(Source: VnExpress International) Nha Trang, nestled along Vietnam’s south central coast, beckons international travelers with its beaches, landmarks and adventures.

1. Beaches

Nha Trang is famed for its stunning beaches, including the popular Tran Phu, Bai Dai, Hon Chong, and Doc Let. With soft white sands and turquoise waters, these beaches are perfect for sunbathing, swimming and water sports. The area is surrounded by cafes, bars, and seafood restaurants offering both local and international cuisines, making it an excellent spot for both relaxation and culinary exploration. Visitors can rent beach chairs, umbrellas and equipment for water sports, or take a stroll along the promenade, which is lined with palm trees and beachfront resorts.

Image: The coast of Nha Trang.

For those seeking a more active experience, on offer are beach volleyball and football, with courts often set up during the day. In the evenings, Tran Phu Beach transforms with its sunset views, street vendors and a lively atmosphere perfect for an evening by the sea. The clear waters and abundant marine life make the area a great spot for snorkeling and diving. Entry to the beaches is free, though fees apply for renting equipment or participating in water activities. The beach is located along Tran Phu Street.

If you are not a fan of a crowded atmosphere, Bai Dai Beach, located 20 km south of Nha Trang with fewer visitors is the perfect alternative. It is an ideal spot for relaxation, sunbathing and leisurely walks along the shore.

2. Po Nagar Towers

This ancient Cham temple complex, dating back to the seventh century, features intricately carved towers and offers panoramic views of the city and the Cai River. Located at 2 Thang 4 Street, Po Nagar Tower is a short drive from the city center.

Image: Po Nagar Towers (R) in Nha Trang.

Visitors can explore its historic architecture, which showcases traditional Cham art and craftsmanship, and learn about the Cham culture and their early civilization. The site also offers insight into the region’s religious history, with the remaining towers and shrines being primarily dedicated to Hinduism, though Buddhist influence can also be seen today. The central tower, the tallest of the structures, houses a statue of the goddess Po Nagar, and the surrounding area is often used for prayer and local rituals.

3. Long Son Pagoda

Known for its striking 24-meter-tall white Buddha statue, Long Son Pagoda on Thai Nguyen Street offers a serene escape and beautiful city views. The giant Buddha, perched atop a hill, is not only a stunning sight but also symbolizes peace and serenity, attracting visitors with both its spiritual significance and its impressive scale.

Image: A visitor walks past a reclining Buddha statue at Long Son Pagoda in Nha Trang. 

Visitors can explore the temple grounds, which feature various idols, shrines and intricate mosaics depicting scenes from Buddhist teachings. The walk up to the Buddha statue involves climbing several steps, and from there visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the city, the coastline and the nearby mountains. Along the way are smaller statues and shrines that add to the spiritual atmosphere of the site. The pagoda is a Buddhist temple that is in use, and visitors can learn about Buddhist practices and teachings from monks, who often conduct ceremonies here.

Inside the pagoda, visitors can admire the beautiful architecture and traditional Buddhist art, including wooden carvings and paintings that offer a glimpse into the cultural and religious history of the region. The site is also home to a small Buddhist school and a library where monks study ancient texts.

4. Nha Trang Bay and its islets

Nha Trang Bay, covering nearly 250 square kilometers, is one of Vietnam’s 16 marine protected areas, celebrated for its coral reefs and diverse marine life. It has long been a favorite destination for divers and marine enthusiasts. At Hon Rom, a popular diving site, visitors can encounter colorful fish and observe the gradual recovery of coral reefs despite challenges from climate change and coral bleaching. Marine creatures such as yellowtail fusiliers and clownfish in sea anemones offer captivating sights.

To address coral damage, the Khanh Hoa government suspended diving at sites like Hon Mun in 2022, allowing for ecosystem rehabilitation through monitoring, seabed cleaning, and conservation measures. Proposals for artificial reefs have also been explored to enhance the bay’s marine landscape.

Image: A tourist dives in Mun Island in Nha Trang, June 2022. 

In June 2024, a pilot program reintroduced recreational diving in select areas.

Hon Mun Island has dazzling coral reefs, crystal-clear waters and a rich diversity of marine life, including colorful tropical fish, sea turtles, and even occasional sightings of dolphins. Situated about 10 kilometers off the coast of Nha Trang, the island is easily accessible by boat, with various tour operators offering trips to the island that typically take between 30 minutes and an hour.

Snorkelers can enjoy the clear waters close to the shore, where schools of vibrant fish and intricate coral formations are easily visible. For more experienced visitors, scuba diving offers the opportunity to explore deeper waters, where larger marine creatures such as rays and sharks lurk in their natural habitat. Certified diving instructors are available for those who wish to take lessons or guided dives.

If you prefer to stay dry, you can take a glass-bottom boat tour to view the underwater world.

Entry fees to Hon Mun Island vary depending on the tour operator and the activities included, with prices starting at VND220,000 ($10) for a basic snorkeling tour. Fees can be higher for activities like scuba diving and private boat rentals.

5. National Oceanographic Museum of Vietnam

Located at 1 Cau Da Street, the National Oceanographic Museum of Vietnam offers an educational journey into the country’s rich marine biodiversity. It has a vast collection of preserved marine specimens, including exotic fish, sharks, sea turtles, and shells from coastal waters.

Image: A girl leans on a fish tank at the National Oceanographic Museum of Vietnam in Nha Trang. 

It showcases taxidermied marine animals and dioramas of underwater ecosystems that provide an up-close view of aquatic life. Visitors can also explore exhibits of traditional fishing tools, old boats and navigational instruments, highlighting the historical relationship between the people of Vietnam and the sea. The museum also offers insights into the fishing industry’s development and the cultural significance of maritime life in the region.

6. Dam Market

Located on Ben Cho Street, this lively market is one of Nha Trang’s oldest and busiest, offering an extensive range of goods, from fresh produce and seafood to textiles, clothing, and handicrafts. It is an ideal place to shop for authentic souvenirs, such as handmade jewelry, traditional garments and products unique to the region.

Image: The circle roof of Dam Market in an aerial overview of Nha Trang. 

ocated on Ben Cho Street, this lively market is one of Nha Trang’s oldest and busiest, offering an extensive range of goods, from fresh produce and seafood to textiles, clothing, and handicrafts. It is an ideal place to shop for authentic souvenirs, such as handmade jewelry, traditional garments and products unique to the region.

7. Vinpearl Land

Located on Hon Tre Island, Vinpearl Land is an amusement park that promises a day full of excitement and adventure. The park is easily accessible via one of the world’s longest over-water cable car rides over Nha Trang Bay.

The park features thrilling amusement rides, including roller coasters, bumper cars, spinning teacups, and a family-friendly Ferris wheel offering breathtaking views of the bay. For those who prefer water activities, Vinpearl Land boasts a large water park complete with water slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, splash zones and an aquarium.

There is also a range of shopping and dining options.

8. Nha Trang Stone Church

Also known as the Mountain Church, the Nha Trang Stone Church is a Gothic-style cathedral located at 31 Thai Nguyen Street. This historic church features stunning architecture, with high vaulted ceilings and intricate stained-glass windows, and a peaceful atmosphere that invites reflection and quiet contemplation. Its location on a hilltop provides visitors with a serene escape, offering a tranquil space away from the bustle of the city.

Image: Inside Nha Trang Stone Church. 

The church is an example of French colonial architecture, with its blend of Gothic elements and local influences. Visitors can explore the church’s interiors, admire the craftsmanship and experience the peaceful ambiance that has made it a spiritual haven for locals and tourists alike. The church also hosts regular religious services, which visitors are welcome to observe.

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