Attractions & Things To See In Nha Trang
Must see in Nha Trang
Po Nagar Cham Towers
Some historical Cham sites that used to belong to the Champa people are still available in Nha Trang. Po Nagar Cham Towers (or Po Nagar Temple Complex) is a famous place which has not only its own exceptional style of architectural but also a long history. Po Nagar Temple, meant to honor the Goddess of Country known as Po Nagar, was built between eight and tenth centuries and is recognized by its tiered pyramidal dome. Although only four out of ten original towers remain in the complex, they still are major centers for worshiping for Cham and Vietnamese Buddhists.
Po Nagar Cham Towers
White Buddha Pagoda or Long Son pagoda is one of the most popular pagodas in Khanh Hoa located at the foot of TraiThuy mountain. There is a stunning dragon pattern made from glass and ceramic tiles on this more than 100 years old pagoda. From this temple one can climb 193 steps towards Trai Thuy Mountain’s top so as to view 24 m tall White Buddha sitting on a lotus throne and catch sight of Nha Trang Bay.
Oceanographic Museum of Vietnam
The Vietnam Oceanographic Museum is a captivating aquarium that will give you the authentic underwater experience around Nha Trang.
At Cau Da St.’s foot, somewhere about 5 kilometers away from the center of Nha Trang city and situated at Bao Dai Village built on the outcrop. In an impressive French colonial building, it houses a museum whose opening ceremony to the public occurred on September 14, 1922. Today it remains to be a destination for both local and international tourists.
This museum’s contents are spread across two floors; numerous fish tanks of various sizes with all kinds of aquatic life are located at ground level. That is where one can view any species of fish that live in waters off Khanh Hoa Province such as reef sharks, turtles, live coral, anemones, puffer fish, lionfishes, clown fishes, sea horses as well as many other types of colorful reef species that you can only find in this part of the world. Each one has been given a tag under their tank with their names given in Vietnamese and English and has features like place of origin.
The upper floor has displays for exhibits, local fishing tools and equipment like boats used for fishing by locals and an 18-meter long whale skeleton. This museum has amassed over twenty thousand specimens of tropical marine life throughout its long history. Formaldehyde solution is also employed in preserving bones or carcasses belonging to unusual creatures along with actual fish. For instance dugongs also known as sea cows which have been discovered in Kampuchean Vietnamese seas or even in other nearby countries. Visiting huge tropical turtles and crocodiles usually make children very happy.
Besides having aquariums dealing with marine science themes such as documenting the development; the National Oceanographic Museum of Vietnam provides rooms displaying how its research instruments changed over time. Some examples include “From Light to Life” (all about algae and phytoplankton) as well as “Life in a Drop of Water” (various kinds of microscopic aquatic organisms). Others show coastal natural disasters, sacred legends, traditional customs, and Vietnamese fishing culture.
Island Adventures
Make sure you have visited the islands around Nha Trang. Hon Mun, Hon Tre, Hon Mieu and Hon Tam are the most famous and beautiful islands which should not be missed by anyone. Expect to enjoy an exciting day with kayaking or windsurfing on Hon Tam Island; scuba diving & snorkeling at Mun Island; exploring Tri Nguyen Aquarium with rare sea creatures; playing many games at VinWonders- the best amusement park located on Hon Tre island. Lastly but not least, don’t forget to take a rest enjoying fantastic sandy beaches of this island lying in the azure ocean. There is nothing that can replace relaxation like that.
Thap Ba Hot Springs Centre
While planning your perfect Nha Trang trip do not miss Thap Ba Hot Springs Centre. After busy city exploration day travelers can relax at Thap Ba Hot Springs Centre located just 4km away from the heart of Nha Trang right behind Po Nagar Towers. The most popular options here are mud-bathing and swimming in hot mineralized water that any visitor must try first time there . In addition to this you have herbal baths, waterfall relaxation, sauna room, jacuzzi , acupuncture therapy etc.
Temples In Nha Trang
- Po Nagar Cham Towers, 2 Thang 4 St.07:30-17:00. The four brick towers were constructed by the Cham culture between the seventh and twelfth centuries to honor Yang Ino Po Ngar, mother of the kingdom, and it is obvious from the scent of incense coming from within that this location is still sacred to the local Nha Trang Buddhists today. Even if the callous repair and surrounding hordes of visitors fail to excite temple devotees, the durability of these final remains of a once-dominant SE Asian civilisation should. The modest building is perched atop a hill with views of the fishing community of Nha Trang. From the main beach strip, it is a 20 to 25 minute walk (or short motorcycle ride), but be prepared to explore through the actual Nha Trang, which is a sharp contrast to the ostentatious built-up beach side resort. Near the Cham Towers are bus stations for route 4. 21,000 dong.
