Visit Nha Trang

Six kilometres of palm-lined sand right downtown, a bay scattered with islands where you dive on protected reefs, Cham towers rising above the river and hot mud baths: Nha Trang is the big seaside stop on Vietnam's coastline.

Nha Trang: for whom and when?

Nha Trang is the main beach resort on Vietnam's south-central coast, with an urban beach of about 6 km and a bay of several dozen islands. It mainly suits beach and diving lovers, from January to August, with the rainy season concentrated from October to December.

Nha Trang's must-sees

Between beach days, a few visits to fit in during the morning or late afternoon.

Po Nagar towers

A Cham sanctuary built from the 8th century onwards on a hill north of the river, still visited by worshippers of the goddess Yang Ino Po Nagar.

Long Sơn Pagoda

A pagoda at the foot of a hill crowned by a large seated white Buddha, reached by a staircase with views over the whole city.

Hòn Mun reefs

Coral gardens and tropical fish in the marine protected area, reachable by scuba or snorkel on day boat trips.

Tháp Bà mud baths

Mineral hot springs where you soak in mud tubs before rinsing off in thermal pools, a popular outing after a day at sea.

Oceanographic Museum

Founded in 1922 near Cầu Đá port, the institute displays aquariums and collections of marine specimens, handy for identifying what you see while diving.

Alexandre Yersin Museum

Inside the Pasteur Institute, it traces the life of the Franco-Swiss doctor who discovered the plague bacillus and lived in Nha Trang until his death in 1943.

How is Nha Trang laid out?

The Trần Phú seafront and downtown

Trần Phú avenue runs along the beach for about 6 km, with a promenade, parks and a continuous row of hotel towers. The tourist centre lies between 2 April Square and the Hùng Vương area, home to restaurants, dive shops and bars. Russian and Korean visitors are very present, hence the many menus in Cyrillic. For quiet, stay towards the southern end of the avenue; to go out on foot at night, stay downtown. Allow an hour to walk the whole beach.

North of the Cái River and Hòn Chồng

Past Trần Phú Bridge, the city changes: a residential district, the more local Hòn Chồng beach and the hill of the Po Nagar towers, 2 km from downtown. This is also the way to the Tháp Bà hot springs. Half a day is enough for the towers, the Hòn Chồng rocks and a mud bath, by taxi or ride-hailing. Further north, about 50 km away, Dốc Lết beach and Ninh Vân Bay offer quieter sands for a day out or a peaceful stay.

The islands of the bay

The bay holds several dozen islands and islets. Hòn Mun, about 30 minutes by boat to the south, is the core of the country's first marine protected area, created in 2001: it is the best spot for diving and snorkelling. Hòn Tre, the largest, has an amusement park and resorts. Day boat trips leave from Cầu Đá port; underwater visibility is best from February to September. Choose an operator that forbids standing on coral and keeps groups small.

Cam Ranh and Bãi Dài, to the south

Between Nha Trang and Cam Ranh airport, the coast road serves the long Bãi Dài beach, lined with large, isolated resorts. It is the choice for relaxing resort stays, 30 to 40 minutes from downtown, but with no neighbourhood life or restaurants within walking distance. For a week of rest it makes sense; to explore the city and islands, stay downtown and keep Bãi Dài for a day. Cam Ranh is also the city's air gateway on the coast of Vietnam.

Frequently asked questions about Nha Trang

Nha Trang or Phú Quốc for a beach holiday in Vietnam?
Nha Trang is a real city, with nightlife, a railway and accessible diving; Phú Quốc is an island geared more to resorts. Their seasons differ: Nha Trang is at its best from January to August, Phú Quốc from November to April.
Where can you snorkel in Nha Trang without scuba diving?
Around Hòn Mun, on boat trips that include two snorkelling stops. Leave as early as possible, before the big boats arrive, and choose an operator that provides vests and briefs you on respecting the coral.
Are Nha Trang's mud baths worth the trip?
Yes for a relaxing half day, especially when it is overcast. Establishments at Tháp Bà and nearby offer everything from a shared bath to a private tub. Come on a weekday, as weekends draw many groups.
Can you combine Nha Trang and Đà Lạt?
Yes, it is a classic pairing: the mountain road links the two cities in about four hours. Pack warm clothes, as Đà Lạt sits at nearly 1,500 metres and is much cooler in the evening.
Can you swim in Nha Trang in November?
Rarely in good conditions: November is the wettest month and red flags are frequent. Island trips are often cancelled. If you travel at that time, favour the south of the country.
How many days should you spend in Nha Trang?
Three days are enough for a boat trip, the Po Nagar towers, Long Sơn and a mud bath. A week makes sense for a diving course or a beach holiday, alternating downtown and the northern beaches.

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