Sun-kissed relaxation is an everyday thing in
the bustling coastal town of Nha Trang. After all, this
is a place with more days of sunshine per year than anywhere else in Vietnam.
The town’s main beach, Tran Phu, a seven-kilometre stretch of pristine sand and
clear water, bordered by rustling palms, colourful beachside bars and seafood restaurants.
Here are seven excellent reasons to put Nha Trang on your list.

1. Endless Beaches

Nha
Trang's greatest lure is a sandy beach facing a stunning bay dotted with 19
islands and islets. Tran Phu Beach is packed daily with
holidaymakers, soaking up the rays from countless sun loungers. All along the
beach, watersports are key part of the fun, from para-sailing to kite surfing,
paddle boarding to jet skiing. For an escape from the action, hop on a
motorbike to Long Beach just out of town. Here you’ll find shallow
turquoise waters and local restaurants serving just-caught seafood. For a day
trip, drive 60km north of the city to Doc Let, one of the most picturesque
stretches of coastline in all of Vietnam. 

2. Seafood Feasts

Nha
Trang is called the seafood capital of Vietnam for a reason. Teeming
with marine life, the waters off the Khanh Hoa coast supply the fresh fish and
shellfish that are the highlight of many a meal in Nha Trang. Between
streetside eateries, restaurants, and upmarket hotels, there’s no chance of
going hungry in Nha Trang. For more in-depth explorations of the city’s dining
options, eat with the locals or splurge on five-star buffets at the hotels
along the strip.

3. Mineral-rich Mud Baths

You
can’t really come to Nha Trang and not spend a day at the mud baths. Nha
Trang’s mineral-rich clay used is said to have therapeutic and skin healing benefits,
including increased circulation and moisturisation. After being submerged in
oozing, sticky mud, spring for a shower in cool waterfalls. Then, finish off
with a refreshing dip in the hot mineral pools. If you’re feeling particularly
indulgent, book a coffee massage or a chocolate body wrap. Of the three in the
city, the most popular mud bath is at I-Resort, where you
can extend your visit a huge water park with slides, pools and thrilling
watersports. All in all, a fun-filled day for everyone.

4. Island Adventures

Be
sure to save a day during your trip to get out into the bay and see the islands
just off the coast. Hon Mun Island is Vietnam’s only protected marine
reserve -- ideal for scuba diving and snorkeling. Vinpearl Water Park is
a self-contained island playground with a sprawling amusement park, as well as
a top-notch golf course. Best of all, it’s accessed via a stunning cable car
ride – the longest in Southeast Asia. The aptly named Monkey Island houses
more than a thousand resident primates; while Yen Sao Island is home
to thousands of Salangane Swiftlets.

TIP: If you have time to
explore, Yen Sao Island is a destination in itself, with sheer cliffs, inland
forest and an inviting twin beach.

5. Five-star Luxury

You
won’t find anywhere else in Vietnam with the wealth of enticing accommodation
offered in Nha Trang. From ultra-luxe resorts, to serene getaways, to downtown
hotels, here you can rest your head in perfect comfort. The rugged coastline
between Cam Ranh Airport and Nha Trang is under development, and 10 new resorts
are already in the works.

6. Fascinating Cultural Sites

Nha
Trang keeps culture lovers busy with several noteworthy attractions. Built in
the 8th century by the Cham people, the Po Nagar Cham Towers is a
must-see. Its impressive architecture blends many different religious
influences, including Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam. In town, Nha Trang
Cathedral is a display of ornate French-style stained glass windows and
imposing columns. At the Long Song Pagoda, a towering Buddha statue that
watches over the city from a hilltop. And a little out of town, but well worth
the trip is the serene Buddhist Meditation Institute. Enveloped by
multi-layered gardens covered in flowers and plants, the institute overlooks a
beautiful vista of paddies and mountains.

7. World-class Nightlife

If
there’s anything Nha Trang knows how to do, it’s throw a party. The town’s
vibrant entertainment scene is anchored by Sailing Club Nha Trang -- a flagship venue for more than
twenty years. Sailing Club’s weekend beach parties are famous across Vietnam,
and you can expect to party with a mix of locals, expats and tourists. Up on
the 43rd floor of Havana Hotel, Skylight Nha Trang delivers
incredible views of the city from a 360-degree Skydeck. After sunset,
international DJs and live acts take centrestage.

Source:
vietnamtourism.vn