Overview
Introduction
Nha Trang, set on Vietnam's mountainous coast 250 mi/400 km northeast of Ho Chi Minh City, is best known for its golden beaches, clean air and proximity to some paradiselike islands. The city is a pleasant seaside resort with a relaxed atmosphere and well-developed tourist services.
Nha Trang is easily accessible by daily flights and trains from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, as well as by bus from Dalat, Da Nang and Hue. It is a popular stop on the coastal tour route between Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.
Nha Trang Bay is famous for its superb beaches with fine sand, turquoise waters, and excellent scuba diving and snorkeling. In addition to its beach, Nha Trang has many appealing attractions, including the historic Long Son Pagoda, Po Nagar Cham Towers (an ancient temple site), City Square and the Nha Trang Oceanography Institute, home to rare patterns of coral and sea life.
Plan a day or two just to loll on the beach, where strolling vendors will offer you everything from fresh-baked flat bread to freshly caught and cooked sea crab, as well as the usual postcards and sunglasses.
Location
Cruise ships tender passengers to Cau Da pier, which is 7 mi/11 km from Nha Trang City Center and close to the Oceanographic Museum. Tours booked in advance usually leave from the museum.
Most cruise ships offer free shuttles into town, and taxis and rickshaws wait outside the port entrance. It is possible to hire a taxi or rickshaw for a tour, but if you want to see a specific place, take a map, because many of the drivers do not speak English.