The coastal city of Nha Trang is a busy tourist destination favoured by those who want to relax by the beach, go snorkelling or visit Vin Pearl amusement park. We are currently in Nha Trang on business and, due to circumstances beyond our control, have been here for over a month. Thus we have explored many of the things to do in and around Nha Trang beyond the obvious amusement park.
We hired a motorbike and went for a ride to Ba Ho Waterfall. You pay to enter, and the entry ticket allows you to visit the waterfalls as well as use the water sports on the river and the swimming pool. The place is clean and well maintained and has several restaurants, cafes and bars etc. It would be a beautiful place to spend the day with kids. We walked to the waterfall and climbed to the third lake. The water is refreshing for a swim and, if you like it, little fish will nibble on your feet. Price – ₫ 100,000.
#2 Devour a delicious afternoon tea
Afternoon tea at D’Qua Hotel is delightful. Enjoy a selection of sweet and savoury snacks with tea or coffee of your choice. This afternoon tea is an attractive, tasty and great value. Price – ₫ 125,000.
#3 Get your teeth cleaned
I know this probably sounds strange, but because I had a toothache that I needed to deal with, we visited a dentist. While we were there, the staff asked us if we would like our teeth cleaned. They could do it there and then, so we decided to. It was the best deep clean my teeth have ever had. I can recommend Nha Khoa Viet Han Nha Trang as they were very professional, spoke good English and are very affordable.
#4 Bag a bargain at Dam Market
Dam Markets is a large bustling market complex selling all sorts of souvenirs, trinkets, jewellery, bags, sunglasses, clothing and food.
#5 Enjoy the beach
Nha Trang has a lovely long beach. You will find umbrellas and sun-lounges for rent. Don’t expect crystal clear water because I don’t think you will get it. We haven’t seen clear water since we have been there. However, it was pleasant enough for a swim to cool off and a nice place to relax on the beach.
#6 Laze by the pool
During the low season, the beach can experience large waves. If the beach is unsuitable for swimming, or it simply isn’t doing it for you, try the beachside pool — sun-beds, umbrellas, palapas, pool bar and more. Price starts from ₫ 150,000. At the time of visiting it is ₫ 200,000 for a sunbed, pool towel, a beer and use of the pool.
#7 Explore Ponagar Tower
This Cham temple was built sometime before 781 C.E. It is a beautiful temple complex and well worth having a look. Price – ₫ 22,000.
#8 Discover Long Son Pagoda
Long Son Pagoda is a Buddhist temple, also known as White Buddha Temple, due to the large Buddha that reigns above it. Long Son Pagoda is the largest temple in Nha Trang. There are many Buddhas and statues to see. The large sleeping buddha is gorgeous, and the massive seated Buddha is worth the climb (many stairs) to see. The only negative about this experience is that you will probably be approached by someone who will tell you they work for the monks and will start to show you around without being asked; be aware, this is a scam. There is also the hassle of people trying to sell incense and postcards. They do the “hard-sell” which can make the experience unpleasant. There is a donation box if you would like to donate.
#9 Savour Vietnamese food
The coastal city of Nha Trang is renown for its seafood restaurants. If you enjoy seafood, then you will not be disappointed with a feast of fish, crabs, squid, prawns, as well as a vast range of shellfish. Delicious Vietnamese dishes that you will find in Nha Trang include Bo Kho (beef stew), Goi Cuon (summer roll), Nem Nướng (grilled pork roll) and…
Bahn Mi – These meat-filled baguettes are perfect for breakfast or lunch. The usual filling is pork or chicken, pate, pickled vegetable, coriander, chilli and some dressing. My favourite!
Pho bo – Pho (pronounce fur) is an aromatic beef bone broth served with noodles, meat and herbs. It is delicious.
Banh xeo muc – Banh xeo muc is a sizzling crepe-like dish with squid, prawn, pork, spring onion and bean sprouts. Delicious tucker.
#10 Shop at the night market
This small market provides all the usual touristy paraphernalia as well as some local street foods.
#11 Watch the game at Cheers Sports Bar
If like us, you are in Nha Trang when there is an essential game of football, rugby or some other sporting event on; then Cheers is the place to go to watch it. We were in Nha Trang when the World Cup Rugby was on, and we found Cheers was an excellent place to watch the game. With four T.V. screens, a well-stocked bar, an adequate menu and tasty meals, this place ticked all the boxes. They serve an awesome Sunday roast on Sundays, complete with Yorkshire pudding, stuffing and ample of vegetables.
#12 Walk along the beach front
There is a long walkway that runs along the beachfront. It is a lovely walk and passes parks and gardens, swimming pools, playgrounds, restaurants, bars, statues and monuments.
#13 See a movie
We have experienced some bad weather (tropical storms) while we have been in Nha Trang; therefore, we have been to see several movies. There is a movie theatre on the top floor of the Nha Trang Centre. Price ₫ 50,000.
More Information
Currency
Vietnamese Dong VND written as ₫
VND 100,000 = approximately AUS 6.22, USD 4.30 EUR 3.80 GBP 3.30
Motorbike/Scooter Hire
We paid ₫ 150,000 for an automatic scooter. We organised ours through our accommodation.
Accommodation
We typically book our accommodation through booking.com. We like the convenience of booking online, and we are usually able to pay for our accommodation on arrival at the hotel/resort or room. booking.com advertise many different accommodation styles in Nha Trang, so you are sure to find the perfect place.
D’Qua Hotel
Price – ₫ 1,163,500/night (AUD 73.00).
Pros – Friendly, helpful staff. Large modern room. Spotlessly clean. Large bathroom with a bath. Comfortable bed, lots of pillows. Sofa, coffee table, wardrobe, safe, robes, mini bar, kettle, tea and coffee, hairdryer. Rooftop swimming pool. Delicious buffet (eggs, bacon, sausage, pastries and a large Asian selection + juice, fruit, soups etc). Turn-down service. Ok location with local restaurants nearby, a five-minute walk to the beach, a two-minute walk to Dam Market. Hotel – restaurant, room service, cafe and bistro.
Cons – The location is not in the heart of the city.
Our verdict – Luxury, good value.
Marina Nha Trang Hotel
Price – ₫ 420,000/night (AUD 26.00).
Pros – Very nice helpful staff. Large room and bathroom. Very clean. Modern and tastefully furnished. Great location, near the beach and lots of restaurant, bar, shops nearby. Can get your washing done – cheap. Scooter hire – is available at a good price.
Cons – A couple of things could have made it better for us – we would have liked to both have had a bedside table and reading lamp (there was only one). Extra pillows would have increased our comfort. Coffee, as well as the tea supplied, would have been appreciated. The write up on booking.com said there was a safe in the room – there was not.
Our verdict – Good value.
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Photo Credit
bai-bien-nha-trang-2.jpg by nhadatvideo Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)
Vietnamese Sandwich by Karen Neoh Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)
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