What are your expectations when you set foot in Vietnam? Tasty street food, cheap beverages, glimmering festivals, or the bustling atmosphere of massive cities? If you have experienced all of them, and thirst for something else, Vietnam has one more thing that attracts scores of visitors: stunning crystal blue beaches.
And the best place to enjoy the tropical atmosphere on alluring beaches in Nha Trang. It is a beautiful coastal city located in Khanh Hoa province, on the South Central Coast of Vietnam. Nha Trang has earned its reputation over the years for boasting some of the most pristine beaches in Asia and breath-taking islands that are worth your time of visit. There is something tempting about this city that people just keep coming for a relaxing holiday. Let's explore this amazing gem of Vietnam with Visa2Asia!
Of all the places in Vietnam, why Nha Trang?
Sparkling white-sand beaches never cease to seduce travelers. But other than just beaches, there have to be more reasons why Nha Trang is always ranked among the most-visited places in Vietnam with millions of visitors annually. Let us guide you through some of the best things this coastal city has to offer.
Nha Trang has rich historical and cultural heritage
Famed for heavenly stunning white sand beaches, Nha Trang also inherits archaic historical and cultural sites that are worth visiting. A trip to this beach town is not complete without discovering these cultural spots:
Ponagar Cham tower
Strolling around Nha Trang, tourists often spot a huge ancient architectural landmark in the northern part of the city. As one of the largest remaining Cham relic clusters in Vietnam, Ponagar Tower embodies the prosperous period of a lost civilization.
The tower of the goddess that makes up the Earth Yang Po Inu Nagar, was built before the 10th century. Though partially ruined, still retains the most outstanding features to this day. The Ponagar tower was structured with square red bricks, protruding support frames, and tampering roofs. This is one of the most unique cultural relics you should not forget to check out. In ancient times, the Chams worshiped the goddess Yang Po Inu Nagar, who was there to protect and take care of the people's lives, helping them have land to live and cultivate.
Back in 950, the Khmer empire invaded Champa and stole the sacred Po Inu Nagar statue. Therefore, the Ponagar tower is absolutely crucial to the Chams as a symbol of respect and memorial to their goddess. If you are interested in discovering deeper the ancient Champa culture, don't miss Mỹ Sơn sanctuary, the foremost Champa relic in Vietnam.
Although it is just a legend left by the ancients, those things have created extremely unique customs and traditions of the Cham people. You will hear about the goddess Ponagar and many other stories about the forgotten civilization of Cham people here.
Nha Trang Cathedral
Nha Trang Cathedral, also known as Christ The King Church, is the largest and most beautiful church in the city. The locals also name it Stone church (Nha Tho Da), and Mountain church (Nha Tho Nui). Located on the top of a hill in the city center, the over 80-year-old church pulls every traveler's attention thanks to its majestic French architecture.
Opened in 1933, Nha Trang Cathedral had gone through a great history. By the end of the 19th century, Catholics in Nha Trang were only a few hundred people. In 1886, the French set up a colonial government office in Nha Trang, and to meet the needs for religious activities, they built a temporary chapel on the beach. As the local Catholics community grew, Louis Vallet (1869 – 1945) – a French priest had the intention and decided to build a new church to serve the community, which is today’s Stone church.
Inside Nha Trang Cathedral
Built entirely from stone, the church is an important remnant of elegant French architecture. The highest point of the church is where the Cross is located on the top of the bell tower, 38m high from the road surface. The church has a wide dome, gothic style rose-shaped windows that stand out like a diamond in the heart of the city. Inside the church, you will be amazed by many thoroughly designed pillars. Also, the most noticeable detail of the church is the 3 high bells hanging in the middle. Along with that, the warm light from neon lights gives the church a sense of peace during night time. For every first-time visitor, this place can not be missed.
Long Son Pagoda
Every year, thousands of people come to see and pray at this particular pagoda called Long Son (previously known as Đăng Long Tự). Long Son Pagoda with a giant 24-meter (79 feet) tall white Buddha statue overlooking the city from Trai Thuy hill is quite an experience for Buddhists.
The Buddha statue of Long Son Pagoda
The pagoda’s sacred beauty can astonish any visitors. Standing firmly at the entrance is a fascinating colorful dragon mosaic. The greenery of lushes on the ground plus the hill scenery at the back of the pagoda bring a relaxing atmosphere. Behind Long Son pagoda are 152 steps leading to the tall white Buddha statue situated on the hilltop.
