NHA TRANG | Talk to travellers about Nha Trang, and you’ll get a variety of opinions about the city. It’s a resort town, and there’s no denying that parts of it are very touristy. Stick to the centre of town, and you’ll find plenty of high-rise hotels, busy resorts, and places catered specifically to tour groups.
You don’t need to walk far to bypass the touristy hub, however. A half-hour walk in almost any direction out of downtown Nha Trang brings you to the neighbourhoods where locals live, work, and shop. Beyond the central strip, you’ll find amazing street food, ancient historic sites, and further afield, beautiful unspoilt islands, beaches, and nature.
Below, you’ll find my list of the best things to do in Nha Trang to help you make the most of your time in the city, whether you’re after a quick city trip or an island-focused break.
At-A-Glance: Top Nha Trang Highlights
| Category | Top Recommendation / Highlight |
| Islands & Diving | Hon Mun Marine Reserve, Whale Island, Hon Tre Island |
| Beaches | Bai Duong Beach, Hong Chong Promontory |
| Temples & History | Po Nagar Cham Towers, Long Son Pagoda, Nha Trang Cathedral |
| Food & Drink | Bún sứa (jellyfish noodle soup), nem nướng, fresh local seafood |
| Markets & Wellness | Chợ Đầm Market, Xom Moi Market, I-Resort mud baths |
Dive And Snorkel
Nha Trang is one of the premier spots for scuba diving in Vietnam, with around 25 dive sites dotted around the surrounding islands. Several dive schools and tour operators in town run daily boat trips catering to all skill levels, from beginners looking for a casual snorkel to experienced deep-sea divers.
Two of the best locations for diving and snorkelling are Hon Mun Island and Whale Island. Hon Mun is Vietnam’s first protected marine reserve, offering clear waters, thriving coral reefs, and diverse marine life.
Enjoy Local Cuisine
Nha Trang is filled with gems catering to hungry locals, and those who seek out these spots will be rewarded with a great selection of regional delicacies. Beyond Vietnamese staples like pho and banh mi, you’ll find distinct local specialties like bún sứa (jellyfish noodle soup) and nem nướng (grilled pork sausage roll ups served with fresh herbs and dipping sauce).
Looking for restaurant and street food recommendations? Check out my Nha Trang Food Guide: Where To Eat for a full list of top spots.
Go Island Hopping
Nha Trang sits on Ninh Van Bay, which is home to 19 islands visible right from the main waterfront. Numerous half-day and full-day boat tours operate out of the harbour, giving you access to fishing, snorkelling, or simply relaxing on secluded beaches.
If you prefer to organize your own itinerary without joining a group tour, islands like Hon Tre, Hon Mieu, and Hon Tam are easily reachable via a short ferry ride from the main pier.
Relax On A Beach
While the main beach running alongside the city center is convenient, the coastline further out and on the offshore islands offers a much better experience. If you want a quieter beach day without travelling too far, Bai Duong Beach is a great choice.
Located about an hour’s walk or a 10-minute drive north of downtown, Bai Duong is calmer and less crowded than the main strip. It’s also right next to Hong Chong Promontory, a scenic spot where rock formations meet the ocean.
Unwind With A Mud Bath
Taking a mud bath is one of the most popular activities in Nha Trang. The local mud is rich in minerals, and the experience usually involves soaking in warm, mineral-heavy clay, followed by a herbal bath, cool hydrotherapy showers, and a dip in hot mineral pools.
One of the best and most scenic facilities in town to try this is I-Resort, located in a quiet area just north of the river.
Visit Historic Temples
Nha Trang features several notable historic places of worship representing different eras. The Po Nagar Cham Towers consist of four stone towers constructed between the 7th and 12th centuries by the Cham civilization. Perched on a hill overlooking the river, they remain active places of worship today.
Another key stop is Long Son Pagoda. Originally built in 1886 and rebuilt in 1900 after cyclone damage, the temple is famous for its large white Buddha seated at the top of the hill, offering panoramic views over the city.
For a look at the city’s Catholic heritage, visit Christ the King Cathedral (Nha Trang Cathedral). Built in Gothic Revival style in 1928, it stands on a small hill in the center of town and features impressive stained glass work.
Walk Through A Market
Nha Trang’s central market, Chợ Đầm, is well worth exploring. Housed inside a distinctive 3-storey circular building from the 1980s designed to look like a lotus flower, the market and its surrounding street stalls sell everything from fresh seafood and produce to dried spices and handicrafts.
Another great local market to visit is Xom Moi Market. Located in a covered central hall, it’s packed with vendors selling fresh regional produce, local snacks, and everyday goods catering directly to residents.