All things need to know before travelling to Nha Trang
1. Where is Nha Trang?
Nha Trang is a city located in the East of Khanh Hoa province. It is about 45km north of Cam Ranh city. It is 1,290km southeast of Hanoi and 400km northeast of Ho Chi Minh city.
2. How is Nha Trang unique?
Nha Trang is a famous tourist city that owns one of the eight most beautiful beaches in the world. With a long stretch of fine white sand, clear blue sea water and a diverse marine ecosystem. In addition, thanks to owning many beautiful islands, attractive eco-tourism areas, unique and long-standing culture and cuisine. It is associated with historical relics and customs of the people here, helping Nha Trang become one of the most famous tourist destinations in the world.
Moreover, one of the special features of Nha Trang is that it has a diverse culture. In which, there is an exchange between the cultures of the Kinh, Cham and other ethnic minorities. Nha Trang’s diverse culture is clearly shown through traditional festivals, customs, and unique cuisine.
The customs of Nha Trang people bear the strong imprint of maritime culture. In addition, the unique cultural features here are also hidden and expressed in dishes with strong flavors of the sea. Therefore, it has created a rich and diverse culinary scene for Nha Trang.
Besides, Nha Trang is an important economic center of Khanh Hoa province in particular and the South Central region in general. The city’s economy mainly relies on tourism, services, industry and agriculture. In particular, tourism is the spearhead economic sector of Nha Trang, with the number of tourists coming here every year reaching millions of people.
3. When is the best time to visit Nha Trang?
Nha Trang has a tropical monsoon climate with two distinct seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. The dry season lasts from January to August and the rainy season lasts from September to December. The average annual temperature is 25°C, making visitors feel comfortable and pleasant when coming to Nha Trang.
- Rainy season: From September to the end of December, Nha Trang has a lot of rain, cool weather with fresh air. Traveling to Nha Trang during this season, you will feel the pristine beauty of the coastal city after the rains.
- Dry season: From January to August is the most ideal time for a trip to Nha Trang. During this time, Nha Trang has a lot of sunshine, clear blue sea water, and is calm. It is extremely suitable for water activities and exploring the islands.
In addition, you can visit Nha Trang during festivals to immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere and learn about local culture. Some famous Nha Trang festivals with many unique activities include:
- Nha Trang Sea Festival: Summer of odd years.
- Ponagar Tower Festival: From 20 to 23 of the third lunar month every year.
- Cau Ngu Festival: The festival takes place in the third lunar month, at Nha Trang Beach.
- Whale Festival: The festival takes place in August, at Van Gia commune, Nha Trang city.
4. How to get to Nha Trang?
4.1 Traveling to Nha Trang
Nha Trang city is located in an extremely convenient location. It is located between two major cities, Da Nang and Saigon, with a developed transportation network. Therefore, depending on the distance, preferences and budget, you can choose the appropriate means of transportation such as: plane, train, bus, etc.
4.1.1 By plane
This is a means of transportation that helps you save a lot of time when coming to Nha Trang, only 1 hour for the flight from Saigon to Cam Ranh airport (Khanh Hoa) and about 2 hours for the flight from Hanoi. From Cam Ranh airport to the city center is about 35km, you can travel by taxi/bus/airport shuttle service of the accommodation.
4.1.2 By train
If you love nostalgic moments and like to enjoy the scenery along the way, you can choose to travel by train with many North-South trains and passing through many provinces and cities.
4.1.3 By bus
Although it takes a lot of time, the bus will help you save a lot of money for your Nha Trang travel itinerary. You can choose sleeper buses running from Saigon, Da Nang, Hanoi with a time frame suitable for your schedule.