The reclining Buddha statue
On the way to the top, at the 44th step, you will see the Reclining Buddha statue made of marble. The locals believe the Reclining Buddha statue boasts the encouragement that all beings are able to awaken, thrive and release from suffering – a symbol of the cycle of rebirth. The serene and smiling expression is believed to represent calmness and enlightenment.
Long Son pagoda has become the largest of the remaining temples in Khanh Hoa province up to now. Not only do you get to admire some fascinating Taoist architectural features, but also discover the cultural and historical values that Long Son pagoda has embodied for over hundreds of years. Come and find your peace of mind at Long Son pagoda.
Nha Trang offers dreamy islands
Diep Son island
Compared to over 20 gorgeous islands that Nha Trang has, Diep Son island completely stands out from the rest. Lying in the calm, warm waters of Van Phong Bay in Khanh Hoa province, Diep Son archipelago is made of three islands: Bip island, O island, and Qua island. The aesthetically pleasing natural beauty of the island alone does not set it apart. What sparks Diep Son’s uniqueness is the sensational sandbar connecting all three islands of Diep Son.
Imagine strolling through the majestic blue ocean on a silky 700 meters (2297 feet) long sand bridge watching small flocks of fish swimming around. It is without a doubt such a rewarding experience of your trip to Vietnam. Only at Diep Son, you can have the “ocean walk” of a lifetime without safety equipment when the tide goes out revealing the alluring sand bridge. Exploring the island by kayak is a great option. From December to June is the most ideal time to travel to Diep Son island.
Hon Mun island
Are you passionate about ocean creatures? Hon Mun island is the perfect spot to discover marine creatures and corals thanks to the local authority’s effort in protecting the region’s natural habitat.
Hon Mun is among the most famous islands in Nha Trang with clear blue water, breathtaking nature, and poetic scenery. Located close to the hot-sea current from the equator, Hon Mun island is the ideal location gathering numerous gorgeous corals, turtles, and fish.
The island water is shallow, warm, and calm with decent visibility. For travelers who love diving, Hon Mun island is the best spot to discover the incredible underwater scenes in Vietnam. Even for those who do not like to jump into the water, they can admire the awesome marine biodiversity from clear bottom boats that allow a direct view into the deep ocean.
Monkey island
In Japan, there is a cat island. In the Bahamas, there is an island for pigs. And in Vietnam, there is Monkey island (Hon Lao) situated about 20km to the north of Nha Trang. Just as the name represents, this island is home to more than 1200 wild monkeys of different kinds, as well as beautiful views and exciting fun activities. You can find friendly and adorable monkeys almost anywhere on this island. Interacting and feeding the monkeys are pleasing and joyful, which is what attracts most visitors paying a visit to the Monkey island.
However, the monkeys can sometimes get a little carried away and would grab anything that spikes their curiosity, including phones or wallets. So be mindful, and protect all your belongings during the visit to Monkey island.
Also, when you come to Monkey Island, remember to taste the delicious dishes prepared by the locals. All seafood is captured by local people early and then sold to the market, so the seafood is absolutely fresh.
Hon Tre island
Not visiting Hon Tre, the largest island in Nha Trang, is a huge blunder. Just off the city’s coast, you will find one of the city’s most exhilarating islands. Hon Tre means “the island of bamboo” in Vietnamese. Hon Tre Island boasts some of the most dazzling sugar-white sand beaches in Vietnam. But beaches are not the only thing Hon Tre island has to offer.
Vinpearl Amusement Park
Hon Tre houses the Vinpearl Amusement Park (Vinpearl Land Nha Trang), a massive amusement park considered as the paradise of entertainment in Vietnam. What is so fascinating about this entertainment complex? Within the theme park, you will find a huge aquarium, water park, shopping mall, and a variety of joyful rides. Additionally, other sorts of recreation activities such as water games in the water park, and ice-skating in a natural ice rink system.
