Nha Trang, sometimes spelt Nhatrang, is Vietnam's most famous seaside resort town and the country's scuba diving centre. It's more lively and urban in character than other beach destinations such as Mui Ne and Phu Quoc.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Traces of human settlement in Nha Trang date back to the Cham Empire, though in times of Vietnamese rule, there wasn't much more here than small fishing villages. The French recognised that this beautiful bay, with its islands and white sand beaches, made for a perfect bathing spot, and began the transformation into a resort town. American soldiers agreed, and Nha Trang became a favourite R&R stop during the war. After the end of Vietnam war, the Soviet military became increasingly more present in the Cam Ranh Bay, just south of Nha Trang.
Nha Trang has two main beaches: a larger one south of the Cai river, and a smaller one on the north. The southern beach, lined by the Trần Phú avenue, is by far the most popular among the visitors. Tourism infrastructure catering to foreign tourists, including diving schools, tour agencies, western-style bars and international restaurants and cafes, is mostly concentrated in the southern part of the beach, between Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai and the old airport. In the central part of the beach, lie the upmarket international chain hotels such as Sheraton, Novotel and InterContinental. The rest of the beachfront, as well as the northern beach, has infrastructure mostly aimed at Vietnamese tourists.
1 Po Nagar Cham Towers, 2 Thang 4 St. 07:30-17:00. These four brick towers were built by the Cham civilization between the 7th and 12th centuries to honour Yang Ino Po Ngar, mother of the kingdom, and the aroma of incense emanating from within makes it clear that this remains a religious site for the local Buddhists of Nha Trang today. The longevity of these last vestiges of a once-dominant SE Asian civilisation should impress temple enthusiasts even if the insensitive restoration and surrounding mass of tourists don't. The small complex sits on a hill which enjoys views across Nha Trang's fishing village.
Boat cruises – The going rate for a one-day multi-island tour is US$6 per person, with snorkelling, fishing, and many other activities among the possibilities. Tours may provide lunch with drinks on board. Booking agents abound, so compare itineraries to find the best for you. Swimming pools. People come here to swim in the sea, but there are also a number of swimming pools. Louisiane Brewhouse has a good one that is free to use. Hiring a soft chaise longue costs 40,000 dong. The Yasaka Saigon Nha Trang Hotel coffee shop in Yersin St has a small shady pool for free use. A number of mid-range hotels also have pools, some of which can be used by non-guests.
The local speciality seems to be Bánh Căn, special rice cakes mixed with egg, meat, or seafood — 6 of them go for 25–40,000 dong. But also Bánh Hỏi and Bánh Xèo can be found here and more consistently throughout the day than in Quy Nhon. Check out 1 Núi Một nearby the Central Market — this street is spotted with many authentic local and inexpensive eateries with every one offering something different; Bánh Hỏi, snail soup, spring rolls, Cơm Tấm, Pho, drinks and more.
1 Alley Cafe. Closed on Tuesdays. Cheap drinking bar and cafe popular with English-speaking expats. (updated Mar 2017) 2 Altitude Rooftop Bar (28th floor, Sheraton Hotel), ☏ +84 258 3880000 ext 4407. 17:00-23:00. For a great view of Nha Trang at night, perhaps visit the second highest bar in Nha Trang. Heineken 100,000 dong. (updated Mar 2016) 3 Skylight Nha Trang (Chef's Club at Skylight), 38 Tran Phu, ☏ +84 2583 528 988, info@skylightnhatrang.com. 09:00–14:00, 16:30–00:00. 360˚ skydeck & rooftop club. Besides, it also features a skywalk, pool deck and an international restaurant - Chef's Club on the 43rd floor.
The risk of petty crime in Nha Trang, especially late at night, is high compared to most other places in Asia. The most common crime is pick pocketing after midnight near the Sailing Club. During the day, it is relatively safe though bag snatching on the beach is not uncommon, so don't take any valuables to the beach. Do not wear too much jewellery, and keep an eye on your belongings. It would be smart to travel in groups when you are out roaming the streets at night. Also, people coming home from the clubs should take a taxi and not a motorbike taxi.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Jul, Nha Trang typically sees ~35°C daytime highs and 12 rainy days.
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