Things to do in  Nha Trang

A tumbling mass of granite slabs and boulders, the Hon Chong promontory juts into Nha Trang Bay, a little north of downtown. A traditional wooden house (rebuilt for tourism purposes and an ocean-view café add character, and the coastal and island views from the end of the rocks are spectacular.

Constructed between the 8th and 12th centuries, the Po Nagar Cham Towers sit at the mouth of the Cai River in central Vietnam, on the outskirts of the beach town of Nha Trang. The towers were built to honor the region’s Cham rulers and incorporate Buddhist temples and shrines to the Hindu gods Shiva and Ganesh.

One of a cluster of islands that stud Nha Trang Bay, Hon Mun island is the epicenter of the Hon Mun Marine Protected Area. Spanning 30,000 acres (12,000 hectares) of protected ocean, the zone is home to colorful coral and marine life. Visit to snorkel one of Vietnam’s favorite underwater spots.

Topped with a vast white Buddha seated on a lotus leaf, Long Son Pagoda (Chùa Long Sơn is one of Nha Trang’s signature sights. Stairs lead up the leafy hill past temples, a prayer hall, a Chinese-influenced mosaic dragon screen, and a reclining Buddha. It’s not unusual to hear monks and nuns chanting.

Dating back to the early 20th century, Dam Market (Cho Dam is Nha Trang’s largest market and a hub for local life. Across three stories, eclectic stalls sell meat, fish, and souvenirs, while Vietnamese vendors create a lively atmosphere that lasts from the early morning until the evening.

Housed in an old French colonial building outside Nha Trang’s city center, the National Oceanographic Museum of Vietnam charts the history, science, and technology associated with marine life, with exhibits focusing on things like algae and phytoplankton, the history of fishing in Vietnam, and natural disasters at sea and around the coast.

Nowhere sums up Nha Trang’s coastal allure like Nha Trang Beach, a golden stretch home to swaying palm trees and turquoise waters. Depending on the vibe you’re after, the beach offers lively bars or uninterrupted swathes of sand; its also backed by a promenade that comes to life at night.

Christ the King Cathedral, Nha Trang Cathedral, Stone Church—there are many names to describe this brick and stained-glass Catholic beauty. Competing with countless Hindu and Buddhist temples, this Gothic cathedral stands out with delicate arches, soaring windows, and a clock tower. When you’re here, use it as your compass; high atop a hill, it can be seen all across the city.

Even though it's just a short boat ride from the resort city of Nha Trang, Hon Mieu Island feels a million miles away. Along with its white-sand beaches and seafood restaurants, its biggest claim to fame is Tri Nguyen Aquarium, a unique boat-shaped building that houses giant shrimp, sharks, and turtles.

Set amid the tropical greenery of Hon Tre Island, Vinpearl Land Nha Trang (sometimes called Vinpearl Amusement Park) transforms the beach resort of Nha Trang into a destination perfect for families and thrill seekers. The excitement begins before you even reach the entrance of the park, as you ride a record-breaking 2-mile (3.2-kilometer) cable car suspended above the South China Sea.

Experience Nha Trang’s famous mud baths at a reasonable rate at Thap Ba Hot Springs, a relaxing spa that gives you the chance to soak in baths filled with mud with alleged healing properties. The site is also home to several mineral-water swimming pools, a sauna, and a waterfall.

XQ Historical Village is dedicated to the ancient Vietnamese art of embroidery. When you first glance at the artworks exhibited inside this cultural institution in Nha Trang, you might think they’re paintings—but look closer and see they’re intricate embroidery pieces. Plus, they’re set among a lovely, historic-style building laden.

At the top of a mountain near Nha Trang lies the Hon Ba Nature Reserve (Khu Bao Ton Thien Nhien Hon Ba). The 50,000-acre (21,000-hectare) forest has almost 1,000 species of flora and fauna, many endangered. Ascending the mountain is a panoramic pilgrimage: At the top rests the outstation of Alexandre Yersin, the French doctor who discovered the cause of the Bubonic plague.

Nha Trang’s I-Resort Hot Mineral Springs has sprinkled notes of rural Vietnam over a five-star hot springs facility. Offering mud baths, mineral springs, waterfalls, and private villas, the resort grants visitors a true getaway within a getaway. Even if the mineral waters aren’t a guaranteed cure for all ailments as once believed, they are a guaranteed, meditative delight for the senses.

Located in the green hills that surround Nha Trang, 100 Egg Theme Park (Khu Du Lịch Trăm Trứng is a mud bath complex with a difference—everything in the complex is inspired by eggs. Bask in egg-shaped mud paths, eat egg-based dishes at the restaurant, or shop for egg-themed souvenirs.