Snapshot: Nha Trang

September 14, 2020

This coastal destination is a must for lovers of sun, sea and sightseeing

With its crystal blue waters and thriving seafront, Nha Trang is a draw for both intrepid backpackers and holidaymakers who want to get away from it in style. Its 6 km of unbroken coastline is home to stunning white sand beaches and numerous excursion tours, an open invitation to explore its offshore islands and plunge the depths if you’re into diving.

The stunning view of the tropical coastal resort in Nha Trang, Vietnam.
The stunning view of the tropical coastal resort in Nha Trang, Vietnam.

Nha Trang’s nearby form an instant getaway. Among its best known is Mieu Island, where a man-made dam preserves an impressive variety of local sea life, with domestic and native species bred in different portions of its waters.

A fishing village on the island of Hon Mieu in Nha Trang, Vietnam.
A fishing village on the island of Hon Mieu in Nha Trang, Vietnam.

Hon Tre, the largest of the Nha Trang’s islands and linked to it by the 3 km Vinpearl Cable Car route, has become a luxury tourist destination during the past decade. Nature lovers can hike the hills of its rolling green forest, while those seeking more modern adventure can head to the Vinpearl Amusement Park. The VND800,000 (A$50) entrance fee includes a return fare for the cable car and grants access to a complex containing numerous rides, a shopping mall and more.

Fabulous buildings at the Vinpearl Amusement Park in Nha Trang, Vietnam.
Fabulous buildings at the Vinpearl Amusement Park in Nha Trang, Vietnam.

Another popular island is Hon Mun, located 10 km from Nha Trang but a must-visit for fans of snorkelling and diving. Its coral reefs can be found in bays punctuated by black cliff faces and caves. A marine conservation project since 2001, Hon Mun is a sanctum for hundreds of species of coral, alongside aquatic and avian life. Visitors not keen on going for a swim can witness its underwater beauty by taking a tour in a glass-bottomed boat.

Two people snorkel off the island of Hon Mun near Nha Trang in Vietnam
Two people snorkel off the island of Hon Mun near Nha Trang in Vietnam

Back on Nha Trang, there is plenty of local history and cuisine to explore and sample, along with bustling nightlife. The Po Nagar Cham Towers are arguably the most impressive monument to the Champa Empire, built between the 7 and 12 AD. A three-storey place of worship for the Cham people, its ornate carvings honour the goddess Yan Po Nagar. A short walk from the Tran Phu Beach, visitors tend to spend some time navigating its grounds to learn more about Nha Trang’s history, while other local religious monuments memorialise a range of faiths, from French Catholicism (Nha Trang Cathedral) to Buddhism (Long Son Pagoda), revealing even more about the different eras of Nha Trang.

Ponagar Temple is a Cham temple tower near Nha Trang city in Vietnam
Ponagar Temple is a Cham temple tower near Nha Trang city in Vietnam

As darkness falls, the Nha Trang Night Market becomes a hub for shopping and food. Open until 11pm, here you can sample local cuisine such as seafood bánh canh dishes. For live music and a more boisterous atmosphere, head to the ever-popular Sailing Club, while the Makaï Lounge offers cocktails and hookahs. There are also more authentic dining experiences: Lac Canh equips customers with their own charcoal grill on which to cook their choice of meat or seafood, while Yen’s serves up a traditional but relaxed environment in which to savour rice and noodle dishes. Take your pick at the end of a day exploring one of Vietnam’s most overlooked but richly cultured cities.

Night market of Nha Trang in Nha Trang, Vietnam.
Night market of Nha Trang in Nha Trang, Vietnam.

