8 Best Things to See and DO in Nha Trang, Vietnam
- Introduction
- 1. Mud Baths at Thap Ba
- 2. Drive Along the Coast to Cam Ranh and Vin Hy Tien Bien Pass
- 3. Visit Ba Ho Waterfalls
- 4. Eat at Nom Nom Restaurant
- 5. Brunch at Sweet Secret Restaurant
- 6. Chill Out on the Beach
- 7. Sailing Club for Drinks by the Beach
- 8. Indulge in Wellness Treatments at Ty My
- Getting Around in Nha Trang
- Where to Stay in Nha Trang
- How Long Should You Stay in Nha Trang?
- My Honest Review of Nha Trang
- Conclusion
Introduction
Nestled on the coast of Vietnam, Nha Trang is a picturesque seaside city known for its stunning beaches, thriving restaurant scene, and rejuvenating wellness activities. Here are the 8 best things to do to experience the very best of Nha Trang and the surrounding areas.
1. Mud Baths at Thap Ba
Start your journey in Nha Trang with a unique wellness experience at Thap Ba. Sink into the warm, therapeutic mud baths that are reputed for their health benefits. The mineral-rich mud is said to improve skin and boost circulation. It’s a relaxing and invigorating way to kickstart your adventure.
This experience is affordable, at just over £10 per person, you get to enjoy a 20-minute mud bath, hydrotherapy walkway, a dip in a hot tub and various other warm pools before relaxing on sun loungers next to the larger swimming pools.
I highly recommend this unique activity in Nha Trang, especially if you’ve been on the road for a while as it’s a great way to relax and unwind!
2. Drive Along the Coast to Cam Ranh and Vin Hy Tien Bien Pass
Hire a scooter or grab a taxi and take a scenic drive along the coast to Cam Ranh. Along the way, traverse the breathtaking Vin Hy Tien Bien Pass, a winding coastal road offering panoramic ocean views. Don’t forget to stop for photo ops!
The round trip was about 170km in total. My partner Brett and I really wanted to take in the beautiful scenery along the coast here. You can see some awesome drone footage of our experience in our Nha Trang Vlog below!
3. Visit Ba Ho Waterfalls
Escape to nature at Ba Ho Waterfalls, a beautiful natural wonder nestled in the heart of the forest. The waterfall consists of three natural pools with crystal-clear water. After a hike through the dense foliage, cool off with a dip in the pools.
Pool 1 is the easiest to access, and if you don’t feel like climbing up to the next one you don’t have to! I made it to pool 2 before I saw the almost vertical incline to pool 3 and I decided to stop there.
Ba Ho Waterfalls are only a 40-minute drive away from Nha Trang city centre and there are a couple of restaurants/cafes there to grab a bite to eat once you’ve finished frolicking in the waterfall!
4. Eat at Nom Nom Restaurant
Experience the flavours of Vietnam at Nom Nom Restaurant, a local favourite. Savour authentic Vietnamese dishes prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. A must-visit for food lovers!
5. Brunch at Sweet Secret Restaurant
Sweet Secret Restaurant offers an array of delectable brunch options to choose from. From tasty traditional Vietnamese coffee to a wide selection of international cuisine, this is the perfect spot for a lazy morning meal. We particularly enjoyed their toast selection and the beetroot and feta salad was delicious. They also offer amazingly priced fresh juices! Sweet Secret is a hidden gem in Nha Trang!
6. Chill Out on the Beach
No visit to Nha Trang would be complete without a day on its gorgeous beaches. Soak up the sun, read a book, or take a refreshing dip in the clear turquoise waters. The serene surroundings make for a perfect day of relaxation. There are places along the beach where you can rent sunbeds and parasols for the day too.
7. Sailing Club for Drinks by the Beach
As evening descends, head over to the Sailing Club for beachfront drinks. Sip on creative cocktails while watching the sunset, making it an idyllic way to end a day in Nha Trang.
8. Indulge in Wellness Treatments at Ty My
Pamper yourself with a rejuvenating hair wash, a relaxing shoulder massage, and a refreshing facial at Ty My. All this for just 200k dong (£6.77/$8.53), it’s a luxury experience that won’t break the bank.
Getting Around in Nha Trang
Navigating Nha Trang is relatively easy. Options like Grab Taxi or Grab Bikes are popular and convenient, or for more freedom, you could hire a scooter to explore at your own pace.
Motorbike rental costs 150,000 Vietnamese Dong (£5/$6.15) per day, so it’s a really affordable way to get around!
Where to Stay in Nha Trang
When it comes to accommodation, the Alpha Bird Hotel is a great choice. With comfortable rooms, a roof terrace and a swimming pool, it offers a cozy base for your adventures in Nha Trang.
How Long Should You Stay in Nha Trang?
While the length of your stay will depend on your travel plans, I would recommend 3-4 days. This gives you ample time to explore the city and nearby attractions.
My Honest Review of Nha Trang
Honestly, I wasn’t thrilled with the city of Nha Trang, it felt quite touristy and not particularly cultural. I was initially worried that we wouldn’t find enough activities to keep us entertained there. At first glance, it doesn’t seem like there is too much to do there, and while that might be true for the city itself, there are attractions close by that make it worth visiting!
My favourite activity close to Nha Trang has to be Ba Ho Waterfalls. It’s such an adventure to climb over the rocks and reach the cool pools. I also really enjoyed our little day trip/road trip past Cam Ranh to the Vin Hy Tien Bien Pass, it felt very adventurous and we’d had it on our list for a while!
Conclusion
I would say that if you’re looking for a relaxing beach holiday with all of the amenities nearby, Nha Trang is a great place to visit in Vietnam. Also, if you’re looking for a bit more adventure, it has enough to offer for a couple of days! However, it isn’t a destination that I would revisit or highly recommend for your Vietnamese backpacking adventure!
If you enjoyed this blog, be sure to check out my other Vietnam Blogs here! If you have any questions, feel free to contact me via email: tianitravels@gmail.com or via social media.