Vietnam stretches along the coastline in a narrow strip. Take an Openbus from north to south, stopping at various spots—from Ha Long Bay to the Mekong Delta. Linking Hanoi and Saigon—two cities where colonial architecture blends with Southeast Asia’s hot and humid atmosphere—are a string of beautiful smaller towns: Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An, Nha Trang, Mui Ne, and Dalat. This is Vietnam—a country full of unique charm despite its rugged edges.
Nha Trang is definitely worth visiting.
Nha Trang boasts a 6-kilometer-long beach, and the seawater is mostly clear. However, during the rainy season from October to early January, rainwater gathers in the city and flows into the sea via the Cai River, affecting water quality. The seawater is clearest from June to early October each year.
In Nha Trang, many locals exercise or jog on the beach every morning. During the day, both tourists and locals play by the sea—some swim, some sunbathe, and others play beach volleyball. At night, you might even spot “lobster grandmas” selling fresh lobster on the beach. The lobsters are quite affordable, so seafood lovers shouldn’t miss this great opportunity.
[Transportation]: Located very close to the north-south main road in central Nha Trang, just a 2-minute walk away, and also near the accommodation area, easily accessible on foot.
[Opening Hours]: It is recommended to go before 13:00 each day when the seawater is cleaner and clearer.
A Must for Families — Pearl Island Amusement Park
Nha Trang’s VinWonders (Pearl Island) features Southeast Asia’s largest swimming pool, a 700-meter private beach, the world’s longest overwater cable car, a massive amusement park with roller coasters, carousels, and indoor game zones, a 4D cinema, a sizable aquarium, and top-tier SPA facilities.
The indoor game zone offers a wide variety of attractions, including arcade games, horse-riding simulators, shooting games, dance machines, basketball hoops, and driving simulators—and the best part? No coins needed, no coins needed, no coins needed—important things must be said three times. Play to your heart’s content for free. Come to Nha Trang and live like royalty for a day.
To get to VinWonders, you’ll take a cable car—the round-trip fare is included in the ticket. Ride the world’s longest overwater cable car to Hon Tam Island. Soar above the deep blue waters of Nha Trang like a bird, and enjoy the carefree joy of childhood as you explore the island. It’s a uniquely delightful experience.
[Transportation]
You can take Bus No. 4 from downtown Nha Trang to Vinpearl Pier at the southernmost point of the city, or hire a private car. Once at the pier, hop on the cable car to reach Pearl Island.
[Tips]
1. Before boarding the cable car, staff will check your bags for food. If you have any, you’ll need to store them, so it’s best not to bring food (though water is allowed). The island has delicious and affordable food, plus buffets.
2. Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit—the water activities here are amazing.
Vietnamese-Style Hot Mineral Mud Spa
Mud bathing, also known as hot mineral mud therapy, involves applying naturally warm or heated mud to specific parts of the body. The heat, combined with the mud’s chemical components and microorganisms, promotes health, prevents illness, and enhances well-being. The therapeutic, cosmetic, and healing benefits of mineral mud are globally recognized. To this day, mud bathing remains a unique travel experience beloved by visitors to Nha Trang.
The mineral mud used at I-Resort is sourced from high-quality quarries in Vietnam and blended with precious mineral water. It is rich in minerals, mainly silicon dioxide and essential trace elements such as zinc, manganese, copper, cobalt, and selenium. It helps regulate hormonal imbalances, beautify the skin, and may even aid in treating diabetes by reducing blood sugar levels. Mud baths also improve sleep, digestion, stimulate appetite, enhance nutrient absorption, relieve fatigue and soreness, and quickly restore bodily functions. Though mud baths may look messy, they leave your skin smooth and glowing. After rinsing off, soak in a hot spring for the ultimate relaxation.
[Getting There]
The hot mineral mud site offers shuttle van services to and from hotels across Nha Trang. The one-way fare is 20,000 VND per person. Guests who need the shuttle should ask the front desk at their hotel to call the site directly. Alternatively, you can hire a private car.
Trau Beach
Located about 4 kilometers east of Hoi An Ancient Town, Trau Beach is a relatively quiet, less-commercialized shallow beach. Its white sands and clear waters attract many visitors for strolls or sunbathing.
Cua Dai literally means “big mouth of the sea,” as the beach stretches north all the way to Son Tra Peninsula in Da Nang, spanning 30 kilometers. The water quality is best from April to October; during the rest of the year, strong winds and rough waves make the sea murky, so there’s little reason to visit then.
[Getting There] A taxi ride from the ancient town takes about 10–15 minutes and costs 70,000 VND.
Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica
This cathedral, located right in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, was built between 1877 and 1883. It serves as the cathedral church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Ho Chi Minh City and is a prime example of Gothic architecture, as well as one of the city’s iconic landmarks.
The cathedral’s two 40-meter bell towers were designed after Notre-Dame de Paris, and all materials were imported from France. The exterior bricks came from Marseille, which is why, even after more than a century, they remain vibrant and have not faded. That’s why the basilica is also called the “Red Cathedral.” The statue of the Virgin Mary standing in front of the church was a gift from the Vatican in 1945.
[Getting There] It’s about a 20–30 minute walk straight from Pham Ngu Lao Street, but the French-colonial buildings along the way will likely slow your pace. Consider setting aside extra time to stroll there.
【Opening Hours】Weekdays: 8:00–11:00, 15:00–16:00
Linggu Beach
Linggu Beach is located in Ling Bay, within Thua Thien-Hue Province. It is approximately 58.3 km from the Hue Imperial City, 54.1 km from the Tomb of Khai Dinh, and 9.4 km from Hai Van Pass (Hai Van Mountain, Hai Van Ridge), situated between Da Nang and Hue. With its stunning scenery, Linggu Beach is hailed as one of the 50 must-see natural wonders in the world.
【Address】Lang Co bay, Vietnam
【How to Get There】Take a train to Lang Co Railway Station (Ga Lang Co) and then ride a motorbike taxi; or ride a motorcycle; or book a private transfer.
【Admission】Free