Nha Trang, a jewel of Vietnam’s tourism, has long been renowned for its expansive white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and year-round mild climate. This beautiful coastal city also captivates visitors with its rich culinary culture, serene historical sites, and a plethora of exciting sports and entertainment activities. If you’re dreaming of a memorable beach vacation, Nha Trang is definitely a destination not to be missed. Join “Du lịch khắp thế gian” (Travel the World) as we explore all the Nha Trang beach travel tips to ensure you have a complete and unforgettable journey!
Best Time to Visit Nha Trang for a Beach Vacation?
Nha Trang is blessed with a mild climate, minimally affected by the Northeast monsoon, making it favorable for tourism throughout the year. However, to fully enjoy the beauty of the sea and outdoor activities, the ideal time to visit Nha Trang beach is from March to September.
During this period, Nha Trang enters its dry season, characterized by sunny and dry weather, minimal rain, and calm, clear seas. This is the perfect time for you to indulge in swimming, participate in water sports such as snorkeling to see coral reefs, kayaking, windsurfing, or simply relax on the beach and enjoy the fresh air.
However, summer (June – August) is also the peak domestic tourist season, and Nha Trang gets very crowded. If you want to avoid the crowds and higher service prices, consider visiting Nha Trang in March – May or September. At this time, the weather is still beautiful, the beaches are less crowded, and prices are more reasonable.
From October to December, Nha Trang enters its rainy season, with potentially chilly weather and showers. However, this is a suitable time for travelers seeking tranquility, relaxation, and privacy. Service prices are also often more favorable during this season.
Turquoise Nha Trang beach in summer, the ideal time for a beach vacation
Crowded Nha Trang beach during peak season in August
Getting to Nha Trang
Traveling to Nha Trang has become increasingly easy and convenient with various transportation options to suit every traveler’s needs and budget:
By Air
Air travel is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Nha Trang, especially suitable for long-distance travelers or those looking to save time. Cam Ranh Airport (CXR) is the main air gateway to Nha Trang, located about 35km from the city center.
Most domestic airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways, and Pacific Airlines offer direct flights to Nha Trang from major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hai Phong, Vinh, and Can Tho. Flight time from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang is approximately 1-2 hours.
To save costs, you should actively look for cheap air tickets about 1-2 months in advance or keep an eye out for promotional programs from airlines.
Reference airfares:
- Hanoi – Nha Trang: Approximately 850,000 – 2,500,000 VND/one way
- Ho Chi Minh City – Nha Trang: Approximately 400,000 – 1,500,000 VND/one way
From Cam Ranh Airport to Nha Trang city center, you can choose from the following transportation options:
- Taxi: Price ranges from 300,000 – 400,000 VND/trip, suitable for large groups or those with a lot of luggage.
- Airport Shuttle Bus: Price is about 50,000 – 60,000 VND/person, cost-effective and with frequent departures throughout the day.
- Ride-hailing apps (Grab, Be): Convenient and affordable if you are traveling alone or with light luggage.
By Train
Train travel is an interesting option to reach Nha Trang, especially if you want to experience a leisurely journey and admire the beautiful scenery along the way. Nha Trang Railway Station is located right in the city center, very convenient for getting to attractions and hotels.
The main train routes to Nha Trang originate from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and other provinces along the North-South railway line. Traveling by train will take longer than flying, but in return, you will enjoy stunning natural landscapes along the journey.
Reference train fares:
- Hanoi – Nha Trang: Approximately 500,000 – 1,500,000 VND/person/way (depending on seat type and cabin)
- Ho Chi Minh City – Nha Trang: Approximately 250,000 – 700,000 VND/person/way (depending on seat type and cabin)
By Bus
Bus is a popular and cost-effective means of transportation to Nha Trang, especially suitable for travelers from neighboring provinces or those who prefer road travel. Reputable bus operators such as Phuong Trang, Mai Linh, Hoang Long, and Sinh Cafe offer routes to Nha Trang from many provinces and cities across the country.
Travel time by bus from Hanoi to Nha Trang is approximately 25-30 hours, and from Ho Chi Minh City about 8-10 hours. You can choose sleeper buses or limousine buses for a more comfortable trip.
