Nha Trang Travel Guide

Name: Nha Trang
Area: 251 sq. km. (96.9 sq. mi)
Population: 535,000 (2018)
Language: Vietnamese, Kham, Chinese
Province: Khanh Hoa
Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND)
Time Zone: Indochina Time (GMT+7)
Religions and Beliefs: Buddhism, Christianity, Taoism

Located on the southeastern coast of Vietnam, Nha Trang, the capital of Khanh Hoa Province, is endowed with pristine beaches and excellent diving sites, making it a popular international tourist destination. In addition to powdery white beaches, the seaside town is rich in beachside luxury resorts, sculpture gardens, and colorful corals, all of which are the reasons why you should plan a Nha Trang travel trip. Home to some of the most beautiful bays in the world, Nha Trang is also a paradise for gourmets who are especially fond of seafood, such as delicious lobster and fresh crab. Due to the warm weather all year round, visitors can take part in a lot of interesting activities, including kiteboarding, sail boating and scuba diving. Last but not least, the unique mud bath is the favorite of many visitors.
 1. Po Nagar Cham Towers
2. Nha Trang Cathedral
3. Vinpearl Land
4. Long Son Pagoda
5. National Oceanographic Museum of Vietnam
6. Hon Mun Island
7. Hon Mieu Island
8. Dam Market
9. Monkey Island
10. Diep Son Island

As a small seaside city, 2-3 days are enough for a Nha Trang travel trip. Built between 7th and 12th centuries, Po Nagar Cham Towers are famous for their splendor in architecture and sculpture. Among them, the 28-meter-high North Tower with a stepped pyramid roof is the most majestic. Nha Trang Cathedral with a neo-Gothic style is the largest church in this city, which was constructed by the French during the early 19th century. Vinpearl Land offers numerous amusement facilities for both adults and children, including a water park, an aquarium, and a movie castle and the wonderful performance. Besides, tourists can head for National Oceanographic Museum to see varieties of fishes.
 Being a coastal city in southeastern Vietnam, Nha Trang has a warm and humid weather, which is divided into dry season and rainy season. The dry season usually falls in January - August with an average temperature of 24 - 32 ℃ (75.2 - 89.6℉); while the rainy season spans over three months from September to mid-December. It often rains, mostly heavy rain and rainstorm. Generally speaking, February to May in dry season with pleasant climate is the best time to enjoy a Nha Trang travel trip. If you are interested in diving, April to August is the peak season. Traveling in dry period, you should carry short-sleeved tops, skirts, loose and breathable pants, and beach wears.
 1. Bun Cha Ca Sura - Rice Vermicelli with Jellyfish
2. Nem Nuong - Fermented Pork Roll
3. Banh Xeo Muc - Crispy Pancake

For foodies who love seafood, Nha Trang travel will not disappoint you. Bun Cha Ca Sura is a kind of street food, which is made of rice vermicelli, grilled fish, jellyfish, and savory broth. Sometimes, the crab, pork or shrimp are also added into this dish. Usually as a snack, Nem Nuong, aka Vietnamese grilled fermented pork is prepared with seasoned garlic and sugar. Black pepper is also pounded, and all these are threaded onto bamboo sticks. This appetizer can be enjoyed with noodles, rice or pancake. Banh Xeo Muc, a crispy pancake made of rice flour, coconut milk and turmeric, is pan fried with pork, shrimp, bean sprouts and onions. Usually, this dish is eaten with herbs and peanut sauce.
 This restaurant is vegetarian-friendly and offers gluten-free options. Some popular dishes of the café are Vietnamese-style sweet, sour pork ribs, and seafood spring rolls.
 It is famous for grilled beef and authentic Vietnamese seafood dishes such as stir fried frogs and noodle with crab eggs.
 A perfect place to chill during sunset for couples, this rooftop bar has a spectacular view of the city and romantic atmosphere, and provides great cocktails and local snacks.
 1.  Near the Beach: 48% Travelers’ Choice
2.  Downtown Area: 38% Visitors Prefer It
3.  Northern Coastal Area: 5% Tourists’ Choice

Nha Trang travel trip is not complete with beautiful beaches, so the neighborhood near the beach naturally becomes the most popular places to stay. Some best hotels are highly recommended - Sunrise Nha Trang Beach Hotel & Spa, Alana Nha Trang Beach Hotel and Liberty Central Nha Trang Hotel, all of which offer guests considerate services and first-class facilities. The downtown area is also a welcomed place to stay in Nha Trang, where houses many tour bus companies that provide convenient transport and numerous catering, entertainment and shopping facilities. Besides, most of Nha Trang hotels are concentrated here, mainly economical and mid-range hotels. Northern Coastal Area is home to some famous attractions like Po Nagar Cham Towers; and surrounded by rivers, this area has a quiet living environment.
 Situated about 35 km (22 miles) south of Nha Trang city center, Nha Trang Airport, aka Cam Ranh International Airport (CXR), operates both domestic and international flights that connecting the city with many places in the world like Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Busan. In general, by plane, it takes 1 - 1.5 hours to reach Nha Trang from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Nha Trang Railway Station is a major railway station in the country; and the journey time to Nha Trang from Danang, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Hue are respectively 9.5 hours, 25.5 hours, 7.5 hours and 12 hours. The price range for the train tickets is USD 38 - 85 for soft berth / per person. The station is only 1.2 miles from the city center and can be reached and returned by bus or Xe Om.

For inter Nha Trang travel, public bus is the best way. Almost all the attractions of Nha Trang can be reached by bus. The bus run every 20 minutes and the fare does not go beyond VND 9,000 (USD0.4) generally. Motorbike is also a popular mode of transport for short distances, which can be hired at a price of VND 20,000 (USD0.87) per day. In addition, Xe Om is a local moto-taxi, suitable for sightseeing. Usually, the passenger is seated in the front, and the driver rides in the back. The price ranges between VND 30,000 and VND 50,000 (USD1.3-2.2) per hour.
 Close to the main beach road, this night market opens around 7:00 pm every day and stays open until midnight. It is famed for delicate handicrafts including lacquerware, ceramics, embroidery and delicious seafood.
 Filled with souvenirs and gift items, Dam Market has 3 floors where tourists can purchase exquisite handbags, high-end electronics and branded clothes.
 You can buy traditional Vietnamese silk dresses and custom-made suits in this place at a fair price. And guests can choose their preferred material and color of the fabric.