Nha Trang: The City Where the Sea Calls Your Name

Tháng 9 18, 2025 Tom

I can still vividly remember the feeling of first setting foot in Nha Trang. It wasn’t a deserted beach or an overly luxurious resort. Instead, Nha Trang appeared to me like a dynamic coastal girl, vibrant and full of life, yet still possessing a down-to-earth, friendly charm. Just taking a deep breath was enough—the salty tang of the sea breeze, the golden-honey sunlight, and the rhythmic sound of the waves washed all my deadlines and worries away. Nha Trang isn’t just a place to “get away from it all”; it’s a place to find positive energy and live in the moment.

In this article, I won’t just guide you to the top check-in spots. I’ll also share stories and reveal the quiet corners that only a local would know. Come with me to discover a different Nha Trang—one that’s authentic and full of emotion, as if a friend were sharing their favorite stories with you.

The Call of the Ocean: From Bustling Tran Phu to Serene Hon Chong

When you talk about Nha Trang, you can’t ignore the beaches that have made this city famous. Tran Phu Beach, stretching along the road of the same name, is the city’s lively heart. Whether it’s early morning or sunset, the beach is always bustling with visitors. You can rent a lounge chair, order a cold coconut, and watch the endless parade of fishing boats, or try your hand at watersports like parasailing and jet-skiing. (Image: Bustling Tran Phu Beach in Nha Trang [alt: Tran Phu Beach Nha Trang, bustling with tourists]).

But if you’re looking for a more peaceful setting, head to Hon Chong. This place isn’t just famous for its majestic stacked rock formations, which create a unique landscape, but also for its rich legends. According to a local friend, Hon Chong is a historical witness, where tales of giants and mermaids are still passed down. Sitting on a rock, with gentle waves lapping at your feet, you’ll feel a sense of calm you won’t find anywhere else. ( Giant stacked rocks at Hon Chong ).

A Taste of the Coast: A Foodie’s Paradise

One of my favorite things about traveling is exploring the local food scene, and Nha Trang did not disappoint.

Budget Eats: Awesome Street Food for Under $10 a Day

If you’re a food lover like me and want to save money, just wander the small streets to find amazing local delicacies.

Fish Noodle Soup (Bún cá) / Jellyfish Noodle Soup (Bún sứa): This is a quintessential Nha Trang dish. A hot bowl of noodles with springy fish cakes, crispy jellyfish, and a subtly sweet broth is pure heaven. Bún cá Nguyên Loan (123 Ngo Gia Tu street) is a local favorite, with a bowl costing just around 30,000 – 40,000 VND (about $1.50 – $2.00 USD).
Grilled Fermented Pork Roll (Nem Nướng): The Ninh Hoa-style nem nướng from Nha Trang is legendary. A full plate includes grilled pork rolls, crispy fried rice paper, fresh vegetables, sour mango, and a special dipping sauce that makes the dish. Nem nướng Đặng Văn Quyên (16A Lan Ong street) is always busy, and a serving costs around 50,000 – 60,000 VND (about $2.00 – $2.50 USD)—it’s definitely worth it. (Image: A full plate of Nem nướng [alt: Ninh Hoa-style grilled fermented pork roll Nha Trang]).
Banh Can: This is a pancake-like dish that you must eat hot right off the griddle. Made from rice flour, eggs, and fresh seafood, it’s served with a dipping sauce of spicy garlic fish sauce or fermented fish paste. The owner of Bánh căn 140 Nguyễn Trãi once told me the best sauce is made from anchovies prepared by her own family. A portion is only about 20,000 – 30,000 VND (less than $1.50 USD).

Luxury Indulgence: Fresh Seafood and High-End Dining

If you want to treat yourself, Nha Trang has plenty of high-end options, too.

