Last updated : 09:30 on 11/01/2025

Nha Trang is not only the most beautiful coastal city in the Central region but also one of the most attractive destinations in Vietnam. With a long coastline, clear blue water, fine white sand beaches and a mild climate all year round, this place has become an ideal tourist destination attracting millions of visitors. Nha Trang is also famous for its system of beautiful islands, historical and cultural relics and unique cuisine.

In previous articles, Hon Tam Travel has shared Nha Trang travel experience 1 day, or Where to go and what to do when traveling to Nha Trang? This article will be a detailed guide from AZ for a self-guided Nha Trang tour, including information about the ideal time, means of transportation, places to visit, specialties, suggested schedules and tips to save money. Whether you are new to Nha Trang or have visited Nha Trang many times, the experiences below will definitely help you have a perfect trip.

Index

1. Ideal time to travel to Nha Trang

Nha Trang is known for its tropical savanna climate, which is not too hot in the summer and is less affected by the northeast monsoon in the winter. The pleasant weather all year round makes this city a suitable destination at any time.

Dry season (March to August)

This is the best time to travel to Nha Trang. The weather is warm and sunny, the sea is calm, the water is clear and the air is fresh, very suitable for outdoor activities such as swimming, diving to see coral or participating in games on the sea. June, July, August are the peak summer season, you need to plan early to avoid the situation of sold out tickets or no hotel rooms.

Rainy season (September to December)

If you love quiet space and want to save money, the rainy season is the right time. However, the rain usually does not last all day but only occurs in the afternoon or evening, so you can still enjoy the trip with some indoor or island activities. It is also important to note that monitoring the weather through forecasts is very important because it will help us to proactively spend time at a specific time.

Special events of Nha Trang

Nha Trang Sea Festival: Taking place in the summer of odd years, it is an opportunity for you to participate in exciting cultural, artistic and sports activities. So in 2025, Nha Trang festival takes place as a scheduled appointment with tourists.

Ponagar Tower Festival: Held in the third lunar month every year, this is an opportunity for visitors to learn about the unique Cham culture.

Bird's Nest Festival:The Bird's Nest Festival is a unique cultural event in Nha Trang, held annually to honor the profession of exploiting and processing bird's nests, a rare and famous product of Khanh Hoa sea. The festival is held on the 10th day of the 5th lunar month on islands where swiftlets live, such as Hon Noi or Hon Sam.

The main activities of the festival include traditional rituals to worship the gods, praying for a favorable harvest and the growth of the swiftlets. In addition, visitors can participate in folk cultural activities, art performances and enjoy products made from bird's nests. This is a great opportunity to learn about the typical profession and cultural beauty of the local people.

Fishing Festival: Cau Ngu Festival is one of the oldest and most typical festivals of fishermen in Nha Trang. The festival usually takes place at the beginning of the lunar year, from January 15 to 17, in coastal fishing villages.

Cau Ngu Festival is to pay tribute to the sea gods, especially Ca Ong (whale), and pray for a year of bountiful fishing and safety for fishermen at sea. The main activities include a procession, worshiping, and folk games such as basket boat racing and tug of war. This is an opportunity for visitors to experience the religious culture and life of the fishing community in Nha Trang.

2. Means of transportation to Nha Trang

Nha Trang is a city with a convenient transportation system, you can get here by plane, bus, train or personal car.

Plane

Cam Ranh International Airport is located about 35 km from Nha Trang city center. This is the fastest and most convenient way to get to Nha Trang. Airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways all have flights from major cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang. Ticket prices range from 400,000 to 2,000,000 VND depending on the time. Be proactive in your schedule to find the best cheap air tickets will help save costs

Coach

If you want to save money or experience the road, the bus is a reasonable choice. Famous bus companies such as Phuong Trang, Mai Linh, Hoang Long provide sleeper bus services with ticket prices ranging from 200,000 to 600,000 VND. Although the Southern bus station (Interprovincial bus station) is located far from the center, bus companies often have pick-up points in the city to increase convenience for customers.

Train

Traveling by train is an enjoyable experience as you can enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way. From Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, you can choose the SE or TN train to Nha Trang station. Ticket prices range from 200,000 to 1,200,000 VND depending on the seat type.

>> Read more: Vehicle phone number taxi in Nha Trang

3. Prepare before your trip to Nha Trang

To have a complete trip, you need to prepare all necessary items.

