Useful Tips for Independent Travel in Nha Trang for First-timers

March 27, 2020 16 mins to read
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Nha Trang is a top choice for many domestic and international travelers, not only for its stunning natural landscapes but also for its captivating local specialties. Now, let’s jot down some valuable travel experiences in Nha Trang to ensure a memorable visit to this beautiful coastal city!

Introduction to the coastal city of Nha Trang

Nha Trang, known as the ‘precious gem of the East Sea,’ is situated in the eastern part of Khanh Hoa province in the Southeast region of Vietnam. Blessed by nature, this place boasts beautiful beaches, picturesque bays, and numerous islands, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking stunning check-in spots. Moreover, the city is home to many famous landmarks, attractive tourist sites, and a unique culinary culture, leaving a lasting impression on visitors from their first visit.

Trung tầm từ tháng 3 đến tháng 9 là thời gian thích hợp nhất để du lịch Nha Trang (Ảnh: Sưu tầm)

Mid-range from March to September is the most suitable time to travel to Nha Trang (Image: Collectibles)

Những bãi biển du lịch cũng trở nên sầm uất hơn bởi tháng 8 là mùa cao điểm cho các chuyến du lịch biển (Ảnh: Sưu tầm)

Tourist beaches are also becoming busier because August is the peak season for sea tours (Photo: Collectibles)

Ideal Time to Travel to Nha Trang

The dry season from June to September is the most suitable time for beachgoers and those looking to explore exciting activities and visit ideal destinations in Nha Trang. During this period, Nha Trang experiences dry weather, minimal rain, and plenty of sunshine without excessive heat.

Guide on How to Get to Nha Trang City

The journey to the coastal city of Nha Trang (Khanh Hoa) involves two stages:

Getting to Nha Trang

Depending on the distance, budget, and preferences, you can choose the appropriate means of transportation to get to Nha Trang. Specifically:

– By Plane

Many people opt for flights to Nha Trang due to the time-saving advantages and health considerations. Specifically, if you depart from Hanoi, the flight takes about 2 hours, while it’s approximately 1 hour from Ho Chi Minh City.

– By Bus

Traveling to Nha Trang by bus is also a suitable option. The bus ticket prices for the Hanoi – Nha Trang route range from 800,000 to 900,000 VND/one way, and from Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang, it’s about 300,000 to 400,000 VND.

– By Train

Trains are convenient transportation to Nha Trang, offering an exciting travel experience. Currently, train ticket prices to Nha Trang from Hanoi range from 240,000 to 720,000 VND/one way, while from Ho Chi Minh City, it’s about 650,000 to 1,200,000 VND.

– By Motorcycle

According to travel experience in Nha Trang, if you enjoy exploring scenic routes, you can travel by motorcycle. However, it’s advisable to carefully plan your route and stay updated on the weather to avoid any disruptions during your journey!”

How to move in Nha Trang?

If this is the first time you come to this beautiful bay, preparing a map of Nha Trang city in your pocket will be highly suitable for you not to get lost when moving offline.

Take a taxi

In addition, you can choose from many taxi companies with prices ranging from Cam Ranh airport to the city center of about 250,000 – 350,000 VND / time because the distance from the airport to the center is more than 35km. Please save the taxi fare list below to your Nha Trang travel guide for easy searching.

Bus

Bus routes in Nha Trang with fares from 5,000 VND / trip are also a perfect choice if your trip has a narrower budget.

Motorcycle

Here is a list of a few motorbike rental companies in Nha Trang. You can save them to contact when needed.

Exciting Places to Visit in Nha Trang

Thrilling Activities at VinWonders Nha Trang

Address: Hon Tre Island, Vinh Nguyen Ward, Nha Trang City.

If you’re unsure where to go in Nha Trang, VinWonders offers a range of activities both indoors and outdoors. After taking the cable car across the sea to VinWonders Nha Trang, you can participate in various games such as the aquarium, sky wheel, Van Hoa Hill, and water park. Additionally, VinWonders features luxurious restaurants and resorts ready to serve your needs.”

