Apart from offering guests tranquil beaches to lounge on and various outdoor activities for more adventurous travelers, Nha Trang also boasts a surprising array of cultural sites and entertainment options. Whether you’re into exploring local markets full of unfamiliar sights and sounds, or looking for a relaxing wellness retreat to get away from noise and stress, want to learn more about the local culture and its customs or prefer to sip fancy cocktails on a rooftop bar, this city has a bit of everything. Check out the following list of fun things to see and do in Nha Trang to make sure you get the most out of your trip to one of Vietnam’s top seaside destinations.
Beaches
Perhaps what’s most famous about Nha Trang is its many beautiful beaches. But each beach has its own distinct personality, so let’s look through your options and see what is best suited for your needs.
Nha Trang Beach
If you’re looking for a popular beach with all kinds of entertainment activities, Nha Trang beach is the spot. Stretching over seven kilometers along the coastal line, it stands out as an iconic gem of the city. Tran Phu street, where it is located, has also become a bustling neighborhood for both locals and travelers thanks to the popularity of the beach. The whole area is a buzzing destination fully-packed with tourists and countless places to hang around. Just when you think you’ve finished swimming in the fabulous waters, have a street food feast, or grab a drink at the beachside bar. I’m sure you’ll never feel alone here!
Sandy beach in Nha Trang
Just keep in mind that it’ll be very crowded during holidays as Nha Trang beach is so famous and popular. Other than that, have fun!
More information:
Location: Tran Phu street, Nha Trang
Opening times: 24/7
Entrance fee: free
Bai Tru Beach
This peaceful and magnificent beach is located on Hon Tre – the largest island in the island cluster of Nha Trang Bay. If Nha Trang beach is famous for its convenient location and surrounding area, Bai Tru has a different scene that any traveler will adore. You’ll be taken with its marvelous beauty, smooth sands, and extremely clear blue water. Unlike other island beaches, Bai Tru has another special feature to add: It doesn’t have many intense waves as Hon Tre mountain acts like a firm wall to prevent ocean storms and wind. Now you can feel free to do anything near the shore without being rushed by the waves!
As calm and gentle as it is, Bai Tru is one of the best places to relax and enjoy your stress-free moments. Sunbathe over the white sands, take a walk along the coast, collect seashells, or just simply lie down under the peaceful shadow from the mountain ranges behind Bai Tru. Just in case you’re looking for more activities other than playing on the beach, Vinpearl Land is only a couple minutes walk from it. Bai Tru beach, for relieving stress or a dose of adrenaline in the amazing amusement park, will make a great itinerary for you!
More information:
Location: Hon Tre island, Nha Trang. You can either go to Nha Trang Port (5 Tran Phu street) or Vinpearl Port, and take a canoe to get to the island.
Opening times: 24/7
Entrance fee: from 20 USD
Bai Rang Beach
Bai Rang is the perfect stop for hikers and adventurous travelers because you can combine this spot with an amazing nearby destination: Mui Doi – the easternmost point of Vietnam. To make it more interesting, Mui Doi is the first place in which you can catch the earliest sunlight in this country! Bai Rang beach happens to be located close to this amazing cape so it’s gradually becoming a regular stop for hikers on their way to conquering Mui Doi. They often spend a night camping on this wonderful beach and start hiking early the next day to catch the sunrise on time.
Getting to Bai Rang beach is not easy as you have to go through bumpy and rough trails. However, it’ll be a worthy and memorable experience. The easier way to travel there is taking a boat from Bai Rang Port and you can go straight to the beach. Read here for more detailed information on how to get to Bai Rang beach and other amazing beaches in Nha Trang.
Waterfalls
Ba Ho Waterfalls
If you’d like to have some more thrilling and adventurous experiences beyond regular hiking and swimming at the beach, Ba Ho waterfalls is a must-visit spot. Around 25 kilometers away from Nha Trang city, this waterfall complex starts at Hon Son mount at the height of more than 660 meters, then flows through two rocky cliffs down to some paddy fields, and ends in a peaceful secluded pond called Nha Phu. The name Ba Ho means “three ponds”, which explains the look of the tri-split waterfalls that fall into three lakes.
