8 Best things to do in Nha Trang, Vietnam

Astrid Freja

2025-05-22

Having called Vietnam home for eight enriching years, I've gathered countless authentic stories that I'm now eager to share with you. As a VietAdvisor contributor, my passion lies in the freedom of discovery, allowing me to deeply immerse myself in Vietnam's rich, diverse cultures from north to south. Let my experiences help you forge a deeper connection with this extraordinary country.

Picture yourself sipping a cold coconut on a sun-drenched beach, turquoise waves lapping at your toes, as fishing boats bob in the distance. Welcome to Nha Trang, Vietnam’s coastal gem, where golden sands, ancient temples, and island adventures collide to create a tropical escape that’s equal parts chill and thrilling.

Whether you’re craving fresh-off-the-boat seafood, snorkeling in coral reefs, or soaking in a quirky mud bath, this city has it all. Ready to dive into the 8 best things to do in Nha Trang? Let’s make your Vietnam trip unforgettable—starting now!

Quick Guide: 8 Best Things to Do in Nha Trang

For travelers in a rush, here’s your cheat sheet to Nha Trang’s must-dos:

• Hit the beaches: Tran Phu for vibrant vibes, Bai Dai for quiet escapes—perfect for sunbathing or jet-skiing.
• Island-hop the bays: Snorkel at HON MUN, chill at Hon Tam, or visit Hon Mieu’s quirky aquarium.
• Explore Po Nagar Cham Towers: 7th-century history with killer river views.
• Check out the Oceanography Museum: 60,000+ marine specimens, shark tanks, and family-friendly fun.
• Thrill at VinWonders: Roller coasters, water slides, and cultural shows on Hon Tre Island.
• Eat like a local: Fresh lobster, jellyfish noodles, or fish cake soup at Dam Market or beachfront spots.
• Relax with a mud bath: Soak at Thap Ba Hot Springs or 100 Egg Mud Bath for a unique spa day.
• Dive into nightlife: Shop Chợ Đầm’s night market and party at Sailing Club or Zima Club.
• Bonus: Day trips to Cam Ranh Bay or Da Lat for beaches or mountain adventures.
• Pro Tip: Grab a Nha Trang tour package for seamless planning and stay at a beachfront hotel for epic views.

1. Soak Up the Sun at Nha Trang’s World-Class Beaches

Nha Trang’s 6km coastline is a postcard-perfect stretch of golden sand and turquoise waves, making it a top thing to do in Nha Trang for any traveler. Tran Phu Beach, running along the city’s main boulevard, is the epicenter of coastal life. It’s a lively scene with palm-lined walkways, vendors selling fresh coconuts (25,000 VND/$1), and families splashing in the shallows.

The beach is ideal for swimming, with calm waters and lifeguards patrolling the central stretch (near Sailing Club). For adventure, you can rent jet-skis for 300,000 VND ($12) for 15 minutes or try parasailing for 500,000 VND ($20), offering bird’s-eye views of the bay. If you’re after quieter sands, Bai Dai Beach, 20km south, is a local favorite with softer waves and fewer tourists. Its seafood shacks, like Corona Food Center, serve grilled prawns (100,000 VND/$4) and cold bia hơi (draft beer, 10,000 VND/$0.40) that travelers can’t stop raving about.

For the best experience, hit Tran Phu at sunrise around 5:30 AM, when locals jog, practice tai chi, or fish off the shore, and the water’s mirror-smooth. By noon, temps climb to 30–35°C, so rent a beach umbrella (50,000 VND/$2) or duck into a cafe like Cafe Coconut for a cà phê sữa đá (iced milk coffee, 30,000 VND/$1.20). Safety-wise, stick to marked swimming zones—currents can be strong near VinWonders’ cable car station.

