Nha Trang, located in the south-central coast of Vietnam, is a backpacker’s delight. A wonderful long coastline, miles of golden sandy beaches against a stunning backdrop of mountains, plenty of beautiful islands to explore, numerous historical attractions and long hours of relaxation - this is what Nha Trang offers you. Besides these, there are countless other mind-blowing activities that Nha Trang has on offer for you that can leave you asking for more. If you are wondering about what to do when visiting Nha Trang, then take a look at this article on the things to do in Nha Trang, Vietnam.
1. Tour the Chocolate Museum in Nha Trang (from USD 22.79)
Did you know that in the 1800s, the Salt French colonists planted cacao in Vietnam and it was once their major product way before cashew and coffee? In Nha Trang, there is a Chocolate Museum about the chocolate industry that’s currently being revived by French ex-pats and chocolate farmers. On this museum tour, guests will learn the sweet beginnings of the humble cacao and the processes it takes to produce a world-class chocolate snack and wine! You’ll visit a mini cacao plantation, the chocolate factory (where you get to taste 12 kinds of chocolates), and at the chocolate workshop, you’ll be dipping your fingers in oozing chocolate to create your own confections.
Chocolate Museum Tour in Nha Trang, Vietnam - Klook
Duration: 3hrs40 Min Duration
2. Paddle Board down the Cai River (from USD 19.0)
The Cai River passes between the provinces of Khánh Hòa and Đắk Lắk right into the city center. It’s a 45- to 60-minute travel on the entire river, with the boats flowing one way. Several villages are on each side of the river giving you a peek into the everyday life of the locals. Foreigners will enjoy the rustic side of Nha Trang where unique rice paper, local art, mats, and noodles are made. It would be safer to get a guide and join a tour group when riding a boat or when paddleboarding, as the river is hard to navigate alone. Just follow their instructions so you’ll have a safe launching on the river passing under the bridge with a lovely view of the sunset.
Paddle Boarding (SUP) down the Cai River
Duration: 3 hours
3. Have some fun at Egg Theme Park
The sprawling 20-hectare (49.42-acre) egg-themed park is 8 kilometers (4.97 miles) from Nha Trang’s city center. You’ll see eggs all over the place – as statues, painted on rocks and amusement rides, as fake fruits dangling from trees, and rooms shaped like eggs. The unique concept attracts tourists and locals who are amused with its egg-citing theme. The park has lush green surroundings, a small hill, several rock structures, a tiny bridge, and a waterfall. Few buildings were made for indoor events such as on-site Egg Café restaurant and events center that can fit 400 to 500 guests. There is also a Champa Town with huts that you can rent overnight, Dam San Festival Palace, and Lak-Kon-Ku Village. Bring your swimsuits and soak in the giant egg tubs then have a Mineral Mud Bath treatment.
100 Egg Theme Park Experience in Nha Trang, Vietnam - Klook
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4. Watch a water puppet show with family
The water puppet show is one of the amazing performances that you must see when visiting Nha Trang. It is performed by no less than 400 marionettes on a stage filled with waist-deep water. The 45-minute show is quite entertaining and educational as you will see the customs and history of Vietnam and its citizens enacted by the puppets. You’ll see puppets performing the people’s daily activities such as planting rice, catching frogs, rowing boats, riding horses, and a few spiritual dances. This quirky show has three performances in a day that you can choose from to suit your schedule.
Nha Trang Life Puppet Show Admission Ticket in Vietnam - Klook
Duration: 45 Min Duration
5. Sample local delicacies on a street food tour (from USD 38.69)
Take this tour and you’ll know where to go to satisfy your night time food cravings. With your tour guide and your group, you’ll be riding a pedicab as you explore the city. This three-wheeled bicycle has the driver sitting behind the passenger, who will be riding a cozy single person open-air seat. The driver will take you to the local eateries that are lined along the street. You will see the locals prepare the dishes right before your eyes. Enjoy their tasty cuisines and try new dishes like Banh Xeo meal and Banh Cuon. In tasting their food, you’ll learn more about their culture and history.
