Nha Trang

For those who are familiar, Nha Trang evokes images of spectacular coastal stretches with crescent-shaped white sand beaches, breathtaking bays dotted with numerous islands, and surrounding lush hills. Beyond its naturally stunning landscapes, Nha Trang captivates travelers with a multitude of recreational activities, including visiting historical sites from the ancient Champa civilization, indulging in a seafood paradise, experiencing vibrant nightlife, engaging in thrilling water sports, and notably, enjoying mud bathing.

A quintessential capture of Nha Trang's sea, sand, and sun

Moreover, with an increasing number of high-rise hotels and resorts opening along the coast each year, Nha Trang caters to various travel styles, whether you're seeking a sun-soaked getaway, a romantic escape, a family holiday, or even a business trip. Regardless of your reasons for visiting, this delightful beach city promises an unforgettable experience.

Climate & Best Time to Visit

Thanks to its coastal location, Nha Trang enjoys a warm and humid climate that remains relatively temperate. It is less affected by storms compared to other areas in the Central Region and boasts an average temperature of around 26 degrees Celsius, making it an attractive destination year-round.

Nha Trang experiences two distinct seasons: the dry season from January to August and the rainy season from September to December. The peak heat occurs in July and August, while January and February typically see cooler temperatures. The best time to visit Nha Trang is between March and June when the weather is pleasantly cool, the seas are calm, and sunshine is abundant.

It’s worth noting that June to September marks peak season for domestic tourists; if you prefer quieter experiences, consider visiting before this period. Additionally, choosing Nha Trang for a weekend vacation during the rainy season comes with perks such as fewer crowds at attractions and reduced travel costs, though be prepared for heavy rainfall and potential thunderstorms during this time.

Top Attractions

Po Nagar Cham Towers

Once part of the Champa Kingdom, Nha Trang is home to several historical sites from the ancient Cham civilization. The Po Nagar Cham Towers, or Po Nagar Temple Complex, is a significant site showcasing unique architecture and rich history. Constructed between the 8th and 10th centuries on a small hill, Po Nagar Temple is dedicated to the Goddess of the Country - Po Nagar. While the original complex consisted of ten towers, only four remain today, and they continue to serve as popular worship sites for both Cham and Vietnamese Buddhists.

Po Nagar Cham Tower in Nha Trang

Long Son Pagoda

At the foot of Trai Thuy Mountain lies Long Son Pagoda, also known as the White Buddha Pagoda, making it one of the most renowned pagodas in Khanh Hoa. Established over a century ago, the pagoda features an impressive dragon design crafted from glass and ceramic tiles. Visitors can climb 193 steps to reach a 24-meter-tall White Buddha sitting on a lotus throne at the summit, offering stunning panoramic views of Nha Trang Bay.

Long Son Pagoda - Nha Trang

National Oceanographic Museum of Vietnam

Located at the end of Tran Phu Boulevard, the National Oceanographic Museum of Vietnam is a must-visit attraction in Nha Trang. As one of the earliest scientific research facilities in Vietnam, it houses the largest collection of marine artifacts in Southeast Asia, established in 1922. The museum showcases over 20,000 specimens from roughly 4,000 different species—both live and preserved. Visitors can marvel at live specimens displayed in glass tanks, including reef sharks, sturgeon, lionfish, sea turtles, corals, and more.

Island Adventures

Your visit wouldn't be complete without exploring the nearby islands of Nha Trang. Notable among them are Hon Mun, Hon Tre, Hon Mieu, and Hon Tam, each offering picturesque landscapes and activities. Prepare for an adventurous day filled with scuba diving and snorkeling at Hon Mun; explore the unique creatures at Tri Nguyen Aquarium on Hon Mieu; enjoy kayaking or windsurfing at Hon Tam; and experience the thrill of hundreds of games at VinWonders—Nha Trang's most famous amusement park located on Hon Tre island. Be sure to relax on the beautiful sandy beaches and enjoy the enchanting turquoise waters to cap off your day, an experience that truly enhances your trip.