4.2 Means of transport in Nha Trang
With many means of transport, you don’t have to worry about transportation when traveling to Nha Trang. Here, you can rent a motorbike, a tourist car or take a train, canoe to the islands, … Each means of transport has its own characteristics, suitable for a fun and sightseeing journey
4.2.1 VinBus electric bus:
You can travel by VinBus electric bus to save money. And contribute to promoting green, environmentally friendly public transport. There are 2 VinBus routes to Vinpearl Nha Trang including:
- VinBus 23 has a shortened route as follows: That Theater – 2/4 Square – Imperial Hotel (opposite Thanh Nien Park) – Vinpearl Nha Trang and vice versa
- VinBus 16-2 has a shortened route as follows: Cam Ranh Airport – Nguyen Tat Thanh – Nguyen Duc Canh – Hoang Dieu – Tran Phu – Vinpearl Nha Trang and vice versa
4.2.2 Cyclo:
Cyclo is a quite interesting means of transport for you to visit and wander around the city. This means of transport costs about 500,000 VND/1.5 hours with a meal.
4.2.3 Motorbike:
Nha Trang has many establishments providing motorbike rental services for you to freely travel and explore the coastal city with a reference price of 60,000 – 180,000 VND/day.
4.2.4 Taxi:
If you travel in a group or with your family, using a taxi will be quite convenient and the cost will be more reasonable. There are many reputable taxi companies in Nha Trang.
4.2.5 Bus:
Nha Trang has many bus routes around the city, going to Cam Ranh airport and connecting famous tourist destinations. With prices ranging from only 4,000 – 8,000 VND/trip, you will save a lot of money when choosing to travel by bus.
4.2.6 Boat, canoe:
When arriving in Nha Trang, you can use the boat and canoe rental service to travel and visit the pristine, beautiful offshore islands. Depending on the tour route and number of seats, the canoe rental price ranges from 700,000 – 2,500,000 VND/12 – 35 seater canoe. Or boat rental price from 1,000,000 – 1,700,000 VND/boat 40 – 49 seats.
5. Sightseeings in Nha Trang
Nha Trang has countless attractive destinations waiting for you to explore on your travel itinerary. Here are some ideal suggestions for memorable fun experiences:
5.1 Hon Tam
Nestled in Nha Trang Bay, Hon Tam still retains its wild beauty and peace and tranquility. When you come here, in addition to relaxing on the long white sand beach. You can also kayak to explore the landscape, parachute, flyboard, and walk on the seabed. Or visit the ancient houses in Hoang Hoa Thon and enjoy fresh seafood, …
5.2 Hon Mun
Hon Mun makes a special impression when it is the intersection of two hot and cold water currents. With a diverse ecosystem of thousands of species of coral and rare marine life. In addition, Hon Mun also owns jet-black rocks, towering cliffs and exciting coral diving activities.
5.3 Ponagar Temple
Ponagar Temple is the largest architectural complex in Vietnam, built during the prosperous period of Champa culture. The complex is divided into 3 areas: Mandapa, temple tower area and stele. In particular, each area has unique architecture with different cultural spaces and contains many historical values.
5.4 Yang Bay Eco-tourism Area
Yang Bay Eco-tourism Area covers an area of 570 hectares. With the wild beauty of majestic mountains and forests and cool waterfalls. When you come here, don’t miss many useful and attractive activities such as: pig racing, spear throwing, crocodile fishing. Or enjoy the unique performances of traditional musical instruments…
5.5 Nha Trang Night Market
After a day of fun, take the time to stroll around the night market. You can feel the bustling atmosphere of the coastal city and shop for your favorite souvenirs. Moreover, Nha Trang Night Market is also an ideal place for you to explore cuisine and enjoy specialties.
5.6 Skylight Nha Trang
During your Nha Trang tour, stop by Skylight to admire the panoramic view of the coastal city from above with a 360-degree view. In addition, this is also the place for you to own impressive shots with the Skywalk glass bridge and join in the vibrant music party at Rooftop Beach Club. All will bring you “explosive” moments of fun.