Nha Trang Local Street Food Night Tour on Pedicab
Duration: 4hrsDuration
6. Learn more about Vietnamese cuisine in Nha Trang Cooking Class (from USD 66.0)
2019 YouGov survey results showed that Vietnamese food is in the world’s top 15 favorite cuisines. Vietnamese food consists of five basic tastes: spicy (metal), salty (water), bitter (fire), sweet (earth), and sour (wood). It’s distinct for its use of fresh ingredients with very little oil, dairy, and sugar, and a lot of vegetables and herbs. Since rice is often used as flour, paper, and noodles, it’s a delight for gluten-free advocates. Some French cuisine influences are present in some Vietnamese dishes. Learn more about the flavorful dishes and intriguing heritage of Vietnam by joining a Nha Trang Cooking Class taught by a professional Vietnamese chef.
Nha Trang Private Cooking Class with Noodle Factory Visit
Duration: 6 hours
7. Explore traditional handicrafts on Cai River (from USD 85.0)
In Southeast Asia, Vietnam is one of the most popular destinations because of its traditional handicrafts. In fact, there are villages that have remained intact for several centuries with their crafts, skills, and products handed down to the next generation. There are villages that specialize in pottery, embroidery, silk, mats, folk painting, young sticky rice, rice wine, ceramics, rice paper, stone carvings, wood products, brass casting, coconut candy, and ship crafting. With this intimate tour, you have a personal guide who will take you to the shores of Cai River where the villagers produce hats, bakery items, rice noodles, and rice paper.
Private Half-Day Guided Tour Explore Countryside Of Nha Trang
Duration: 5 to 6 hours
8. Alexandre Yersin Museum
Alexandre Yersin, or Ong Nam as called by the locals, played a vital role in Vietnamese history by founding Dalat and establishing the Pasteur Institute in 1895. The institute produces vaccines, conducts medical research, meteorological forecasting, and coordination of hygiene programs and vaccinations within the country. The museum, formerly Yersin’s residence, was founded in 1990 is a 15-minute walk to the city center and adjacent to the institute. A guided tour of the museum shows Yersin’s personal effects, laboratory equipment, research documents, letters, and photos of his travels. There’s also a short film presentation of his life and slides of the various Vietnamese ethnic groups.
Alexandre Yersin Museum
Address: 10 Trần Phú, Xương Huân, Thành phố Nha Trang, Khánh Hòa 650000, Vietnam
Website: Alexandre Yersin Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 7:30am - 11:30am; Mon - Fri: 2pm -5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
Price: 1.22 USD
9. Learn about salt production at the Hon Khoi Salt Fields
Hon Khoi Salt Fields is Vietnam’s version of a tropical winter wonderland. Instead of snow, the white hilly mounds are made of white sea salt. The salt fields span 400 hectares (988.4 acres) and are located at Ninh Hoa District at Khanh Hoa province 45 kilometers (27.96 miles) to Nha Trang City. It’s Vietnam’s biggest salt field producing 737,000 tons (1.47 pounds) of salt annually. Visit during the salt season or from the months of January to July. You’ll see how hardworking middle-aged women carry sea salt in their double bamboo baskets to the drying place while the men search and collect the sea salt. This beautifully unique region has graced the cameras of several photographers and vloggers.
Hon Khoi Salt Fields
Address: Hòn Khói, Ninh Hải, Ninh Hòa, Khánh Hòa, Vietnam
Website: Hon Khoi Salt Fields
Opening hours: 4am - 9pm (daily)
10. Engage in adrenaline pumping water sports
Posted by Rainbow Divers - Vietnam on Monday, 5 June 2017
Watersports, scuba diving, and snorkeling, in particular, are some of the most popular things to do here. Blessed with vast expanses of beautiful reef under the Hon Mun Marine Protected Area, you get a chance to see the colorful marine life while engaging in snorkeling and diving. Because of its shallow waters, it is an excellent location for beginners to learn diving or even obtain an open water PADI certification. Advanced divers can experience swimming through the tunnels at Octopus Rock near Hon Rom. Rainbow Divers, Sailing Club Divers, and Angel Dive are a few names providing this service. Besides, you could experience the adrenaline rush by engaging in other aquatic adventures like surfing, jet-skiing and parasailing.
