Are you planning your trip to Vietnam? Then stop doom-scrolling on Instagram or YouTube Shorts, which will only lead you to the hyped-up places.
In this blog, we’ll only discuss the best things to do in Nha Trang. Some people are unaware of this place. I mean, Vietnam as a whole is fantastic, and Hanoi is undoubtedly worth the hype. The nightlife in Hanoi and the Old Quarter is the stable that keeps the tourism coming.
However, to find out that many things can make your trip a memorable experience should not be revealed after you finish your trip.
So, redo your Vietnam Itinerary after reading this blog. Nha Trang will end up on your list for its beautiful golden beaches, ancient pagodas, modern amusement, and a lot of colonial history.
This city has everything for everyone. And the places to visit in Nha Trang, Vietnam, will keep you amused. From cultural immersion to water adventures or the regular bustling night markets, you will never get bored.
Best Things to Do in Nha Trang
Nha Trang offers an offbeat experience unlike any other city. Nested between Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh, the only common thing you can find in Nha Trang is the beach life.
This is not a place for many people. You can find multiple things to do in Ho Chi Minh and have the best nightlife in Da Nang. But here, you can come to seek peace, learn about the culture and do a lot of water sports with less crowd pushing over.
Let’s explore some of the must-visit places in Nha Trang and discover some of the must-do activities to enjoy there.
Po Nagar Cham Towers
You can locate the Po Nagar Cham Towers in the north of Nha Trang, which are just 2 km from Nha Trang’s centre. This temple was constructed in the Champa Kingdom, which was during the seventh and twelfth centuries.
The Cham civilisation has a great devotion to Goddess Po Nagar, also known as Thien Y A Na, who was the protector of the land and sea. I was even surprised to learn that this architect drew inspiration from the idea of a temple built on high hills, which is Mount Meru, located in India.
The temple is simply divided into four divisions
- The gate tower
- The vestibule
- The temple and tower area
- The inscription area
If you are visiting in March, don’t miss the festival held between the 20th and 23rd of March. Attending this festival is the best thing to do in Nha Trang to learn about the cultural legacy of the Cham people.
More than just a place to worship, you can also get panoramic views of the river and city and even catch traditional Cham music and dance performances that radiate spiritual energy.
- Time: 06:00 AM – 05:30 PM
Vinwonders Nha Trang
Apart from all these cultural and historical attractions, plan your day packed with adventurous things. Vinwonders Nha Trang is an exciting experience that begins from the moment you think about it.
You will start by taking a cable car that offers the best views of Nha Trang Bay for approximately 8-9 minutes. The best time to visit Vietnam to relish its incredible theme parks is from March to April. When you enter VinWonders Nha Trang, you can discover a whole world within.
- Tropical Paradise (water games): Try out the battle of Pythons (majestic water slide), Lizard wagging its tail, Neptune’s Fury, Water Tribe Village, Neptune’s Fury, Fierce Tornado, and The legendary water temple.
Neptune Palace: Here, you can observe the marine ecosystem, home to approximately 30,000 marine creatures. You also get a chance to watch the performances of mermaids. - Games: Bumper cars and Sky Wheel.
- Performances: Carnival Show, Wonder Welcome, Water Music Show, Bird Show, Mysterious Ocean, and so many others.
- More activities: Ride the world’s longest over-sea cable car, a railway through mountains, a zipline, and visit a candy kingdom.
- Time: 09:00 am to 08:00 pm
- Cost: The tickets can start from 3,000 INR. (Also various for packings and kids).
Tram Huong Tower
On Nha Trang beach, you can spot this giant Tram Huong Tower. It’s an architectural symbol of Nha Trang, shaped like a lotus. At night, the tower turns into an exhibition place, and it’s so magical as it lights up.
It is a 9m high tower with a 4.5m diameter. And inside, you can explore each floor, which holds cultural significance.
- Basement: A Technical room that controls the entire tower. It regulates the water and the elevator system.
- 1st and 2nd floors: Features a large square yard for people to enjoy a scenic time. This is essentially a park featuring a fountain, flowers, and statues.
- 3rd Floor: Here, you can view artistic photographs of local activities and marine specimens.
So, when you’re walking on the beach and aren’t sure what to do, just go here and take a look at the beautiful architecture and the things inside. The place is completely free of cost for you to explore.
Nha Trang Cathedral
The Cathedral is famously known as the Mountain Church. The architecture here is magnificent with its Gothic style. The building is 36m high and attracts many people with its bell tower.
You can see the large clock, and you can actually look and tell the time from different vantage points in the city.
If you want to go during the prayer time, then visit around 4:30 pm on weekdays. And, on Sundays, there are several times when the prayers are conducted. It starts at 05:00 am, then 07:00 am, 09:00 am, 03:00 pm, 04:00 pm, and the last one is at 06:00 pm.
When you go there, you can see the priests, and they are very approachable. If you are more interested in that place, ask them about the Cathedral’s history or their life as a priest.
The cathedral is free to enter, so don’t fall for a scam and buy a ticket outside the cathedral. During prayer time, show respect and avoid clicking pictures and talking loudly.
Water Activities at Nha Trang Beach
When Nha Trang is known for its beach beauty and is even called the coastal resort city, there are, of course, the best water activities to try.
After exploring all of central Nha Trang and arriving at the beachside, you enter a different world. Here, you don’t have to think about knowing the history of any buildings or think about what to wear.