5.7 Tri Nguyen Aquarium
Tri Nguyen Aquarium tourist area is located on Hon Mieu Island, in the shape of a giant ship facing the sea. Besides, the aquarium is like a miniature ocean with many rare marine creatures such as: Picasso fish, Napoleon pompano, … In addition, there are also restaurants and souvenir stalls. For you to enjoy lunch and visit and shop during your Nha Trang tour.
5.8 Nha Trang Institute of Oceanography
Nha Trang Institute of Oceanography is the largest marine life research and storage facility in Vietnam. With more than 20,000 specimens of more than 4,000 marine and freshwater creatures preserved. Therefore, this is the ideal place for you to learn about the mysterious ocean world.
5.9 Tram Trung Tourist Area
Tram Trung Tourist Area is a popular resort and mud bath destination for many people when coming to Nha Trang. The project is built with unique architecture with the beauty of Cham Pa culture and fresh natural space. Besides, it also provides many relaxation services, the most prominent of which is the mud bath experience. With many forms such as: hot mud bath in egg tubs/stone tubs, herbal baths, lake baths, ...
5.10 Hon Chong
Hon Chong is a famous natural landscape in Nha Trang, attracting many tourists to visit. Moreover, this place also possesses the unique beauty of large rocks stacked on top of each other. In particular, on one rock there is a strange imprint of a large hand. It creates an impressive natural picture.
5.11 Hon Tre Island
Hon Tre Island is a large island belonging to Nha Trang city. It owns the famous Vinpearl Land Nha Trang tourist area. With a 5-star resort hotel and a park with many attractive entertainment games. Moreover, it owns a modern water park and the longest sea-crossing cable car system in Vietnam. In addition, you can also swim, participate in water sports activities. Or explore the mysterious caves on the island.
5.12 Nha Phu Bay
Nha Phu Bay is also known as Nha Phu Lagoon. Moreover, this is a large bay with an area of up to 1,500 hectares in Khanh Hoa. The bay is surrounded by majestic limestone mountains and small islands. And it is known as one of the most beautiful bays in Vietnam with wild, majestic natural scenery and diverse ecosystems.
5.13 Co Tien Mountain
Co Tien Mountain is a complex of 3 adjacent mountains located to the north of Nha Trang city. The mountain has an average height of about 300m to 400m above sea level. With a shape like a woman with long flowing hair and looking up to the sky.
Moreover, Co Tien Mountain is also a famous tourist destination and check-in point in Nha Trang. One of the activities that attracts many tourists is the Co Tien Mountain climbing tour. When climbing to the top of the mountain, you can see the whole city and beautiful Nha Trang Bay.
5.14 Long Son Pagoda
Long Son Pagoda is also known as White Buddha Pagoda. This is a famous Buddhist temple in Nha Trang. It was built in 1886. Initially, it was just a small thatched house on the top of Trai Thuy hill. In 1900, due to the collapse after a big storm, the temple was moved to the foot of the mountain and renamed Long Son Tu. Besides, Long Son Pagoda has an area of over 3000m2, bearing the unique mark of East Asian architecture. The most prominent is the 79m high white stone statue of Buddha Shakyamuni.
5.15 Nha Trang Stone Church
Nha Trang Stone Church, also known as Mountain Church, is a famous tourist destination in Nha Trang city. Especially, it attracts visitors with its unique Gothic architecture and poetic scenery.
When you come here, you can visit the architecture, take souvenir photos or participate in religious ceremonies. In addition, you can also climb the bell tower of the church to see the whole view of Nha Trang city.
5.16 Bao Dai Villa
Bao Dai Villa is also known as Dinh Cau. This is a famous historical site and scenic spot in Nha Trang. In addition, this place used to be a resort for King Bao Dai and his family during his reign.
When visiting Bao Dai Villa, you can rent a room and visit one of the most beautiful scenic spots in Nha Trang. In addition, you can also swim at the beautiful beach reserved for King Bao Dai and Queen Nam Phuong in the past.