Rainbow Divers
Address: 19 Biệt Thự, Lộc Thọ, Tp. Nha Trang, 650000 Khánh Hòa, Vietnam
Opening hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Website: Rainbow Divers
11. Set off on sailing trips to nearby islands
Nha Trang has tons of little islands off the mainland like Mun, Mieu, and Tam. There are many tour operators offering boat trips to these little retreats and thus you have many options to choose from based on your budget and need. You can either share the boat with a group of 15 to 25 people or rent a private one to enjoy some alone time with your loved ones.
Moreover, you can make this trip more exciting by carrying loads of chilled beers and some munchies. Once at the island, you can either swim in the clear blue waters or visit the aquarium/fish farm or simply sit back and relax. You could choose from a day trip cruise with alcohol, seafood lunch, and snorkeling or a dinner cruise with free flow of booze and a set five-course meal.
Funky Monkey Boat Tours
Address: Địa chỉ: 34A/1 Nguyễn Thiện Thuật, Nha Trang, Việt Nam
Price: from 200,000 VND (around 9 USD)
Website: Funky Monkey Boat Tours
12. Explore the beaches
Because of its long coastline, Nha Trang has no lack of beaches. With certain sections exclusive for swimmers, you can take pleasure in an unperturbed swim. If you head south of downtown, the beaches are less populated and at times there may be a possibility that you are the only one on this long stretch of golden yellow sand.
There is a beautiful Tran Phu Boulevard, running parallel to the beach, which is packed with locals, tourists, and hawkers selling candy floss, ice cream or coconuts. A splash in the turquoise waters of the beach or an evening stroll on this beautiful promenade can be a refreshing experience. You could also relish a sumptuous seafood meal at one of the beachside restaurants. Besides if you have enough time, you could take a day trip to paradisaical Doc Let or Bai Dai beaches which a couple of kilometers away from Nha Trang downtown.
Doc Let Beach
Address: 50 kilometers (29 miles) North of Nha Trang
Access: Take a city bus / travel by bike / hire a cab
13. Take bike trips up to Ba Ho Waterfalls
Ba Ho (Ba Hồ) Waterfall, Nha Trang 💧💧💧The falls seem a little more off the beaten path, yet they are really worth your...
Posted by Saigon Homestay with Balo English on Tuesday, 16 May 2017
Apart from the beaches, Nha Trang has some amazing waterfalls with Ba Ho being the most impressive of them all. Ba Ho Falls is a series of 3 waterfalls and swimmable pools located among the lush green flora. Situated 20 kilometers (13 miles) north of Nha Trang, it is a short bike ride away from downtown.
The vibrant views while riding on the road along the coast and rice paddies are a treat to the eyes. Once you reach the parking space, just hike on the rocky path and follow the red arrows drawn on the rocks to reach the main falls area. The hike is tiring but rewarding as the chilly azure pools are truly mesmerizing.
Ba Ho Waterfalls cliff jumping
Address: Ninh Ích, Ninh Hòa, Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam
Opening hours: 8:16 a.m. to 6 p.m.
14. Go on sacred excursions
Nha Trang is home to some of the most well-maintained Cham Temple ruins as well as Buddhist temples. Built between the 7th and 12th centuries on the banks of River Cai, Po Nagar Cham temples are an active worship site for Buddhists. Its magnificent architecture draws strong resemblance with that at Angkor temples. Besides, the 19th century Long Son Pagoda, housing the 24 meter (79 feet) tall statue of white Buddha and a giant statue of Reclining Buddha, is another popular tourist attraction. This pagoda also has a fascinating cemetery dedicated to monks/nuns who lost their lives while protesting against the Diem government.