Identity documents

Bring your ID card/CCCD, passport (if needed), and driver's license (if you intend to rent a motorbike or car). Don't forget to prepare copies of these documents as backup.

Cash and bank cards

Bring enough cash for small expenses, and use your ATM card or credit card for larger payments.

Skin

Prepare suitable clothes for outdoor activities such as swimsuit, T-shirt, maxi dress, wide-brimmed hat, sneakers. If going in the rainy season, you should bring a light jacket and a folding umbrella.

Personal belongings

Sunscreen, cosmetics, insect repellent, and some basic medicines such as cold medicine, stomach medicine, and bandages are indispensable items.

>> Nha Trang Island Tour Guide

4. The most famous tourist destination in Nha Trang

Nha Trang has countless attractive places, from historical relics to poetic islands. The next content of today's Nha Trang travel experience topic will be about the attractions in the city.

City attractions

Ponagar Tower

Ponagar Tower is one of the most famous Cham cultural relics in Nha Trang, attracting thousands of tourists every year. The relic site is located on top of a small hill, about 2 km north of the city center.
This is the place to worship Thien YA Na, the goddess revered by the Cham people as the mother who taught people how to grow crops and live.
The architectural complex of Po Nagar includes four towers and two shrines, of which the tallest main tower was built from the 8th to 13th centuries. The tower architecture uses red bricks, joined together without mortar, creating a unique and mysterious beauty. The decorative motifs on the body of the tower depict images of dancers, flowers and animals, reflecting the sophisticated art of Champa sculpture.
Visitors can participate in traditional ceremonies or enjoy unique Cham dances performed regularly here. Ponagar Tower is not only a tourist attraction but also a place to preserve the unique cultural and historical values of the nation.

Institute of Oceanography

Nha Trang Institute of Oceanography was established in 1923 and is one of the leading marine biology research centers in Vietnam. Located about 6 km south of the city center, the institute is not only a research center but also opens to visitors with more than 20,000 marine biological specimens preserved.

Visitors here will be able to admire rare marine life, from corals, sea anemones to sharks and sea turtles. In particular, the institute also has a giant whale skeleton measuring 18 meters long, fully restored, which is the most impressive highlight of the exhibition area. In addition, the indoor aquarium area is designed with large glass tanks containing hundreds of species of fish and living marine life, giving visitors the opportunity to explore the world under the ocean in the most realistic way.

The Institute of Oceanography is an ideal place for those who love science and want to learn about the biodiversity of Vietnam's seas.

Nha Trang Stone Church

Nha Trang Stone Church, also known as Christ the King Cathedral, is a prominent Gothic architectural work, located on Hoang Lan Hill in the city center. The church was built from 1928 and completed in 1933 by priest Louis Vallet, with Western architectural style with pointed arches and sophisticated stained glass windows.

The space inside the church is airy and solemn, with benches, statues of God and stained glass paintings telling Bible stories. From the church's terrace, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Nha Trang city. The Stone Church is not only a place for religious ceremonies but also a favorite destination for tourists. This is the ideal place for you to find peace, enjoy the historical space and save beautiful artistic photos.

Hon Chong

Hon Chong is a famous national scenic area, located in the North of Nha Trang city, about 3 km from the center. This place is not only impressive for its majestic natural scenery but also for the legendary stories associated with the history and culture here. Hon Chong area is known for its large rocks stacked naturally, creating a unique shape.

In particular, a large rock with a giant handprint is said to be the mark left by a legendary giant. Inside the Hon Chong area, there is also a cultural exhibition space with historical artifacts, ship models and pictures of the lives of fishermen in the Khanh Hoa sea. Visitors can relax on stone benches, listen to the sound of waves and enjoy the cool sea breeze. Hon Chong Currently welcoming about 5,000 visitors per day, it has become one of the must-see attractions when coming to Nha Trang.

Long Son Pagoda

Long Son Pagoda, also known as White Buddha Pagoda, is a solemn and sacred religious structure in Nha Trang that welcomes thousands to tens of thousands of tourists and Buddhists from all over the world to worship every day.

That Theater

Nha Tho Do is a unique architectural symbol in Nha Trang, designed in the shape of a fishing rod (a traditional Vietnamese fishing tool). Located in the city center, the theater is not only a venue for major art events but also an attractive tourist destination. The theater is equipped with modern facilities, regularly hosting cultural and artistic performances such as traditional music and dance, drama, and international art performances. This is an ideal stop for those who love culture and want to learn about Vietnamese performing arts.

