What to do in Nha Trang Travel Guide

Recognized as one of the most famous coastal cities in Vietnam, Nha Trang is a must-go for every beach and water activities lovers. With many breathtaking sceneries, beautiful beaches, and historical sites, you could be in for a great time. When planning a trip to Nha Trang, let’s check out the things to do and great food to eat in Nha Trang in our comprehensive guide!

WHEN TO GO TO NHA TRANG

Weather in Nha Trang and the best time to travel:

-The best time to visit Nha Trang is from February to April; however, Nha Trang’s long dry season from January - August is also ideal for traveling.
-The rainy season is from September until December; travelers should check the weather forecast in advance because of the heavy rain and possible tropical storm.

Other Vietnam Travel Information: a guide to the Vietnamese Currency

HOW TO GET TO NHA TRANG

By plane

A plane is the most popular transport to travel to Nha Trang for tourists. Often, travelers take off from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City and land at Cam Ranh International Airport. It takes around 1 - 1.5 hour per flight, depending on which city you're flying. Here are some popular airlines flying to Nha Trang: Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Jetstar Pacific Airlines.

Major airports for transits to Cam Ranh
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) Travel Guide: Tan Son Nhat International Airport
Hanoi Travel Guide: Noi Bai International Airport

Check our blog on travel time and taxi fares from Nha Trang's airport to the city center

By train

If you would like to enjoy on-the-way sceneries through the window, traveling by train is another option. This is only recommended if you have time though. It takes about a 10-hour train ride from Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) and a 26-hour ride from Hanoi. As for the train lines, in Ho Chi Minh City, you can choose Thong Nhat, Golden Train, or Blue Train; while in Hanoi, you can choose Vietnam Railway or VNR.

Train stations’ addresses:
Ho Chi Minh City: 1 Nguyen Thong, Ward 9, District 3, Ho Chi Minh
Ha Noi: Station A: 120 Le Duan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
            Station B: Tran Quy Cap, Dong Da, Hanoi

By bus

The third popular means of transportation to Nha Trang is by bus. This mode of transport is quite accessible in almost everywhere in Vietnam. If you take the bus, we recommend taking the overnight sleeping bus to Nha Trang. Some of the recommended bus lines are Mai Linh, Phuong Trang, Kumho, and Hoang Long.

For more information on the bus schedule, you can send your inquiries to these contacts:

Mai Linh: Link 
Booking Center: 028 39 39 39 39

Phuong Trang: Link 
Booking Center: 1900 6067

Kumho: Link
Booking Center: (08) 3752 7878

Hoang Long: Link 
Phone: 0225 3920920

By motorbike and train: Check out this multi-day coastal adventure to Mui Ne, Dalat, and Nha Trang

WHERE TO STAY IN NHA TRANG

The Anam

Check price and availability: The Anam

Evason Ana Mandara Nha Trang Resort

Check price and availability: Evason Ana Mandara Nha Trang Resort

MerPerle Hon Tam Resort

Check price and availability: MerPerle Hon Tam Resort

Diamond Bay Resort & Spa

Check price and availability: Diamond Bay Resort & Spa

Starcity Nha Trang Hotel

Check price and availability: Starcity Nha Trang Hotel 

Navy Hotel Cam Ranh

Check price and availability: Navy Hotel Cam Ranh

WHERE TO GO IN NHA TRANG

Nha Trang Attractions:

Institute of Oceanography

 

Known as the first Oceanography Institute in Vietnam and being over 100 years old, it would be a worthy school trip here. It is home to many rare marine species and plants brought from various Asian countries. At this place, there are more than 20,000 items of over 4,000 marine samples. Especially, it is must explore the massive whale skeleton measuring 26m long and 3m high.

Hours: 6 AM - 6 PM
Address: 1 Cau Da, Nha Trang
Entrance: VND 30,000 ($1.5)

Alexandre Yersin Museum

Alexandre Yersin is a French bacteriologist who had contributed vitally to Vietnamese agriculture, bacteriology, and in particular the founding of Dalat. To commemorate him, his house on Tran Phu Street Nha Trang has been used as a Museum since 1990. This is where visitors can see Yersin’s belongings including laboratory pieces of equipment, letters, and photographs from his travels. To learn more about Dalat, check this What to do in Dalat Travel Guide.