Po Nagar Cham Temples
Address: Hai Tháng Tư, Vĩnh Phước, Tp. Nha Trang, 650000 Khánh Hòa, Vietnam
Primary Deity: Yan Po Nagar (the mother of the country)
Long Son Pagoda
Address: Phật Học, Phương Sơn, Tp. Nha Trang, 650000 Khánh Hòa, Vietnam
15. Vinpearl cable car and Vinpearl Land Amusement Park
Vinpearl cable car (world’s longest oversea cable car) with a length of more than 3 kilometers (2 miles) links Nha Trang mainland to Hon Tre Island. This cable car journey offers you with breathtaking views of Nha Trang Bay as well as the city. The views at night with colorful city lights are more incredible.
Once on Hon Tre Island, tourists can visit Vinpearl Land Amusement Park which can be called the Disneyland of Vietnam. This attraction is very popular with local tourists, especially during summer holidays. There are amusing animal shows, fun rides, 3D cinemas, performing troupes, an underwater aquarium, food village and shopping mall available at Vinpearl Land. A visit here, if not astounding enough, can at least be a complete entertainment package for the entire family.
Vinpearl Land Amusement Park
Address: Hòn Tre Island, Nha Trang, Khánh Hòa, Vietnam
Opening hours: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Website: Vinpearl Land Amusement Park
16. Visit Yang Bay Eco Park
Posted by Footsteps Travel on Tuesday, 30 September 2014
Yang Bay Eco Park is a charming little nature park located a short drive away from the town center. This park is full of trees with small water bodies in between. Taking a dip in the hot spring, listening to the sound of rushing water at the waterfall, feeding the animals, riding the ostrich, and watching pig races are a few activities you can do here. This is a perfect place to enjoy the calm and natural environment. Besides, the kids will love playing with animals.
Yang Bay Eco Park
Address: Yang Bay, Nha Trang, Vietnam
17. Go on a hot air balloon ride
The hot air balloon ride center near Pham Van Dong Street has been recently renovated. This was originally established in Hon Tam Island in 2010. With vibrantly colored balloons and safety equipment, the rides carry you to around a 150-meter (500-foot) height above the ground. It is a 20-minute ride offering 360 aerial degree views of the city. Besides, these balloons which look like tiny specs of color in the sky from below are delightful to watch during the day.
Hot air balloon ride
Address: Pham Van Dong Street
Price: 100,000 VND (around 4.5 USD) during the day and 120,000 VND (around 5.5 USD) in the evening
18. Visit places of art, cultural or historic relevance
Nha Trang has a large number of places pertaining to art, culture, and history that can keep the ardent admirers engaged. Located towards the far south of the city is the National Oceanographic Museum providing chunks of information about marine life. For art aficionados, there are Mai Loc, Do Dien Khanh and Long Thanh Galleries showcasing the awe-inspiring works of Vietnam’s eminent photographers. Besides, there is Alexandre Yersin Museum dedicated to Dr. Alexandre Yersin who founded the Pasteur Institute in Nha Trang and also introduced rubber and quinine-producing trees to Vietnam.
National Oceanographic Museum
Address: Institute of Oceanography, Trần Phú, Cầu Đá, Vĩnh Nguyên, Tp. Nha Trang, Khánh Hòa, Vietnam
Opening hours: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
19. Go shopping at the local market
Xom Moi Market is a bustling local market selling fresh fruits, vegetables, and other household items. You can try out a variety of local food at this market. However, Dam Market is more popular with the tourists.
It sells everything that you may want to carry back home with you like ceramics, lacquerware, souvenirs, fake branded stuff, coffee, and dried seafood. Don’t forget to bargain if you want to avoid getting ripped off. Besides, there is a night market which dazzles with vivid lights and brightly colored displays at the stalls. Here, you will find ‘I Love Vietnam’ tee-shirts, bags, hats, souvenirs and other novelty stuff.
Dam Market
Address: Vạn Thạnh, Nha Trang, 650000 Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam
Opening hours: 7 AM - 6 PM
20. Bar and club hopping
Posted by Sailing Club Nha Trang on Friday, 23 June 2017
After an activity-packed day, you can head to one of the local of international bars over here and try out their signature cocktails. Many of these bars are open late night and are located close to each other. So you can simply hop from one to another and try out a variety. However, Sailing Club and Louisiane Brewhouse, located at Tran Phu Boulevard, are the hot favorites. With an elegant ambiance, they allow you to sit by the seaside and relish one of their in-house brews/cocktails or sip wine and enjoy the cheery setting.