Nha Trang - The Pearl Island

Thap Ba Hot Springs Centre

Enhancing your Nha Trang trip experience is a visit to Thap Ba Hot Springs Centre. Located about 4 km from the city center, behind Po Nagar Towers, this facility is perfect for rejuvenation after a day of exploration. Mud bathing and hot spring bathing are highly popular services that every visitor should experience. Other options include herbal baths, relaxation under waterfalls, saunas, jacuzzis, and acupuncture therapy.

Best Food to Try

Seafood

Nha Trang is undoubtedly a haven for seafood enthusiasts. As a coastal city, it boasts a diverse array of freshly caught seafood, including crab, squid, clams, fish, lobster, sea urchins, and more. You can easily find seafood at stalls along the coast or indulge in meals at local seafood restaurants such as Nhat Phong 3, Hai San Bo Ke, Gio Bien, and Hoa Buoi.

A seafood pot available in Nha Trang

Nem Nuong Nha Trang (Grilled Fermented Pork Roll)

Nem Nuong, or grilled fermented pork roll, has established itself as an iconic dish of Nha Trang. Ingredients typically include rice vermicelli, carrots, cucumbers, lettuce, and green mango, all wrapped in rice paper and served with a sweet, sour, and spicy dipping sauce. Since each ingredient is provided separately, diners can create their personalized Nem Nuong Nha Trang to suit their taste.

Grilled pork rolls served with dipping sauce

Bun Cha Ca Nha Trang (Fish Cake Noodle Soup)

While Nem Nuong serves as a delightful snack throughout the day, a bowl of Bun Cha Ca Nha Trang is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The broth is crafted from fish mackerel bones, and thick rice vermicelli is enjoyed alongside fried fish cakes, fish balls, vegetables, tomatoes, green onions, and even some slices of pineapple. The flavors harmonize exquisitely, creating a satisfying, not overly fishy, natural sweetness from the fish.

Bun Cha Ca - A Nha Trang specialty

Where to Stay

Accommodation options in Nha Trang range from budget choices to luxury resorts, including homestays, hotels, and five-star resorts. Depending on your personal preferences and travel style, you can choose the option that best suits your needs.

For those seeking nightlife and a vibrant atmosphere, accommodations along Tran Phu Boulevard are recommended due to their prime beachfront location and proximity to numerous recreational activities, dining options, and bars. Conversely, if privacy is your priority, consider staying in Nha Trang Bay & Islands, where you can find off-the-beaten-path beaches and stunning ocean views, ensuring tranquility during your stay.

Six Senses Ninh Van Bay - one of Vietnam's premier resorts in Nha Trang

For budget travelers, there are various budget hotels and homestays within the city that are reasonably priced, well-equipped, and offer convenient access to city attractions as well as the beach.

How to Get There

Situated approximately 450 km from Ho Chi Minh City and 1,290 km from Hanoi, Nha Trang is easily accessible by road, rail, or air.

From Hanoi, the most popular way to reach Nha Trang is by air, with flights taking around 2 hours from Noi Bai Airport to Cam Ranh International Airport, followed by roughly a 50-minute drive to the city center. If time permits and you prefer a scenic train journey through Vietnam's landscapes, various trains such as SE1, SE3, SE5, SE7, SE9, TN1, and TN3 depart daily from Hanoi to Nha Trang, with travel times ranging from 24 to 28 hours. Among these, SE5 and SE7 are recommended for their arrival times, allowing you to start your exploration right upon arrival.

From Ho Chi Minh City, there are daily 1-hour flights from Tan Son Nhat Airport. Alternatively, local sleeper buses and trains offer budget-friendly travel options. Popular bus services for the Ho Chi Minh to Nha Trang route include Phuong Trang, Minh Dung, Lien Hung, Hanh Café, or Quang Hanh, typically costing around VND 250,000 per ticket (~US$11) for an 8-hour journey. For train travel, SE6 and SE8 are two ideal options, with arrival times in Nha Trang at 15:58 and 13:21, respectively, taking just over 7 hours.