Free showers and changing rooms are available along Tran Phu, but bring your own towel to save a few bucks. For a less touristy vibe, head to Dốc Lết Beach, 45km north, where pine trees shade the shore and entry is just 30,000 VND ($1.20). A motorbike rental (150,000 VND/$6 per day) gets you there, or book a guided beach day trip to explore hidden coastal gems like those in our Vietnam beach guide. If you want to wake up to ocean views, check out beachfront hotels like Senia or Mia Resort, where balconies overlook the sunrise.

Insider Tips:

• Best Time: Pre-10 AM for cool temps and empty sands; avoid midday heat with SPF 50+.
• What to Pack: Hat, sunglasses, flip-flops (pavement scorches), and a waterproof phone case for water sports.
• Cultural Note: Keep shirts on off the beach to respect local norms; bikinis are fine but avoid thongs.
• Hidden Gem: An Vien Beach, inside a gated community (50,000 VND/$2 entry), has calm waters and fewer crowds.
• Nearby Eats: Louisiane Brewhouse on Tran Phu serves seafood platters (300,000 VND/$12) and craft beers—perfect after a beach day.

2. Embark on an Island-Hopping Adventure

Nha Trang’s islands are a tropical dream—crystal waters, coral reefs, and beaches tucked between cliffs, making island hopping a top thing to do in Nha Trang. Boats depart from Cau Da Port, 10km from downtown (50,000 VND/$2 by Grab). Hon Mun, a protected marine reserve, is the snorkeling king, with vibrant corals and fish like clownfish, parrotfish, and even barracuda on lucky days. Hon Tam offers resort-style beaches with loungers, umbrellas, and cocktails (entry 200,000 VND/$8), perfect for a luxe chill day. Hon Mieu’s Tri Nguyen Aquarium (50,000 VND/$2) is a quirky stop with outdoor tanks housing sharks, turtles, and colorful reef fish, ideal for families or retro-vibe seekers.

Group tours (400,000–600,000 VND/$16–24) typically visit 3–4 islands, including lunch (think rice, fish, and fruit), snorkeling gear, and a guide. Private boats (2,000,000 VND/$80 for 4–6 people) let you customize stops—ask for Hon Mot, a quieter snorkeling spot locals love. Tours run 8 AM–4 PM, often with a floating bar stop (beers 20,000 VND/$0.80). Over-tourism has stressed Hon Mun’s reefs, so book eco-friendly island tours that avoid fish-feeding and use reusable gear—ask for “bảo vệ san hô” (coral protection). For serious underwater fans, a scuba diving trip reveals deeper marine life, like rays and moray eels, as raved about in our Vietnam island guide. Expect wooden boats for budget tours or speedboats for pricier ones, and bring a dry bag for your phone and cash.

Insider Tips:

• What to Expect: Tours include 2–3 snorkeling stops; water’s clearest in March–May.
• Eco Tip: Skip tours that feed fish or drop plastic—check reviews for sustainable operators.
• Avoid: Tours under 300,000 VND/$12; they’re often overcrowded with shaky safety.
• Hidden Gem: Hon Yen’s bird nests and cliffs are a rare add-on—ask your guide.
• Nearby: Pair with a sunset cruise from Cau Da Port for evening bay views.

3. Explore the Ancient Cham Towers of Po Nagar

Overlooking the Cai River, the Po Nagar Cham Towers are a 7th–12th-century masterpiece of Vietnam’s Cham civilization, making them a top thing to do in Nha Trang for history buffs. These four red-brick towers, dedicated to goddess Yan Po Nagar, feature intricate carvings of Shiva, dancers, and mythical creatures. The 25m main tower houses a linga shrine, still used by locals who leave incense, flowers, and fruit daily, giving the site a living spiritual pulse. The hilltop offers panoramic views of Nha Trang’s skyline, river, and fishing boats bobbing below.

Entry is 30,000 VND ($1.20), and 1–1.5 hours covers the towers and small on-site museum with Cham artifacts. Dress modestly—shoulders and knees covered (rent sarongs for 20,000 VND/$0.80). Visit 7–9 AM to dodge heat (30°C by noon) and tour buses. The site’s compact but rich—check the stone inscriptions near the main tower for Cham history.