Ba Ho waterfalls is a well-known attraction for intense hiking, challenging trails, and of course beautiful scenes with spectacular water and forest. The way to Ba Ho can be difficult as you have to climb through rugged cliffs to reach each fall, but the view is totally worth it. After the trek, soak yourself in the cool pond to relieve your muscles and enjoy the swim. The pool is deep enough to dive so many people also try cliff jumping here. Each waterfall has its own view so make sure you get to the top to embrace the true natural beauty here.
Tourists should come before May during the dry season because the waters are low and gentle. Remember to be very careful while trekking and swimming here as the terrain is quite dangerous and slippery. Also, wear strong shoes and bring necessary trekking gear for the best hiking experience possible.
Markets
Like all cities in Vietnam, Nha Trang has a great selection of local markets. Depending on whether you want to get souvenirs for friends and family back home or want to get an impression of the day-to-day life of Vietnamese people, visiting a few markets while in Nha Trang is a must.
Cho Dam – The Famous Dam Market
Located smack in the middle of the city and the main tourist areas, Dam Market is Nha Trang’s largest market. Come here to wander the three floors of Dam Market’s imposing concrete structure. You will find all you need, want, or never knew existed. The merchandise includes everything from clothes, shoes and bags to tourist trinkets, souvenirs, designer knockoffs and produce, meat and food stalls. Keep your eyes (and nose!) open for the dried seafood section. This is where you’ll find some of Nha Trang’s famous local specialties including dried shrimp, squid, and cuttlefish. You haven’t really been to Nha Trang if you don’t try this!
Since Dam Market is the market most tourists include in their itinerary, be ready to bargain hard if you don’t want to be totally overcharged. Also, get there early in the morning when most of Nha Trang’s residents go shopping. You’ll get a more authentic experience and beat the heat of the day this way.
More information
Location: northern end of the downtown area, east of 2 Thang 4
Opening times: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Cho Xom Moi
If you prefer a more local experience, Xom Moi Market is the place for you. Situated a bit further from Nha Trang’s core, this market is where many locals come to shop for their groceries, household equipment, and whatever else they need in everyday life.
Looking to start your day like a local? Xom Moi Market is where you can do it. Provided you can roll out of bed at the crack of dawn and get there around 7 AM, you can see how locals spend their mornings and take in the multitude of sights, sounds, and smells this market has to offer. Take a stroll around and when you’re ready, find a food stall you like and do some people watching while you enjoy a bowl of fragrant pho or Nha Trang’s specialty, bun ca, a simple fish-broth soup with rice vermicelli, fish filet, and fish balls.
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Location: Ngo Gia Tu and Huynh Thuc Khang, west of To Hien Thanh
Opening times: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
There are plenty of other great places to shop in Nha Trang! For more tips and suggestions, check out our “Shopping in Nha Trang – A Guide To The Best Shopping Experience” article so you don’t miss anything.
Cho Vinh Hai
For those of you who want to steer clear of the crowds, Vinh Hai Market is worth checking out. Head there and you’ll probably be one of the only foreigners around! It’s a good bit smaller than Dam Market or Xom Moi Market,, and more local. It offers mainly fresh produce, meat, and local food. Touristy souvenirs and fake branded clothes are nowhere to be seen, giving the place an authentic atmosphere and making it a necessary stop if you want to experience the essence of Vietnamese life. Another great thing about Vinh Hai Market is that whatever you buy here will be a lot cheaper than at other markets and you will likely find great deals on local spices and ingredients you want to take home.
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Location: Hai Thang Tu, Vinh Hai in a northern suburb of Nha Trang
Opening times: 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Night Market
What kind of Vietnamese city would Nha Trang be if it didn’t have a night market? Although it’s open from 9 AM, it only really comes to life after sunset. If you haven’t been able to get all your shopping done during the day, check here for some more souvenirs, cheap clothes, and all kinds of novelty items you didn’t even know you needed.
Nha Trang Night Market
While reviews about Nha Trang’s night market are rather mixed and many visitors find it too touristy, it could be worth a visit if you have some extra time on your hands and want to go for a stroll in the evening.
