15 best things to do in Nha Trang

Sitting along Vietnam’s south-central coast, Nha Trang has grown from a quiet fishing town into a well-known coastal city.  It’s home to around 400,000 people and stretches across a long curve of sandy beach with the Annamite Mountains rising just inland.
Even with modern development, Nha Trang hasn’t lost its sense of place. Large resorts and high-rises line the beachfront, but traditional neighborhoods, open-air markets, and busy fishing harbors are very much part of everyday life. Here’s our guide to the best things to do in Nha Trang.
 

1. Ba Ho waterfalls

About 15 miles (25 km) north of Nha Trang, Ba Ho Waterfalls is a series of three freshwater pools tucked into the jungle. It’s a bit of a climb to reach them—especially the second and third falls—but that’s part of the appeal. 

Reaching them means scrambling over rocks, following uneven paths, and sweating a little before jumping into cool, clear water surrounded by trees and boulders. The first pool is the easiest to get to and tends to be the busiest. The higher you go, the fewer people you’ll see—and the better the views get. It’s a great half-day trip if you’re looking for something active.

2. Dam Market (Chợ Đầm)

Dam Market has been part of local life since the late 1960s, and it’s still where a lot of people go for groceries, clothes, and household items. It’s busy, loud, and packed with vendors selling everything from fresh seafood and tropical fruit to household goods and dried herbs. 

Upstairs is a small food court where you can get a cheap, filling meal—bowls of noodles, bánh căn, or grilled pork with rice. It’s a good place to pick up souvenirs too, like lacquerware, dried mango, or embroidered goods. 
 

3. Hon Mun

Just over 6 miles (10 km) off the coast, Hon Mun is known for its coral reefs and clear water, and it’s one of the go-to spots in Nha Trang for diving and snorkeling.

It’s part of a protected marine area, so the underwater life here is in better shape than in many other places. If you go out with a tour, you’ll usually stop at a couple of sites with calm water and plenty to see. 350 species of hard and soft corals live here—like staghorn, brain corals, sea fans, and table corals

You don’t need to be experienced—there are options for beginners, and the water is usually gentle enough to float around and see quite a bit. This is easily one of the best things to do in Nha Trang.

4. Long Son Pagoda and White Buddha

Long Son Pagoda is one of the most recognizable religious sites in Nha Trang. Built in the late 1800s, it sits partway up a hillside just outside the city center. To reach the giant white Buddha at the top, you’ll need to climb about 150 steps.

Along the way, you’ll pass detailed mosaics, dragon sculptures, and peaceful halls where monks still gather for daily prayers. The white Buddha—added in the 1960s—commemorates monks who died protesting religious persecution.

It’s not just a viewpoint (though the city and bay views are impressive) but also an active temple with deep local meaning and one of the best things to do in Nha Trang.
 

5. The Sailing Club

The Sailing Club sits right on the beach and has been around since the early ‘90s. It’s a mix of beach bar, restaurant, and nightlife spot, and it’s kind of become part of Nha Trang’s identity.

During the day, it’s a nice place to grab lunch with your feet in the sand or a coffee while watching the waves.

As the sun goes down, the vibe shifts a bit—music picks up, more people arrive, and eventually, it turns into a beach party. You’ll see a real mix of people here: travelers passing through, expats who live in town, and locals who’ve been coming here for years. It’s easy to spend a few hours without really planning to.

6. Nha Trang Cathedral (Mountain Church)

Built during the French colonial period, Nha Trang Cathedral stands on a small hill near the train tracks, overlooking much of the city.

The architecture is European—arched windows, stained glass, and stone walls made from local materials. It’s still an active church, so mass is held regularly, but visitors are welcome outside of service times. It’s a simple stop, but a good one 
 

7. Tran Phu Street

Tran Phu runs right along the beach and basically acts as the main road for anyone staying in Nha Trang. It’s where most of the hotels are, and it’s easy to walk from one end to the other. You’ve got beach access the whole way, so you can swim, grab a drink, or sit down for a meal without needing to go far. T

here’s a wide mix of places to eat — everything from street vendors to restaurants serving Vietnamese and international food. At night, it gets louder and more crowded, with bars and cafes spilling onto the sidewalks and traffic buzzing past. It’s the kind of street you’ll probably end up walking along every day without really planning to — everything’s just there.

8. Po Nagar Cham towers

Po Nagar sits on a small hill just above the river, and it’s one of the few places in the area that still connects directly to the Cham. The towers were between the 7th and 12th centuries and are dedicated to the goddess Po Nagar, who’s seen as a protector of the sea.

