Nha Trang

Nha Trang, also known as the Riviera of the South China Sea, offers a six-kilometre stretch of beautiful coastline with white sandy beaches, clear waters with an abundance of marine life and thriving reefs, verdant mountain ranges at each end, as well as 19 untouched islets that are just a short boat ride away. Offering a myriad of sightseeing and recreational activities, the coastal town itself is steeped with breath-taking structures that date back to the Champa Kingdom, Buddhist temples, and gothic-style Catholic churches, as well as natural hot springs, salt fields, and unique waterfalls. Catering to any budget level and preference, Nha Trang restaurants serve up fresh seafood and Vietnamese cuisine while lively bars and pubs along the pristine beach are favourite hangouts for tourists to watch the sun sets over the East Sea. To help you get started on your travel plans, we have compiled all the essential information you need to know about Nha Trang, from the best time to visit to where to stay in this popular coastal town.

Spend a day at the beach

During the day, Nha Trang Beach is awash with sunbathers. A few kilometres south of the city, Long Beach is home to its own clutch of local seafood joints, as well as a couple of surfing spots which provide lessons and board rentals to visitors. If you feel like exploring farther, hire a motorbike and have a breezy ride north to Doc Let or Dai Lanh beaches.

Try a mudbath

One of Nha Trang’s most unique attractions is its mudbaths and hot springs. Hidden in the hills just north of the city are a handful of spa-like facilities, which offer travellers the opportunity to sit in a pool of warm mud before rinsing off and relaxing in hot mineral water. Book a few extras such as massages and saltwater pools and make a day of it.

Get on the water

Daylong island excursions will show you around Nha Trang Bay, and a series of small islands nearby where you can snorkel to your heart’s content. Monkey Island, Hon Mun Island, and Yen Sao Island all present beautiful, untouched shores. Closer to land, you’ll have your pick of watersports, from jet skiing to para-sailing.

Visit pagodas and palaces

Long Son Pagoda and its towering, 78-foot-tall Buddha statue are a sight to behold, as are the centuries-old Po Nagar Cham Towers. Less-visited spots like the Bao Dai Villa just south of downtown Nha Trang also shed light on the area’s historical importance.

Join the party

Nha Trang plays hard during the day but its nighttime energy is unmatched. International acts and DJs regularly play beachfront parties at the city’s Sailing Club, while dozens of other lively venues and rooftop bars around town keep the party going well into the night.