Pair it with Hon Chong Promontory, 2km away (20,000 VND/$0.80), where rocky formations and a giant handprint legend add coastal charm. A cultural walking tour can deepen your dive into Cham history, as explored in our Cham heritage guide. For early risers, the Cai River fish market (5–8 AM, free entry) nearby is a vibrant local scene with vendors selling fresh snapper and squid.

Insider Tips:

• Getting There: 2km from Tran Phu Beach (30,000 VND/$1.20 by Grab; 30-minute walk).
• Photo Tip: Sunrise shots from the hilltop catch golden light on the towers.
• Respect: Don’t touch offerings or snap photos of worshippers without permission.
• Hidden Gem: A small meditation garden behind the towers is a quiet spot to soak in the vibe.
• Nearby Eats: Bún bò (beef noodle soup) stalls near the towers cost 40,000 VND/$1.60—try Quán 79.

4. Dive into Marine Life at the National Oceanography Museum

Housed in a 1920s French colonial building near Cau Da Port, the National Oceanography Museum is a quirky, educational gem, perfect as a top thing to do in Nha Trang for families or marine lovers. Its 60,000+ specimens include preserved fish, corals, and live tanks with sharks, stingrays, and clownfish. The 18m whale skeleton and dugong display are crowd-pleasers, though some travelers note the seal and turtle tanks feel cramped—check reviews if animal welfare’s a concern. Exhibits highlight Nha Trang’s coastal ecosystem, with English signs explaining marine conservation.

Tickets are 40,000 VND ($1.60), and an hour’s enough to explore. It’s a great rainy-day stop or quick visit before island tours. Your ticket supports local marine research, a bonus for eco-conscious travelers. Pair it with Nha Trang Cathedral, 5km away, a Neo-Gothic church with an ornate bell tower, vaulted ceilings & colorful stained-glass windows. Grab museum tickets or a family-friendly tour to bundle it with other kid-friendly spots, like those in our Vietnam family travel guide. For lunch, nearby stalls serve bún chả cá (fish noodle soup, 35,000 VND/$1.40) that’s a local staple.

Insider Tips:

• Best Time: 9–11 AM to avoid school groups; weekdays are quieter.
• For Kids: Bring a sketchbook—kids love drawing the colorful fish.
• Accessibility: Old stairs limit wheelchair access; call ahead for needs.
• Hidden Gem: The outdoor turtle pond is a peaceful spot for photos.
• Nearby: The port’s fish market (6–9 AM) offers a raw look at local life.

5. Experience Thrills at VinWonders Nha Trang

VinWonders Nha Trang, on Hon Tre Island, is a sprawling amusement park that’s a top thing to do in Nha Trang for families and thrill-seekers. It’s got roller coasters, water slides, a zoo, an aquarium, and cultural shows with Vietnamese folk music. The 3.3km cable car ride from the mainland—world’s longest over water—delivers jaw-dropping bay views. Top rides include the Alpine Coaster (a twisting track through hills) and Tsunami Slide (a high-speed water drop). The aquarium’s tunnel walkway surrounds you with sharks and rays, while daily shows (3 PM) feature ao dai dances and Cham music.

Tickets cost 880,000 VND ($35) for adults, 660,000 VND ($26) for kids; plan a full day (9 AM–6 PM). Food’s pricey (100,000 VND/$4 for a burger), so eat at Tran Phu or pack snacks. Some travelers raise ethical concerns about zoo enclosures—research if animal welfare matters. Book VinWonders tickets for skip-the-line access or try a resort package to stay on the island, pairing it with a sunset dinner cruise for evening vibes.

