Traveling to Nha Trang: Top 15 Must-Visit Destinations

Nha Trang is a beautiful coastal city in South Central Vietnam, often referred to as a gem along the East Sea. With its abundant tourism potential, including stunning beaches, numerous islands, and unique coral reefs, Nha Trang is undoubtedly a destination you shouldn’t miss when visiting Vietnam. Let’s explore the top attractions in Nha Trang through the following highlights.

Learn more about tour that include Nha Trang in the itinerary, see: Highlights of Vietnam & Cambodia – 10 Days

Table of Contents

1. Hon Mun Island

Hon Mun Island boasts stunning natural scenery with crystal-clear waters and a vibrant coral reef ecosystem. It is home to over 2,000 species of coral and 1,500 marine species, making it one of the most biologically diverse marine areas in Vietnam, as recognized by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). The island’s name, “Hon Mun,” is derived from the unique black stone found here, resembling ebony wood, which sets the island apart. Visitors will be captivated by the towering cliffs and jagged rocks that stand out against the deep blue sky and ocean, creating a striking and unique landscape that is hard to find elsewhere.

Getting there: Head to Cau Da Port (located at the end of Tran Phu Street, Nha Trang city), where you can take a boat or speedboat to the island. You can also opt for a tour that combines visits to other nearby islands such as Hon Mun and Hon Tam.

Hon Mun Island, Nha Trang — Hon Mun Island

2. Hon Tam Island

Hon Tam Island, also known as Thuy Kim Son, is a small island covering about 110 hectares, located approximately 7 km southeast of Nha Trang city.

This area is ideal for eco-tourism and relaxation enthusiasts, as the island still retains much of its pristine beauty. It is surrounded by calm, clear waters with gentle waves, offering a tranquil escape.

The name “Hon Tam” was simply given by local fishermen, as the island, when viewed from afar, resembles a green silkworm with its head pointing towards the East Sea. This is how it came to be known as Hon Tam.

Hon Tam Island, Nha Trang — Hon Tam Island

3. Monkey Island

Monkey Island, also known as Hon Lao, is an eco-tourism destination located in Nha Phu Bay, about 18 km north of Nha Trang city. Once a remote and rarely visited island, Monkey Island has quickly become a popular attraction, drawing visitors to its stunning natural landscapes and unique wildlife.

Covering an area of about 25 hectares, Monkey Island is home to lush natural scenery, including pristine forests, clear blue waters, white sandy beaches, and gentle streams. The island’s most remarkable feature is its wild monkey population, including species like long-tailed macaques, red-faced monkeys, and white-faced monkeys. It is home to over 1,500 monkeys living in their natural habitat, making it a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

Monkey Island is perfect for nature lovers and those who want to get up close and personal with wildlife. You can explore the monkey sanctuary, observe their behavior, and learn about their way of life. The island also offers a variety of fun activities and entertainment, such as monkey circus shows, monkey motorbike racing, and Formula 1 Prokart racing. Additionally, there are water sports like snorkeling, surfing, and underwater exploration for visitors to enjoy thrilling moments.

Monkey Island, Nha Trang — Monkey Island

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4. Ninh Van Bay

Ninh Van Bay is located in Ninh Hoa district, Khanh Hoa province, on the Hon Meo Peninsula, about 60 km north of Nha Trang city. With its breathtaking natural beauty, it has become an ideal and dreamy retreat for families, couples, and honeymooners. The bay also offers activities such as coral viewing, snorkeling, surfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking.

From Nha Trang, you can take a speedboat and reach this beautiful bay in just about 20 minutes.

5. Ponagar Tower

Ponagar Tower in Nha Trang is a well-preserved relic of the Cham people and a unique attraction in the city. As one of the region’s most significant historical and cultural landmarks, Ponagar Tower holds ancient significance, representing a fusion of Cham and Kinh cultures.

One of the tower’s most remarkable features is the construction technique—massive stones stacked on top of each other without the use of any adhesive. The towering structure, adorned with finely carved sculptures and statues of deities, creates a mystical and fascinating atmosphere.

Beyond its historical and cultural value, Ponagar Tower also offers a prime geographical location. From here, visitors can take in panoramic views of Nha Trang and the stunning coastal scenery. Every year, on the 21st day of the second lunar month, the Ponagar Tower Festival is held, attracting locals and tourists alike to engage in traditional cultural activities that help preserve and honor the religious and cultural heritage of the ancient Cham people. Additionally, visitors can enjoy daily afternoon performances of traditional Cham music and dance.