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Location: 78 Tue Tinh Road
Opening times: 9:00 AM – midnight
Museums
While most guests know Nha Trang as a seaside destination with beautiful beaches, it also has some great museums and exhibitions.
Alexandre Yersin Museum
Dedicated to the Swiss-born scientist Dr. Alexandre Yersin, this museum informs visitors about his life and work in Vietnam in the late 1800s and the first half of the 20th century. The exhibition is in a beautiful building in Nha Trang’s Pasteur Institute and highlights his many projects and achievements. Among the items on display are many of his original letters, equipment he used for his studies as well as photographs he took in Vietnam during his travels.
Dr. Yersin is highly respected in Vietnam. He founded the country’s Pasteur Institutes which produce and distribute vaccines and give medical advice to this day. He is also known for initiating the founding of a hill station in Dalat, discovering a vital plague-causing bacterium, and researching agricultural methods and meteorological forecasting.
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Location: 10 Tran Phu Street
Opening times: Mon – Fri 7:00 AM – 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Admission fee: VND 28,000 ($1.3)
National Oceanographic Museum
Only a ten-minute drive from Tran Phu Beach, is the National Oceanographic Museum. It is a great place to go if you want to learn about the animals of the sea. Come here to see hundreds of species of fish, coral, and other marine life and find out more about their natural habitat. Apart from this, you can also read about local fishing practices and see examples of the equipment used and how it has developed over time. The museum’s main attraction is an 18-meter long, 18-ton skeleton of a humpbacked whale which was excavated in Ha Nam Province in 1994.
Visiting the National Oceanographic Museum is not only a great way to learn more about the ocean’s inhabitants and its ecosystem, but you can also support their efforts to preserve local coasts and create a safe environment for the many native species.
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Location: 1 Cau Da Street
Opening times: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Admission fee: VND 30,000 ($1.4) for adults and VND 12,000 ($0.5) for children below the age of twelve
Long Thanh Photo Exhibit
Long Thanh is a popular local photographer known for his monochrome images of typical Vietnamese scenes from all around the country. Over the years he has built quite a reputation thanks to his unique work that perfectly captures the spirit and personality of the Vietnamese people and the country as a whole.
Stop by to meet the artist himself (if he is not out and about shooting more fantastic photos), have a chat with him and let his work introduce you to the local people while taking you on a virtual journey of Vietnam.
Most of Long Thanh’s work is for sale, so if you are looking for an exceptional souvenir of your trip to Vietnam, here is the perfect place to look.
More information
Location: 126 Hoang Van Thu Street
Opening times: Mon-Sat 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Religious Sites
Vietnam’s long and rich history is reflected in the many religious sites found all around the country. Nha Trang offers its own share of such places and a trip there is well worth your time. As some of them are located a bit outside of the center, your best bet will be to get a taxi or if you’re in a bigger group, hire a driver for the day.
Long Son Pagoda
An iconic landmark of Nha Trang, the Long Son Pagoda and its huge white sitting Buddha statue are visible from almost anywhere in the city. Take a walk up to this pagoda to enjoy its beautiful Taoist architecture and the detailed carvings of mystical animals and other divine beings. If you need a place to relax and escape the noise of the city, this place is great for you!
What makes the pagoda special is that even today it is still a running monastery complete with a study center and a school for monks. Get a glimpse of temple life while you stroll through the grounds and enjoy a close-up view of the immense sitting Buddha.
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Location: Thai Nguyen St.
Opening times: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Suoi Do Pagoda
Just a 30-minute drive from the city, the Suoi Do Pagoda invites visitors to take in its serene surroundings after climbing around 200 stairs to reach it. If you still have energy after the ascent, explore the pagoda’s grounds and learn more about how it was dedicated to the Chinese Goddess of Mercy, Quan Am, after a little girl claimed to have seen the goddess while playing in the nearby area with her friends.
If you’re around Nha Trang on the 15th of the month, taking the trip will pay off, as on this day a free vegetarian meal is served to all worshippers who come to the pagoda. Make sure you get there early though! As you can imagine, this day will be a busy one.
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Location: Suoi Hiep Commune, Dien Khanh District, Nha Trang
Opening times: 6:00 AM– 6:00 PM