Reference bus fares:
- Hanoi – Nha Trang: Approximately 500,000 – 700,000 VND/one way
- Ho Chi Minh City – Nha Trang: Approximately 200,000 – 300,000 VND/one way
Getting Around Nha Trang
To fully and proactively explore Nha Trang, you can choose from various means of transportation within the city:
Motorbike
Motorbike is the most popular choice for tourists when traveling in Nha Trang, especially for young people. Renting a motorbike allows you to freely explore every corner of the city, from the romantic coastal roads to delicious eateries hidden in small alleys. Motorbike rentals in Nha Trang are quite affordable, ranging from only 100,000 – 150,000 VND/day.
Some reputable motorbike rental addresses in Nha Trang:
- Nha Trang San Ho Viet Motorbike Rental: 152 Hung Vuong, Loc Tho, Nha Trang – Phone: 0934.993.599
- Le Oanh Cheap Nha Trang Motorbike Rental: 14A Mac Dinh Chi, Phuoc Tien, Nha Trang – Phone: 0989.164.817
- Nha Trang 139 Motorbike Rental: 139 Thuc Huynh Khang, Tan Lap, Nha Trang – Phone: 0905.222.504
Taxi
Taxi is a convenient and fast means of transportation, suitable for large groups, families with young children, or when you need to travel in a short amount of time. Nha Trang has many reputable taxi companies such as Mai Linh, Vinasun, Taxi Nha Trang, Taxi Tram Huong, Taxi Emasco, and XANH SM Taxi.
Bus
Bus is a cost-saving public transportation option, suitable for travelers who want to explore Nha Trang in a leisurely and economical way. The bus network in Nha Trang is quite extensive, covering many main roads and famous tourist attractions. Bus fares range from only 7,000 – 10,000 VND/trip.
Cyclo (Rickshaw)
Cyclo is a unique and romantic way to explore Nha Trang, especially the city center and along Tran Phu beach. Sitting on a cyclo, you can leisurely admire the scenery, feel the slow pace of life in the coastal city, and chat with the friendly cyclo driver.
Canoe, Boat
To explore the beautiful islands around Nha Trang, canoe and boat are indispensable means of transport. You can rent a private canoe or join a group tour to save costs. Canoe and boat rental prices depend on the number of people, destination, and rental duration.
Nha Trang Tourist Map: Must-Visit Destinations
Nha Trang boasts countless attractive destinations, from stunning beaches and pristine islands to unique historical and cultural sites. Here are some famous Nha Trang beach tourist spots that you should not miss:
City Attractions and Entertainment
- Nha Trang Oceanographic Institute: A place to preserve and display thousands of rare marine specimens, helping you explore the fascinating ocean world.
- Ponagar Tower: An ancient and sacred Cham architectural complex, imbued with historical and cultural imprints.
- VinWonders Nha Trang: A world-class entertainment paradise on Hon Tre Island with countless exciting games and activities.
- Dam Market: The largest traditional market in Nha Trang, where you can shop for local specialties, souvenirs, and experience the local trading culture.
- Co Tien Mountain: A trekking spot and viewpoint to admire the panoramic beauty of Nha Trang city from above.
Nha Trang Oceanographic Institute, a place to explore the ocean world
Ponagar Tower Nha Trang, ancient Cham architecture
VinWonders Nha Trang, an entertainment paradise on Hon Tre Island
Dam Market Nha Trang, a famous traditional market
Diverse goods at Dam Market Nha Trang
Co Tien Mountain Nha Trang, a trekking and sightseeing spot
Most Beautiful Beaches and Bays in Nha Trang
- Nha Trang Beach (Bai Truoc): The central city beach, lively and bustling with many entertainment activities.
- Cam Ranh Bay: One of the most beautiful bays in Vietnam, famous for its pristine, peaceful beauty and stunning islands like Binh Ba and Binh Hung.
- Van Phong Bay: A pristine and tranquil bay, suitable for those seeking peace and exploring wild nature.
- Ninh Van Bay: A private and luxurious bay with high-end resorts, ideal for romantic and relaxing getaways.
