Traveling to Nha Trang is self-sufficient so that you can optimize the most cost-effective trip while still having many interesting experiences at this attractive tourist destination.
The coastal city of Nha Trang has long become a famous tourist destination like a jewel of Vietnam. With beautiful nature and many other large and small islands, the blue sea, white sand, sunshine, and countless other unique entertainment activities, this place has become an attractive destination loved by many tourists. love to choose. And if you are planning to travel to Nha Trang on your own, how to optimize the most cost for the trip. Let’s join VnCarRentals.com’s to find out the most cost-effective Nha Trang travel experience for you.
Table of Contents
The Best Time to Travel to Nha Trang
Nha Trang has a climate defined by two main seasons: the rainy season and the sunny season. The biggest advantage of this city is the long, sunny season that lasts for the first eight months of the year, with minimal temperature fluctuation. This makes it perfect for travelers who love the blue sea.
From September to December, it is Nha Trang’s rainy season, with the peak occurring in October and November. During this period, the city experiences frequent heavy rains and is often affected by storms. For those planning a self-guided trip to Nha Trang, it is advisable to check the weather forecast in advance to schedule island visits accordingly.
Notably, Nha Trang also hosts numerous festivals throughout the year. If you are interested in local culture, you wouldn’t want to miss these events.
- Nha Trang Sea Festival: Held in the summer of odd-numbered years, this event attracts a large number of visitors from both domestic and international locations.
- Thap Ba Festival: This is an important festival for the Cham people to honor the Mother Goddess of the land. The Thap Ba Festival takes place annually from the 20th to the 23rd of the third lunar month, featuring sacred activities such as the bathing ceremony, robe-changing ceremony, and various offerings.
What is the most economical way to move to Nha Trang?
Aircraft: A cheap flight of Vietjet or Vietnam Airlines, if you work hard to find yourself cheap flight tickets, will take you to Nha Trang quickly and conveniently, from Ho Chi Minh City it only takes about 1 hour. The flight has reached the coastal city of Nha Trang. The price for a round-trip flight on average fluctuates between 1.5 and 2 million. And if you can hunt for cheap tickets, the cost for a pair of two-way tickets is only about 600-800 thousand.
Trains: Every day from major stations such as Ho Chi Minh or Hanoi, there are 3 to 5 trains departing to Nha Trang. From Ho Chi Minh City it will take about 8 hours, train price ranges from 300 to 700 thousand, you can choose for yourself a night train, arrive early in the morning and you can start right away with the fun of discovering in the beautiful city. this beautiful.
Passenger car: If you depart to Nha Trang from Ho Chi Minh City or the southern provinces, you can refer to some large bus companies with safety, quality and good service such as Phuong Nam, Phuong Trang, Hanh cafe, TM Brother or Ngoc Trang. As for Nha Trang tourists coming from Hanoi, they can choose bus operators such as Hoang Long, Sinh Cafe, Mai Linh.
How to Explore Nha Trang?
As a popular tourist city in Vietnam, Nha Trang offers a variety of transportation options for your self-guided trip.
- Motorbike: Renting a motorbike in Nha Trang is affordable, ranging from 60,000 to 150,000 VND per day. You can arrange rentals directly through Nha Trang hotels or contact private rental services.
- Private Tourist Car: This is a popular choice among travelers due to its convenience and speed. With VnCarRentals.com’s private car service with a driver in Nha Trang, you and your family can enjoy a customized tour of the city. With flexible itineraries tailored to your needs, affordable prices, and a high level of safety, you can travel worry-free around Nha Trang.
- Taxi: The most popular taxi companies in Nha Trang include: Xanh SM (Tel: 1900 2088), Mai Linh (Tel: 0258.3.811.811), Airport Taxi (Tel: 0258.3.528.528), Asia Taxi (Tel: 0258.35.35.35.35), Nha Trang Taxi (Tel: 0258.3.81.81.81), and Emasco (Tel: 0258.3.51.51.51).
- Cyclo: Another unique way to tour Nha Trang is by cyclo. A 1 hour and 30-minute ride around famous attractions costs about 500,000 VND and includes a meal.
What Do You Need to Prepare for a Self-Guided Trip to Nha Trang?
Cash and Documents
You don’t need to prepare too much cash, but don’t forget to bring your ATM card for quick and convenient payments. Additionally, essential identification documents such as your passport, ID card (CMND/CCCD) for boarding flights, trains, or buses, as well as for hotel check-ins, motorbike or car rentals, driving licenses, press cards, and passports are items you should have with you.
