First Time in Nha Trang

Nha Trang City is a coastal city located in Khanh Hoa Province in Southern Central Vietnam.

Population of Nha Trang City: 422,600

Ethnic groups: Viet (Kinh), Hoa, Cham

Highlights: Nha Trang Bay, Nha Trang's islands, Vinpearl Land, Institute of Oceanography, Long Son Pagoda, Nha Trang Cathedral, Cham Towers,  etc.

Climate

The average annual temperature is 26.6^oC (79.9^oF). The warmest month of the year is June, with an average temperate of 28.6^oC (83.8^oF), and the coldest month of the year is January with temperatures averaging 14.6^oC (58.3^oF).

With a generally warm and temperate climate, the summer has a good amount of rainfall with precipitation of about 1,280 mm (50,39 inches) per year. Most of the precipitation is in November.

Transport

Nha Trang City is 183 km from Da Lat, 445 km from Ho Chi Minh City, 520 km from Da Nang, and 1,279 km from Hanoi.

Most people will travel from Ho Chi Minh to Nha Trang through 3 options:
1) Take a domestic flight from Ho Chi Minh's Tan Son Nhat International Airport to Nha Trang's Cam Ranh International Airport.
2) Take the 5-star express train (SN) or the Golden Train from Ho Chi Minh to Nha Trang. 
3) Take a passenger bus from Ho Chi Minh to Nha Trang

Look for discounted travel tickets below for your first time in Nha Trang:

Air

Cam Ranh International Airport in Cam Ranh City is 59 km from Nha Trang City. (See Google Maps location)

International flight routes to Nha Trang: Singapore, Bangkok (Thailand), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Jakarta (Indonesia), Manila (Philippines), Phnom Penh, Siem Reap (Cambodia), Hong Kong, Seoul (South Korea).

Domestic flight routes to Nha Trang: Hanoi, Hai Phong, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Da Nang, Hue, Can Tho, and Ho Chi Minh City.

See Taxi Fares from Major Airports in Vietnam to the City

Bus

At the Nha Trang Bus Station, there are many daily bus routes connecting other cities in Vietnam. 

Nha Trang Central Bus Station (view map): Vinh Trung Commune, Nha Trang City

Hanoi <-> Nha Trang: Check bus prices and availability

Ho Chi Minh <-> Nha Trang: Check bus prices and availability

Hue <-> Nha Trang: Check bus prices and availability

Motorbikes

Since it is more than 400 km from Ho Chi Minh to Nha Trang, it can take up to 4 days to cover the distance. We would not recommend this option, especially if you're not used to riding a motorbike or driving on Vietnam's streets. However, if you're confident with your years of experience riding a motorbike in Vietnam, the coastal route from Ho Chi Minh to Nha Trang can add a special note to your first time in Nha Trang. 

At Nha Trang City, motorbikes for rent are available for around VND 150,000 per day at the hotels or hostels.

Taxi

Taxis are available almost everywhere in the city. Some of the taxi brands are Mai Linh, Vinasun, Emasco, Khanh Hoa, Nha Trang, etc. 

Train

Nha Trang Railway Station (view map): 17 Thai Nguyen Street, Nha Trang City

Get a travel insurance plan upon your Nha Trang trip:

Nha Trang Travel Guides:

Nha Trang Travel Guide

Coastal Adventures to Mui Ne, Da Lat, and Nha Trang

Accommodations in Nha Trang City:

Ninh Van Bay is where you can find the most luxury hotels and resorts in Nha Trang. Other accommodations in Nha Trang City are also of first-class quality and professional service. 

(View on Agoda)

The 5-star InterContinental Nha Trang (Check price and availability)

Six Senses Ninh Van Bay (Check price and availability)

Or search for the best hotels for your first time in Nha Trang here:

Attractions in Nha Trang City:

Nha Trang Bay

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Nha Trang Bay was once crowned as one of the most beautiful bays in the world and with the natural system of 19 islands of all sizes (to be introduced below). It is home to a diversified ecosystem of rare tropical sea creatures such as coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass, etc, and other animal species gathering in the islands, namely swallows and sea turtles. All in all, for your first time in Nha Trang, Nha Trang Bay can offer picturesque natural landscapes as well as developed tourism facilities widely available in the area.

Hon Tam (Tam Island)

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Hon Tam with its pristine nature locates about 7 km southeast from the city and covers an area of over 110 ha. Visitors coming to the island can not only admire its beauty but also partake in various sports activities here such as volleyball, soccer, mountaineering, forest exploring, and a host of other water sports. To get to Hon Tam, visitors can take a motorboat trip (7 minutes) or a ship (25 minutes) from the mainland.

Hon Mun (Mun Island)

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Hon Mun is characterized by the ebony black rocks and grottoes springing up from the island - hence the name Mun, which means "ebony". But what really captivates tourists in Nha Trang is the crystal clear seawater here that allows you to observe the marine species and colorful coral reefs. As a result, Hon Mun is the most favorite spot in Nha Trang, and arguably in Vietnam for snorkeling and diving, or a cruise or a glass-bottom boat is just as magical.

