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Q&A Nha Trang Travel Guide: Is Nha Trang Worth Visiting?

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Do you have a lot of questions about what to do or where to stay in Nha Trang? In this updated Nha Trang Travel Guide, our travel experts have compiled some essential tips for you to explore this interesting city.

What is Nha Trang known for?

Nha Trang travel guide with Tram Huong Tower and Tran Phu Beach
Nha Trang is known for scenic beaches and islands

The typical question for first-time travelers to Nha Trang is “What is Nha Trang like?” To shortly describe, it is a coastal city embracing diverse cultures and lively touches. Nha Trang boasts itself in tropical islands and lush mountains.

The scenic beaches in Nha Trang have constantly been ranked high on any list of top world beaches. Thanks to its long coastline, Nha Trang draws all types of vacationers with a variety of shores – from family-friendly spots to party-focused locales.

As a culturally rich city, Nha Trang attractions include religious sites and places of pilgrimage. From the ancient Cham ruins and the Gothic Revival-style cathedral to the prominent Buddhist temple, the peaceful vibes are naturally intertwined.

How far is Nha Trang from Ho Chi Minh City?

On the southern coast of Vietnam, Nha Trang belongs to Khanh Hoa Province. The city is 256 miles (412 km) northeast of Ho Chi Minh City and 872 miles (1402 km) south of Hanoi.

The main airport is Cam Ranh International Airport, the fifth largest airport in Vietnam. It is located on Cam Ranh Bay, which is about an hour of drive from the city center of Nha Trang.

How many days in Nha Trang?

The answer to this question varies for different types of travelers and travel purposes. Whether you plan for a shore excursion in Nha Trang, a Nha Trang day tour or a multi-day tour, there is a customizable itinerary for you.

Nha Trang 1 day

One day is actually not enough to fully explore Nha Trang’s hidden gems. However, you can still make the most of your trip if everything is planned carefully. Within a day, there are plenty of attractions to visit.

For culture enthusiasts, a city tour will enrich your knowledge about the city. You can visit Long Son Pagoda, Nha Trang Cathedral or Po Nagar Cham Tower. Don’t forget to enjoy local treats at Dam Market.

Alternatively, sunshine lovers will find a day tour filled with vitamin D by making their way to Nha Trang islands. You can include two, three or four islands to your trip. These islands are ideal for snorkeling and other beach activities: Hon Mun Island, Hon Tam Island, Hon Mieu Island, Hon Mot Island and Diep Son Island.

Planning a detailed itinerary might be difficult if you travel to Vietnam for the first time. Enjoy a worry-free trip by booking a Best of Nha Trang Private Tour with us.

Nha Trang 2 days 1 night 

An overnight trip in Nha Trang ensures you to admire the city’s amazing nightlife. This is also the most favored length of stay in Nha Trang if you have a multi-day tour in Vietnam.

Spending 2 days 1 night in Nha Trang, you can visit the city’s main attractions on one day and enjoy beach activities on the other day. At night, the streets leading to Nha Trang Night Market are lit up with colored lights, attracting shoppers to local vendors. If you stay near Tram Huong Tower, you will fully enjoy Nha Trang at night with fun street activities and tempting street food.

Nha Trang 3 days 2 nights 

Nha Trang is a relatively big city, so spending 3 days 2 nights or more in Nha Trang is legitimate. You will have more time to learn about the local cultures and savor the local cuisine.

To understand how the locals earn a livelihood, you can visit the fishing villages or even join them in fishing. Their simple yet energetic lifestyle highlights the best part about the people of this city.

Another option for days in Nha Trang is to visit Monkey Island where you can get close to these lovely animals and feed them with bread, peanuts or fruits.

Nha Trang is also known for mud baths, so cool off yourselves at Thap Ba Hot Springs. The whole family will surely have fun and get considerable health benefits. This is one of the best things to do in Nha Trang you shouldn’t miss.

See more on 5 Beautiful Hot Springs in Vietnam To Indulge

Nha Trang Travel Guide: When to visit Nha Trang?

The climate in Nha Trang is relatively mild. The average temperature is around 26 degrees Celsius. The seasons in Nha Trang are characterized by two seasons: the dry and the rainy seasons.

The dry season:  from January to September

The best time to visit Nha Trang is the dry season, especially between February and May. During this time of the year, the pleasant weather and low humidity make it easy for beach activities. Sunbathing, snorkeling or playing beach volleyball will be fantastic on sunny days. Also, it is a bit before the summertime – the peak season, so you are likely to stay away from the crowds.

The rainy season: from October to December

Though some attractions are still worth visiting during the Vietnam rainy season, you should carefully plan if your trip falls into rainy months. During the rainy season, Nha Trang is highly affected by tropical storms from the East Sea.

When it rains a lot, the roads are easily slippery, which is dangerous to travelers, especially children, seniors and people with disabilities. Some trips to the islands might also be canceled in case of extreme storms. The local authorities might issue warning against swimming if harsh winds gust up.

If you are looking for an accessible tour, consult with a travel expert to avoid inconvenience. Remember to mention your needs and be specific when describing your disability. This will help the service providers make necessary arrangements for your special needs.

Accessible Tours in Vietnam

Nha Trang Travel Guide: How to get to Nha Trang?

Nha Trang travel guide about how to get to Nha Trang
Travel to Nha Trang by air is very popular

There are several ways to get to Nha Trang. You can travel by air, train or bus. Each option has its own merits and demerits in terms of time and price. It also depends on your preference to choose the best transportation.