Insider Tips:

• Getting There: Cable car or ferry from Cau Da Port (included in ticket).
• What to Pack: Swimsuit, towel, dry clothes; lockers cost 20,000 VND/$0.80.
• Crowds: Weekdays are less packed; avoid weekends.
• Hidden Gem: Fairy Garden’s floral displays are a calm escape from rides.
• Nearby: The island’s beach is free post-VinWonders visit—perfect for a dip.

6. Savor Local Food and Seafood Delights

Nha Trang’s food scene is a seafood lover’s paradise, making dining a top thing to do in Nha Trang. Dam Market’s stalls brim with fresh catches—lobster (200,000 VND/$8 per 100g), grilled squid, and bún sứa (jellyfish noodle soup, 50,000 VND/$2). For sit-down meals, Lanterns on Nguyen Thien Thuat Street serves seafood platters (350,000 VND/$14) with ocean views. Must-tries include bánh canh chả cá (fish cake noodles, 40,000 VND/$1.60) and nem nướng Ninh Hòa (pork skewers, 60,000 VND/$2.40). Vegetarians can find cơm chay (vegan rice) at Senta Vegetarian (100,000 VND – 200,000VND/$4 – 8) or ask for “không thịt” (no meat) at most stalls.

The Tran Phu night market is a foodie haven—grab bánh xèo (crispy pancakes, 30,000 VND/$1.20) or fresh spring rolls. Pair with sugarcane juice (15,000 VND/$0.60) or cà phê sữa đá (30,000 VND/$1.20). For dietary needs, say “không thịt heo” (no pork) or “không hải sản” (no seafood); cilantro haters can use “không ngò.” Join a food tour to hit top spots or take a cooking class to master recipes, like those in our Vietnamese food guide. For a hidden gem, Ơi Nha Trang Restaurant on Yersin Street serves bún bò (beef noodle soup, 99,000 VND/$3.8) that locals swear by.

Insider Tips:

• Best Spots: Dam Market for street food; Pita GR for Western options (burgers, 100,000 VND/$4).
• Budget: Street eats $1–5; restaurants $10–20.
• Allergies: Check for fish sauce (nước mắm) in “vegan” dishes.
• Hidden Gem: Nha Trang Xua, 10km out, offers rustic Vietnamese dishes (100,000 VND/$4).
• Nearby: Pair with a night market tour for food and shopping.

7. Unwind with a Mud Bath Experience

Nha Trang’s mud baths are a quirky, relaxing must, making them a top thing to do in Nha Trang. Thap Ba Hot Springs (4km from downtown, 50,000 VND/$2 by Grab) offers warm mineral mud tubs and hot spring pools (150,000 VND/$6 for group tubs). I-Resort, with lush gardens, feels upscale with private tubs (400,000 VND/$16). 100 Egg Mud Bath leans into fun with egg-shaped tubs for Instagram (200,000 VND/$8). The mud’s said to detox and soften skin, but the chill vibe—think soaking with a view of green hills—is the real draw. Plan 2–3 hours for mud (20 minutes), rinsing, and hot springs.

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Start Over

Bring a swimsuit, flip-flops, and a waterproof bag—mud’s messy. Book a mud bath experience or pair with a spa package for massages. Combine with Ba Ho Waterfall (25km away, 50,000 VND/$2), a three-tiered cascade perfect for a dip, as detailed in our Vietnam wellness guide. Thap Ba’s herbal baths (add 100,000 VND/$4) are a fragrant treat travelers love.

Insider Tips:

• Best Time: 2–5 PM for fewer crowds; mornings see tour groups.
• What to Pack: Towel (rentals 20,000 VND/$0.80); change of clothes.
• Accessibility: Steps at most spots—call for mobility needs.
• Hidden Gem: I-Resort’s lotus pond is a serene photo spot.
• Nearby: Long Son Pagoda’s free temple visit adds cultural depth.

