fresh fruit smoothies.
Nha Trang's culture is heavily influenced by its coastal setting, and it has a laid-back, welcoming vibe. Here’s an overview of the cultural highlights of Nha Trang:
The city's coastal location has shaped much of its culture. Fishing plays a significant role in the economy, and Nha Trang’s fishing villages still operate today. This is reflected in the abundance of fresh seafood in local markets and restaurants. You’ll often see traditional wooden fishing boats along the coastline and in the nearby bays.
Nha Trang Sea Festival: Held every two years, this event celebrates the city's maritime culture. It includes a variety of activities such as cultural performances, music, art exhibitions, parades, and sports events.
Tết (Lunar New Year): Like the rest of Vietnam, Nha Trang celebrates Tết, the Vietnamese New Year, with traditional customs such as family reunions, fireworks, and offerings to ancestors. It’s a colorful and joyful time to visit, though some businesses may be closed during the holiday.
Nha Trang has a rich tradition of crafts, particularly in weaving and embroidery. You’ll find many local markets selling handmade goods, such as woven baskets, cloths, and traditional costumes. Visitors can learn about these crafts at local workshops or by visiting nearby villages.
Buddhism plays an important role in local culture. You’ll find several Buddhist temples and pagodas in and around the city, including the Long Son Pagoda with its famous giant white Buddha statue. Temples and pagodas are often places for reflection, offering visitors a chance to experience local spirituality and tranquility.
Traditional Vietnamese music is commonly heard at cultural festivals, with instruments like the đàn bầu (a one-stringed instrument) and đàn tranh (a zither). Dance performances, especially those telling stories about local history and legends, are also an integral part of Nha Trang’s cultural scene.
People in Nha Trang are known for being warm and welcoming, and local hospitality is deeply ingrained in the culture. Visitors are often greeted with smiles and offered help if they seem lost or confused. The city’s slower pace and beachside atmosphere give a sense of relaxation and friendliness.
While traditional customs remain strong, Nha Trang is also a growing cosmopolitan city with international influences. The local culture embraces a mix of modernity with traditional values, making it an exciting place for both local and international visitors to experience a blend of old and new.