Nha Trang Beach (Bai Truoc) viewed from Havana Nha Trang Hotel
Cam Ranh Bay, one of the most beautiful bays in Vietnam
Paradise-like Beautiful Islands
- Hon Chong – Hon Vo: Famous scenic spots with uniquely stacked rock formations, bearing the imprint of nature.
- Hon Tam: A lush green island with fine white sand beaches, an entertainment area, and luxury resorts.
- Hon Mun: Vietnam’s first marine protected area, famous for its diverse and rich coral reef ecosystem, an ideal destination for snorkeling and coral viewing.
- Hon Tre: The largest island in Nha Trang, home to VinWonders Nha Trang and many high-end resorts.
- Hon Ong (Whale Island): A pristine, peaceful island with a long white sand beach, suitable for eco-tourism and nature exploration.
- Yen Island (Hon Noi): A unique island with the only twin beach in Vietnam and home to many rare swiftlet species.
- Monkey Island (Hon Lao): A lively island with thousands of playful monkeys and exciting monkey circus shows.
- Diep Son Island: An island famous for its unique sandbar path in the middle of the sea, attracting many tourists to visit and check-in.
Hon Chong Nha Trang, a unique scenic spot with stacked rocks
Hon Mun Nha Trang, a snorkeling paradise for coral viewing
Snorkeling to see coral reefs at Hon Mun
Diep Son Island Nha Trang from above
Unique white sand path at Diep Son Island
Spiritual and Cultural Sites
- Long Son Pagoda: An ancient pagoda with a giant white Buddha statue on the hilltop, a spiritual symbol of Nha Trang.
- Tu Van Pagoda (Shell Pagoda): A unique pagoda built from shells and corals, famous for Bao Tich Tower and 18 levels of hell.
White Buddha statue at Long Son Pagoda Nha Trang
Green space at Long Son Pagoda
Tu Van Pagoda (Shell Pagoda) Nha Trang
Nha Trang Cuisine: Unforgettable Sea Flavors
A beach trip to Nha Trang is not just about exploring beautiful landscapes but also a journey to experience unique cuisine. Nha Trang is famous for its fresh, diverse seafood and specialty dishes imbued with the flavors of the sea:
- Nha Trang Seafood: Lobster, crab, shrimp, squid, snails, clams… are processed into countless attractive dishes such as grilled, steamed, stir-fried, hotpot, salad…
- Bun cha ca, bun sua (Fish cake noodle soup, jellyfish noodle soup): Nha Trang’s signature noodle soup with delicious chewy fish cakes, crunchy jellyfish, and a rich, flavorful seafood broth.
- Goi ca mai, goi sua (Mai fish salad, jellyfish salad): Fresh, sweet and sour salads with rich seafood flavor, ideal as appetizers or snacks.
- Nhum nuong (Grilled sea urchin): A unique specialty of Nha Trang, grilled sea urchin with fragrant scallion oil, delicious and fatty.
- Banh can, banh xeo, banh beo, banh uot (Mini savory pancakes, crispy pancakes, steamed rice cakes, wet rice paper rolls): Rustic, familiar cakes of Central Vietnam, transformed to have unique Nha Trang flavors.
- Banh canh cha ca (Fish cake thick noodle soup): Delicious and nutritious thick noodle soup with soft chewy noodles, fried fish cakes, and a rich broth.
- Nem nuong Nha Trang (Nha Trang grilled sausage): Famous grilled sausage of Ninh Hoa, rolled in rice paper with fresh vegetables and dipped in a special dipping sauce, creating an irresistible flavor.
Goi ca mai Nha Trang, a specialty dish
Nhum nuong Nha Trang, a unique seafood dish
Banh can Nha Trang, a famous street food
Beautiful Coffee Shops in Nha Trang: Enjoy and Check-in
Nha Trang not only has beautiful beaches but also countless lovely and unique cafes with diverse design styles, from modern and luxurious to vintage and romantic. Here are some beautiful cafes in Nha Trang that you can visit:
- The Busa Part: Beach-style cafe, uniquely designed with many floors in a dominant white and blue color scheme.