5.17 Cu Hin Pass
Famous for its beauty of “sea embracing mountains”, Cu Hin Pass is one of the most beautiful coastal roads in Vietnam. Possessing majestic natural scenery with winding roads, embracing the poetic Nha Trang Bay. Furthermore, when coming here, you can freely admire the blue sea, white sand, golden sunshine and poetic coconut rows. Besides, this is an unmissable check-in point for tourists who love taking pictures when traveling to Nha Trang.
5.18 Luong Son Pass
Luong Son Pass is one of the most beautiful coastal roads in Nha Trang. With the most poetic natural scenery. In addition, this place is known as a “virtual living paradise” for you with winding, steep roads, embracing the beautiful coastal road.
6. Some interesting activities and experiences when traveling to Nha Trang
6.1 Some activities and experiences under the sea
It can be said that Nha Trang is a paradise of super attractive games and activities on the shore and under the sea. If you have the opportunity to come here, you should not miss:
- Diving to see coral: From March to August is the ideal time to dive to see coral in Nha Trang. You will see beautiful coral reefs and schools of fish swimming around.
- Walking under the sea: This is the main activity taking place at Bai Tranh. Starting the journey, you will step down to the sea through the stairs, when the sea water is up to your shoulders, the guides will guide you how to put on the diving helmet on your head. You can freely walk on the seabed and admire the vast ocean world.
- Flyboard: This game usually takes place at Ana Marina or Hon Tam Island. With Flyboard, you will be instructed on how to keep your balance to somersault and glide on the sea surface.
- Kayaking: You can row solo, row in pairs or even form a team to race across many beautiful islands in Nha Trang, which is extremely interesting.
- Paragliding: From a height of 70 – 100m on paragliders, visitors can admire the panoramic view of the paradise bay. Suggested locations: Tranh Beach, Hon Tam Island, Hoa Lan Island.
You may also like: Tri Nguyen Aquarium – Perfect for an exciting and unforgettable trip in Nha Trang!
6.2 Hon Tam Mud Bathing
Hon Tam Mud Bath is also one of the interesting experiences when traveling in Nha Trang. The mud bath area offers you a health care experience with a pure mineral mud bath. In addition, you can also enjoy hydrotherapy massage and immerse yourself in the hot mineral jacuzzi and infinity pool. Therefore, Hon Tam Mud Bath will bring visitors wonderful moments of relaxation and comfort!
6.3 Relaxing and steam at Aquafield Nha Trang
Located in Vinpearl Harbor on Hon Tre Island, Aquafield Nha Trang is the first and largest Korean-standard Jjimjibang spa & sauna complex in Vietnam. When you come here, you will experience therapeutic massage, beauty treatments, and different saunas. Such as: Cypress Wood Room, Snow Room, Mist Cloud Room, Salt Stone Room, etc.
6.4 Taking a cable car across the sea to see the whole view of Nha Trang Bay
Vinpearl Nha Trang cable car uses modern technology, connecting the mainland with Hon Tre Island over a distance of more than 2.6km. From the cabin, at an average height of 54m, you will be able to admire the magnificent scenery of Vinpearl Harbor when going. And take in the panoramic view of the beautiful city next to the clear blue bay when returning. This is definitely an interesting experience that you cannot miss when traveling in Nha Trang.
7. Specialties when traveling to Nha Trang
7.1. Seafood
Nha Trang seafood is extremely diverse, fresh and not expensive. Some of the Nha Trang seafood dishes that “captivate” all diners are: cheese lobster, butter-sauteed snails with garlic, anchovy salad, cow skin fish, jellyfish salad, etc.
Suggested addresses:
- Binh Dan Seafood: No. 06 Ngo Si Lien Street, Van Thang Ward, Nha Trang City.
- Long Vu Restaurant: No. 133, Thap Ba, Nha Trang City.
- Bo Ke Restaurant: 42B Cu Lao Trung, North of Tran Phu Bridge, Nha Trang City.
