What to see in Nha Trang: Vietnam's best beaches, picturesque islands, and the largest amusement park

The beach capital of Vietnam — that's what Nha Trang is called. And no wonder, the capital of Khanh Hoa province is located right on the coast of the South China Sea. 

Today we will tell you why Nha Trang is an excellent option for where to go abroad for a seaside vacation in winter. 

In this article, we'll cover good beaches, delicious food, the best hotels, and more. Let's take off!

When to go

You can visit Nha Trang all year round. Seriously, the average annual temperature here is around +26 degrees Celsius! 

The city is in a monsoon zone: the rainy season in Nha Trang lasts from November to February, but it receives the least rainfall in the country. By the way, that's why winter is the most cost-effective time to travel. Just in case you want to save money and love rain.

In summer, the thermometer doesn't drop below +30 degrees Celsius during the day. However, it's very humid during this period, but that's easy to endure by comfortably settling on the seashore with a cocktail and a book. 

How to get there

It doesn't matter if you fly to Nha Trang or — you won't avoid layovers. Yes, you'll have to fly for at least 15 hours, so you'll need to stock up on compression socks, headphones, two seasons of your favorite series, and patience. However, there's a plus — the nearest airport is 50 km from Nha Trang, in Cam Ranh city. 

Beaches

Let's start with Nha Trang's main treasure — its beaches. After all, most tourists come here for a waterside vacation. White sand, palm trees, warm waters of the South China Sea. Here's a list of beaches we recommend visiting. 

Central Beach

This is a place that will always be close by: getting to the central city beach is easy from almost anywhere in Nha Trang. Beach access is free, the sand is light, and the bottom is shallow, so children of tourists will also enjoy it. Of course, you'll have to pay for a sun lounger and umbrella, but what else can you expect from the city's main beach? During peak season, there will naturally be many vacationers, but if you decide to wake up earlier than everyone else, you'll definitely snag the best spot. 

Doc Let

Let's move a little away from the city to find fewer people than on the central beach. 50 km from Nha Trang is Doc Let beach — a paradise for lovers of quiet relaxation: there are no surfers, divers, or other active visitors here. White sand, a very gentle entry into the sea, eco-toilets, and cafes with local cuisine. In short, it's beautiful. The only drawback is paid sun loungers. Otherwise, it's great! You can get to Doc Let by rented motorbike or by bus number 3 from Nha Trang. 

Van Phong Bay Beach

You certainly have to travel to Van Phong Bay. But how beautiful it is there! Next to the bay is a palm grove, and the beach itself, covered with white sand, stretches for 18 km. 

Because the bay is not well connected to the open sea, the water heats up very quickly. Unlike Doc Let, tourists can try diving, snorkeling, and other great underwater activities at this beach. 

Pearl Beach 

This is probably the furthest beach from Nha Trang — approximately 70 km away, but there are practically no people here. Of course, you'll have to pay for such luxury: admission costs 50,000 VND (about 200 rubles). You're unlikely to be able to gaze at fish and corals underwater here, but simply relaxing in peace while admiring Cam Ranh Bay — that's certainly an option.

What to see in Nha Trang

Those who have already fully enjoyed cocktails on the beach should go hunting for attractions. 

Po Nagar Cham Towers

The Cham Towers were part of a temple complex built between the 7th and 12th centuries. Only four towers have survived to our time, each serving a specific deity. When visiting here, keep in mind that the towers are a sacred place for locals, so be sure to wear long-sleeved clothing and bring a scarf to cover your head. 

Long Son Pagoda

Long Son is considered the main Buddhist temple in Khanh Hoa province. The pagoda was originally built in 1886, but after a hurricane in 1900, it was moved to the foot of Trai Thuy Mountain. After several restorations, the pagoda became one of the most beautiful in the country. When you come to admire Long Son in 2025, you risk being captivated not only by the grandeur of its architecture but also by the sight of the neat garden with sculptures and monuments near the pagoda. 

Vinpearl Cable Car

The Vinpearl cable car is considered the longest over-sea cable car. It allows tourists to cover over 3,000 meters in 12 minutes and reach Hon Tre Island. There, you'll find the large Vinpearl entertainment complex. But more on the complex later, because what truly deserves attention on the cable car are the views. The funicular offers a wonderful panorama of the islands, and in the evening, the cable car's support columns, shaped like Eiffel Towers, are illuminated with lights. All in all, it's very beautiful for those who aren't afraid of heights.

Hon Mun Island

The island is considered not only a protected area but also a paradise for divers. The waters surrounding Hon Mun are crystal clear, and the shores are covered with coral reefs, where beautiful crustaceans, fish, and wonderful underwater vegetation hide. You can only get to the island by boat or speedboat; it's best to come here with a group of friends, bringing fins and a snorkeling mask. For those who simply want to enjoy a beach vacation, we recommend heading to the western part of the island. 

