Nha Trang is known as the pearl of the East Sea, famous for its beautiful beaches, numerous attractions, exciting entertainment areas, and diverse culinary scene. Nha Trang deserves to be one of the best tourist destinations and resorts in Vietnam. If you are planning your first trip to Nha Trang and want to learn about travel experiences there, read the article below with Ula Travel.
I. LOCATION OF NHA TRANG
Nha Trang is a coastal city and the economic, political, cultural, tourist, and scientific center of Khanh Hoa province. To the north, Nha Trang borders Ninh Hoa town; to the south, it borders Cam Lam district; to the east, it borders the East Sea with Truong Sa island district of Khanh Hoa province; and to the west, it borders Dien Khanh district. Nha Trang is dubbed the “pearl of the East Sea” for owning valuable “gifts” bestowed by nature.
II. HOW TO GET TO NHA TRANG
By Plane
Khanh Hoa province has Cam Ranh International Airport with many domestic and international flights operated by various airlines to welcome millions of tourists from everywhere. From Cam Ranh airport to the city center of Nha Trang, it is only about 35km with convenient transportation. This is also a preferred means of transportation for many tourists, with short flight times from other provinces.
By train
Trains used to be a popular means of transportation before air travel developed. Traveling by train is safe, and you can admire the incredibly beautiful Vietnam along the way. Although traveling by train takes longer than by plane, it is more affordable. Traveling from Hanoi to Nha Trang by train takes about 24-28 hours.
From Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang, it takes about 8–10 hours. Prices vary depending on the train cabin class. From Nha Trang station to the city center, it is very close, only about 10–15 minutes by car. You can buy train tickets online or at the station to avoid purchasing fake tickets.
By bus
Buses are the most economical means of transportation to Nha Trang. However, buses are suitable for tourists from neighboring provinces such as Phu Yen, Ninh Thuan, Lam Dong, Dak Lak, and Ho Chi Minh City.
Especially, tourists from Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang by bus take about 8–10 hours, with many options from reputable and quality bus companies. The ticket price from Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang is also very cheap, ranging from 200,000 to 300,000 VND per person.
III. PEOPLE OF NHA TRANG
The people of Nha Trang are sincere, strong, and work tirelessly year-round to enrich themselves, their families, and their homeland, contributing to the continuous development of Nha Trang.
Therefore, when mentioning Khanh Hoa, travelers immediately think of a beautiful, developed Nha Trang city, which is still special because it still preserves the traditional values imprinted by time. Therefore, the people of Nha Trang are both modern and very traditional, meaning they are both sharp in economic activities and simple and hospitable in daily life.
The people here are gentle and extremely hospitable. I call this hospitality a precious “specialty” that Khanh Hoa tourism possesses. The character of these people is so gentle and sincere; from generations ago, their lives were attached to vast fields and expansive seas, so gentle as the earth yet as free as the ocean.
IV. CULTURE OF NHA TRANG
1. Characteristic Culture at the Seafood Market
As one of the most beautiful coastal cities in the country, it’s understandable that this place is always full of shrimp, fish, and fresh seafood. Even during the stormy season, boats still come and go, and fishermen still work diligently, casting nets and catching marine products. Thanks to this, many seafood markets have created a unique and irresistible beauty for the Nha Trang Sea.
Arriving at the seafood market in the early morning, when the dawn has just broken and the fishing boats have just docked, you can see the cheerful image of fishermen after a successful catch, feel the hustle and bustle of the market, and enjoy selecting fresh seafood to bring back as gifts for family and friends.
2. Festival City
Nha Trang organizes all kinds of festivals throughout the year! These festivals are part of the rituals, traditions, and religious beliefs that make the city rich and diverse in culture.
In Nha Trang, it seems that every traditional occupation has its own festival. At these festivals, workers organize events to commemorate those who have contributed to their work. This is also an opportunity for people to pray to the gods for a prosperous life and better health.
Industries such as bronze casting, salt making, and fishing all have their own festivals; besides, there are also festivals for everyone, like the Swallow Festival and the Sea Festival.
