Nha Trang: Vietnam's Riviera
Six kilometres of unbroken beach, a turquoise bay dotted with islands, and a resort scene that ranges from party hostels to ultra-luxury villas. Nha Trang is Vietnam's most complete coastal city.
Nha Trang sits inside one of the most beautiful natural bays in Southeast Asia — a wide arc of white sand backed by green mountains, facing a scattering of islands that turn the South China Sea into a playground. The city is louder and more developed than Phu Quoc, but that is precisely its appeal: it has everything.
The Beach
Tran Phu beach runs for six kilometres through the heart of the city. It is wide, well-maintained, and dotted with sun-lounger stations run by the beachfront hotels. The water is calm from January to August — outside that window, swells and jellyfish make swimming less appealing. For a quieter stretch, head to Bai Dai on the southern outskirts or take a boat to Mot Island.
The Islands
The bay holds 19 islands. The four most visited — Mieu, Mot, Mun, and Tre — are grouped into the popular "4-island boat tour". Mun Island has the best coral for snorkelling; Mot Island has the best beach bars. Most tours run half-day and include lunch. Go early — by midday the mooring areas get crowded.
Where to Stay
The resort corridor runs along Tran Phu and northward past the Sheraton and InterContinental to the quieter Bai Dai strip. For true beachfront luxury, the resorts on Tran Phu face the bay directly — ask specifically for sea-view rooms, not city-view. For seclusion, some small island resorts operate overnight stays on Mot and Tre islands.
Beyond the Beach
- Po Nagar Cham Towers: 2,000-year-old Hindu towers on a hilltop — beautiful at sunrise, before the tour groups arrive.
- Long Son Pagoda: A 14-metre white Buddha surveys the city from above. Free to visit, 10-minute drive from the beach.
- Vinpearl Land: If you have children, the cable-car ride to the island amusement park is the highlight of many kids' Vietnam trips.
Best kept secret: hire a motorbike and ride south to Ba Ho Waterfalls (30 min). Three pools connected by waterfalls in a jungle setting — virtually empty on weekdays.