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6. Van Phong Bay

Van Phong Bay is located about 80 km from Nha Trang city and encompasses a vast gulf with 28 islands and numerous smaller bays. Stretching between Ninh Hoa and Van Ninh districts, Van Phong Bay offers stunning, picturesque landscapes. From a distance, it resembles a long, green ribbon unfurling across the expansive sky and sea.

Often referred to as a serene gem amidst the vast ocean, Van Phong Bay’s untouched, peaceful beauty is like a breathtaking natural masterpiece, bathed in sunshine and coastal breezes.

One of the bay’s most intriguing attractions is the unique “sea-crossing path,” the only one of its kind in Vietnam. This pathway emerges and submerges beneath the sea, leading to Diep Son Island. About 1 meter wide and submerged knee-deep in water, it offers visitors a thrilling and unforgettable experience as they walk across the sea.

Van Phong Bay, Nha Trang — Van Phong Bay

7. 2/4 Square and Tram Huong Tower

Located at the heart of Nha Trang city, 2/4 Square is not only an important cultural and historical symbol but also a favorite spot for tourists and locals alike. Here, you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the ocean while experiencing the vibrant rhythm of life in Nha Trang.

Covering an area of more than 500 square meters and surrounded by five-star hotels, the square becomes illuminated at night by the glow of nearby buildings, casting a dreamy golden light across the area.

The square also hosts a variety of cultural events, exhibitions, fairs, and art performances. During holidays and important anniversaries, visitors can enjoy exciting activities such as light festivals, musical performances, traditional dances, and other entertainment options.

Standing prominently in the center of 2/4 Square is the Tram Huong Tower. This 45-meter-tall structure features six floors with a total floor area of 3,500 square meters. Its unique design, resembling a blossoming lotus with shades of orange and pink, makes it an eye-catching landmark.

Tram Huong Tower houses a range of artistic works and exhibits that showcase the life, people, and the traditional bird’s nest industry of Khanh Hoa province. The top floor is equipped with a telescope, allowing visitors to enjoy panoramic views of the beautiful coastal city of Nha Trang.

8. Nha Trang Night Market

Nha Trang is home to four night markets, with the market at 46 Tran Phu Street being the most well-known among locals and tourists.

With its lively atmosphere, diverse range of goods, and delicious food offerings, the Nha Trang Night Market is a must-visit for both locals and visitors. Conveniently located in the heart of the city, the market is easily accessible by any means of transport.

Open daily from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., the market is the perfect evening destination for exploring its many wonders. Combining culture, cuisine, entertainment, and shopping, the Nha Trang Night Market is truly a can’t-miss experience when visiting this beautiful coastal city.

9. Do Theater

Do Theater is located at Bai Tien Beach in Vinh Hoa Ward, about 8 km north of Nha Trang city center. This architectural masterpiece stands approximately 20 meters tall and spans a total area of 2,500 square meters. Its design is inspired by the “do,” a traditional Vietnamese fishing tool. The structure, made from a steel frame painted in shimmering gold, is decorated with coral-like patterns intertwined with pearls, giving the theater a unique and striking appearance.

Visitors can explore and take photos of the theater without any admission fee. Additionally, you can purchase tickets to enjoy captivating cultural performances that reflect the essence of local traditions, such as the show “Dream Puppets.”

10. Nha Trang Stone Church

Nha Trang Stone Church, also known as Christ the King Cathedral or Nui Church, is a prominent religious and architectural landmark perched on the top of Mount Ca in Nha Trang. The church stands 12 meters above ground, measuring 36 meters in length and 20 meters in width. Its sturdy structure, featuring cubic stone blocks weathered by time, is a testament to its lasting beauty. With its Gothic architectural style, the church exudes a majestic charm, deeply rooted in classical Roman aesthetics.

A special feature of the church is its bell tower, housing two copper bells crafted by the renowned French bellmaker Bourdon Carillond. One bell produces the note E-flat, while the other strikes the notes C and A, creating a harmonious sound that resonates throughout the area.