3. Cuisine
Not only attracting tourists with stunning beaches and dreamy landscapes, Nha Trang also owns a “treasure trove” of unique flavors that mesmerize everyone who tries them. Enjoying local cuisine is a way for tourists to experience the true culture of this wonderful land.
V. BEST SEASON TO VISIT NHA TRANG
1. Dry season
The dry season in Nha Trang starts from January to September every year in the Gregorian calendar. During this time, the weather is quite cool, with occasional intense sunlight from May to August.
Tip: If you travel to Nha Trang during hot, sunny days, prepare some items such as hats, sunscreen, and robes to protect your body from sunburn and heat shock.
2. Rainy Season
when does the rainy season in Nha Trang start? The rainy season in Nha Trang begins from September to December of the year. During this time, it often rains, and the weather is cool. It’s worth noting that the rainfall is often light and the temperature is not very low. Occasionally, drizzle can make the sea turbulent, hindering beach activities.
3. Best Time to Visit Nha Trang
The answer is during the dry season (from January to September) every year. The reason is that the weather in Nha Trang during this season is extremely beautiful and very suitable for participating in island tours, swimming, and enjoying the stunning natural scenery.
However, with advantages come disadvantages. If you visit Nha Trang during the summer months, you’ll encounter the peak season, and the cost of accommodation may increase due to the large number of tourists during this period. You should proactively book rooms and tours one or two months in advance to manage your schedule.
4. Cheapest Time to Travel
You might want to know the time when Nha Trang is least crowded to avoid crowds or save on costs for your trip. Here are two travel tips to help you:
- Book hotel rooms after Tet Nguyen Dan (from February to April in the Gregorian calendar). The reason is that people have just finished celebrating Tet and may not have immediate travel plans, so during this time, the airfare and accommodation prices in Nha Trang are very cheap.
- If you don’t mind rain and unpredictable weather, you can book your trip to Nha Trang in October, November, December, and January. Starting in November, Nha Trang gets colder, so if you visit from October onwards, you can still enjoy swimming in the sea.
VI . TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN NHA TRANG
1. Nha Trang Night Market
In the coastal city of Nha Trang, there are a total of 4 night markets, but among them, the night market at 46 Tran Phu Street is more well-known to locals and tourists alike. With a lively atmosphere, diverse merchandise, and countless delicious dishes, Nha Trang Night Market is an attractive destination for both tourists and locals. Situated in a convenient location in the heart of the city, visitors can easily travel there using any means of transportation.
2. Long Son Pagoda
Long Son Pagoda, also known as Chua Phat Tram, is the oldest Buddhist pagoda in the “pearl of the East Sea.” Built on high ground, facing the romantic sea, Long Son Pagoda is a symbol of the convergence of spirituality and nature.
3. Dam Market
Dam Market is designed in a circular shape, with the roof arranged in a V shape, symbolizing the shape of a blooming lotus flower. The market has two floors, with a total area of about 5,200 square meters and a capacity of up to 3,000 people. With its unique design, Dam Market is not only the most important market in the city but also attracts many international tourists.
4. Ponagar Cham Towers
Ponagar Cham Towers in Nha Trang—the intact relics of the Cham people—are a unique tourist attraction in the city. This is one of the important historical and cultural relics of the region, with a long history and significance in showcasing the blend of Cham Pa culture and Kinh culture.
The unique feature of the main tower is the stacking of giant stone blocks without any adhesive. The towering main tower with delicately carved statues and deities creates a mystical and captivating space.
5. Monkey Island
Monkey Island in Nha Trang, also known as Hon Lao, is an eco-tourism area located in Nha Phu Bay, about 18km north of the city center. Once a deserted island with few visitors, Monkey Island has quickly become a popular destination, attracting tourists to explore its beautiful natural landscapes and unique wildlife.
6. Yen Island
Yen Island in Nha Trang (also known as Hon Noi) is a cluster of islands located in Nha Trang Bay, about 25km south of the city center. Yen Island is famous for its unique double beach, with one side of warm water and the other side of cool water. In addition, Yen Island is the habitat of swifts, known as the “kingdom of swifts.” Walking around the island, visitors will witness the dense swift nests on the cliffs, creating a unique and captivating scene.