Hours: Morning: from 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM (Closed on Saturday and Sunday)
           Afternoon: from 2 PM to 5 PM
Address: Pasteur Institute, 10 Tran Phu, Nha Trang
Entrance: VND 20,000 ($1)

Long Son Pagoda

Recognized among the most beautiful sites in the Nha Trang Travel Guide, Long Son Pagoda is a must-visit for any tourist. Apart from the breath-taking scenery surrounding, the temple’s inside is gorgeous with its Taoist architecture as well. Especially, the temple is famous for the enormous White Buddha statue sitting on the top of Trai Thuy Mountain where this can be seen from almost anywhere in town.

Hours: 8 AM - 5 PM
Address: Thai Nguyen Street, Nha Trang
Entrance: Free

Ponagar Cham Towers

Among the Cham’s architectures in Vietnam, Ponagar Cham Tower is a worthwhile destination to discover one of the ethnic cultures in Vietnam, which contributed a crucial part to the local life a long time ago. The unique religious ancient ruins should not be missed on your Nha Trang trip.

Besides, this site also provides Mud Bath services for any tourist who would like to experience in the Hot Stream area of Ponagar Cham Tower. For a common pool usage with a capacity of 15 - 20 people, the cost is VND 100,000/person ($5), and it costs VND 250,000/person ($12) for a private pool.

Hours: 6 AM - 6 PM
Address: 2 Thang 4 Street, Vinh Phuoc, Nha Trang
Entrance: VND 22,000 ($1), Guide VND 50,000

To have fun trips in Ho Chi Minh City, check out our authentic motorbike tours with professional local guides!

 

Christ the King Cathedral

Among the beautiful cultural and religious relics in Nha Trang, Christ the King Cathedral or the Mountain Cathedral should hardly be missed if you're wondering what to do in Nha Trang. This is a French church built by Father Louis Vallet in 1933. Standing on a hill in the downtown of the coastal city, the church brings a distinct impression because of its 38 meter-high bell tower and unique designs of the ancient time. This is a destination that travel photographers love.

Hours: 5:30 AM - 5 PM, On Saturday at 5 PM has Sunday English Mass.
Sunday: 5 AM - 7 AM, 11 AM - 4:30 PM
Address: 31A Thai Nguyen, Phuoc Tan, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa
Entrance: Free

Vinpearl Land Nha Trang

 

Located on Hon Tre Island, Vinpearl Land Nha Trang is known as a paradise for leisure activities. Above and beyond the high-class restaurants and gorgeous man-made sceneries, visitors can enjoy a broad range of adventurous games and exciting sports, such as swimming in the sea, 4D movie theaters, Ferris wheel, and the long cable car ride across the sea.

Hours: 8 AM - 9 PM
Address: Hon Tre Island, Nha Trang
Entrance: • Package: VND 800,000/adult, 700,000/child from 1m to 1.4m, under 1m is free. Package pricing includes all games and Cable Car 2-way.
               • By other transportation: VND 730,000/adult, 650,000/child from 1m to 1.4m, under 1m is free. This price includes all games and 1-way Cable Car back to the mainland.
Link to the official website of Vinpearl Land Nha Trang

Monkeys at Hon Lao Island

 

The Monkey Island is the home of more than 1,000 monkeys for preservation and tourism purposes. All of the monkeys live in the natural environment without being kept in the cages. Therefore, you wander around and play with them but be mindful of your jewelry and phones. Among other things to do in Nha Trang, there is a beautiful beach on this island perfect for setting up a picnic on the seaside or do some kayaking.

Hours: 7 AM - 5 PM
Circus Show Times: 10:15 AM, 2:15 PM, 3:15 PM
Address: Hon Lao Island
Entrance: VND 150,000/adult ($7), 75,000/children under 1.3m ($4)

Con Se Tre Village

 

Located on Hon Tre Island, this place of visit is quite different from other travel areas. Comparing to other islands in Nha Trang, Con Se Tre is suitable for eco-tourism. If you expect a trip less of modern services, more old style and nature-oriented, this village is your place.

Hours: 7 AM - 10 PM
Address: Con Se Tre Travel Area, Hon Tre Island, Nha Trang
Price: VND 40,000 or $2 (Entrance fee + hiring tent + water for showering), VND 20,000 or $1 for visiting only

Yang Bay Waterfall

If you are an outdoor person, Yang Bay Waterfall is your place. Apart from the natural beauties of the waterfall and a primitive forest, there is an amusement park with lots of exciting places to visit such as the orchid garden, crocodile farm, pig racing, crossbow shooting, and javelin throwing. There are plenty of things to do in Nha Trang here.