Fresh Seafood: Along the Thap Ba embankment, there are rows of restaurants with fresh, live seafood and clearly listed prices. You can hand-pick lobsters, crabs, and sea snails right from the tanks. From my experience, Hải sản Tháp Bà is highly rated on travel forums. While it’s a bit more expensive, the quality is well worth the price.
Sailing Club Restaurant: Located right on Tran Phu Beach, this place serves not only fresh seafood but also Asian-European fusion dishes. The elegant atmosphere, vibrant music, and incredible ocean view make it perfect for a romantic evening. Prices are on the higher side, around 300,000 – 500,000 VND (about $12 – $20 USD) per dish, but the experience is truly top-notch. (Image: A lavish seafood feast at a luxury restaurant ).

Must-See Spots: History, Fun, and Everything in Between

A trip to Nha Trang isn’t just about the beach and food. The city also has many fascinating cultural and historical sites.

Ponagar Tower (Tháp Bà Ponagar): Perched on a hill, this ancient Champa temple complex is one of Nha Trang’s most iconic landmarks. When I visit, I always feel a sense of tranquility and awe. Gazing at the moss-covered towers, you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back in time to discover a glorious civilization. (Image: The Ponagar Temple complex [alt: Ponagar Tower, ancient Cham architecture]).
Nha Trang Stone Church (Nha Trang Cathedral): With its unique Gothic architecture, this church brings a piece of Europe to the heart of the coastal city. Sunlight filters through the colorful stained-glass windows, creating an ethereal ambiance perfect for artistic photos.
VinWonders Nha Trang: If you’re traveling with family or friends, this “entertainment paradise” is a must-visit. Located on Hon Tre Island, the complex offers thrilling rides, a water park, a zoo, and a spectacular water music show. My advice: buy your tickets online in advance to skip the line, and check out travelgui.com for the best deals!
Mud Bathing: This is a classic Nha Trang experience. After a long day of sightseeing, soaking in a warm mineral mud bath is not only incredibly relaxing but also great for your skin. Popular spots like I-resort or Thap Ba offer this experience, with prices ranging from 150,000 – 300,000 VND (around $6 – $12 USD) per person.

Money-Saving Tips for a Quality Nha Trang Trip

Best Time to Visit: The dry season (January to August) is the best time for weather, but prices will be higher. If you want to save money, travel during the rainy season (September to December). The rains are usually short showers, and you can easily find great deals on flights and hotels.
Getting Around: You can rent a motorbike for about 100,000 – 150,000 VND (about $4 – $6 USD) a day to explore the city at your own pace. For longer distances, a Grab or Mai Linh taxi is a safe and convenient option.
Accommodation: Nha Trang has a wide range of options, from homestays for as little as 200,000 VND (about $8 USD) a night to five-star resorts. Choose what fits your budget, and don’t forget to visit travelgui.com to compare prices and book in advance, especially during peak season.

Worth the Splurge: Island Hopping and Scuba Diving

If you have a little extra budget, an island tour is a worthy investment.

4-Island Tour: This is a popular classic tour that takes you to famous islands like Hon Mun, Hon Mot, and Hon Tam. You’ll get to snorkel, swim, and enjoy a delicious lunch right on the boat. (Image: A scuba diving tour at Hon Mun [alt: Scuba diving to see coral reefs at Hon Mun Island, Nha Trang]).
Professional Scuba Diving Tour: Nha Trang is known as Vietnam‘s scuba diving capital. Spending about 1 million VND (around $40 USD) for a guided diving tour is an incredible value. You’ll get to explore a vibrant underwater world with colorful coral reefs and schools of fish. Trust me, the feeling of floating in the ocean will be an unforgettable memory.

Nha Trang – More Than Just a Trip

To me, Nha Trang isn’t just a tourist city; it’s a place for healing. It’s the feeling of peace as you stroll along Tran Phu road in the morning, the savory flavor of a hot bowl of fish noodles, and the sense of wonder standing before ancient temples. Nha Trang isn’t flashy; it simply waits patiently to share its most beautiful stories with you.

If you’re looking for a place to relax, enjoy, and recharge, let Nha Trang be your next destination. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your amazing journey and find the best deals at travelgui.com today!