Tran Hung Dao Temple

Tran Hung Dao Temple is located in the center of Nha Trang city, honoring the national hero Tran Hung Dao, who led the army and people of Dai Viet to defeat the Yuan-Mongol army in the 13th century. The temple was built with solemn architecture, in the traditional Vietnamese style with curved tile roofs and meticulously carved motifs. Inside is an altar and a majestic statue of Tran Hung Dao. This is not only a place for visitors to burn incense in memory but also a meaningful destination to learn more about Vietnamese history.

i-Resort Area

i-Resort is one of the famous resorts and relaxation areas in Nha Trang, famous for its high-class mineral mud bath and spa services. Located about 8 km from the city center, this place offers a quiet space, in harmony with nature. The main services include soaking in mineral mud pools, hot mineral baths, and relaxing spa treatments. In addition, i-Resort also has a swimming pool system and a children's play area, suitable for families or groups of friends looking for a complete day of relaxation.

Thap Ba Mud Bath

Thap Ba Mud Bath is an experience not to be missed when coming to Nha Trang. This is the first mineral mud bath area in the city, famous for its high-quality natural mineral mud source, helping to relax the body and improve health. Mud bath services include many options such as group mud bath, private mud bath, hot mineral bath and soaking in the jacuzzi. In addition, this area also has swimming pools, restaurants and cool green spaces, creating a sense of relaxation for visitors. Address: 15 Ngoc Son, Ngoc Hiep, Nha Trang.

>> See more: Location Nha Trang mud bath

Nha Trang tourist attractions in the suburbs

Yang Bay Tourist Area

Yang Bay tourist area is located about 45 km west of Nha Trang center, in Khanh Vinh district. This is an ideal destination for those who love wild nature with cool green space and beautiful waterfalls.

Yang Bay is famous for its majestic waterfall system, including Yang Bay waterfall, Ho Cho waterfall and Lo O stream. Visitors can participate in activities such as waterfall bathing, fishing, buffalo cart riding or experiencing unique folk games of the Raglai people. In addition, this area also has a mini zoo and many beautiful photo areas.

Am Chua relic site

Am Chua is a famous spiritual relic of Khanh Hoa province, located on Dai An mountain, Dien Dien commune, Dien Khanh district. This is the place to worship Thien YA Na, the goddess of the Cham people, who is considered to have taught people how to grow crops and raise animals.

Am Chua is not only a place for pilgrims to pray for peace but also offers a peaceful setting with traditional architecture. Every year, in the third lunar month, Am Chua festival attracts a large number of visitors from all over the world.

Kong Forest Tourist Area

Kong Forest is an adventure eco-tourism area located in Suoi Cat commune, Cam Lam district, about 40 km from the city center. With majestic mountain and forest landscapes, Kong Forest offers unique experiences such as ziplining through the forest, buggy off-road vehicles and outdoor activities.

This area is very suitable for those who love thrills and want to explore wild nature. In addition, Kong Forest also has resting and culinary areas, where you can enjoy rustic dishes in the green forest space.

Nhan Tam Tourist Area

Nhan Tam tourist area is located in Dien Xuan commune, Dien Khanh district, about 30 km from Nha Trang center. This is an eco-tourism area combining entertainment and relaxation activities.

Nhan Tam stands out with its cool Cho River, spacious camping area, group games and outdoor activities such as kayaking and archery. This is an ideal destination for families or groups of friends looking for a peaceful space close to nature.

Famous islands

Hon Tam island

Hon Tam is located about 7 km from the center of Nha Trang city, is one of the prominent destinations in Nha Trang Bay. This place attracts tourists by its charming natural beauty with long beaches, clear blue sea water and fine white sand.

Hon Tam not only has poetic scenery but also possesses high-class resort services, suitable for both families and couples. You can enjoy the quiet space in the middle of nature, participate in activities such as kayaking, diving to see coral, jet skiing or paragliding. The mud bath area on the island is also an attractive highlight, providing a unique relaxation and health care experience.

Hon Mun island

Hon Mun is Vietnam’s first marine protected area, known for its diverse marine ecosystem and beautiful coral reefs. The island is located in the south of Nha Trang Bay, about 10 km from the mainland and takes about 20 minutes by canoe to get there.