Khu vui chơi vinpearl land Nha Trang (Ảnh: Sưu Tầm)

Vinpearl Land Amusement Park Nha Trang (Photo: Collectibles)

Possessing the longest cable car in the world with hundreds of thrilling games challenging the adventure of visitors, such as continuous 360-degree tumbling, swings, and cable-stayed Ferris wheel with splendid turns wind, Vinpearl Land Nha Trang is one of the famous tourist destinations in Nha Trang that you should visit first. Choosing the right Vinpearl Land hotel is your stop!

Tham gia hàng trăm trò chơi thú vị, cảm giác mạnh tại Vinpearl Land Nha Trang (Ảnh: Sưu tầm)

Join hundreds of exciting and thrilling games at Vinpearl Land Nha Trang (Image: Collectibles)

In addition, Vinpearl Land Nha Trang also has a water park on the coast that is rare in the world. Where you are immersed in different slides such as Kamikaze, black hole in the Universe… and especially the Boomerang slide, enjoy the thrill of falling freely from a height of 21m.

Công viên nước trên bờ biển thuộc dạng hiếm có trên thế giới tại Vinpearl Land Nha Trang (Ảnh: Sưu tầm)

The water park on the coast is one of the rarest in the world at Vinpearl Land Nha Trang (Image: Collectibles)

Explore the Ocean at the Oceanographic Institute

Address: 1 Cau Da Street, Vinh Nguyen Ward, Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province.

Established in 1923, the Oceanographic Institute houses over 20,000 specimens of marine and freshwater species. Additionally, you can observe rare species, such as the seadragon, devil-faced fish, tube anemone, etc., being raised in tanks. Moreover, you can admire an 18m-long whale skeleton and a Dugong specimen when visiting the Oceanographic Institute.

Với hàng nghìn mẫu sinh vật biển (Ảnh: Sưu tầm)

With thousands of marine creatures (Photo: Collectibles)

Không chỉ lưu giữa nhiều mẫu vật mà đây còn nhiều sinh vật sống đa dạng và phong phú (Ảnh: Sưu tầm)

Not only saved among many specimens but there are also many diverse and rich living creatures (Image: Collectibles)

The Oceanographic Institute has three areas: a display space for specimens, living organisms, and artificial reefs. With over 80 years of operation, the institute has significantly contributed to domestic and foreign seafood industries. To make sightseeing more convenient, you can stay in one of the many hotels near the institute and save on travel time.

Dam Market

The reason for such a strange name is that the land chosen to build this market was formerly a large lagoon. Today, this market is considered a commercial center for the people in the area. Here sells many items such as shoes, clothing, appliances, food …

Chợ Đầm nổi tiếng ở Nha Trang (Ảnh: Sưu tầm)

The famous Dam Market in Nha Trang (Photo: Collectibles)

Những mặt hàng trong chợ khá đa dạng (Ảnh: Sưu tầm)

Items in the market are pretty diverse (Photo: Collectibles)

For tourists visiting Nha Trang, this market is also one of the places to visit. Part of being able to explore and visit the market. The rest is to buy gifts for their loved ones.

Visit Champa Architecture at Po Nagar Cham Towers

Address: 61 April 2 Street, Vinh Phuoc Ward, Nha Trang City.

Po Nagar Cham Towers leave a lasting impression on Nha Trang tourists with their unique ancient Champa architecture. Consisting of 4 main towers and smaller structures, this complex was built from the 8th to the 13th century to worship the goddess Po Nagar (Thien Y Thanh Mau). If you appreciate ancient beauty, Po Nagar Cham Towers are a must-visit for quality Instagram-worthy photos.

Tháp Bà Ponagar Nha Trang – quần thể kiến trúc văn hóa Chăm Pa lớn nhất miền Trung Việt Nam (Ảnh: Sưu tầm)

Ponagar Tower of Nha Trang – the most extensive architectural complex of Champa in Central Vietnam (Photo: Collectibles)

To visit Ponagar, tourists should visit in the 3rd lunar month (from 21 to 23). This is the time of the Thap Ba festival, with many diverse activities to introduce and honor the beauty of Cham Pa culture. It is also ranked as one of the 16 national festivals.

Ghé thăm Tháp Bà Ponagar Nha Trang tháng 3 âm lịch để tham gia nhiều hoạt động phong phú (Ảnh: Sưu tầm)

Visit the Ponagar Ladies’ Tower in Nha Trang in the 3rd lunar month to take part in a variety of activities (Photo: Collectibles)

With the unique architectural features and cultural space imbued with Champa identity, Ponagar Tower promises to be a destination that will bring you many experiences during your travels.