- Long Son Pagoda, Thai Nguyen St. 08:00-17:00. You may find a 24 m tall white Buddha at this pagoda. The pagoda was built in 1963 in memory of the monks and nuns who lost their lives while protesting the Diem regime. Be wary of con artists who demand money from you before climbing the pagoda under the pretense that they are temple scholars. The pagoda is open to all students regardless of connection with the institution. Free.
- Nha Tho Nui Cathedral. The cathedral, which is perched on a hill above the city, reflects the influence of French Catholicism. There are still many Catholics living in the Nha Trang region. Around the church are Catholic stores.
Museums & Galleries in Nha Trang
- Alexandre Yersin Museum, 10 Tran Phu St, +84 58 822355. M-Fr 07:30-11:30 and 14:00-17:00, Sa 07:30-11:30. This is the scientific repository for Dr. Alexandre Yersin (1863–1943), a Swiss-born physician who traveled to Vietnam in 1891 to research diseased animals. Later, he created a serum using horses and buffalo. You may see every piece of his work, together with his tools, at this museum. Yersin lived the remainder of his life in Nha Trang and never returned to Switzerland. Avoid attempting to capture photos. Respect the regulations since they are quite strict here. 26,000 dong.
- Khánh Hòa Museum, 16 Tran Phu St,+84 58 3813 654. Mon, Wed, Fri and Sun 8:00-11:00, 14:00 – 17:00. The Cham monuments and relics from the local ethnic minority of Nha Trang are on display. Ho Chi Minh’s personal items are showcased in one of the rooms.
- National Oceanographic Museum of Vietnam, 01 Cau Da (left of the commercial port entrance),+84 58 590037. 07:00-16:00. This contains both common and uncommon marine creatures, similar to an aquarium. Kids should visit this location because they can observe sharks, turtles, coral reefs, lion fish, sea horses, and many other animals. 30,000 dong.
- Impressions Museum, Buu Doa – 10, +84 165 232 3028. 9am-8pm. 3D artworks that you may interact with. Excellent for selfie junkies, but go with a friend! Go as a group ideally of three or more. Two is OK, but it will be challenging to obtain good pictures of you two together. Being on the other side of the old airport from the major tourist area makes it difficult to discover. Reviews are conflicting, and many people think it’s too expensive. 150,000 dong.
Outside of the city - other attractions
- Diên Khánh Citadel, Diên Khánh Townlet (12 km W of city).For Nguyễn Ánh , a French lieutenant named Olivier de Puymanel constructed the citadel in 1793. It had a prison, private residences, stores, and a royal palace. It was enclosed by 3.5 m high walls and moats that were 4-5 m deep and 10 m wide. It once had six gates, but now there are just four.
- Fairy Spring waterfalls (Suối Tiên) (about 20 km SW of Nha Trang. Go 10 km W of Nha Trang to Diên Khánh, go 5 km through the old Diên Khánh citadel to Diên Phước village, turn left 4 km to Suoi Tien village, then right 1 km to the stream). Local children use Fairy Spring, a little, chilly stream and swimming hole, during the weekends. After a brief trek through the woods, there is a swimming hole. Summertime is a great time to go there. The water is too chilly to swim in the winter. The region around Hn Bà, the province’s tallest peak, is where the stream originates. Drinks in bottles and cans are offered, but no food is currently being sold here. The region is gradually being built up to become a resort with a hotel, bungalows, and a restaurant. 10,000 dong for each person and 3,000 dong for each motorcycle.
- Ba Ho Waterfalls (near Ba Ho village, approximately 20 km N of Nha Trang). A fast-moving river with a succession of three waterfalls hidden in the forest. Although you may buy meals like rice, chicken, beers, and soft drinks, there aren’t many facilities. There are taxis available in Nha Trang to take you there, but if you are comfortable riding a motorcycle, it’s not too difficult to locate yourself and with good weather it’s a lovely journey. By motorcycle, the journey from Nha Trang takes around 1 hour and includes some unpaved, tough terrain (especially in the wet season). The stone pillar that marks the turnoff off the main highway north of Nha Trang might be simple to miss, but most residents who live nearby should be able to point it out. There is a straight path leading to the river from the turn off. Bring some sturdy shoes so you can climb over the rocks, and pack your bathing clothes so you can have a dip when you get there. From the tourist area’s entrance to the lakes, it will take around 45 minutes. If you turn right at the T-intersection in the rice fields, there is an orphanage quite near to the lakes that would really appreciate any donations of vegetarian food (take milk, tofu, yogourt, etc.). Dial +84 90 5823807 to reach Dieu An, the nun. She solely converses in Vietnamese. Admission is 20 000 dong.
- Hon Ba Nature Reserve (64 km away from the city). Located at the summit of Hon Ba mountain at 1,514 m above sea level.
- Monkey Island (Hon Lao) (20 km N of Nha Trang). Take a boat to Monkey Island, which is full of monkeys, has a 10:00 circus, and a basic go-kart track. The pier is 1 km farther north of the island.