- Lang Chai Nha Trang Seafood Restaurant: near Bao Dai Port, Nha Trang City.
7.2 Nha Trang Grilled Spring Rolls
Nha Trang grilled spring rolls or Ninh Hoa grilled spring rolls are famous delicacies of Khanh Hoa province. The dish has quite sophisticated ingredients, including grilled spring rolls, crispy fried rice paper and raw vegetables, etc. All are rolled up and mixed with a special minced meat dipping sauce.
Suggested addresses:
- Dang Van Quyen grilled spring rolls restaurant: No. 16B Lan Ong.
- Ngoc Tien restaurant: No. 59, Le Thanh Phuong, Van Thang Ward.
- Nha Trang restaurant: No. 39, Nguyen Thi Minh Khai.
7.3 Nha Trang jellyfish noodles
Jellied jellyfish noodles leave a lasting impression on diners after a trip to Nha Trang. Because of the sweet, salty taste of the ocean and the crunchiness of fresh jellyfish meat combined with all kinds of steamed and fried fish cakes. The dish is a great choice for breakfast or afternoon snack.
Suggested addresses:
- Doc Lech jellyfish noodle restaurant: Yersin and Ba Trieu intersection, Phuong Sai Ward, Nha Trang City.
- Fish noodle restaurant: No. 23A, Yet Kieu, Nha Trang City.
- Bun ca Duc: B8 Phan Boi Chau, Nha Trang City.
- Quan Nguyen Loan: No. 123 Ngo Gia Tu, Phuoc Tien Ward, Nha Trang City.
7.4. Bun la ca dam
This dish with a rather strange name is one of the famous specialties of Nha Trang people. In addition to the thin, chewy vermicelli noodles, bun la ca dam has the same ingredients and flavor as banh canh cha ca with fried fish cakes, onions, coriander and raw vegetables served with it.
Suggested addresses:
- Quan Nam Beo: B2 Cho Dam apartment building, Phan Boi Chau, Xuong Huan Ward, Nha Trang City.
- Quan Cay Bang: No. 06, Han Thuyen, Xuong Huan Ward, Nha Trang City.
7.5. Banh canh cha ca
When traveling to Nha Trang, you must definitely enjoy the famous banh canh cha ca. A full bowl of banh canh with fish cakes, delicious fish cakes and sweet broth made from sea fish. It will make you remember forever.
Suggested addresses:
- Ba Thua Restaurant: 10A Phan Chau Trinh, Xuong Huan Ward, Nha Trang City.
- Nguyen Loan Restaurant: No. 123 Ngo Gia Tu, Phuoc Tien Ward, Nha Trang City.
- Phuc noodle shop: No. 53, Van Don, Phuoc Hoa Ward, Nha Trang City.
- Co Ha noodle shop: No. 14, Phan Chu Trinh, Xuong Huan Ward, Nha Trang City.
7.6. Lac Canh beef
To change the taste after delicious seafood dishes, try enjoying the attractive Lac Canh beef from a brand that has been around for more than 40 years. The restaurant has many delicious dishes made from beef, the most prominent is the charcoal grilled beef with a rich flavor served with raw vegetables.
- Address: 44 Nguyen Binh Khiem, Nha Trang City.
7.7. Banh Can
Nha Trang Banh Can has a quite different flavor compared to other regions. The main ingredients of the dish are rice flour, combined with eggs, shrimp, squid, etc. When enjoying, you dip it in a mixture of sweet and salty fish sauce, braised fish sauce, meatballs, and scallion oil.
Suggested addresses:
- Sister Gai’s Banh Can: Group 8 Thap Ba, Vinh Tho Ward, Nha Trang City.
- Le Thanh Ton Banh Can: 19 Le Thanh Ton, Phuoc Tien Ward, Nha Trang City.
- Banh Can No. 48 Hoang Hoa Tham, Nha Trang City.