7. Coral Bay
Coral Bay in Nha Trang is an attractive eco-tourism destination located within Nha Trang Bay. Coral Bay is dubbed the “kingdom of coral,” with a diverse and abundant marine ecosystem. Coral Bay covers an area of about 200 hectares with many beautiful and diverse coral reefs.
There are over 80 species of hard corals, 70 species of soft corals, and over 1,000 species of marine fish. Additionally, the bay is home to many other marine creatures, such as sea anemones, seaweed, etc.
8. Con Se Tre Tourist Area
Con Se Tre Tourist Area in Nha Trang is an interesting and unique destination, imbued with the folk culture of the Central Vietnam coastal region. This tourist area is famous for its majestic and pristine natural landscapes.
A special point at Con Se Tre Tourist Area is the Cultural Village, a village that reproduces the traditional life of coastal residents. Visitors can participate in various activities, such as learning traditional fishing methods, boating with banana leaves, and even attending classes to learn how to make unique traditional handicrafts of the coastal region.
9. Hon Chong
Hon Chong is a famous tourist destination in Nha Trang city, Khanh Hoa province. This is a large rock complex with diverse shapes, stacked from high cliffs down to the sea. Hon Chong seems to be separated from the hustle and bustle of urban life, creating a peaceful and serene space. It is considered one of the best seaside spots in Nha Trang.
10. Tam Island
Tam Island, a paradise island in Nha Trang tourism, covering an area of over 110 hectares located in Nha Trang Bay, has been recognized as one of the most beautiful bays in the world. This place has a prime location, creating a beautiful scenery with long stretches of white sand and a cool blue sea.
It is an ideal destination for eco-tourism and relaxation lovers, with scenery that still preserves many pristine and pure beauties amidst the clear blue sea throughout the four seasons full of sunshine and wind. Besides enjoying the beach space, tourists can also participate in recreational activities such as underwater games, mud bathing, and enjoying fresh seafood.
11. Double Beach
This is a “masterpiece” bestowed by nature on this beautiful coastal area, surely captivating you from the first sight with its indescribable uniqueness. Besides the wonderful harmony between the crystal-clear seawater, the beach, and the sky, Nha Trang’s Double Beach creates a cool and relaxing scene for the coastal city.
12. Doc Let Beach
Doc Let Beach located in Ninh Hai Ward, Ninh Hoa Town, Khanh Hoa Province, is about 49km south of Nha Trang city center. Doc Let Beach attracts attention with its smooth white sand beach stretching out and the clear blue seawater creating a natural boundary between the land and the sea.
13. Long Beach
Long Beach, situated in the beautiful Cam Ranh Bay, is truly a pristine beach paradise. The special feature of this destination is the beautiful stretch of deep blue beach, like a silk ribbon stretching across the bay.
This untouched beauty has captured the hearts of every traveler who stops by here. With its distance from the city, this place avoids the hustle and bustle of urban life. That allows you to enjoy a quiet space where you can relax your mind without being disturbed by daily troubles.
14. Robinson Island
Robinson Island in Nha Trang, a pristine paradise in Cam Ranh Bay, Khanh Hoa, hides itself only about 9km from the city center. This island carries within itself wonderful natural beauty and excitement, promising underwater entertainment experiences that couldn’t be better.
With the space still maintaining its pristine nature, this beach provides you with the freedom to swim and dive to admire coral reefs without worrying about overcrowding or congestion.
15. Binh Ba Island
When traveling to Nha Trang, you must visit Binh Ba Island (or Lobster Island), a place embracing the most primitive beauty of the coastal city. Similar to Yen Island, Binh Ba Island limits tourist reception, so overcrowding is rare even during peak times. Bai Nha Cu, Bai Chuong, and Bai Nom are the beautiful beaches on Binh Ba Island, loved by many travelers, with white sand embracing the green emerald sea.
Most tourism services on Binh Ba Island are owned by locals, so you can be assured of quality and prices. Food enthusiasts should not miss the chance to enjoy Binh Ba Lobster, the famous specialty of Nha Trang, or catch shrimp, squid, and seafood by themselves and process them right on the raft.
See more: Nha Trang travel tips
