What to Do in Nha Trang in 2025?

A Local Travel Guide by a Franco-Vietnamese Living in Viet Nam

Nha Trang, a coastal gem in Central Vietnam, offers more than tropical beaches and sunshine. Located in Khanh Hoa Province along the South China Sea, it blends cultural heritage, Cham ruins, local cuisine, and access to offbeat adventures — all within a human-sized city still shaped by its Indochina past.

For travellers looking to explore Vietnam off the beaten path, this guide offers tips and insights from someone who lives here — beyond tourist brochures and standard Vietnam travel circuits.

1. Beyond the Central Beach: Explore Nha Trang’s Coastal Charm

The main beach on Tran Phu Boulevard is popular, but quieter places reveal the true soul of this bay:

• Bai Duong Beach is a peaceful place loved by Vietnamese people for morning swims.

• Doc Let Beach makes a perfect day-trip, with its powdery sand and absence of large crowds.

• Hon Chong Promontory gives you a panoramic view of the China Sea where fishermen still use traditional longtail boats.

This coastline differs from the cliffs and limestone formations of Ha Long Bay, but it offers something equally breathtaking — a sense of simplicity and connection to daily Vietnamese life.

2. Spiritual Sites, Ancient Towers and Living Culture

Nha Trang is home to the Po Nagar Cham Towers, remnants of a powerful matriarchal kingdom that predates the Communist era and even Reunification. Locals still worship here, surrounded by incense and traditional rituals.

Nearby, the Long Son Pagoda with its giant white Buddha sits on a hilltop, offering both serenity and views over the city. These sites reflect not only Buddhism, but also a strong cultural resilience shaped by colonialism, war, and faith — themes seen throughout Viet Nam, from Dalat to Hanoi.

Nha Trang may not be as historically saturated as the Cu Chi Tunnels or Hue’s Citadel, but it carries the quiet memory of the Vietnam War, visible in memorials and in stories from the older generation.

3. The Southern Flavor: Food Culture by the Sea

Forget Ha Long Bay cruises and focus on what you can eat here.

In Nha Trang, street food reveals the city’s identity. Try:

• Bún cá: a local fish noodle soup with a light and aromatic broth

• Nem nướng: grilled pork skewers served with fresh herbs

• Bánh căn: mini rice pancakes often sold from family stalls or homestays

These dishes reflect the abundance of seafood in South Vietnam and the influence of Khmer and Cham cooking styles. Don't hesitate to explore small alleys or eat with locals at a homestay — that’s where the best stories are shared.

4. Island Adventures: Nature and Tranquility Beyond the Bay

Nha Trang’s islands — like Hon Mun and Hon Tam — offer snorkeling, hiking and relaxation. They are less crowded than Cat Ba Island or Halong Bay, but share the same beauty.

This is the long bay experience without the tourism saturation of northern Vietnam.

For a more personal encounter with nature, avoid large boats and take a slow departure from the harbor with a local fisherman. These small-scale trips can be more meaningful than a luxury Halong Bay cruise.

5. Into the Mountains: Waterfalls, Villages, and Stories

If you’ve traveled through Laos, or explored the Mekong River delta, you’ll love the rural landscapes surrounding Nha Trang.

• Ba Ho Waterfalls is a favorite day-trip for trekking and swimming.

• Roads toward Hon Ba Mountain offer cool air and winding paths through pine forests.

• Remote villages, home to ethnic minorities like the Dao or Tho, offer insight into rural life — often shared over tea in a simple homestay.

You’ll see that not all experiences in Vietnam require guides, buses, or tight itineraries. Sometimes the best ones come from taking the slow road and being open to conversation.

6. Reconnection and Reflection in a Changing Vietnam

Many visitors find that travel to Nha Trang becomes more than tourism — it becomes personal. Whether you're retracing family roots, like me, or simply escaping routine, there are many ways to reconnect:

• Spiritual retreats focused on mindfulness

• Traditional medicine and herbal healing

• Quiet rituals honoring ancestors

Nha Trang is not as intense as the Cu Chi Tunnels, nor as dramatic as Ha Long’s caves, but its subtlety is powerful. Here, you feel the layers of time — pre-colonial, Indochina, Communist, and post-war Vietnam — existing side by side.

7. Travel Continuation: Where to Go Next?

From Nha Trang, travelers can continue south to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), explore the cool highlands of Dalat, or cross the border to Phnom Penh. Buses and trains run frequently, and taxis are affordable if you travel in pairs or groups.

You can also head north to explore North Vietnam, the Red River Delta, or embark on a complete Vietnam–Cambodia itinerary.

Nha Trang may not be your final destination, but it will likely be the one you remember most.

FAQ

Is Nha Trang a good place for first-time travelers to Vietnam?
Yes, especially if you prefer beach and culture over big cities. It’s less hectic than Hanoi and easier to navigate than Saigon.

When is the best time to visit Nha Trang?
From February to July. Avoid the rainy season (September–December) if you plan outdoor activities.

How to get to Nha Trang?
By air (Cam Ranh Airport), train, or long-distance buses from major cities. Taxis and private cars are easy to book for regional trips.

Is Nha Trang safe for solo travelers?
Absolutely. It’s one of the safest cities in Viet Nam, with friendly locals and a growing expat community.