8. Discover Nha Trang’s Nightlife and Night Market

Nha Trang’s nightlife is electric, making it a top thing to do in Nha Trang. Chợ Đầm Night Market is a vibrant maze of stalls selling souvenirs (pearl earrings, 100,000 VND/$4), fake sunglasses, and street food like grilled octopus (50,000 VND/$2) or mango smoothies (20,000 VND/$0.80). Bargain to 50% of quoted prices—smile to keep it friendly. For drinks, Sailing Club on Tran Phu Beach offers cocktails (150,000 VND/$6) and beachfront DJs. Louisiane Brewhouse serves craft beers (80,000 VND/$3.20), while Zima Club’s for late-night dancing (free entry, drinks 100,000 VND/$4).

Stick to lit areas and watch bags in crowds. For local vibes, hit a quán nhậu on Nguyen Thien Thuat Street—beers are 15,000 VND/$0.60, and you’ll chat with locals over peanuts. Book a nightlife tour to hit top spots, or start with a sunset cruise for pre-party bay views, as covered in our Vietnam nightlife guide. Sky Blu Lounge Nha Trang’s 360° views (cocktails 200,000 VND/$8) are a hidden gem.

Insider Tips:

• Nearby: Tran Phu’s beachfront cafes are great for a post-market coffee.
• Bargaining: Start at half the price; don’t overpay for souvenirs.
• Safety: Skip cyclo drivers offering “massage” scams; use Grab.
• Dress Code: Casual but neat; no beachwear in clubs.
• Hidden Gem: Why Not Bar on Biet Thu Street has live music and cheap drinks (50,000 VND/$2).

Practical Tips for Visiting Nha Trang

Nha Trang’s easy to navigate with a few pointers:

• Getting There: Cam Ranh Airport (35km, 45-minute taxi, 300,000 VND/$12). Buses from HCMC (8 hours, 200,000 VND/$8) or trains from Hanoi (24 hours, 500,000 VND/$20). Book airport transfers.
• Getting Around: Grab’s cheapest (50,000 VND/$2 for 5km). Taxis are pricier; avoid unmetered ones. Motorbikes (150,000 VND/$6/day) need a license—check travel insurance.
• Best Time: February–May for sun (25–30°C). September–November is rainy; pack a poncho.
• Where to Stay: Budget guesthouses (200,000 VND/$8) on Nguyen Thien Thuat or luxe resorts like Senia (2,000,000 VND/$80). Find a hotel.
• Culture: Say “xin chào” (hello) and “cảm ơn” (thank you). Dress modestly at temples. Expect Russian/Chinese tourists.
• Safety: Low crime but watch bags at markets. Avoid unofficial tour vendors.
• Scams: Skip VietJet for delays; confirm prices before tours or services.

Day Trips and Nearby Adventures

Extend your trip with these:

• Cam Ranh Bay: 45 minutes south, with quiet beaches like Binh Lap (50,000 VND/$2 entry). Great for coastal drives.
• Da Lat: 3–4 hours away, with waterfalls (Prenn, 40,000 VND/$1.60) and hiking. Book a Da Lat tour.
• Quy Nhon: 3 hours north, with Ky Co Beach’s turquoise waters. Join a Quy Nhon trip.

Insider Tips:

• Transport: Buses via 12go.asia (150,000 VND/$6 to Da Lat) or private cars (1,500,000 VND/$60).
• Timing: Da Lat’s a full day; Quy Nhon needs an overnight.
• What to Pack: Hiking shoes for Da Lat, swimsuit for Quy Nhon.

Wrap-Up: Why Nha Trang’s Unmissable

Nha Trang’s a coastal gem—think beaches that rival Bali, islands begging to be explored, and food that’ll have you dreaming of seafood. From Po Nagar’s ancient vibes to VinWonders’ thrills, it’s got something for everyone. Whether you’re sipping coffee on Tran Phu or dancing at Sailing Club, Nha Trang delivers Vietnam’s charm with a beachy twist. Ready to go? Plan your Nha Trang adventure or check our Vietnam travel guide for more spots like Da Nang or Hoi An.