Undoubtedly the most famous of Vietnam’s beach destinations, Nha Trang’s six kilometre yellow sand beach is also the most developed in terms of watersport activities, such as scuba diving, snorkelling, windsurfing, paragliding and kayaking.
NHA TRANG
The town is small enough to get around on foot, and has a thriving nightlife. Popular attractions include the local market, cathedral, the Alexandre Yersin Museum, Water Park, and its two most famous landmarks, Long Son Pagoda and the white Buddha statue beyond.
Beyond the town boundary to the north and, aside from the beach itself, Nha Trang’s premier attraction, the four remaining Cham towers of an original ten at Po Nagar afford an encounter with the impressive pre-Vietnamese historic Hindu culture of the area. Nearby, Thap Ba Hot Springs offer a variety of spa treatments including a therapeutic mud bath. To the south of Nha Trang, the National Oceanographic Institute is dedicated to displays of the marine life of the region.
The offshore islands of Hon Mieu, Hon Tam, Hon Tre, Hon Mot and Hon Mun, glimmering beyond the shore, offer alternative beach escapes from the busyness of the town’s sands.
The islands are easily reachable on a day boat trip and popular with divers and snorkelers. Hon Tre, which features the Vinpearl resort and a theme park, especially popular with indigenous tourists, is also accessible by a novel cable car ride across the bay.
NINH VAN BAY
Another haven of golden sand can be found across the bay at the truly luxurious private world of the Six Senses resort in Ninh Van Bay.
To the north of the town, Dai Lanh beach offers another alternative, while even further north the sandbar connecting the triplet of islands at Diep Son is a worthy expedition for the true beach lover.
DIEP SON
QUY NHON
If you really want to explore this fascinating coastline to the full, you could travel all the way north to Quy Nhon, which has several fine beaches in the vicinity and a very authentic Vietnamese feel. There are good accommodation choices available if you want to linger including a couple of luxury resorts. The town is a lively fishing port, with the fleet often picturesquely 'parked' upon the town's north beach, and is well regarded for its seafood. The best beaches are located southward from the town, notably at Bai Xep and Xuan Hai.
Along the route from Nha Trang, Vietnam's very own 'Giant's Causeway' can be found at Ganh Da Gia, a rewarding experience, especially if you have never been to the rock formations on northern Irish coast or its mirrored features on the Scottish island of Staffa.
CAM RANH
To the south of Nha Trang, the beautiful beach of Cam Ranh is a particularly lovely stretch of sand.