The special feature of Hon Mun is the jet-black rocks, which make it different from other islands in the area. It is home to more than 1,500 species of marine life, including many rare species. The most popular activities on Hon Mun include scuba diving, glass-bottom boat trips, and underwater photography. These experiences will give you the opportunity to explore the magical beauty of the ocean.

Diep Son Island

Diep Son Island stands out with its unique sand road across the sea, connecting three small islands: Hon Bip, Hon Giua and Hon Duoc. This road is about 800 meters long, less than 1 meter wide, and is only visible at low tide, creating an extremely interesting scene.

Diep Son is an ideal destination for those who love tranquility and want to experience the feeling of walking in the middle of the vast ocean. Besides, you can also enjoy fresh seafood at small restaurants by the sea, visit traditional fishing villages and enjoy the peaceful resort space.

Mini Beach

Mini Beach is known as the “Hawaii of Vietnam” thanks to its wild, peaceful beauty and private beach. This is a small beach located on Hon Mieu Island, only about 20 minutes by boat from Nha Trang city center.

Visitors to Mini Beach often appreciate the quiet and privacy of this place. The green space, clear sea water and fine white sand create the perfect relaxing atmosphere. This is also an ideal place to participate in activities such as diving, swimming, or simply enjoy a peaceful afternoon on a beach chair.

Swallow Island

Yen Island, also known as Hon Noi, is famous for its unique double beach and rich natural ecosystem of swiftlets. The double beach here is special, with two cool and warm streams of water lying parallel to each other, creating a unique experience for visitors.

However, Hon Noi Yen Island is no longer widely visited by tourists and is only reserved for special working groups. However, this is still a place of high ecological and cultural value, a testament to the richness of Nha Trang's marine ecosystem.

Binh Hung and Binh Ba

Binh Hung and Binh Ba are two small islands located in Cam Ranh Bay, about 60 km from Nha Trang. Binh Ba is known as the “lobster island” thanks to its rich seafood resources, especially fresh lobsters. Binh Hung is famous for its small, beautiful beaches, clear blue water and beautiful coral reefs.

However, because both islands are located in military and national security zones, tourism activities are restricted. Only locals or those with relatives living on the islands are allowed to enter. If you have the chance, this will be a destination that brings you a feeling of closeness and harmony with wild nature.

Monkey Island

Monkey Island is one of the most interesting destinations in Nha Trang, located on a small island in Ninh Van Bay, about 15 km north of the city center. The island is managed by Long Phu Tourist and is known as the “kingdom” of monkeys. Currently, the island is home to more than 1,200 natural monkeys, mainly long-tailed monkeys.

Visitors can enjoy the fresh air, participate in activities such as watching monkey circus shows, taking photos and interacting closely with the lovely monkeys. However, you need to be careful with your personal belongings because the monkeys on the island are very mischievous and like to take strange objects.

In addition, the island also offers exciting activities such as scuba diving, kayaking, and exploring the pristine natural landscape. Monkey Island is a suitable destination for families and those who love animals.

Orchid Island

Orchid Island is located in the same area as Monkey Island, on Hon Heo peninsula in Ninh Van Bay. As the name suggests, this place is famous for hundreds of rare orchid species grown in a large campus. Orchid Island offers a peaceful space, a harmonious combination of natural beauty and traditional cultural features.

Visitors can admire the colorful orchid gardens, visit the art galleries and enjoy specialties at the beachside restaurants. In addition, the island also offers many fun activities such as elephant riding, boating on the lake, and bird watching at the mini zoo.

The special feature of Orchid Island is the pristine beach with clear water, ideal for relaxing and taking photos. This is a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in nature.

Monkey Island – Orchid Island Tour Price 650,000 VND/person, pick up and drop off within city center

5. Nha Trang specialties not to be missed.

Nha Trang cuisine is one of the factors that makes tourists fascinated with many delicious dishes. With rich ingredients from the sea and unique processing methods, the dishes here have a unique flavor that cannot be found anywhere else.

Jellyfish noodles

This is a rustic dish but full of Nha Trang flavor. Jellyfish is selected from clean sea areas, skillfully processed to retain its natural crispness and sweetness. Jellyfish noodles are often served with fish cakes and broth made from fresh fish, creating a refreshing, light flavor.

Reference address

• Doc Lech jellyfish noodle shop: Yersin – Ba Trieu intersection.

• Duc fish noodle shop: B8 Phan Boi Chau.

