Beach Guide: Nha Trang

Nha Trang Beach is the perfect destination for anyone who wants an uncomplicated beach holiday: amazing weather, warm water, quality hotels and delicious food. With a big airport and improved bus links, getting to Nha Trang is easier than ever. Whether you want to lay back on your sun-lounger sipping cocktails, or go kite-surfing along the bay, Nha Trang will have something to keep you occupied.

The big tourist complexes are clustered together, south of the main town in Biet Thu. While there are plenty of nice resorts and restaurants in this area – many of which serve western-style food – the endless hotel buildings don’t have much character. However, the bigger resorts do tend to run their own watersports courses. Further north, Cho Dam has fewer tourists and more locals. This part of town is fun, laid-back, and a good place to stay if you’re on a budget. The beach is still beautiful, but the accommodation can be very basic. Since Nha Trang is a big student town, there’s a vibrant night-life here that’s much less seedy than Vietnam’s other big party destinations.

Things to Do on Nha Trang Beach

Burgeoning tourism has lead to a huge increase in the beach activities available at Nha Trang. There’s fairly good diving and snorkeling, especially around the tiny off-shore islands. Even if you’re not a diver, the islands are well worth checking out – the countless secluded beaches make perfect day-trip destinations. Just ask in your hotel or hostel about boat tours. Windsurfing and surfing are both fairly popular – inexpensive boards and sails can be hired at the big watersports centers along the beach. Adrenaline junkies can get their kicks from kite-surfing and para-sailing.

If all that sounds too much like hard work, you should take a visit to the hot springs. There are a handful of spas hidden away from the bustle of town, most of which command a beautiful view of Nha Trang beach. There’s nothing more relaxing than a mud-bath and massage as you watch the South China Sea washing against the sand. If you’re a dedicated sunbather, just remember that Nha Trang can get seriously hot. Locals tend to visit the beach very early in the morning (5am-8am), to avoid the heat, but western tourists can be found basking in the sun throughout the day. Just don’t forget your sunscreen.