RELATED TOURS
Travel from:Jun 2023
Travel until:Apr 2024
Vietnam
$99pp deposit
Local Guides
Moderate Pace
From
$1,099 pp twin share
AUD
Travel from:Jun 2023
Travel until:Apr 2024
Vietnam
$99pp deposit
Local Guides
Moderate Pace
Small Group
From
$1,099 AUD
pp twin share
Flights Included
Travel from:Jul 2023
Travel until:Oct 2023
Vietnam
$99pp deposit
Included
Moderate Pace

Included

Typically $4,196
Now
$2,499 pp twin share
AUD
Travel from:Jul 2023
Travel until:Oct 2023
Vietnam
$99pp deposit
Included
Moderate Pace
Fully Escorted
Typically $4,196
Now
$2,499 AUD
pp twin share
Flights Included
Travel from:Jul 2023
Travel until:Oct 2023
Vietnam
$99pp deposit
Included
Moderate Pace

Included

Typically $3,345
Now
$1,999 pp twin share
AUD
Travel from:Jul 2023
Travel until:Oct 2023
Vietnam
$99pp deposit
Included
Moderate Pace
Partially Escorted
Typically $3,345
Now
$1,999 AUD
pp twin share
Travel from:Oct 2023
Travel until:Sep 2024
Vietnam
$99pp deposit
Partially Escorted
Moderate Pace
From
$2,599 pp twin share
AUD
Travel from:Oct 2023
Travel until:Sep 2024
Vietnam
$99pp deposit
Partially Escorted
Moderate Pace
Small Group
From
$2,599 AUD
pp twin share
Flights Included
Travel from:Jul 2023
Travel until:Oct 2023
Vietnam
$99pp deposit
Included
Moderate Pace
Typically $2,600
Now
$1,499 pp twin share
AUD
Travel from:Jul 2023
Travel until:Oct 2023
Vietnam
$99pp deposit
Included
Moderate Pace
Fully Escorted
Typically $2,600
Now
$1,499 AUD
pp twin share
Flights Included
Travel from:Jun 2023
Travel until:Nov 2023
Vietnam
$99pp deposit
Included
Small Group

Included

Typically $5,979
Now
$3,999 pp twin share
AUD
Travel from:Jun 2023
Travel until:Nov 2023
Vietnam
$99pp deposit
Included
Small Group
Moderate Pace
Typically $5,979
Now
$3,999 AUD
pp twin share
Flights Included
Travel from:Jul 2023
Travel until:Oct 2024
Vietnam
$99pp deposit
Included
Leisurely Pace

Included

Typically $4,795
Now
$2,899 pp twin share
AUD
Travel from:Jul 2023
Travel until:Oct 2024
Vietnam
$99pp deposit
Included
Leisurely Pace
Group Tour - Comfortable
Typically $4,795
Now
$2,899 AUD
pp twin share
Flights Included
Travel from:Jul 2023
Travel until:Oct 2024
Vietnam
$99pp deposit
Included
Moderate Pace

Included

From
$1,999 pp twin share
AUD
Travel from:Jul 2023
Travel until:Oct 2024
Vietnam
$99pp deposit
Included
Moderate Pace
Group Tour - Comfortable
From
$1,999 AUD
pp twin share
Travel from:Jun 2023
Travel until:Dec 2023
Vietnam
$99pp deposit
Small Group
5 Star
From
$1,699 pp twin share
AUD
Travel from:Jun 2023
Travel until:Dec 2023
Vietnam
$99pp deposit
Small Group
5 Star
Local Guides
From
$1,699 AUD
pp twin share
Travel from:Jul 2023
Travel until:Nov 2023
Vietnam
$99pp deposit
Included
Partially Escorted

Included

From
$2,599 pp twin share
AUD
Travel from:Jul 2023
Travel until:Nov 2023
Vietnam
$99pp deposit
Included
Partially Escorted
Moderate Pace
From
$2,599 AUD
pp twin share
Travel from:Jun 2023
Travel until:Nov 2023
Vietnam
$99pp deposit
Included
Local Guides

Included

Typically $6,446
Now
$4,999 pp twin share
AUD
Travel from:Jun 2023
Travel until:Nov 2023
Vietnam
$99pp deposit
Included
Local Guides
Moderate Pace
Typically $6,446
Now
$4,999 AUD
pp twin share
Travel from:Jun 2023
Travel until:Dec 2023
Vietnam
$99pp deposit
Small Group
5 Star
Typically $11,550
Now
$3,499 pp twin share
AUD
Travel from:Jun 2023
Travel until:Dec 2023
Vietnam
$99pp deposit
Small Group
5 Star
Local Guides
Typically $11,550
Now
$3,499 AUD
pp twin share
Processing...