Nha Trang grilled spring rolls

Grilled spring rolls are a famous dish originating from Ninh Hoa. This dish consists of minced meat grilled over hot coals, served with rice paper, raw vegetables and a special dipping sauce. A full portion of grilled spring rolls brings a blend of salty, sweet, sour and spicy flavors.

Reference address

• Dang Van Quyen grilled spring rolls: 16A Lan Ong.

• Nha Trang grilled spring rolls: 39 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai.

Noodle soup

Nha Trang noodle soup has noodles made from rice flour or tapioca flour, served with crushed fish, fish cakes, and green onions. The highlight is the rich broth simmered from fish bones, bringing an irresistible delicious flavor.

Reference address:

• Ms. Ha's noodle soup: 14 Phan Chu Trinh.

• Ba Thua's noodle soup: 10A Phan Chu Trinh.

Fresh seafood

Nha Trang is famous for its fresh seafood such as lobster, crab, squid, and fish. In coastal fishing villages or local restaurants, you will enjoy seafood prepared right after being caught.

Specialty gifts

Nha Trang fish cake: Fish cake is made from fresh mackerel, chewy, delicious and rich in flavor.
Bird's nest: Rare specialty, very good for health.
Mango Cake: This cake is made from concentrated mango juice, has a sweet taste, is soft and chewy.

6. Suggested itinerary for independent travel to Nha Trang

Depending on the time of your trip, you can refer to the schedules below to make specific plans.

Nha Trang 2 days 1 night travel itinerary

Day 1:

• Morning: Visit Ponagar Tower, Institute of Oceanography,

• Afternoon: Hon Chong, Long Son Pagoda, Nha Trang beach and enjoy seafood at a coastal restaurant.

• Evening: Visit Nha Trang night market, enjoy typical snacks, stop by the grilled spring roll restaurant

Day 2:

• Morning: Explore Hon Mun or Hon Tam, experience snorkeling to see coral with Nha Trang Island Tour

• Afternoon: Return to the mainland, have dinner at a delicious restaurant like Lang Ngon or Grilled Garden

Nha Trang travel itinerary 3 days 2 nights

Day 1: Visit city attractions such as Po Nagar Tower, Long Son Pagoda, and Institute of Oceanography among the city's sightseeing spots.

Day 2: Spend the day having fun at VinWonders on Hon Tre Island.

Day 3: Visit Nha Trang island tour, visit Hon Tam island to mud bath, visit Mini Beach lie on the chair to relax

Nha Trang travel itinerary 4 days 3 nights

Day 1: Explore Nha Trang city with historical and cultural attractions.

Day 2: Explore Hon Tam, experience activities such as parachuting and kayaking.

Day 3: Visit Hon Mun and snorkel. In the evening, visit the night market to buy souvenirs.

Day 4: Visit the fishing village, enjoy breakfast with fresh seafood, then prepare to return.

7. Estimated cost of traveling to Nha Trang

Below is a reference cost table for a self-guided trip in Nha Trang.

Travel expenses

Airplane: 850,000 - 2,000,000 VND/trip.
Passenger car: 200,000 - 600,000 VND/trip.
Train: 500,000 - 1,400,000 VND/trip.

Accommodation costs

3-star hotel: 540,000-800,000 VND/night.
Resort: 1,600,000 VND/night.

Food expenses

Average meal: 50,000 - 200,000 VND.
Fresh seafood: 500,000 - 1,500,000 VND depending on the dish.

Cost of sightseeing and entertainment

VinWonders entrance ticket: 950,000 VND/person.
Coral diving: 1,300,000 VND/time.
Nha Trang island tour package tickets from 650,000 VND

The total cost for a 3-day, 2-night trip usually ranges from 3,500,000 to 5,000,000 VND/person.

Nha Trang is a wonderful destination with a perfect combination of nature, culture and cuisine. From clear blue beaches, poetic islands, to historical relics and diverse entertainment activities, Nha Trang will definitely bring you unforgettable experiences.

This article has provided all the necessary information for you to plan a complete self-guided tour of Nha Trang, from choosing the ideal time, means of transportation, to places to visit and special dishes. However, to bring the best value to readers, the content of the article will be continuously updated with the latest information, helping you easily prepare for your journey.

If you have any questions about your trip to Nha Trang, do not hesitate to leave a comment below the article. Do not forget to share this article to help your friends and family have more useful information for their trip. We are always ready to answer your questions and help you create beautiful memories in the coastal city of Nha Trang.