Hours: 8 AM - 5 PM
Address: Khanh Phu, Khanh Vinh, Khanh Hoa
Entrance: General package: entrance, electric car, train, and gardens visiting
               Adult: VND 100,000 ($5)
               Child from 0.9m to 1.4m tall: VND 50,000 ($2), free for under 0.9 m
Link to the official website of Yang Bay Waterfall

Dien Khanh Citadel

Built in 1793, Dien Khanh Ancient Citadel was ranked as a national-level historical site in 1988. The attractive point of this place is the military architecture ensemble of Vauban style, which was very popular in the period over 17th - 18th century in Europe. In the current time, all of the administrative offices, army units, and local facilities have been moved out of the Citadel to transform this area into a pedestrian zone for visitors.

Address: Dien Khanh Townlet, Dien Khanh District, Khanh Hoa Province

Doc Let Beach

Recognized as one of the best beaches in Vietnam, Doc Let Beach is a must-visit for every tourist. Doc Let Beach is famous for its chalk-white sand and crystal clear water. It promises a beautiful picnic when you plan your trip to the seaside on the weekends.

Address: 50km to the North of Nha Trang city center
Entrance: VND 30,000 ($1.5)

The Islands of Nha Trang:

Going to a coastal city like Nha Trang, it is such a miss if you do not visit the islands or do islands hopping. These are the best places where tourists can enjoy swimming, diving, and snorkeling. Here are two islands worth mentioning:

Hon Mun Island

Entrance:
• For diving: VND 750,000/tourist/time – VND 1,100,000/tourist/twice
• Bathing: VND 66,000
• Sightseeing: VND 22,000 ($1)

Hon Tam Island

 

Entrance:
Whole package (entrance fee and boat): VND 600,000/adult ($30), VND 420,000/child ($21)
Entrance Fee Only: VND 220,000/adult ($11), VND 150,000/child ($7)

The Bays of Nha Trang:

Natural preference creates lots of geological formations for Nha Trang including the magnificent bays. Nha Trang’s bays are the ideal destination for posing gorgeous photos. Here are some bays you may consider:

Ninh Van Bay - this is home to one of the best beach resorts in Vietnam

Van Phong Bay

Nha Phu Bay

Other Activities in Nha Trang:

Other activities in Nha Trang worth mentioning are parasailing, windsurfing, kayaking, water skiing, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, and taking mud baths.

Famous Markets in Nha Trang:

If you would like to gain an insight into the local culture, markets are where you have to set your foot in. Observing the local trading business would be an interesting experience you will never forget. Moreover, visiting the markets may help you grab memorable souvenirs back home. For our Nha Trang market guide, there are some recommendations:

Dam Market

Hours: Day time
Address: Ben Cho, Van Thanh, Nha Trang
Entrance: Free

Nha Trang Night Market - one of the top night markets in Vietnam

 

Hours: 2 PM - 11:30 PM
Address: 46 Tran Phu Street, Nha Trang
Entrance: Free

WHAT TO EAT IN NHA TRANG

Bo Nuong (BBQ Beef) Lac Canh - grill your own food at the table

Hours: 10 AM - 11 PM
Address: 44 Nguyen Binh Khiem, Huong Xuan
Price: VND 35,000 - VND 275,000 ($1.5 - $13.5)

Nem Nuong (Grilled Sausage Wraps) Vu Thanh An or Dang Van Quyen

Hours: 4 PM - 10 PM
Address: 15 Le Loi, Nha Trang
Price: VND 40,000 - VND 55,000 ($2 - $2.5)

Bun Sua (Jellyfish Noodle)

Hours: 3 PM - 10 M
Address: Bun Ca Nguyen Loan, 123 Ngo Gia Tu, Nha Trang
Price: VND 15,000 - VND 40,000 ($0.7 - $2)

Banh Trang Xoai (Mango Rice Paper)

Address: Dam Market
Price: VND 25,000 - VND 100,000 ($1 - $5)

Assorted snails and seafood on Thap Ba Street in the evening

 

Assorted snails steamed with lemongrass & sea urchin with green onions

White sardines salad

Address: Thap Ba Street, Nha Trang (Near the Ponagar Cham Towers)

Conclusion on What to do at Nha Trang Travel Guide

When you come to Vietnam, we recommend you to visit the beautiful coastal city of Nha Trang. We hope that this Nha Trang Travel Guide completed with what to do, places to visit, and food to try will help guide you make the best of your time in Vietnam. To learn more about other Vietnam travel information and tips, contact us or check our blog.

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