When it comes to the beach, you can forget everything and just jump into the water or sleep in the soft sands as the sun shines. So, let’s see the activities you can do here
- Scuba diving
- Sea walking
- Parasailing
- Jet Skiing
- Flyboarding
- Surfing
- Kayaking
- Basket boat rides
- Banana boat rides
Thap Ba Hot Springs and Mud Baths
The relaxing thing to do when you are in Nha Trang is to take a Mud Bath. It is one of Nha Trang’s specialities. Though many places offer you a mud bath experience, this Thap Ba Mud Bath is the place to visit in Nha Trang for clean and great service.
They offer various options, including Spa Mountain, a Special Herbal Mud Soak, a Hot Mineral Mud Bath, a Herbal Mineral Soak, a jacuzzi, and a swimming pool.
You can choose the one you want to experience. And one question would have popped into your mind: why take a mud bath? For some people, it’s still a weird activity to try out.
Medical studies have shown that mineral mud contains high levels of minerals, which can help alleviate fatigue. As adults, we know how our muscles ache, so if you give this a shot, you will feel much better.
- Time: 07:30 am – 05:00 pm
- Cost: The cost varies for the pool you choose, and it can also be used in shared spaces. Please check the prices on the official website for each activity.
Hon Mieu Island
Hon Mieu Island is nestled just 1 km from Nha Trang. As it is very close, it is much more cost-effective when it comes to transportation, so when you’re in Nha Trang, simply catch a boat and sail there in 20 minutes. Or take a canoe for a ride of less than 10 minutes.
The ride cost varies, and many people scam you, so choose the right one after discussing the options. And it can cost approximately 800 INR per person.
On the island, you can go snorkelling, parasailing, surfing, and ocean walking. This island is the right place to visit when in Nha Trang to find rich marine life. And you will find numerous floating bars for you to stay put and sip your drinks simply.
Apart from these activities, you can visit Black Rock Caves. The island’s black cliffs form a unique geological feature. Inside, you can also find various creatures.
For an island experience that is just an arm’s length away, it should not be missed. You’d better add this to your list of things to do in Nha Trang.
Dam Market
This market is a popular gathering spot for many locals, and for tourists, it’s a place to go in Nha Trang to buy unique things.
The Market was redesigned in 1970 by Vietnamese architects. The design was in a circular shape with two floors on which more than 2,500 people can be accommodated.
Initially, this place was opened in 1908 and has been present there for over a century. So, it’s known to many people and is gaining popularity every day.
And you can buy various things like clothes, handicrafts, accessories, local snacks, and Vietnamese street food stalls offering delicious meals.
- Market Time: 05:00 am to 06:30 pm
Ba Ho Waterfalls
Just 6-7 km from Nha Trang’s centre, you can reach this hidden gem in 20 minutes. Going here will give you a natural vibe. And you don’t have to try hard to have fun if you are an adventure seeker. It’s not like the open beach or buzzing market experience. Here, you will find calmness.
The waterfall’s name, Ba Ho, denotes “Three Lakes”. This is named like this because you can see three water tyres, and each is at a different height.
Upon entering, you will need to walk 500-600 meters to reach the water area. Get your grip shoes. When you are surrounded by water, there are only rocks to claim as you reach the other side. Here, you can also experience cliff climbing.
- Entrance cost: approximately 200 INR per person.
- Time: 06:00 am – 06:00 pm
Nha Trang Night Market
Night markets are a great place to visit in Nha Trang or in any city for a great cultural experience. Although we know markets have a lot of things to buy, here you can simply stroll through the vibrant streets and see the local life of people and the vendors.
You can find many food spots that sell delicious vermicelli dishes, Vietnamese special ice creams, and Vietnamese pancakes, all for less than 150 INR.
Not just a regular market to buy stuff and eat, you can have an interesting experience here, like portrait drawing. You just have to sit while a skilled artist draws and gives you a memorable sketch of you.
When Vietnam’s nightlife can be hyped a lot, Nha Trang gives you only an offbeat experience. So, this night market is a better way for you to enjoy the city at night.
- Time: 06:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Conclusion
For more than just beach days and more than just cultural days, go to Nha Trang. A place that is filled with history, spirituality, adventure, and a perfect culinary scene. With multiple wonders, you will find this trip to be worth taking.
I know you are already packing your swimsuits to dive into the crystal-clear water, soaking in the mud bath, and experiencing all the great things to do in Nha Trang.
So, be prepared to try out everything new in Nha Trang. By the way, you don’t have to rush behind schedule to visit places in Nha Trang or try every activity. Take it slow; do things your way.
Who knows? You might even cancel some of the next day’s plans and stay in the villages or on the beach to expand your experience. So, create a plan that suits you.
Frequently Asked Questions on Best Things to Do in Nha Trang
When is the best time to travel to Nha Trang?
January to August is a good time for a coastal place like Nha Trang. In these months, you will get an ideal climate to roam the city. And excellent sunny days for beach activities.
How many days are enough to spend in Nha Trang as a tourist?
2-3 days are enough for Nha Trang. These days, you can easily cover beaches, islands, and temples and stroll through the best local markets to buy a lot of souvenirs and eat local food.
What to eat in Nha Trang?
Nha Trang is famous for its seafood. I would say try all kinds of seafood and some of the city specials like Banh Can, Bun Sua, Nem Nuong, Binh Ba Lobster, and Bánh Căn.