Beach Day at Nha Trang Beach

Located right in the city, Nha Trang boasts a coastline stretching over 7km, allowing you to enjoy sunbathing and swimming without going far. Nha Trang Beach has a crescent shape resembling a crescent moon, with clear water and a long stretch of pristine white sand. Additionally, you can participate in various water activities such as surfing and parasailing.

Những bãi biển xanh gợn sóng cùng bờ cát trắng mịn màng tại vịnh biển Nha Trang (Ảnh: Sưu tầm)

Wavy blue beaches with smooth white sand at Nha Trang Bay (Image: Collectibles)

Talking about traveling to Nha Trang, we cannot forget some exciting activities on the sea, such as parasailing, jet skiing, or scuba diving to see coral. With the sport of scuba diving, you will immerse yourself in the world of hundreds of species of rich and diverse sea creatures under the clear blue sea of this beautiful bay.

Cam Ranh Bay

Cam Ranh Bay is considered one of the most beautiful bays in Vietnam, attracting many tourists every year. It is located approximately 60km south of Nha Trang city and comprises many small and large islands, such as Binh Ba and Binh Hung. However, it’s important to note that foreigners are not allowed to visit Binh Ba as it is a military island. So if you’re planning to visit, it’s best to avoid bringing any foreigners with you.

Vịnh biển tuyệt đẹp - Cam Ranh (Ảnh ST)

Beautiful bay – Cam Ranh (Photo ST)

Check-in at Hon Chong

Address: Vinh Phuoc Ward, Nha Trang City.

Hon Chong is a beach with many stacked rocks naturally forming unique structures. In particular, Hon Chong features a giant handprint associated with many legendary stories. Hon Chong attracts many tourists for visits and Instagram-worthy check-ins thanks to its distinctive shape. Additionally, you can explore other nearby rocks when traveling to Nha Trang, such as Hon Tam, Hon Mot, Hon Mun, and Hon Noi.

Hòn Chồng một trong những cảnh đẹp độc đáo tại phố biển Nha Trang (Ảnh: Sưu tầm)

Hon Chong is one of the unique scenes in the coastal city of Nha Trang (Image: Collectibles)

The origin of Bai Chong was probably formed by the erosion of the tide on this hill. From Bai Da and the story of a seafaring guy watching the fairies create beautiful landscapes called Hon Chong Hon Vo or Bai Tien, both are poetic sights that visitors can put in your Nha Trang travel guide.

(Ảnh: Sưu tầm)

(Photo: Collectibles)

Hon Tam

Hon Tam is a lovely island of Nha Trang. This island has been built to become a luxury resort for tourists. Just like Vinpearl Land is built on Hon Tre. The resort on Hon Tam is also built to serve tourists, but the customers targeting this resort are those with high incomes. When coming to this resort, you will enjoy the most advanced services. It always brings the most luxurious and comfortable experiences for travelers to have the opportunity to visit Hon Tam.

Khu resort cao cấp tại hòn Tằm (Ảnh: Sưu tầm)

High-class resort at Hon Tam (Photo: Collectibles)

Du lịch Hòn Tằm ở Nha Trang (Ảnh: Sưu tầm)

Traveling to Hon Tam in Nha Trang (Photo: Collectibles)

Hon Mun

Referring to the beautiful and romantic islands in Nha Trang, I definitely must mention Hon Mun. Tourists come here not only for its beauty but also for its beauty. But it also attracts visitors because of the diversity of ecosystems here. The waters here are recognized as home to Vietnam’s most diverse marine life. Coming here, not only are you free to immerse yourself in the cool water, but this is also an opportunity to admire the coral reefs in all shapes and colors.

Nước biển trong xanh ở Hòn Mun (Ảnh ST)C

lear blue sea in Hon Mun (Photo ST)

Lặn ngắm san hô ở Hòn Mun (Ảnh ST)

Snorkeling and watching corals at Hon Mun (Photo ST)

Bamboo Island

Hon Tre is an island with a relatively large area in Nha Trang. Before being known as a tourist island, Hon Tre was the place to focus on avoiding storms of fishing boats, so many people thought the island must have the name “Hon Che” to be true. Today, with a relatively large area and owning rare, beautiful scenery. This place has become a destination attracting many tourists to visit and resort with hotels near the beautiful Hon Tre, overlooking the sea. Although many tourists are welcomed yearly, this island has not lost its natural beauty.

