The southern Vietnamese coastal city of Nha Trang is known for its long beaches, vibrant nightlife and delicious seafood. But as well as sun and sand, Nha Trang also offers a number of cultural and historical things to do. From ancient temples to bustling markets, there is plenty to see and experience in this beautiful city. In this article, you can find out more about the things to do in and around Nha Trang, tips on beaches, shopping and accommodation as well as travelling to and from the city.
Table of contents
Top things to do in Nha Trang
Long Son Pagoda with white Buddha
The buddhist temple Long Son Pagoda in Nha Trang is a place of peace and spirituality. Admire the ornate decorations of mosaic dragons and the 24-metre-high white Buddha that watches over the city. Enjoy the panoramic view from the top of the pagoda and experience Vietnam’s deeply rooted Buddhist culture. The climb to the pagoda is a little strenuous, but the view is worth it!
Info: The pagoda is only about 2 km from the centre of Nha Trang and can therefore be easily reached on foot. The walk takes about 30 minutes and takes you through the busy streets of the city as well as some quiet residential areas.
Nha Trang Cathedral
Churches in Vietnam? And what churches! The Nha Trang Cathedral, officially known as the Cathedral of Christ the King, is a real architectural gem and attracts both devout and history-loving visitors from all over the world. The Nha Trang Cathedral was built in the late 19th century by French missionaries and is an example of how colonial architecture has shaped the Vietnamese landscape. It’s one of the largest churches in Vietnam. The ornate stained glass windows, the square clock tower, the impressive wood carvings and the opulent interior will take you back to Europe.
Tip: Try to visit this top thing to do in Nha Trang at off-peak times to avoid the crowds.
Alexandre Yersin Museum
The Alexandre Yersin Museum in Nha Trang City is a must for science fans and adventurers. Immerse yourself in the life and work of the famous scientist who made important contributions to medicine and bacteriology. The laboratory equipment and photographs give you a good idea of his life and work. The museum also offers interactive exhibitions and workshops that will delight young and old alike.
Hon Chong Rocks
The rock formations of Hon Chong Rocks consist of huge boulders scattered along the sea, providing an impressive natural backdrop. You can walk along the rocks for hours and enjoy the beauty of nature.
One of the main attractions of Hon Chong Promontory is the viewpoint on one of the larger rocks, which offers a fantastic panoramic view of the entire Nha Trang bay. This place is perfect for watching the sunset and just sitting back and enjoying nature.
Info: Hon Chong Rock is located 4 km from the city centre. The easiest way to reach it is by taxi.
Natural spa experience in the hot springs of Thap Ba
Visiting hot springs in hot weather? Sounds absurd at first, but if you have flat feet from sightseeing in Nha Trang, the Thap Ba springs are a real treat. The temperature of the springs varies between 35°C and 40°C. There is also the option of booking separate treatments such as massages and face masks.
Tickets cost around 150,000 VND per person and include access to the various hot springs, mineral baths and mud baths. The mud baths are said to have rejuvenating and healing properties. It’s always fun, so why not?
Tip: It’s best to plan your visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds. Catering options are available on site. The spa is located on the outskirts of the city. The best way to get there is by taxi. There is also a city bus that stops directly in front of the Thap Ba hot springs.
Dam Market
As soon as you enter the Dam Market, you will be enveloped by the aroma of exotic spices, fresh fruit and fragrant flowers. You will see varieties of fruit that you have never seen before. The colourful stalls invite you to browse and discover – don’t forget to bargain! Handmade souvenirs, traditional clothing and delicious street food specialities are on offer in countless corners. Broken flip-flops, lost your charging cable? You’ll find what you’re looking for here! With a robust stomach, you can also enjoy an inexpensive typical Vietnamese lunch. Markets such as the Dam Market give you a very good impression of a typical bustling Vietnamese market and are among Nha Trang’s must-sees.
Po Nagar Temple
Located south of Nha Trang City, this ancient temple complex is an important cultural and religious site in the region and, of course, one of the Nha Trang things to do for visitors. When visiting the Po Nagar Temple, you will be mesmerised by the impressive architecture and ornate stone carvings. The towers of the temple (Cham Tower) are adorned with richly decorated reliefs and sculptures depicting Hindu deities and mythological scenes. The temple complex was built between the 7th and 12th centuries and is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Po Nagar.