8. Specialties to buy as gifts when traveling to Nha Trang
Specialties as gifts are certainly information you need to know to choose for relatives and friends after a trip to Nha Trang. Here are some famous specialties as gifts that you can refer to:
8.1. Dried seafood
Nha Trang has a variety of dried seafood with many prices for you to choose from. Some specialties that many people choose to buy when coming to the coastal city are: one-sun dried squid, dried squid, dried anchovies, dried yellowstripe scad, mai fish, tail fish, dried shrimp, …
8.2 Mango cake
This is a type of rice paper made from thick mango juice cooked and dried in the sun. Nha Trang mango cake has a characteristic aroma, sweet and sour taste and attractive chewiness.
8.3 Bird’s nest
Bird’s nest is a precious product of Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa. This will be a precious gift for health that you can give to your relatives after a trip to Nha Trang.
8.4 Nha Trang Fish Cake
After your trip, don’t forget to buy some Nha Trang fish cake as a gift. This is one of the famous specialties of the coastal city, made from fresh fish, ground and skillfully seasoned. The resulting fish cakes have a moderate chewiness and a very special delicious flavor.
8.5 Ninh Hoa sour sausage
Ninh Hoa sour sausage is also one of the Nha Trang specialties that is very popular as a gift. This delicious dish is made from shredded pork skin and meat, marinated with spices and wrapped in banana leaves or raspberry leaves. After fermentation, the sausage has a sour and spicy taste that is extremely stimulating.
8.6 Fish bladder
Fish bladder is sought after by many people because of its novel flavor and can be processed into many delicious dishes such as: porridge, soup, fried, steamed with sugar, etc. This specialty is often sold at Dam market, Xom Moi market, and dry goods stores in the city.
9. Accommodation when traveling to Nha Trang
- Vinpearl Resort & Spa Long Beach Nha Trang. Address: Lot D6B2 & D7A1, Zone 2, North Cam Ranh Peninsula Tourist Area, Cam Lam District, Khanh Hoa Province
- Aroma Nha Trang Boutique Hotel. Address: 26A Tran Quang Khai, Loc Tho Ward, Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province
- Sata Hotel Nha Trang. Address: 24E Nguyen Thien Thuat, Loc Tho Ward, Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province.
- InterContinental Nha Trang. Address: 32-34 Tran Phu, Loc Tho, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa.
- Vinpearl Condotel Beachfront Nha Trang. Address: 78 Tran Phu, Loc Tho, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa.
- Cam Ranh Riviera Beach Resort & Spa. Address: Cam Hai Dong, Cam Lam, Khanh Hoa.
- Sheraton Nha Trang Hotel. Address: 26-28 Tran Phu, Loc Tho, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa.
- Six Senses Ninh Van Bay. Address: Ninh Van, Ninh Hoa, Khanh Hoa.
- InterContinental Nha Trang. Address: 32-34 Tran Phu, Loc Tho, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa.
- Muong Thanh Luxury Nha Trang. Address: 60 Tran Phu, Loc Tho, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa.
Note: Because Nha Trang is a “tourist paradise”, it has a variety of accommodation types. It will meet your needs, preferences and suit your budget. Please contact Origin Vietnam for more details.
10. Some important notes when traveling to Nha Trang
To make your trip to Nha Trang a complete pleasure, you should refer to some necessary notes below:
- You should book hotel rooms and air tickets in advance to avoid the situation of no available seats. Especially during the peak tourist season.
- Bring sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, etc. to protect your skin from the sun.
- Prepare some common medicines such as cold medicine, digestive medicine, etc. in case of need.
- When shopping at the markets, you should ask and bargain before buying.
- Keep the island environment clean, do not litter.
With updated and useful information about Nha Trang travel experience. That Origin Vietnam – a professional tour operator, has just shared in the above article. Hopefully it will help you in your upcoming vacation. We will accompany you on the Nha Trang tour journey to explore this beautiful land with countless unforgettable experiences.
