Nha Trang is one of the most beautiful cities in Vietnam. It is famous for its beaches, culture, and delicious cuisine. Let’s check out what to see in Nha Trang to make the most of our time in this paradise.
How to get to Nha Trang?
There are several options for getting to Nha Trang. You can reach it by train, plane, or bus. The most convenient option seems to be the bus, which will take us overnight from Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang. We recommend traveling by a Vietnamese-style bus, which instead of traditional seats offers… beds.
The sleeper buses, as they are called, are a very popular, comfortable (although this can vary) and inexpensive way to travel in Vietnam. As mentioned, instead of traditional seats, you will find bunk beds here. You can curtain off for maximum comfort and privacy. We encountered versions where the beds were single, arranged in three rows – and that’s how we traveled to Nha Trang. There are also VIP Limousine versions, where you will get double beds. It’s somewhat like a capsule hotel on wheels.
Note! Do not book seats on the upper level if you are traveling with a little fidget. Or if you yourself have a tendency to fall asleep and wake up in a different part of the bed. Traveling to Nha Trang, we made this mistake, and despite the seat belts being fastened, we preferred to sleep in shifts, just in case our little acrobat wanted to see what it was like to fly from two meters up. Did we learn a lesson from this journey? Absolutely. On the way back, we booked seats on the lower level. We all slept peacefully, had a quiet night without the specter of nighttime leaps into the unknown.
For tickets for two adults and a 6-year-old child from Saigon to Nha Trang, we paid 885,000 dong (about 40 USD). Included in the price were “beds,” a bottle of water, a wet wipe, and an entrance ticket to sensory attractions: the scent of air conditioning and the snoring of fellow passengers. When we arrived at the bus station in Nha Trang early in the morning, we transferred to a small van that took us directly to our hotel.
Where to stay in Nha Trang?
In Nha Trang, we wholeheartedly recommend the hotel where we stayed, which is Gonsala Hotel Nha Trang. You will find a pool on the 21st floor along with a bar, a well-equipped gym, a sauna, and delicious breakfasts. The hotel is located just two hundred meters from the beach. A big plus is the very good buffet breakfasts (not everywhere can you have… sushi for breakfast :)). The hotel has a (fully deserved) rating of 9.2 on Booking.com. You can book your stay here by clicking HERE. 
What to see in Nha Trang?
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Po Nagar Temple
The Po Nagar Temple in Nha Trang was built between the 7th and 12th centuries by the Cham. Po Nagar is a tribute to the Mother Earth – a goddess who, according to local beliefs, taught people agriculture, weaving, and how to live in harmony. In short, she was the influencer of her time 🙂
Today, the temple is a place of worship and amazes with its architectural details. Its brick walls are proof that “durable construction” once meant something more than a 10-year warranty.
The entrance ticket to the temple costs 30,000 VND (about 1,20 USD).
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Vinpearl Cable Car
The Vinpearl Cable Car in Nha Trang is a 3.3 km long cable car. It offers not only one of the longest rides over water in the world but also invites you to the world of VinWonders. That is a huge entertainment complex on Hon Tre Island.
On one side, the water shimmers in shades of blue, on the other – the panorama of Nha Trang city. And on the horizon, there’s an island with a big sign “VINPEARL,” which looks like the Vietnamese version of Hollywood. 
The ride lasts about 12 minutes.
On the island, you will find an amusement park, beaches, an aquarium. And a show that is like a mix of theater and visual effects.
Ticket prices depend on the selected package. We are not fans of amusement parks, so our choice turned out to be very budget-friendly. For the cable car ride for two adults and a child (6 years old), we paid 300,000 VND (about 12 USD). The ticket price also included three lunches, each worth 100,000 VND (about 4 USD). Lunch vouchers can be used at designated restaurants on the island.
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Vinpearl Land on Hon Tre Island
After reaching the cable car (yes, the one of the longest over water – 3.3 km), we stand on the land of Hon Tre and want to shout “wow.”
Palms, wide sidewalks, perfectly arranged cobblestones, and smiling staff in corporate uniforms. But wait… Where are all the people? Despite the popularity of the place, it feels like we are walking through a slightly deserted movie set.
After spending some time in a country where scooters are an extension of legs, and traffic rules are more of a suggestion than a rule, Hon Tre appears to us as a strange, almost surreal oasis. Imagine – not a single scooter! No honking horns. No risk of being run over by a scooter driver who is simultaneously talking on the phone, carrying two people and a chicken in a cage. Instead, we get sidewalks. Yes, sidewalks – and ones that you can actually walk on.
Let’s not kid ourselves – Hon Tre is a place where risk has been eliminated to zero. Want to cross the street? Go ahead, there are no streets. Looking for a thrill? You’ll have to find it in the VinWonders amusement park because walking on the island, you can at most trip over your own foot.
Hon Tre is Vietnam on steroids – beautiful, perfect, but a bit… artificial 🙂
Vinpearl Land is a popular amusement park located on Hon Tre Island, accessible by cable car. The park offers many attractions such as a water park, carousels, and luxurious beaches. Families with children will find plenty of entertainment here. It’s an ideal place for a full day trip for those who enjoy amusement parks.
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Long Son Pagoda
In the shadow of concrete hotels and the noise of scooters in Nha Trang, we find Long Son Temple. This is a place that combines spirituality, architecture, and a bit of physical effort.
Long Son Temple, also known as the White Buddha Pagoda, was built at the end of the 19th century. Though its current appearance is the result of many renovations.
