Traveling experience in Nha Trang from A to Z.
Traveling to Nha Trang this summer will become much easier when you grasp the comprehensive guide from A to Z that Inbound Vietnam shares below. Let's explore to prepare for the upcoming trip with friends and family.
1. When is the best time to visit Nha Trang?
Known as one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the country with its beautiful geographical location and mild climate all year round, Nha Trang attracts millions of tourists from all over the world. Nha Trang's climate is divided into two main seasons:
- The rainy season from September to December: During this time, the weather remains cool and refreshing, but there are often sudden showers. They say after the rain, the sky shines again, perhaps coming to admire the pristine beauty of Nha Trang after the rain is the romantic experience that travelers are looking for.
- The dry season from January to September: For those who love diving, surfing, and exploring the ocean, this time is more suitable. Coming to Nha Trang during this time, you will enjoy the peaceful, clear, and gentle ocean, relieving all the accumulated fatigue.
However, according to IVN's suggestion, you should visit Nha Trang from May to August because during this time Nha Trang has not entered the rainy season yet, the weather is cool and conducive to enjoying activities all day long.
2. Tips for renting transportation when traveling to Nha Trang
When visiting Nha Trang, for more convenience in moving to tourist attractions and sightseeing spots, you can choose one of the following three main transportation options:
- Taxi/Grab: In Nha Trang, there are well-known taxi companies such as Mai Linh, Nha Trang Taxi, Vinasun, Emasco, etc. However, if you are familiar with using ride-hailing apps, you can easily book a Grab car to know in advance about the route and cost, thus being more proactive in your transportation. As it is a tourist city, you can also negotiate with taxi drivers to rent a car for the whole day.
- Motorbike rental: This is a popular choice among young travelers because it is cost-effective and satisfies their passion for "backpacking." The rental price for motorbikes ranges from 80,000 to 200,000 VND per day per bike, depending on the type of motorcycle. Most hotels in Nha Trang nowadays are connected with motorbike rental services, so you can contact the hotel reception directly to rent a bike quickly.
- Bus: This is the most budget-friendly option, suitable for those who want to travel to Nha Trang while saving costs. The bus fare ranges from 5,000 to 7,000 VND per trip. However, you will not have control over the time and location and will have to wait according to the bus route and schedule.
3. Must-Visit Attractions When Traveling to Nha Trang
3.1. Hon Tam Island
Hon Tam Island is among the top most beautiful islands to visit when traveling to Nha Trang. Here, you will marvel at the pristine white sandy beaches stretching along the coastline, tranquil and clear waters that are as calm as youth at its prime. This island is fortunate to retain much of its natural beauty, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in nature, becoming captivated by the pure beauty of the sea and islands. It's perfect for those seeking an eco-tourism and relaxation getaway. Moreover, the island boasts the "largest mineral mud bathing complex in Vietnam." This service is highly favored by tourists because, besides mud bathing, there are also other areas such as herbal mineral soaking, hydrotherapy, mineral lake bathing, waterfall mineral bathing, etc., offering you moments of exquisite relaxation.
3.2. Hon Mun
Hon Mun is also among the top 4 most beautiful islands in Nha Trang, blessed by nature with an incredibly rich marine ecosystem, making it a suitable destination for those who love diving to admire coral reefs and explore the fascinating ocean. Here, according to statistics, there are up to 2,000 species of coral and 1,500 different marine species, particularly, Hon Mun is the only marine reserve in Vietnam. If you are still hesitant about diving, you can explore the ocean in a different way - by taking a glass-bottom boat. This is a safer option, suitable for large groups of friends or families. With the boat's transparent glass bottom, you can see through the crystal-clear waters, observe marine creatures and the alluring coral reefs, a unique experience only available when traveling to Nha Trang.
3.3. Hon Chong
If Hon Mun and Hon Tam impress you with their long stretches of white sandy beaches and blue sea, then Hon Chong will impress you with its stacked rock formations, like a convergence between earth and sky. The rocky path leads straight to the sea, where the waters around Hon Chong are calm, clear, and less wavy, allowing you to feel the tranquility and embrace the gentle embrace of nature along with the rich and soothing scent of the sea. The best thing about visiting Hon Chong is waking up early to catch the sunrise on these natural rock formations, making your trip to Nha Trang even more complete and meaningful.
3.4. PoNagar Cham Towers
PoNagar Cham Towers is a unique tourist destination when visiting Nha Trang, closely associated with the Champa Kingdom, bearing historical remnants from the Hindu period. The towers were built over 10 centuries ago but are still preserved and maintained by locals to this day. This place is intertwined with the legend of Lady Thien Y Ana - who is believed to have taught people farming, sewing, etc., making the temple a significant religious site for the local people. Furthermore, around the 3rd lunar month every year, there is a Cultural Festival at Tháp Bà Ponagar, where people come to offer incense, perform rituals, dance, read prayers, perform lion dances, etc. If you want to experience this unique festival, contact IVN for a Nha Trang tour.
