Nha Trang: Vietnam’s Sun-Soaked Coastal Playground
After our little visit to the North Yorkshire coast, I thought it was time to swap the chilly North Sea for something a bit more… tropical. Thus time we’re heading to Nha Trang, Yet another of Vietnam’s seaside escapes.
You already jbiw I’ve got a soft spot for places that balance “relaxing on a sun lounger” with “stumbling upon a back-alley street food gem.” Nha Trang does exactly that. It’s a city where high-rise luxury hotels face off against turquoise waters. Where the scent of grilled seafood competes with the salty breeze. Whether you’re here for the mud baths, the world-class diving, or just to see how many Bia Hơi you can handle before dinner, Nha Trang has enough to keep you here for a few days.
Getting There: Air, Rail, or Road?
First things first: how do you get your lovely self to this slice of Vietnamese paradise?
By Air
Most of you will touch down at Cam Ranh International Airport (CXR). It’s a sleek, modern airport about 45 minutes south of the city. Pro tip: Don’t bother with the aggressive taxi touts inside. Use the Grab app (the Uber of Southeast Asia) or hop on the No. 18 Airport Bus for a fraction of the cost. The drive along the coast is stunning, so keep your eyes peeled.
By Train
If you’re already in Vietnam, the Reunification Express is a classic. Coming from Da Nang or Ho Chi Minh City? The train station is right in the heart of town. There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about watching the Vietnamese countryside roll by with a banh mi in one hand and a cold brew in the other.
By Bus
For the budget-conscious or the true adventurers, the sleeper buses are an experience. They’re essentially bunk beds on wheels. It’s a bit of a squeeze if you’re over 6 feet tall, but it’s cheap and gets the job done.
Where to Stay: From Penthouse Chic to Backpacker Bliss
Nha Trang has grown up a lot lately. You can find everything from £5-a-night hostels to villas that’ll make your credit card weep (in a good way).
The Luxury Picks
If you want to wake up and see nothing but the East Sea, head for Tran Phu Street. The InterContinental Nha Trang and Sheraton are the big hitters here. But if you really want to disappear, take a boat to Six Senses Ninh Van Bay. It’s accessible only by water and is basically the definition of “heaven on earth.”
The Boutique & Mid-Range
I’ve stayed at Havana Nha Trang. The rooftop pool is worth the price alone. For something a bit more “local” but still posh, check out the apartments around The Empyrean.
The Social Hubs
Backpackers, look no further than FUSE Nha Trang. It’s got a rooftop pool, a killer bar called INFUSE, and is basically the epicentre of the city’s social scene.
Sights to See: Culture, Coral, and… Mud?
You can’t just sit on the beach all day (well, you can, but you’d be missing out).
Po Nagar Cham Towers
Built between the 8th and 13th centuries, these ancient Hindu temples are a must. They sit on a hill overlooking the Cai River. Go early to beat the heat and the tour buses. The intricate brickwork is mind-blowing.
The Island Hopping
Nha Trang Bay is dotted with islands like Hon Mun and Hon Tam. Hire a speedboat for the day. The snorkelling is decent, but the real joy is finding a quiet cove, cracking open a Tiger beer, and jumping off the deck.
The Mud Baths
This sounds weird until you do it. Thap Ba Hot Springs or I-Resort offer mineral mud baths that leave your skin feeling like silk. You sit in a giant tub of warm, gooey mud, then rinse off in mineral springs. It’s peak relaxation.
Long Son Pagoda
Famous for its giant white Buddha statue that sits atop the hill. The climb up is a bit of a leg-burner, but the panoramic views of the city are your reward.
Food, Glorious Food (and the Booze!)
Alright, let’s get to the important stuff. The food in Nha Trang is heavily influenced by the sea, and it is spectacular.
The Must-Eats:
Nem Nuông (Grilled Pork Rolls)
This is the city’s signature dish. You get skewers of fermented pork, crispy fried rice paper, herbs, and a secret dipping sauce. You roll it all up yourself. Head to Dang Van Quyen for the real deal.
Bún Chả Sứa (Jellyfish Noodle Soup)
Don’t be squeamish! The jellyfish is crunchy, not slimy, and the broth is a light, sweet seafood masterpiece. It’s the ultimate breakfast for a humid morning.
Bánh Căn
These are tiny rice flour pancakes cooked in clay moulds with quail eggs or squid. Watching the street vendors flip these at lightning speed is a performance in itself.
Fresh Seafood (Hải Sản)
Head to the Bờ Kè area (the riverfront). Pick your dinner live from the tanks—snails, scallops with spring onion, grilled red snapper—and have it cooked right there.
The Booze
Louisiane Brewhouse
The only place in town brewing its own craft beer right on the sand. Grab a tasting paddle and sit by their pool. Their Witbier is a lifesaver in 30°C heat.
Skylight Nha Trang
Located on the 43rd floor of the Havana Hotel. It’s pricey for Vietnam, but for a sunset cocktail with a 360-degree view of the coast? Unbeatable.
The “Beer Street” Alleys
If you want to drink like a local, head to the backstreets near the Night Market. Find a place with tiny plastic chairs, order a bucket of ice and some local lager, and settle in for some world-class people-watching.
Lastly A Little Tip
While Nha Trang is famous for its beaches, the current in the South Bay can be surprisingly strong at certain times of the year. If you’re not a confident swimmer, stick to the hotel pools or the calmer waters of the North Bay. Also, remember that 2026 is seeing a huge push for sustainable travel in Vietnam—try to support the local family-run eateries over the massive international chains where you can!
Nha Trang is a city of contrasts—loud, beautiful, chaotic, and serene all at once. It’s the kind of place that stays with you long after the tan lines fade.