Tri Nguyen Aquarium

A must-visit for both family tourists and adult travelers. The aquarium is housed in a building designed to look like a ship covered in shells and corals, as if raised from the seabed. Inside, there are several sections with various marine inhabitants, including exotic fish. On the top floor, there's an observation deck offering a beautiful panorama of the islands hidden in the sea.

Yang Bay Eco-Park 

Many guides recommend visiting Yang Bay to see the unique nature of Vietnam. The drive to the park will take about an hour, and you'll also need to pay an entrance fee. But all these efforts are worth it to see the waterfalls, thermal park, and zoo. For an additional fee, you can feed alligators, visit the musical performance area of local tribes, or try exotic meats in the restaurants within the park.

Hon Khoi Salt Fields

A location for those planning a trip to Doc Let and wanting to explore the surroundings. Not far from the beach, salt is extracted on an industrial scale. However, if you want to witness the "harvesting" process itself, you need to choose a time between January and June and arrive early in the morning. This is because in the heat, the salt becomes unsuitable for consumption. 

Entertainment: where to go alone and with children

Vinpearl Park

We've already mentioned Vinpearl — this park is located on Hon Tre Island, which can be reached from Nha Trang by cable car. 

Covering an area of 200,000 sq. m, it features an amusement park, water park, dolphinarium, and aquarium. The entrance ticket price (950,000 VND — about 4,000 rubles) includes all attractions and round-trip cable car fare to the park.

National Oceanographic Museum

In 2023, the Oceanographic Museum in Nha Trang turned 100 years old. Over this time, of course, it has been restored, but this has not affected its collection. Today, tourists come here to see turtles and sea lions in aquariums, as well as an 18-ton humpback whale skeleton and preserved marine inhabitants of extinct species. 

Moringa Snake Farm

We understand this location is for the bravest. If you've always been afraid of snakes but really want to overcome your fear, come to the Moringa Snake Farm. You can get here by motorbike, taxi, or with a tour from Nha Trang. 

Perhaps the most interesting thing here is the snake show, where tamers of boas and venomous snakes perform. By the way, there's a restaurant here where exotic food lovers can try snake meat. Just for your information. In case you're interested!

Where to eat: features of national cuisine and interesting restaurants

Time to refuel. Let's remember the main "DNA codes" of Vietnamese cuisine: the presence of lemongrass, fish sauce, mint, and rice in dishes. Visitors to the country and local citizens are very fond of pho bo soup with beef, seafood, and spicy sauces. Below is a list of places where you can eat deliciously in Nha Trang. 

Nhat Phong 3

A cozy restaurant for seafood lovers. When you come here, you can expect dishes to be prepared from the freshest ingredients right in front of you. However, we advise you to bring a translator or keep your phone with a Russian-Vietnamese translator app handy — they don't speak English here, let alone Russian. 

Atlas Cafe

A spot for those who love good old Russian and European cuisine. Atlas is located in the north of the city. They serve salmon sandwiches, poached eggs, syrniki (cottage cheese pancakes), delicious coffee, and other delights of a familiar menu. 

Mokuzo Cafe

A must-visit for breakfast. We highly recommend this location: the cafe is situated on a mountain, offering a wonderful panoramic view of the city. It's best to come at sunset to see all the beauty and enjoy delicious coffee. 

Kiwami

Perhaps the best establishment for those who love Japanese cuisine. Tourists say they serve excellent rolls and sushi. And no wonder, as the restaurant owner is Japanese, as are the chefs. Kiwami has an open kitchen, so you'll have the opportunity to watch your sashimi being prepared. 

Best hotels

Venue 3*

A quiet hotel with pleasant prices — a night's stay starts from 400,000 VND (about 1,500 rubles). The rooms here are quite spacious, and breakfast is included in the price. A special mention for Venue, where you can rent a room with panoramic windows overlooking the city or the sea.  

Libra Nha Trang Hotel 4*

A hotel with good service, five minutes from the South China Sea coast. It will be easy for Russian tourists to check in here — the reception speaks both Russian and English. The beach is a five-minute walk away, and there's a swimming pool, gym, and other amenities for a comfortable stay. Room prices start from 550,000 VND per night (about 2,000 rubles). 

Amiana 5*

Check into a cozy hotel in a secluded bay. Amiana has its own private beach area, and guests also have access to two panoramic freshwater pools. Each room is equipped with a shower, Wi-Fi, TV, and a desk for those who don't sit idle even on vacation. Room prices start from 5.3 million VND (about 20,000 rubles) per night. 

Tips

• The visa-free stay period in Vietnam has been extended — now Russians can stay in the country for up to 45 days (previously it was 15).
• It's best to immediately set your phone translator to Vietnamese: locals often don't understand even English well. 
• Withdraw cash. Mir cards are rarely accepted in the country. 

So, we've told you about Nha Trang — one of the great places where to go for a vacation in Vietnam. 

We wish you wonderful trips, windless days, and amazing experiences in Vietnam and beyond!