Nha Trang is a coastal city in south-central Vietnam. It is the provincial capital of Khanh Hoa Province. The city covers 251 sq km (96.9 sq mi) and has a population of 360,000 people (2011 estimate).
Nha Trang was first discovered by backpackers in the late 1970s, drawn here by its pristine beaches and ideal snorkelling and diving spots. By the turn of the 21st century, the city has developed its tourism infrastructure. Today it caters not only to budget travelers, but also the increasingly affluent domestic tourism market.
Nha Trang hosted the 2008 Miss Universe Pageant and the 2010 Miss Earth Pageant, both events putting the city on the world tourism map. It is therefore unsurprising that its beaches have been voted as among the most beautiful in the world.
Nha Trang experiences a tropical savanna climate. Temperature is fairly constant and high throughout the year, with the average high ranging from 27.8°C (82°F) in December and January to 33.3°C (91.9°F) in June. January and February also get the lowest average night temperature, at 20.6°C (69.1°F). November and October are the wettest months of the year, getting a massive 363 mm (14.3 in) and 323 mm (12.7 in) of rain respectively. In contrast, February only gets 17.8 mm (0.7 in) of rain.
You can get to Nha Trang by train and plane, from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. If coming by plane, you have the option of taking the taxi or bus from the airport to the beach area. The airport bus fare is 40,000 VND from airport to city. The same journey by taxi will cost you minimum 180,000 VND.
Exploring Nha Trang
Nha Trang has a public bus which is air conditioned and quite inexpensive. Alternatively you can hire a cyclo-driver to take you around. Agree on a price in advance. A full day tour should cost in the region of US$10-12.
Alexandre Yersin Museum Museum honoring the Swiss physician who was instrumental in founding Dalat. Making Vietnam his home, Yersin research on local trees and herbs. His research helped identify the microbe that causes bubonic plague.
Ba Ho Stream A good picnic spot in the forested part of Nha Trang. The stream empties into three adjoining pools that are excellent for a dip.
Cai River Estuary A good place to look at traditional Vietnamese fishing boats. The place is a hive of activity with fishermen bringing in their catch and paddling between boats in round coracles.
Cau Da Sheltered coastal village with ferry pier for trips to the outlying islands. To the north, the Bao Dai Villas provide scenic view of the sea. From Cau Da, you can take a ferry to Hon Mieu, the nearest island in the outlying archipelago.
Dai Lanh An idyllic, uncrowded beach at the northern end of a sandy headland.
Doc Let A stretch of fine white-sand beach popular with backpackers.
Hon Chong A rocky headland to the north of Nha Trang, with a rock formation resembling a giant handprint. This is a good place to enjoy scenic seascape and good seafood at a low price.
Hon Mun Outlying island providing the best snorkelling in Nha Trang.
Hon Ong Literally Whale Island, this pristine island is ideal for swimming and snorkelling, being sheltered by Van Phong Bay.
Hon Tre Literally Bamboo Island, this is the largest of the outlying islands. It is dominated by a 180-m (600-ft) hill.
Long Son Pagoda This is the most important temple in Nha Trang. It is located at the top of Trai Thuy Hill and features a couple of colossal Buddha statues, one built in the 1960s and another in 2003. The temple is now dedicated to monks who died under the repressive regime of President Ngo Dinh Diem (1955-63).
Nha Trang Cathedral The seat of the Roman Catholic diocese of Nha Trang, this French Gothic style cathedral was built in the 1930s.
Nha Trang Municipal Beach The 7 kilometers of fine white sand sheltered by capes on the northern and southern end is one of the finest beaches in Vietnam.
Po Nagar Towers Ruins of the 8th century Cham kingdom, these towers were dedicated to the goddess Po Yan Inu Nagar, today regarded as the patron deity of Nha Trang.
Thap Ba Hot Springs Site of hot mud bath with therapeutic propertics for treating arthritis and rheumatism.
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Disclaimer
Please use the information on this page as guidance only. The author endeavours to update the information on this page from time to time, but regrets any inaccuracies if there be any.
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