3.5. VinWonders Nha Trang Amusement Park
VinWonders is the most prominent recreational highlight when it comes to traveling to Nha Trang, covering a total area of up to 200,000 square meters with a variety of thrilling games, impressive artistic performances, top dining and shopping areas, and ideal resort accommodations for families on every trip. This place also boasts numerous "Firsts":
- The longest/steepest Zipline in Vietnam
- The longest cable car in paradise
- The highest Ferris wheel in the world
- The world-class Floating Bay
- The largest collection of dragon bones in Vietnam
With all of these, are you convinced enough to explore this place?
3.6. Nha Trang Night Market
To truly understand the vibrant atmosphere of Nha Trang tourism, you must explore the night market. Nha Trang Night Market is most active from 7 pm to 9 pm, when the stalls are brightly lit up, offering a wide variety of items for sale. After dinner, tourists flock to stroll around and shop. At Nha Trang Night Market, you can indulge in a street food adventure with treats like ice cream sticks, various desserts, sidewalk seafood stalls, and other beverages.
3.7. Nha Trang Oceanography Institute
The Oceanography Institute is a favorite destination for families, especially those with young children, visiting Nha Trang. It is the largest marine research and preservation facility in Southeast Asia, housing over 4,000 species of marine life and 20,000 specimens preserved for many years. It resembles a miniature ocean, with pathways that make you feel like stepping into another world, allowing you to comfortably observe and befriend thousands of different marine creatures. You will undoubtedly be captivated and unable to take your eyes off the fascinating displays. Particularly, you must visit the exhibition area showcasing the Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagos, which holds significant importance. It not only helps visitors understand more about sovereignty but also reinforces national pride and ethnic traditions.
Note: The Oceanography Institute is open from 6 am to 6 pm from Monday to Sunday, except for public holidays.
4. Shopping for Gifts in Nha Trang?
4.1. Nha Trang Swiftlet's Nest
Nha Trang Swiftlet's Nest is a specialty that immediately comes to mind when traveling to Nha Trang. This gift has high nutritional value, making it extremely suitable as a present for business partners or beloved family members.
Price range: 2 - 14 million VND per 100 grams.
Reference address: A Nam Swiftlet's Nest, 50B Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Tan Lap Ward, Nha Trang.
4.2. Tamarind-flavored dried squid
Tamarind-flavored dried squid , with its sweet and salty flavor combined with a mild spiciness, is an iconic dish that cannot go unmentioned in Nha Trang. This dish can be enjoyed as a snack or as a side dish, making it a popular choice among tourists when visiting Nha Trang.
Price range: 25,000 – 55,000 VND per jar.
Reference address: Ngoc Phuoc Store, 30 Nguyen Thien Thuat Street, Nha Trang.
4.3. Nha Trang Fish Cake
Seasoned travelers surely won't overlook Nha Trang fish cake - a dish renowned for its distinctive aroma and soft, chewy texture, crafted from the finest quality fish. Tourists can confidently purchase fish cakes as gifts since they have a long shelf life when stored in the refrigerator.
Price range: 150,000 – 350,000 VND per kilogram.
Reference address: Thu Hien Shop, Tran Phu Street, Loc Tho Ward, Nha Trang.
4.4. Mango Rice Paper
When strolling through Nha Trang's traditional market area, you'll easily come across packets of fragrant and chewy mango rice papers displayed everywhere. The sweet aroma combined with the chewiness of the rice paper creates a beloved and inexpensive snack.
Price range: 70,000 – 100,000 VND per kilogram.
Reference address: Hung Binh Store, 94A Vo Tru Street, Nha Trang.
4.5. Ninh Hoa Fermented Pork Rolls
Ninh Hoa Fermented Pork Rolls offer a distinctive taste compared to the famous Thanh Hoa nem. Packaged in small, cute squares, Ninh Hoa nem has a natural sweet fragrance, wrapped in either banana leaves or grapefruit leaves. It's a top choice if you want to buy gifts for your loved ones after your trip to Nha Trang.
Price: 3,500 VND per roll.
Reference address: Dang Van Quyen Stall, 16B Lan Ong Street, Nha Trang.
With the travel experiences in Nha Trang that we've shared, we hope you and your family will have a complete and meaningful trip. Vietnam has many beautiful destinations to explore, so let's discover more with IVN Travel!
Price: 3,500 VND per roll.
Reference address: Dang Van Quyen Stall, 16B Lan Ong Street, Nha Trang.
With the travel experiences in Nha Trang that we've shared, we hope you and your family will have a complete and meaningful trip. Vietnam has many beautiful destinations to explore, so let's discover more with IVN Travel!