- The Dreamers: Modern cafe with transparent glass space, beautiful views, and diverse drinks.
- A & C Homestay and Cafe: Vintage-style cafe combined with a homestay, cozy and romantic.
- Tron Cafe (Hiding Cafe): Classic cafe with a quiet space, suitable for relaxing and working.
- Rainforest: Unique cafe designed like a miniature rainforest, with many beautiful check-in spots.
- Tiem Ca Phe (Coffee Shop): Cafe hidden in a peaceful small alley, old style with characteristic yellow walls.
- Lam Cafe: Unique green architecture cafe, open space with a natural ventilation system.
- Let It Be Cafe: Cozy acoustic cafe, suitable for those who love ballads and romantic spaces.
- Kin Cafe: Riverside garden cafe on Cai River, green, peaceful, and close to nature.
- Cafe Hon Kien (Ant Island Cafe): Unique cafe with shell-covered walls and impressive decoration space.
The Busa Part Cafe Nha Trang, beach style
What to Buy as Souvenirs When Traveling to Nha Trang?
After your Nha Trang beach vacation, don’t forget to buy local specialties as gifts for family and friends:
- Nha Trang Bird’s Nest: A precious and nutritious gift, a famous specialty of Khanh Hoa.
- Nem chua Ninh Hoa (Ninh Hoa fermented pork roll): A famous fermented pork roll, delicious and flavorful, loved by many tourists.
- Cha ca Nha Trang (Nha Trang fish cake): Delicious and chewy fish cake with rich seafood flavor, can be bought to prepare many delicious dishes.
- Dried seafood: Dried squid, dried fish, dried shrimp, dried baby crab… diverse and plentiful to choose from.
- Banh xoai Cam Ranh (Cam Ranh mango cake): A characteristic sweet and sour mango rice paper cake of Cam Ranh.
- Nha Trang fish sauce (Nha Trang premium fish sauce): Traditional fish sauce famous for its delicious and rich flavor.
- Souvenirs: Jewelry, handicrafts made from shells, pearls, gemstones…
Nha Trang Bird's Nest, a precious gift
Nem chua Ninh Hoa, a Nha Trang specialty
Delicious Nha Trang fish cake
Diverse souvenirs in Nha Trang
Suggested Nha Trang Beach Travel Itineraries
To have a complete and memorable Nha Trang beach vacation, you can refer to some suggested itineraries below:
3 days 2 nights itinerary:
- Day 1: Explore Nha Trang city center: Ponagar Tower, Hon Chong, Long Son Pagoda, Dam Market. Afternoon swimming at Bai Truoc beach.
- Day 2: Enjoy a full day of fun at VinWonders Nha Trang.
- Day 3: Visit Hon Mun or Hon Tam, snorkel to see coral reefs. Shop for souvenirs before leaving.
4 days 3 nights itinerary:
- Day 1: Visit attractions in the city: Oceanographic Institute, Ponagar Tower, Hon Chong, Long Son Pagoda.
- Day 2: Explore Diep Son Island and Doc Let beach.
- Day 3: Visit Hon Mun, Hon Mot, Hon Tam, Oceanographic Institute (if not visited on day 1).
- Day 4: Free time for swimming, souvenir shopping, or visiting other attractions according to your preferences.
5 days 4 nights itinerary:
- Day 1: Explore Nha Trang city.
- Day 2: Have fun at VinWonders Nha Trang.
- Day 3: Explore 4 islands (Hon Mun, Hon Mot, Hon Tam, Coral Bay).
- Day 4: Visit Yang Bay Waterfall and ecological tourist area. Evening explore Nha Trang by night and enjoy cuisine.
- Day 5: Visit Long Son Pagoda, Ponagar Tower, Dam Market, shop for souvenirs before ending the journey.
Hopefully, with these detailed Nha Trang beach travel tips from “Du lịch khắp thế gian” (Travel the World), you will have a truly fun, meaningful, and memorable trip in this beautiful coastal city! Don’t forget to book your room at Havana Nha Trang Hotel to enjoy 5-star đẳng cấp (class) service and the most attractive offers!
Book now at: https://havanahotel.vn/news/goi-uu-dai-delux-ocean