Vinpearl Resort Nha Trang
Accompanied with Vinpearl Amusement Park, visitors cannot ignore the 5-star Vinpearl Resort chain, the symbol of ultra-luxury accommodation services. Vinpearl Nha Trang Resort provides a variety of world-class luxurious rooms, 3 independent villas, fine-dining restaurants along with an 18 hole golf course of international standards, and the largest swimming pool in Southeast Asia. Surely, you will enjoy your stay in rooms featuring private balconies overlooking the beautiful surrounding hills or romantic sea at Vinpearl Nha Trang resort.
Getting to Hon Tre is quite easy thanks to daily ferries or speedboats transfers. However, most visitors choose the best cable car in Nha Trang instead of other means of transportation.
Nha Trang has diverse tourist activities
As a travel hotspot of Vietnam, Nha Trang attracts tourists with a wide range of thrilling water activities such as windsurfing, kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling, and so on. Other than that, the coastal city offers some more special pleasing things that you should try once in your life.
Walk under the sea
So you may have tried diving and snorkeling. These underwater activities are awesome. But how about literally walking under the ocean like the characters in the Aquaman movie?
In Nha Trang, there are sea walking tours that allow participants to stroll underwater without scuba diving skills. For a 20 minute walk, you are equipped with a special 33kg helmet that provides oxygen and protects you from the high underwater pressure. Anyone can participate in this tour, especially those who cannot swim. All you have to do is to stroll and enjoy the whole experience. Taking a slow walk and witnessing the magical ocean ecosystem with abundant marine reserves of Nha Trang is priceless.
Try mud bath at Thap Ba Hot Springs center
After trying all dynamic activities in Nha Trang, treat yourself to a relaxation day at Thap Ba Hot Springs center soaking your body in natural mud.
Thap Ba Hot Springs is one of the best places to try mud bathing at a reasonable rate from $3 for children to $6.45 for adults. The organic mud used at the center is pumped up from underground into small separate pools mixed with mineral water. The combination of mud and mineral water at adequate heat is perfect for relaxation and health treatments. Thermal mud is rich in essential minerals such as zinc, magnesium, and bromine are proven to help rejuvenate the body by exfoliating dead skin cells, preventing and healing the dysfunction due to aging.
Customers can experience a variety of treatment packages at Thap Ba Hot Spring center. A standard mud bath package consists of a 15-minute mud bath in the communal pool, a 30-minute soak in natural hot mineral water, and a hydrotherapy session using cool mineral water. If you are willing to splurge on fancy treatments, there are VIP packages offering private indoor mineral mud bathtubs, swimming pools, Jacuzzi, body massage, and acupuncture therapy. So why not let your body enjoy the healing treatment of mud baths and relief from all the stress during your trip in Nha Trang.
Visit the National Oceanography Museum of Vietnam
If you love learning about the local marine life in Nha Trang, visit the National Oceanography Museum of Vietnam. This institute exhibits over 20,000 live and preserved marine specimens.
The museum’s collection is so extensive that it spreads out over two floors. The ground floor houses glass tanks of marine creatures in various sizes such as living coral, reef sharks, turtles, lionfish, clownfish, and more. The second floor is home to specimens of tropical marine creatures, local boats, and fishing artifacts.
One of the highlights of the museum is a huge specimen area with 3 giant fossil skeletons, displayed in a space of 200 square meters. The largest skeleton is of the 18-meter (59 feet) long humpback whale, weighing about 10 tons, which was buried underground in the Red River Delta for more than 200 years before being discovered. Also, you can witness some illustration of natural disasters, sacred legends as well as the fishing culture in Vietnam.
Ride Vinpearl Cable Cars
As mentioned above, a large number of tourists choose cable cars to reach the extraordinary Vinpearl Amusement park, and you definitely should try as well.
The Vinpearl cable car is one of the longest cross-sea cable cars that span the length of 3,320 meters (10,892 feet) taking you from the mainland, across the sea, to Hon Tre island. Spending 15 minutes with your friends and family admiring the astonishing ocean landscape from the cable ride is definitely worth your time.
Nha Trang has extraordinary cuisine
Journey to the “S-shaped” country, travelers will be blown away with luscious Vietnamese cuisine. Every city has distinctive culinary arts, and Nha Trang is no different. Mother nature granted Nha Trang, not just gorgeous scenery, but also an ocean of seafood that foodies just can’t resist. Let’s discover some of the best mouth-watering local delicacies that represent the ocean culinary culture of Nha Trang.