To reach the most famous point of Long Son – the great, seated White Buddha – we must climb 152 steps. Sounds innocent? Wait until you feel the Vietnamese humidity.
Along the way, we stop by the Reclining Buddha – and yes, he is as peaceful as you can imagine. The statue depicts Buddha in the moment of nirvana – that is, in a state that can be achieved when you stop worrying about the crazy traffic in Nha Trang. It’s a great moment to catch your breath (or come up with an excuse not to go any further).
At the top of the hill, a reward awaits us: a gigantic, 24-meter statue of seated Buddha Gautama on a lotus throne. Visible from many parts of the city. This statue is not only a symbol of Long Son but also of Nha Trang as a whole.
Entrance is free.
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Oceanographic Institute
The Oceanographic Institute in Nha Trang is one of the oldest research centers in Vietnam. It is inviting you on an extraordinary journey into the ocean. More precisely – into an old building full of fish, formaldehyde, and a bit of chaos. Sound like something for you? Well, let’s start!
We enter inside. Here begins the real journey, which resembles a trip to a museum from our childhood rather than a modern educational center.
What can you find inside?
• Aquariums – several rooms with small tanks where fish, corals, and sometimes something that looks like a mix of both. Don’t expect an oceanic spectacle like Dubai’s aquarium – this is more of a modest presentation of local marine fauna.
• Stuffed sea creatures – this is where the real fun begins. Sharks, turtles, and even whales in “afterlife” version await you in glass cases. Some exhibits are impressive, while others look like they have had a long and painful journey through time.
• Specimens in Formaldehyde – if you have ever wondered what an octopus looks like in a jar, now you have the chance to find out. The collection is impressive but somewhat reminiscent of a 19th-century cabinet of curiosities. It may not be very modern, but it is definitely original.
Entry costs only 40,000 VND (about 2 USD) for adults and 20,000 VND (about 1 USD) for children.
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Beaches in Nha Trang
Once, a friend who was spending holidays in Vietnam wrote to us (at the time we were in Thailand) that the pinnacle of his beach discoveries was finding… a television on the beach. Yes, on the beach. And not in some hipster, artistic context.
With such an introduction, our expectations for Vietnamese beaches were, to put it mildly, moderate.
Fortunately, we are not fans of lying on the sand all day. We can say the prospect of “average beaches” did not discourage us. We like to have a beach nearby – just for the mood – but we are definitely more interested in places that offer something more than just sand and waves.
In Vietnam, we were looking for a town that would give us balance: a bit of beach, a bit of city, a bit of attractions. We settled on Nha Trang – a coastal city with ambitions. The main beach
, stretching along the coast of the city, is about 6 kilometers long and offers golden sand, which unfortunately is sometimes littered. The South China Sea here is warm, and the water has a pleasant hue. Although sometimes the waves can be quite strong.
How does Nha Trang compare to the beaches in Thailand? Well, if you dream of white sand, crystal-clear water, and postcard-worthy “wow”, then… not here. The beaches in Nha Trang have a more urban character – they are surrounded by cafes and restaurants. And to get to the beach, you have to cross quite a busy street. This place is for those who want to combine beach time with urban comforts, not for those seeking a tropical paradise.
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Dam Market
Dam Market is the perfect place for shopping and experiencing the fascinating local culture in Nha Trang. You will find literally everything from fresh fruits, spices, and vegetables to handicrafts and souvenirs. While strolling through this vibrant market, be sure to try unique local delicacies and drinks. Bargaining is a common practice here, so it’s worth preparing for negotiation, which can be an additional attraction. The atmosphere of this place is incredibly colorful, full of sounds, colors, and scents.
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Hon Mun Island
Hon Mun Island offers ideal conditions for diving and snorkeling. The waters around it are clear and full of colorful coral reefs. A day spent here will provide unforgettable experiences. The island is also a place for those seeking peace away from the hustle and bustle of Nha Trang.
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Agarwood Tower
Agarwood Tower (Tháp Trầm Hương) in Nha Trang is a symbolic place located along Tran Phu promenade. Its architecture, resembling a lotus flower or a spaceship :), combines modernity with Vietnamese tradition. The name refers to the prized agarwood, used in incense and perfumes. Inside the tower, there are exhibitions about the region’s history and the agarwood industry. It is a popular spot for photographers and architecture lovers, as well as a meeting point. While strolling along the promenade, it’s worth stopping here for a moment to learn about the local culture. The tower combines aesthetic value with educational function, attracting both tourists and locals.
And if we want to see the surroundings of Nha Trang
If you want to see the surroundings of Nha Trang, it’s worth taking a trip to the Ba Ho Waterfalls. This beautiful place, away from the city’s hustle, allows you to relax and admire the stunning views. You can book a trip to the waterfall by clicking HERE.
Nha Trang is a city full of attractions that delights lovers of beaches, culture, nature, and entertainment. Agarwood Tower, located along Tran Phu promenade, is one of the symbols of the city. It is worth visiting the Po Nagar Temple to delve into the history of Champa. And the Long Son Pagoda, known for its impressive Buddha statue. Beaches such as Tran Phu offer ideal conditions for relaxation, while Mun and Tam islands are a diver’s paradise. Families will appreciate the Tri Nguyen Aquarium and the VinWonders amusement park. The Ba Ho Waterfalls will delight adventure lovers, and Dam Market is a great place for local shopping. While strolling along the promenade, one can enjoy beautiful views of the sea. Nha Trang combines the beauty of nature with the richness of culture, offering something for everyone.
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