Nha Trang is the most famous beach city on Vietnam's south-central coast and was the capital of Khánh Hòa province until the administrative reform in 2025.
Nha Trang is the most famous beach city on Vietnam's south-central coast and was the capital of Khánh Hòa province until the administrative reform in 2025. The beach, promenade, and hotels line Trần Phú Boulevard, while off the coast are islands such as Hòn Tre, connected by a cable car, and the Hòn Mun marine protected area.Behind the beach scenery lies a long history. On a granite hill above the Cái River stand the Po Nagar Towers, which the Cham people built between the 7th and 13th centuries for the mother goddess Po Ina Nagar. The bacteriologist Alexandre Yersin lived and researched here; his former home is now a museum. At Cầu Đá port, the Oceanographic Institute, founded in 1922, showcases a large collection of marine animals.The rainy season here is shorter than in the rest of the country and falls between September and December.
Sights in Nha Trang
Discover the most important sights and attractions
Attraction
1Po Nagar Towers (Thap Ba Ponagar)
The Cham temple towers stand on a small granite hill above the Cái River, about two kilometers north of the center. They were built between the 7th and 13th centuries and are dedicated to Po Ina Nagar, the mother goddess of the Cham. A small exhibition on the site displays historical artifacts and photos.
The Long Son Pagoda, also known as the Pagoda of the White Buddha, lies at the foot of a hill west of the center. A staircase of around 150 steps leads past a reclining Buddha up to the large white seated figure, from which you overlook the city.
The museum at 8–10 Trần Phú Boulevard is on the Nha Trang Pasteur Institute grounds, in bacteriologist Alexandre Yersin's former home. Since 1997, it has displayed his research instruments and letters, explaining his medical and scientific contributions. Captions are French, with English and Vietnamese translations.
Đầm Market is Nha Trang's large traditional market, with colourful stalls selling food, household goods, and souvenirs. Among the vendors, you'll also find simple street food stalls, including vegetarian Cơm-chay stands. The city's Tourist Information Centre is located nearby.
The BBQ restaurant on Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm Street has long been a local favourite. You grill marinated beef, shrimp, fish and more yourself at your table; the decor is simple, the atmosphere lively.
At 16A Lãn-Ông Street, it's all about Nha Trang-style Nem nướng: grilled minced pork you roll yourself with herbs and vegetables in rice paper. The restaurant is considered one of the best places for this dish.
This restaurant on Thai Thong Street, about four kilometers (2.5 miles) west of the center, sits in a complex of traditional wooden houses, thatched huts and lotus ponds that now also goes by the name Làng Nghề Nha Trang Xưa. It serves classic Vietnamese food, often as a buffet, along with craft demonstrations. From the center it is about a 15-minute ride by taxi or Grab.
The Cham HeritageLong before Nha Trang became a beach resort, the coast belonged to the Champa Kingdom. The Po Nagar Towers, situated on a granite hill above the Cái River, about two kilometers north of the city center, were built between the 7th and 13th centuries and are dedicated to the Mother Goddess Po Ina Nagar.Yersin and Marine ResearchThe physician and bacteriologist Alexandre Yersin lived in Nha Trang; his former home on the grounds of the Pasteur Institute has been a museum since 1997, displaying his instruments and letters. The Oceanographic Institute, founded in 1922 as Indochina's fisheries research station, houses more than 24,000 specimens of over 5,000 species.Buddhist Nha TrangThe Long Sơn Pagoda is also known as the Pagoda of the White Buddha: A staircase of about 150 steps leads past a reclining Buddha to the large white sitting figure on the hill.
The Sailing Club at 72–74 Trần Phú Boulevard is right on the beach and is considered one of the city's most beautiful spots. During the day, watch beach life unfold; at sunset, enjoy cocktails, and in the evening, food and music.
Getting ThereBy Plane: Cam Ranh Airport (CXR) is located about 30 kilometers south of the city.By Train: Nha Trang is on the North-South railway line. From Đà Nẵng, it's 524 km by rail, and trains take nine to twelve hours.By Bus: Đà Lạt in the highlands is about 140 kilometers away; the bus takes three to four hours.In the CityThe beach, promenade, and many hotels are on Trần Phú Boulevard, where the Yersin Museum is also located. Reach the Po Nagar Towers (north of center) and Cầu Đá Port (south) by taxi or motorbike taxi. Islands off the coast are accessible by excursion boats; a cable car goes to Hòn Tre.