Travel to Nha Trang by air

The direct flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang typically takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes. There are 7-8 flights every day, and the prices start at $56 for one-way flights and $112 for round trip. From Ho Chi Minh City you will depart from Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) and you will be landing at Cam Ranh International Airport (CXR).

If you depart from Hanoi, the flight lenghth is about 1 hour and 55 minutes. There are 4-7 flights every day, and the prices start at $78 for one-way flights and $155 for round trip. From Hanoi you will fly out from Noibai International (HAN) and you will be landing at Cam Ranh Airport (CXR).

From Cam Ranh International Airport, you will be 30 km away from the city center of Nha Trang. Most travelers will choose to take a taxi to the city center, which usually cost another $15.

See more on A Traveler’s Guide to International Airports in Vietnam

Travel to Nha Trang by train

Vietnam’s major provinces are well-connected by the train system. Train travel in Vietnam should be on your bucket list if you want to enjoy the picturesque scenery of the countryside. A train journey will save you some bucks and give you more time to slowly view the mountains, the paddy fields and the beaches along the way.

The railway from Sai Gon Station (Ho Chi Minh City) to Nha Trang Station is about 411 km with a time travel of 8 hours. You can spend a night on the train and start your journey the next day. The train offers hard seats, soft seats, hard berths (6 in a cabin) and soft berths (4 in a cabin). The prices start from $26 to $37, and children under 3 can travel for free.

Nha Trang Station is located in the city center, so it is convenient to get to other destinations in the city center. It is just 500 m walking distance to the west of Long Son Pagoda and 1.7 km from Tram Huong Tower.

Travel to Nha Trang by bus

The most budget-friendly way to Nha Trang is by bus, which is also most favored by the locals. You can always choose a bus with English-speaking staffs. We recommend Limousine sleeper bus for good services and amenities. The bus is equipped with TVs, charging outlets, reading lights, privacy curtains and blankets; some have toilets.

Booking a bus to Nha Trang is easy at tour operators in District 1 – Ho Chi Minh City, Ba Dinh – Ha Noi or directly at the bus station. However, you should always book in advance to choose the best seats. You can book at vexere with no prepayment required and instant ticket confirmation.

See more on Getting around Vietnam: Easy Ways to Travel in this S-shaped Country

Nha Trang Travel Guide: Where to stay in Nha Trang?

https://youtu.be/HsLXd6VC0kM

Nha Trang as one of the must-visit beach destinations in Vietnam welcomes guests to a paradise with multi beach hotels and resorts dotted along its coastline. On the main road of the city, there are iconic hotels, namely Muong Thanh Luxury Khanh Hoa, InterContinental Nha Trang, Sheraton Nha Trang and more. The 4-star and 5-star hotels in Nha Trang are typically just a few steps from the beach, near the city center and equipped with high-end amenities.

Budget hotels are also innumerable. You can enjoy your stay at casual hostels and guest houses near Tran Phu Street, such as Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Hung Vuong Street or Nguyen Thien Thuat Street.

For those who wish to have a peaceful vacation away from the city center, all-inclusive resorts like Amiana, Vinpearl, Hon Tre or Merperle are a good bet. You can get access to private beaches and full recreational facilities.

See more on Best Hotels in Nha Trang Vietnam: Where To Stay in Nha Trang?

Nha Trang Travel Guide: What to buy in Nha Trang?

Shopping in Nha Trang is as enjoyable as shopping in big cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. A wide range of local specialties, handicrafts, clothes and jewelry will appeal to any shopaholic. Make sure to include some of the local markets and malls to your itinerary. You will bring home some things and a lot of memories.

Food 

Nha Trang travel guide about must-try foods
Don’t forget to try local dishes in Nha Trang

Dried seafood like seaweed, shrimp and cuttlefish can be found at Dam Market, Nha Trang Night Market and the area around Cau Da Port. Nha Trang specialties with mango rice paper and velvet tamarind are also worth buying.

See more on 10 Must – Try Foods in Nha Trang To Enjoy

Souvenirs

You can buy a lot of lovely souvenirs at the local stores and markets. Nha Trang is dubbed “the land of agarwood”, so buying some agarwood products will remind you a lot of the trip to Nha Trang. Or do you want to buy pearl jewelry? This would be a big gift from the sea, and there are many items to choose from necklaces, cufflinks, bracelets, earrings, rings and many others.
Here are some popular shopping destinations in Nha Trang:

Thien Bao Agarwood: 104a Trinh Phong, Tan Lap

Long Beach Pearl: 11 Truong Han Sieu, Phuoc Trung

Shop Ngoc Bich: 4 Nguyen Trai, Phuoc Tan

Is Nha Trang worth visiting? What to do in Nha Trang Vietnam?

After all, is Nha Trang worth visiting? Yes, absolutely! You can spend a day or months in this city and there are things to explore. A few steps to the beach will give you a sense of relief. The combination of the sun, water and sand has a calming effect.

Nha Trang is an incredibly affordable destination in Vietnam. You can enjoy unique dishes, stay at a cozy hotel, rent a motorbike or book a tour around the city at reasonable prices.

Nha Trang is not a tourist hub like Ho Chi Minh City, but it will suit everybody’s needs for a memorable trip. Equipped with Nha Trang Travel Guide, you can enrich your knowledge about the culture, architecture and local customs while the beaches and islands let you revel in relaxation back to nature.

See more on Vietnam Travel Tips: Know Before You Go

Nha Trang is a true tropical beach paradise where you can have a totally relaxing getaway. The atmosphere and convenience here make it one of the trending places in Vietnam of all time. So, if you are considering a multi-day tour in Vietnam, don’t skip this scenic coastal city!

© Maika Tours

Written by Trinh Tran

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