What’s interesting is that the towers were constructed without mortar, yet they’ve held up for centuries. Four towers remain (out of the original seven).The main tower is still used for worship, and people come here regularly to pray, light incense, or leave flowers. 
 

9. Take the cable car to Hon Tre Island

The cable car that crosses over Nha Trang Bay to Hon Tre Island isn’t just a way to get to the island — it’s a whole experience. It stretches a few kilometers over the water and gives you a bird’s-eye view of the bay, the city, and the smaller islands nearby. The ride takes about 7–8 minutes and the views are genuinely worth it. You’ll be around 60 meters up, and the gondolas have wide windows.

Once you’re on Hon Tre, there’s a mix of things to do — beaches, watersports, restaurants, and the Vinpearl complex. But even if you’re not interested in theme parks, the cable car ride itself is worth doing just for the perspective you get over the coast and the sea.

10. Try bun ca and nem nuong ninh hoa 

These two dishes are some that Nha Trang is known  for. Bun ca is a light, flavorful noodle soup made with mackerel in a clear broth. It’s served with rice vermicelli and fresh herbs, and feels a bit cleaner and more delicate than pho. 

Nem nuong Ninh Hoa is more hands-on — you get grilled pork patties, rice paper, herbs, and pickled veggies, and wrap them up yourself before dipping them into fish sauce. Both are tied closely to the area’s identity and are everyday meals here. Trying them is one of the best things to do in Nha Trang.
 

11. Thap Ba hot springs

About 2 miles (4 km) north of Nha Trang, Thap Ba is a hot springs and mud bath complex that’s been popular with locals and visitors for years. The water comes out of the ground already hot—around 104°F (40°C)—and is full of minerals like sulfur and calcium, which are thought to be good for the skin and joints. 

There’s a mix of communal pools, private tubs, and mud baths made with clay from the surrounding area. It’s not a luxury spa, but it’s clean and well-run, and the mix of natural hot springs and local treatments makes it feel like a real part of Vietnamese wellness culture. You can easily spend a few hours here soaking.

12. National Oceanographic Museum

Housed in a French colonial-era building near the port, the National Oceanographic Museum has been around since 1922 and still functions as a research center. It also has public exhibits, so you get to see both live aquarium tanks and preserved specimens from Vietnam’s coast and beyond. 

The collection includes deep-sea fish, coral samples, turtles, and some strange preserved creatures in jars. It’s not a modern aquarium with big shows or displays—it’s quieter and more scientific, with plenty of info on ocean ecology and conservation in Vietnam. 
You’ll also see ongoing research happening. It’s a worthwhile stop if you’re interested in the local marine life or coastal ecosystems.
 

13. Scuba diving or snorkeling at Moray Beach

Moray Beach is an easy place to check out if you’re interested in diving or snorkeling while you’re in Nha Trang. It’s close to the city, so you won’t have to spend a full day or book an expensive trip to get there. 

The water is usually calm, and the visibility is decent, which makes it manageable for beginners. You’ll see coral gardens, schools of reef fish, and, if you’re lucky, a moray eel or two hiding in the rocks—that’s actually where the beach gets its name. 

There are different depth levels, so it works for both snorkelers and divers. It’s one of those places where you can get a real look at local marine life without needing a certification or a big budget.

14. Hon Chong & Hon Vo

Head a little north of the city, and you’ll find Hon Chong and Hon Vo—two headlands made up of massive granite boulders that reach out into the sea. The rocks are shaped by years of waves and wind, and there’s a kind of quiet drama to the landscape. 

There are walking paths through the stones and a few tucked-away beaches where you can sit and take in the view. Compared to the city beach, it feels a lot more low-key. There’s also a bit of folklore tied to the place—one of the rocks supposedly has a giant’s handprint on it. It’s a nice place to slow down, especially if you want a break from the crowds.
 

15. Nha Trang night market

The night market kicks off in the early evening and runs late, turning the streets into a busy mix of food stalls, vendors, and families out for the night. 

You’ll see grilled seafood, banh xeo, fruit smoothies, and plenty more, with tables or stools scattered around so you can grab a quick meal while you walk. There’s a good mix of things for sale—clothes, souvenirs, and small handmade items—but it’s really the energy of the place that makes it interesting. This is easily one of the best things to do in Nha Trang.

16. Bao Dai Villas

Bao Dai Villas used to be the summer home of Vietnam’s last emperor, built in the 1920s on a quiet hill above Nha Trang Bay. It’s a cluster of colonial-era villas with French and Vietnamese design details, with tiled floors, wide verandas, and old wooden furniture.

You can walk through the main house to see how the royal family lived or just wander the gardens and take in the bay views. There’s also a restaurant on site, and some of the villas have been converted into hotel rooms if you want to stay the night.