Theoretically, it takes a 15-minute boat ride to arrive at the island from the mainland, but since Hon Mun welcomes a huge number of visitors daily, you may want to take into account some waiting time.

Hon Noi (Noi Island) and Doi Beach (Twin Beach)

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Despite having a more mellow ambiance compared to other tourist-centric islands, Hon Noi is still a worthwhile destination to admire Nha Trang's magnificent marine life. Doi Beach is a wonderful place to swim and explore the island's sea creatures. Hon Noi is also home to innumerous swallow, and upon coming here, you will have a chance to try different specialties made from swallow's nests. Outdoor lovers can embark on a spontaneous hiking adventure to Du Ha Mountain and capture the panoramic view of the entire island.

Hon Tre (Tre Island) and Tru Beach

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Hon Tre is not only the largest in size (almost 3000 ha) but also one of the most popular islands in the bay with many luxurious accommodation options and leisure facilities thanks to its peaceful and idyllic beach. The waves here are so calm because the Hon Tre Mountain fends of the harsh winds and rough current, leaving a pleasant atmosphere for visitors to enjoy their beach getaways in Nha Trang. For a more authentic local experience, make your way to the fishing village on the island, learning about the traditional sea culture here, or even join the locals to go fishing.

Vinpearl Land

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Vingroup is a giant conglomerate of Vietnam, and  Vinpearl Lands in Vietnam's major tourist destinations are the epicenter for extravagant entertainment services - one may refer to them as Vietnamese Disney Worlds. Vinpearl Land Nha Trang is no exception, there is 5-star hotels, resorts, and villas, as well as spas, amusement parks, an aquarium, and a golf course.

Location: Hon Tre Island

Opening hours: 8:30 AM - 9 PM

How to get there: from Vinpearl Station on Tran Phu Street, you can choose to take a speed motor-boat, a ferry, or a cable ride to reach Vinpearl Land.

Tickets:

Entrance fee + Cable ride 2-way: VND 880,000/adult (140 cm tall and above); VND 660,000/child (shorter than 140 cm tall); VND 530,000/elderly (60 years and above)

Entrance fee + Cable ride 1-way: VND 800,000/adult; VND 600,000/child; VND 480,000/elderly  

Tri Nguyen Aquarium

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Tri Nguyen Aquarium is located on Hon Mieu (Mieu Island), which is half an hour away from Cau Da Wharf. The aquarium is characterized by man-made stone architectures, and inside of which are exhibitions of ornamental fish, edible fish, and even carnivorous fish. What is more, since it stands right by the seashore, you can get the chance to observe fish and other sea creatures under the clear water surface. The Bai San Beach nearby is also a place of interest on the island. 

Institute of Oceanography

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Introduced in 1923, the Institue of  Oceanography in Nha Trang was one of the first centers for scientific researches in Vietnam. The Marine Creature Museum inside features more than 80,000 sea and freshwater specimens, and a lot of which are living creatures preserved inside glass tanks. The institute is only 6 km to the south of Nha Trang city center, and a short walk distance from Cau Da Wharf.

Long Son Pagoda

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500m from Nha Trang train station stands Long Son Pagoda on Trai Thuy Hill. The pagoda was founded in the late 19th century and since then it has been the biggest Buddhist temple in Nha Trang and the Buddhist Center of Khanh Hoa Province. On the top of the hill is a giant white Shakyamuni Buddha statue seated on a lotus blossom and you can capture a full view of Nha Trang city from this spot.

Nha Trang Cathedral (Christ the King Cathedral)

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The construction for Nha Trang Cathedral started in 1928 and finished in 1934. The design bears significant Roman architectural style, with lots of details made by the French themselves, namely the three large bells on the top.

Mass schedule:

Monday - Saturday: 5 AM - 4:30 PM

Sunday: 5 AM - 7 PM and 4:30 PM

Po Nagar Cham Towers

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The construction for the Po Nagar Cham Towers dates back to the 8th century and it didn't finish till 4 century later, in the 12th century. The once glorious structure is now left with only 4 towers as almost a millennium has gone by - all of which worship the Hindu Gods. The stone architecture has incredibly immaculate hand-craving details on the outside, and the inside area is believed to be where people hold religious rituals to pay respects to the holy figures.

Attractions around Nha Trang

Fairy Stream

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20 km from Nha Trang is the Fairy Stream, which has such an otherworldly beauty that there is a myth saying fairies once upon a time would travel from Heaven to bathe in the stream. In modern days, heavenly entities are replaced with curious visitors seeking a rural and quiet spot for a picnic day or a camping trip.