Tip: Come in the early morning or late afternoon and soak up the peaceful atmosphere, away from the chaotic traffic and honking of the city.
National Oceanographic Museum “Bảo Tàng Hải Dương Học”
The National Oceanographic Museum of Nha Trang, also known as the Nha Trang Aquarium, is located in a magnificent French-colonialist building. Unfortunately, the fish and corals don’t have quite as much space as in other aquariums around the world. You can see over 20,000 live specimens, including turtles, sharks, anemones and a variety of colourful corals. There are also fossils and skeletons. The ratings are very mixed.
Info: The National Oceanographic Museum is located about 2.5 km from the centre of Nha Trang and can therefore be easily reached on foot. The walk takes around 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can hire a bike.
Things to do around Nha Trang: Day trips
Take the cable car to Vinpearl Park
Vinpearl Park is a huge leisure paradise on a beautiful beach. The main attraction is the Vinpearl cable car, the world’s longest cable car over water, which offers breathtaking views of the turquoise South China Sea and the green islands. The 15-minute ride is an adventure and gives you a great overview of the beauty of the region.
Once you arrive at Vinpearl Island, a theme park “Vinpearl Land Nha Trang” awaits you with a variety of attractions and activities for all ages. From water slides and carousels to an artificial wave pool, there is something for everyone here. Those who want to relax after the action can enjoy the white sandy beach and crystal-clear water.
Info: The cable car costs 700,000 Vietnamese dong, or around 30 euros.
Ba Ho waterfalls
The Ba Ho waterfalls near Nha Trang are an impressive natural spectacle in the midst of a lush tropical landscape. The three waterfalls form natural pools of crystal clear water that are perfect for swimming and exploring. The first and largest waterfall offers a perfect opportunity to cool off and invites you to linger with its cascading currents.
To reach the waterfalls, a picturesque hiking trail leads through the jungle, which creates a unique atmosphere with its green surroundings, the chirping of birds and exotic flora.
Info: The Ba Ho waterfalls are 25 kilometres away. You can either join an organised tour or take a taxi or motorbike.
Hon Mun Island: a paradise for snorkellers
Hon Mun Island in the bay of Nha Trang is a paradise for snorkellers and divers, known for its breathtaking underwater world in turquoise water with colourful coral reefs and diverse marine life. It is part of the 20 square kilometre Hon Mun Marine Protected Area, which protects a wide range of marine life and is blessed with beautiful islands.
From Nha Trang, the island can be reached in about 45 minutes by boat. Ideally, take a whole day for a visit to fully experience the beauty of the island and its underwater world. The best time to visit is during the dry season from January to August, when the water is clear and calm and the visibility is particularly good for snorkelling.
Tip: The other surrounding islands such as Hon Mieu Island, Hon Lao (Monkey Island) or Hon Tam are also worth a visit!
Boat tours on the Cai River
Look out for tour operators at the Ha Ra Bridge and book a boat trip on the Cai River. The boat trip takes you past settlements built on stilts above the river. You will not only see the lush green landscape, but also the normal daily life of the residents by the river. A good contrast to the modern high-rise centre of Nha Trang!
Most beautiful beaches and bays in Nha Trang
Nha Trang is a beach destination and these stunning beaches and bays in and around Nha Trang are an absolute dream. I’ll introduce you to the best ones individually:
- Vinpearl Beach
- Hon Mun Island
- Hon Tre Island
- Bai Dai Beach
- Bai Tranh bay
- Nin Van bay
- Robinson Beach Nha Trang
- Tranh Phu
- Hon Chong
- Doc Let
Tran Phu Beach in Nha Trang
Tran Phu Beach in Nha Trang is the vibrant centre of the city. Conveniently located in the heart of Nha Trang, Tran Phu Beach is easily accessible from almost anywhere in the city. The beach itself offers a wide stretch of golden sand lined with palm trees, perfect for lazing around and sunbathing during the day. It is a whole 6 kilometres long!
One of the main spots of Tran Phu Beach is Tran Phu Street, which leads directly to the seafront promenade. This street is lined with hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops. At night, Tran Phu Beach comes to life and offers a vibrant nightlife with bars and resorts. The TUI BLUE Nha Trang, which I recommend as accommodation in Nha Trang, is located on Tran Phu Beach.