Sailing Club
Address: 72-74 Trần Phú, Lộc Thọ, Tp. Nha Trang, 650000 Khánh Hòa, Vietnam
21. Take a mud bath or unwind at a spa
Posted by Vietnam Travel Guide and Holidays on Wednesday, 14 June 2017
A visit to Nha Trang is not complete without going for a mud bath. Claimed to have all sorts of healing properties, mud baths have become synonymous with Nha Trang. To experience it yourself, you can visit Thap Ba Hot Springs or i Resort or 100 Egg Mud Bath or other places which offer this service.
And if sitting in a tub filled with mud isn’t appealing to you, head to a spa, found throughout the streets of Nha Trang. Most of them offer good professional massages and lots of other treatments. You could also try the Thai-style spa by a blind masseuse at The Blind People Light Centre for a unique experience.
100 Egg Mud Bath
Address: Nguyen Tat Thanh Blvd, Phuoc Dong
Opening hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Website: 100 Egg Mud Bath
22. Go on a dinner cruise and enjoy sunset cocktails (from USD 90.0)
Explore Vietnam’s lovely coastline by joining a cruise aboard an authentic Vietnamese junk. The huge boat is transformed into a floating restaurant with lots of dining areas. Watch the captivating sunset while being serenaded by live music. As you wait for your five-course dinner, sip your choice of beverages ranging from cocktails to beers. Fill your tummy with local dishes that include the freshest seafood like lobsters. This three-and-a-half-hour cruise is highly recommended for family dinners, special occasions, and a romantic getaway.
Nha Trang Sunset Cocktails & Dinner Cruise with Hotel Pickup
Duration: 4 hours
23. Explore Hon Mun Island's marine life (from USD 40.0)
Hon Mun Islands is one of Nha Trang’s clusters of islands. It is popular for its picturesque scenery and robust ocean wildlife. A 45-minute boat ride from Cau Da Port, the island is distinguished by its high cliffs and ledges that create caves on its southeastern side. The amazing black rocky terrain is home to the salangane bird species. The sandy beach is perfect for strolling, tanning, and picnicking while the crystal-clear waters are best for swimming and diving. Ride a glass-bottomed boat to see the vibrant coral forest and tropical marine life. Book this tour and explore one of Nha Trang’s hidden gems.
Explore Nha Trang Bay: Half-Day Snorkeling Adventure Tour
Duration: 6 hours
24. Catch a DucaShow performance
DucaShow is a unique multi-media performance that you should not miss when visiting Nha Trang. This spectacular show is usually performed with an extravaganza of lights, sweet-sounding music, fashion show, acrobatics, singing, and amazing visual effects. This meticulously designed show with a huge cast is an emotional rendition of the Vietnamese culture. It includes folk tales and historical exploits that give viewers a feel of nomadic life with various forms of art. It’s a cultural experience that one never forgets.
Skip the Line: DucaShow Nha Trang Ticket - Vietnamese Minstrelsy
Duration: 1 hour
25. Tour the local breweries on a Vespa (from USD 91.0)
Vietnamese love to drink and beer is one of their favorite drinks here. Some of the handcrafted beer of Vietnam has even won international awards. Savor this delicious beverage by taking a half-day tour of the many local breweries around the city. You have a private driver and you will be riding a Vespa, a modern motorcycle that is a common mode of transportation in Vietnam. The highlight of this tour is a trip to the highest bar of the city, Skylight Nha Trang, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city while sipping beers.
Vespa Craft Beer Tour
Duration: 4 hours
Nha Trang never runs out of opportunities to delight you
With so many things to do, Nha Trang never runs out of activities that will keep you thoroughly delighted. You can never feel bored in this happening and energetic town. After having read this, I am sure that you feel that this place definitely deserves a visit. Come along, indulge in these mind-boggling recreations and revel in a lighthearted vacation.
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