Ba Ho Stream

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The name Ba Ho (literally means three lakes) is derived from the fact that the stream pours into three lakes before flowing into the sea. It is a natural attraction turned into an amusement site with various adventurous activities, notably the waterfalls cliff jumping. It is situated 25 km north of Nha Trang and the entrance fee is VND 100,000/visitor.

Truong Xuan Hot Spring

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As opposed to other popular hot streams in Nha Trang, Truong Xuan Hot Spring is more modest with simple facilities for some quiet relaxing time or a family picnic. It takes a 50-km drive to get here and the entrance fee costs VND 25,000.

Dai Lanh Beach

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For a beach city like Nha Trang, it is next to impossible to find a place without throngs of visitors. Fortunately, almost 90 km from Nha Trang and right next to the border of Phu Yen and Khanh Hoa provinces is the Dai Lanh Beach. Though it takes quite some traveling time, an escape to the calm, emerald water beach with a soft white sandbank and not so many people is a rewarding experience. From the beach, you can make your way to other fishing villages in the area such as Khai Luong and Dam Mon villages.

A glimpse at fishing villages in Nha Trang

Van Phong Bay

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Van Phong Bay is 70 km from Nha Trang, and out of the off-the-beaten-path destinations in Vietnam, Van Phong Bay is probably the most worth visiting. The landscapes here still retain their wild and untouched nature, yet the atmosphere is amazingly calm and peaceful. Some places to stop by are Dam Mon Village, Hon Ong Tourist Area, and Xuan Dung Sea.

Nha Phu Bay

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15 km from Nha Trang Beach is the Nha Phu Bay and its tranquil waves all year round. Top attractions in Nha Phu Bay are Lao Island (or Monkey Island) and Thi Island, both are attractive ecotourism sites where you can easily spend an eventful day.

Hon Chong Promontory

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The promontory is a short distance from Cu Lao Fishing Hamlet and 3.5 km from central Nha Trang. Hon Chong earns its name due to its eccentric characteristics of the giant rocks here, which are placed on top of each other by nature's creation rather than human interference. As a result, do expect to get some cool and creative photoshoots at the promontory with the unique rock backgrounds.

Alexandre Yersin Museum

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Alexandre Yersin was born in 1863  and died in 1943 in Nha Trang. He first moved to Nha Trang in 1891 and since then he has devoted 50 years of his life to microbiology, virology, and epidemic research, and he was the one to develop a vaccine against the bubonic plague. The museum is the former home where you can see the set up of how his life used to be and learn more about his work and achievements. Yersin's grave is located on the top of a hill at the Suoi Dau area in Dien Khanh District.

Dien Khanh Citadel

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Dien Khanh Citadel was built by Nguyen Anh (soon to be the first King of the Nguyen dynasty) with the help of the French in 1739. The citadel acted as a fort during Nguyen Anh's campaign against the Tay Son troop (led by Nguyen Hue and his brothers) to gain control over the country. Dien Khanh Citadel was constructed according to the 17th - 18th-century French military design with a touch of Vietnamese architectural style. 

Golfing in Nha Trang

Diamond Bay Golf and Villas: Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, Phuoc Dong

Vinpearl Golf Land Resort & Villas: Hon Tre Island (Part of the Nha Trang Vinpearl Land)

Eating and Drinking on Your First Time in Nha Trang:

- Grilled Sausage Wraps (Nem Nuong)

Dang Van Quyen is a famous address in Nha Trang for Nem Nuong

- BBQ Beef

- Jellyfish Noodles (Bun Sua) and Jellyfish Salad (Goi Sua)

- Mango Rice Paper (Banh Trang Xoai)

- Sea Snails and Seafood

Shopping in Nha Trang:

Dam Market, Xom Moi Market, Nha Trang Night Market are where you can find locally made souvenirs and cheap products

What to buy in Nha Trang: bird's nest, seafood, handicrafts

Festivals in Nha Trang:

Thap Ba Festival happens on the 20th to the 23rd days of the 3rd lunar month. It is the largest festival to commemorate the Hindu Goddess Po Nagar. There are 2 parts of the festival, which include the Thay Y (clothes changing ceremony) on the 20th day, and the Cau Cung Ceremony on the 23rd day. During the festival, you can expect to see folk dancing and traditional opera.

Nha Trang Sea Festival happens in the middle of odd years to honor the sea-island values. Many cultural and sports activities will be organized in the festival,including street festivals, the swallow nest festival, Yangbay Waterfall legend festival, sports competitions such as beach volleyball, sailing, paragliding, golf, etc. 

Whale Festival is celebrated on the 15th day of the 12th lunar month to honor the event that King Gia Long (Nguyen Anh) was saved by a whale. The rituals are held in communal houses with traditional singing and performances.

 

Tourism Department & Tourism Promotion Center: 61 Yersin Street, Nha Trang City

Post Office: 1 Pasteur Street, Nha Trang City

Have questions or comments? Please feel free to leave us a comment below.