Visitors can participate in religious services here, offering a peaceful retreat for prayer and reflection. It’s also an ideal spot for couples to capture memorable moments on their special day.

As one of the four sacred pillars for the people of Nha Trang, the Stone Church is a free tourist destination that attracts thousands of visitors each year.

11. Nha Trang Oceanographic Institute

The Nha Trang Oceanographic Institute plays a vital role in the research, conservation, and protection of national marine resources, housing 24,000 preserved specimens of marine life from around the world. It also serves as an intriguing tourist destination in Nha Trang, attracting numerous visitors eager to explore the mysteries of the ocean world.

Additionally, the complex of aquariums and glass dome tanks is a major highlight for visitors. Here, you can admire rare marine species, including fierce predators like sharks, and take advantage of the stunning dome and cylindrical tanks as beautiful backgrounds for photos—an opportunity not to be missed.

12. VinWonders Nha Trang Amusement Park

VinWonders Nha Trang is one of the largest and most modern amusement parks in Vietnam, located on Hon Tre Island in Nha Trang. Spanning an area of 50 hectares, the park features a wide range of thrilling rides, spectacular performances, and diverse entertainment activities.

At VinWonders Nha Trang, you can challenge yourself with adrenaline-pumping attractions such as roller coasters, the magical Ferris wheel, fun-filled swimming pools, and ziplining. Additionally, the water park offers a refreshing and exciting environment for visitors of all ages to enjoy.

One of the must-see attractions here is the mesmerizing musical water show, a grand performance that combines state-of-the-art sound and lighting. These shows are typically held from 7:00 PM to 7:25 PM or 8:00 PM to 8:25 PM and should not be missed.

13. Yen Island

Yen Island, also known as Hon Noi, is part of an island cluster in Nha Trang Bay, located about 25 km south of Nha Trang city. The island is famous for its unique dual-sided beach, where one side features warm water and the other side cool water. Yen Island is also home to swiftlets and is renowned as the “kingdom of bird’s nests.” As you stroll around the island, you’ll witness bird nests clinging densely to the cliffs, creating a stunning and rare spectacle.

Yen Island offers a harmonious blend of beautiful coastal landscapes and the unique bird’s nest industry, providing visitors with diverse and fascinating experiences. From exploring breathtaking natural scenery and swimming in crystal-clear waters to learning about the bird’s nest cultivation process and sampling local delicacies, Yen Island promises unforgettable moments during your visit.

14. Nha Trang Coral Bay

Nha Trang Coral Bay is a fascinating eco-tourism destination located within Nha Trang Bay. Known as the “kingdom of coral,” the bay boasts a rich and diverse marine ecosystem. Spanning an area of approximately 200 hectares, Coral Bay is home to numerous stunning coral reefs. The bay features over 80 species of hard corals, 70 species of soft corals, and more than 1,000 species of marine fish. In addition, it houses a variety of other marine creatures such as sea anemones and seaweed.

Visitors to Coral Bay can enjoy exciting activities like scuba diving, sea walking, or observing the underwater world through a glass-bottom boat. Once underwater, you’ll discover a mesmerizing hidden world, where vibrant corals and schools of colorful fish create a natural masterpiece.

To reach Coral Bay from the mainland, you can rent a canoe or wooden boat. It’s also essential to help preserve the coral environment during your visit by following simple actions like not littering, avoiding direct contact with the corals, and refraining from using sunscreens that contain harmful chemicals such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, and avobenzone, which can negatively affect the coral reefs.

15. Hon Chong Island

Hon Chong is a renowned tourist spot in Nha Trang, featuring a large formation of stacked rocks in various shapes and sizes, stretching from the high shore down to the sea. Seemingly isolated from the hustle and bustle of city life, Hon Chong offers a peaceful and serene atmosphere, making it one of the best places to enjoy sea views in Nha Trang.

The main activities at Hon Chong revolve around sightseeing, so visitors don’t need to spend much on entertainment services. With its scenic and majestic beauty, this spot is perfect for taking a leisurely walk, swimming, or simply capturing beautiful photos.

Conclusion

With such appealing tourist destinations, Nha Trang is certain to grow as a top travel city, attracting visitors from all over the world. Make sure to include Nha Trang in your Vietnam travel itinerary so you don’t miss out on this wonderful destination. Feel free to reach out to our team for the best assistance in planning your trip.