Doc Let beach and bay
Doc Let is a popular beach resort on the coast of Nha Trang, a few kilometres to the north. The 10 kilometre long, pristine beach of Doc Let is a real gem. Here you can relax, swim in the blue waters and soak up the sun in the white sands without being surrounded by crowds.
For those who crave some activity, there are also water sports options such as kayaking and jet skiing. And don’t forget to visit the local restaurants to sample the delicious Vietnamese cuisine. Overall, Doc Let is recommended if you find Nha Trang too busy and crowded.
Scuba diving in Nha Trang
The best dive sites in Nha Trang include Hon Mun Island, where you can explore colourful coral reefs and see a variety of fish species, and Whale Island, known for its vibrant underwater ecosystem and the chance to see whale sharks. Other must-visit dive sites in Nha Trang include Hon Tam Island, Moray Beach and Madonna Rock, each offering unique underwater landscapes and marine life to discover.
Accommodation in Nha Trang
My recommendation for accommodation is the TUI BLUE Nha Trang. The brand new hotel was opened in 2024. It has a restaurant on the 30th floor, that offers a fantastic view over the city and a big swimming pool.
Whether you’re travelling as a couple, family, business traveller or solo traveller – you’ll feel at home here! And if the hustle and bustle of the city gets too much for you, you can relax in the brand new BLUE Spa or by the pool.
Shopping: Shopping tips for Nha Trang
An absolute must in Nha Trang is the Dam Market, where you can find handmade souvenirs, clothes and fresh food. Don’t forget to use your bargaining skills, as you can pick up some great bargains here.
For those who like to browse in modern shopping centres, I recommend Nha Trang Centre, Vincom Plaza Nha Trang and Maximark Supermarket, where you can find a variety of international and local brands.
If you are looking for handmade handicrafts, then you should definitely take a walk along Tran Phu Street, where many small shops sell handmade products such as ceramics, silk and jewellery.
Festivals in Nha Trang
One of the most popular festivals in the Khanh Hoa province is the Nha Trang Sea Festival, which celebrates the city’s connection to the blue water with various activities on the water and cultural performances. The Ponagar Tower Festival is also held in honour of the Cham people’s goddess Po Nagar with traditional dances and rituals. Other festivals in Nha Trang include the Whale Worshipping Festival and the Nha Trang Beach Festival, all of which offer a unique experience for locals and tourists alike.
Conclusion on the best things to do in Nha Trang
As you can see, you can spend more than just 1 or 2 days in Nha Trang. It’s worth spending a few days here on your onward journey to southern or central Vietnam and switching back and forth between culture, beach life, delicious food and chilling out.
Questions and answers about the things to do in Nha Trang
What is the best month to visit Nha Trang?
The best time to visit Nha Trang is from February to April. During this time, the weather is dry and pleasant with average temperatures of around 27 degrees Celsius. You can enjoy the sun and relax on the beach without being disturbed by heavy rainfall.
If you love water sports and diving, the best time to visit Nha Trang is from June to August. The sea is calm and the underwater visibility is particularly clear. You can immerse yourself in the fascinating underwater life and discover breathtaking coral reefs.
How many days should I spend in Nha Trang?
Three to four days are a good amount of time if you want to relax on the beach, explore the city center, and do a few activities like snorkeling or mud bathing.
Getting to Nha Trang and how to get around
By train
The train station in Nha Trang is located in the centre of the city and is easily accessible. From Nha Trang, you can reach various cities in Vietnam by train, including Hanoi, Đà Nẵng and Ho Chi Minh City.
The journey from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh City takes around 8 hours and 48 minutes.
The train journey from Nha Trang to Hội An is a little more complicated as there is no direct train connection. You would have to take the train from Nha Trang to Đà Nẵng first and then take a bus or taxi to Hội An. The total journey time is around 10 to 12 hours.
By bus
From Nha Trang to Da Lat or to other destinations in the interior of Vietnam, the bus is often the only means of transport as there is no train connection between these places. The train is more convenient for longer journeys.
By plane
Nha Trang Airport is located about 35 kilometres south of the city on the Cam Ranh peninsula. You can easily reach the city centre by bus from the airport. The journey only takes about an hour and costs 60,000 VND, which is less than 3 euros.
There are numerous flights to the major airports in Vietnam and even to popular cities such as Hong Kong and Bangkok. There are no direct flights from Europe. You have to travel by plane via Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.