Hòn Tre Nha Trang (Ảnh: Sưu tầm)

Hon Tre Island in Nha Trang (Photo: Collectibles)

Hon Ong

Hon Ong Island is also known as Whale Island. This island has an area of up to 40,000ha. But so far, only 2ha has been used to build a resort. The remaining area is mountains and lush year-round forests. When traveling on the island, all your dining and leisure activities will be at Whale Island Resort because there is only one resort, no houses, and no shops. You will have to rely on this resort for all the problems about playing and eating.

(Ảnh: Sưu tầm)

(Photo: Collectibles)

Biển Hòn Ông trong xanh vời vợi (Ảnh: Sưu tầm)

Hon Ong’s sea is so clear and blue (Image: Collectibles)

Binh Ba Island

Binh Ba Island, known as “Lobster Island,” is a wild and lyrical beauty. Along with its blue beaches and white sand, this is an ideal tourist destination to attract tourists. The island has not exploited much tourism, so it still retains quite a lot of natural beauty. If you can come here, do not forget to stretch the tent on the beach to admire the beautiful beauty of the prince and the dawn here.

Bình Ba mang vẻ đẹp hoang sơ (Ảnh: @vanphan8910)

Binh Ba has a wild beauty (Image: @ vanphan8910)

(Photo: @phuongquynh_np)

Additionally, the locals on Binh Ba Island are known for their warm and welcoming nature. During your visit, you can savor the island’s specialty dish, lobster, freshly caught from the sea. It’s worth noting that tourism has not been widely developed on the island, so there are only a few hotels available. If you plan to stay on the island, you must book a room in advance.

Binh Hung Island

Binh Hung Island, affectionately known as Hon Ty and Hon Chut, is a beautiful island with pristine beaches featuring long, fine white sand. The water is comfortable as it only reaches chest level even when you walk tens of meters from the shore. Additionally, you can observe the coral reefs right under your feet. The beach is also filled with large boulders of various shapes and colors, which can be seen undulating in the water.

Đảo Bình Hưng (Ảnh:@tr.lhuong)

Binh Hung Island (Image: @ tr.lhuong)

Vùng biển tuyệt đẹp ở Bình Hưng (Ảnh: @thaingthaomy)

The beautiful waters in Binh Hung (Image: @thaingthaomy)

Oats Island

Perhaps the name also helped you somewhat guess what is special about this island. Yen Island is home to many bird’ nests. This is the most prominent exploitation place of swallow nests in our country. Because the economic value of the bird’s nest is very high, the management and protection of the island are pretty significant, and all activities taking place here are under the management of Yen Sao Khanh One Member State Co., Ltd. Hòa. You cannot visit this island on your own. If you wish, you must follow pre-booked tours, which the island management company must approve.

(Ảnh: @truonghuutay)

(Photo: @truonghuutay)

(Ảnh: Sưu tầm)

(Photo: Collectibles)

Diep Son Island

Diep Son Island comprises three small islands with different areas connected by long stretches of fine sand. Traveling to Nha Trang with Diep Son Island, you will be lost in paradise in the immense sea. You can also freely walk on the fine white sand, feeling like you are walking in the vast ocean, a bit afraid but also very interesting. On the most significant island, there is also a tiny village. People here live mainly on fishing. You can choose

Đảo Điệp Sơn nhìn từ trên cao (Ảnh: Sưu tầm)

Diep Son Island is seen from above (Image: Collectibles)

Dải cát dài trắng mịn ở Điệp Sơn (Ảnh: @lemoniro)

Long white sandy strip in Diep Son (Image: @lemoniro)

Robinson Island

When you visit this island, you will feel lost in another world where everything is pristine and rustic. This place is suitable for those who want to find a peaceful and quiet escape to temporarily forget the daily hardships and fatigue. The island has a relatively small area. So few people live. Everything here is just enough. There were not many houses, shops, or services. But precisely because of that, this place has attracted many visitors yearly.

Đảo Robinson (Ảnh: Sưu tầm)

Robinson Island (Image: Collectibles)

Famous temples

Long Son Pagoda

Address: No. 22, Street 23 October, Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province

This is one of the largest temples in Nha Trang and is over 100 years old. The temple is also known as the “White Buddha Temple” and is famous for its statue, Kim Ngan Buddha To, which the Guinness Book of Vietnam has recognized as the most giant statue in Vietnam to date. The temple space is spacious and airy. Interwoven among the statues is a natural landscape of green trees. You can conveniently choose hotels in downtown Nha Trang to explore many famous temples!

Pho tượng trắng khổng lồ tại chùa (Ảnh: Sưu tầm)Giant white statue at the temple (Photo: Collectibles)

From the main temple, if you want to go to the most prominent statue, you will have to go up the 133 steps. At this height, you absolutely can see the whole beautiful city of Nha Trang, all collapsed when viewed from here.

Tu Van Snail Pagoda

If traveling to Nha Trang and having a particular opportunity, you must visit this famous temple. This temple is not only a spiritual destination for religious people. But this is also considered a tourist attraction with tourists. The remarkable thing that attracts tourists is probably the two works of Bao Tich Tower and 18 floors of hell. Bao Tich Tower is a tower of shells, snails, and corals built by the monks in the temple. At 18 levels of hell, there will be pretty horrible experiences, but the teachings of the Buddha advise people not to do wrong.

Du lịch Nha Trang tới thăm chùa Ốc (Ảnh: Sưu tầm)

Traveling Nha Trang to visit Snail pagoda (Photo: Collectibles)

Chùa Ốc Từ Vân (Ảnh: Sưu tầm)

Oc Tu Van Pagoda (Photo: Collectibles)

What to Eat in Nha Trang?

According to the Nha Trang travel guide, your trip would not be complete without indulging in the local cuisine, featuring signature and delicious dishes such as:

• Jellyfish noodles (Bún Sứa): Freshly processed jellyfish are briefly dipped and mixed with noodles and broth. You will experience the chewy texture of the jellyfish while retaining its original sweetness from the sea.

• Seafood: You can savor delicious fresh seafood in Nha Trang at very reasonable prices, including jellyfish salad, mackerel fish salad, clam hotpot, seafood hotpot, and more.

• Fish cake soup (Bánh Canh Chả Cá): When combined with fried fish cakes and steamed with a light broth, fish cake soup creates a rich and flavorful dish.

• Grilled Spring Rolls from Ninh Hoa (Nem Nướng Ninh Hòa): Comprising ingredients such as grilled spring rolls, fried rice paper, fresh vegetables, and a dipping sauce with ground meat and peanuts, this dish offers a fragrant and savory taste.”

Bún chả cá – đặc sản Nha Trang (Ảnh: Sưu tầm)

Bun cha ca specialty of Nha Trang (Photo: Collectibles)

Bún sứa nằm trong danh sách những món ăn ngon mà bạn không nên bỏ qua khi du lịch Nha Trang (Ảnh: Sưu tầm)

Jellyfish noodles are on the list of delicious dishes that you should not miss when traveling to Nha Trang (Image: Collectibles)

Some places to enjoy fish ball vermicelli – delicious jellyfish noodles in Nha Trang

– Ninh Hoa leaf vermicelli restaurant at No. 2 Lan Ong street

– Nguyen Loan Fish noodle shop 123 Ngo Gia Tu

– Cay Bang Ninh Hoa vermicelli restaurant, No. 6, Han Thuyen street

– Duc fish noodle shop B8 Phan Bội Châu

– 87 Yersin fish noodle shop

– Fish noodle shop at 23A Yet Kieu

– Fish noodle No. 988 Thanh Minh 1 – Dien Lac – Dien Khanh (adjacent to Dien Phuoc)

– Doc Lach jellyfish noodle soup, Yersin – Ba Trieu crossroads

A trip to Nha Trang is an opportunity to admire the beauty, gain many exciting experiences, and gain a deeper understanding of the lifestyle of the friendly locals. If you intend to visit this beautiful coastal city soon, don’t forget to refer to the Nha Trang travel experiences in this article to bring back many beautiful memories after your trip!

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