Clothing: What to Wear for a Beautiful Trip to Nha Trang?
When traveling to Nha Trang’s beaches, you definitely can’t miss out on lightweight summer outfits such as shorts, sundresses, bikinis, straw hats, and sandals. Depending on the length of your trip, you can prepare the most suitable outfits. A small suggestion is to plan what to wear for each day—what to wear on Day 1, Day 2, etc.—to avoid bringing too many items that you won’t use.
Personal Items
You can transfer your personal items into small cosmetic bottles for convenience. Don’t forget to bring cosmetics and sunscreen to keep your skin fresh and healthy throughout the trip.
Technology Items
A power bank will allow you to take photos throughout the day without worrying about your phone running out of battery. If you have a camera, don’t forget to bring it along!
Famous Attractions You Should Visit in Nha Trang
Here, VnCarRentals.com has compiled a complete 2025 Self-Guided Travel Guide to Nha Trang featuring must-visit attractions and experiences for your trip to Nha Trang.
Nha Trang City Center Area
Nha Trang Beach
The first place to explore in the popular tourist city of Nha Trang is Nha Trang Beach. Stretching along Tran Phu Street, it’s about 350 meters from the city center.
At Nha Trang Beach, you’ll experience the crystal-clear blue water and rows of straight casuarina trees. You can also dive deep to view colorful coral reefs, engage in thrilling water sports, or enjoy fishing from a canoe.
Note: The best time to plan your self-guided exploration of Nha Trang Beach is from March to August.
Ponagar Tower
Wondering what else Nha Trang has to offer? The answer is Ponagar Tower – the largest Cham cultural architectural complex in Central Vietnam. Built from the 5th century and completed in the 13th century, Ponagar Tower is located on a 50-meter hill, about 3 kilometers from the city center. It has three main sections:
- Gate Tower Area
- Mandapa (forecourt area)
- Temple Tower Area
From the outside, you’ll see the octagonally designed Ponagar Tower. Inside, you can admire impressive Hindu-style architecture, especially the South, Northeast, Southeast, and Southwest towers, as well as the famous stele. If you’re visiting Nha Trang independently between the 21st and 23rd of the lunar month, you’ll also have the chance to attend the Ponagar Tower festival, featuring many exciting activities.
Hon Chong – Hon Vo (Hon Chong Promontory)
Another must-visit destination on your self-guided Nha Trang trip is Hon Chong – Hon Vo. These two rock formations are steeped in fascinating legends that locals have passed down for generations. Hon Chong is a large, square rock formation facing the sea, set atop a flat boulder. In contrast, Hon Vo consists of smaller rocks stacked together, resembling a mythical maiden gazing out to sea.
The highlight of visiting this site is standing on Hon Chong – Hon Vo, where you can take in the lively cityscape of Nha Trang stretching before you. Don’t forget to capture some beautiful photos while you’re there!
Long Son Pagoda
Also known as the “White Buddha Pagoda,” Long Son Pagoda is one of the largest temples in Nha Trang, located at 22, 23 Thang 10 Street in Phuong Son ward. You can find it at the base of Trai Thuy Hill.
At Long Son Pagoda, you’ll experience the ancient architectural design dating back over 100 years. As you enter the temple grounds, you’ll find statues of revered Buddhas, including Shakyamuni Buddha, Bodhisattva Di Lac, and Bodhisattva Quan The Am with a Thousand Hands and Eyes. The main highlight is the towering 16-meter-tall Golden Buddha statue, weighing 700 kg. To reach this statue, you’ll need to climb 133 steps, but the effort is well worth it. Beyond touching the monumental Buddha, you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view of Nha Trang from above.
Another unique feature to explore is the largest candle pair in Vietnam, standing 3.4 meters tall and weighing 900 kg each. Your self-guided Nha Trang trip wouldn’t be complete without visiting this extraordinary temple.
Nha Trang Bay Area
Hon Tam Island (Thuy Kim Son Island)
Hon Tam Island is a popular destination for self-guided travelers looking to enjoy leisure and entertainment in Nha Trang. Also known as Thuy Kim Son, it is located about 7 km east of Nha Trang city center.
At Hon Tam Island, you can enjoy a variety of water sports such as flyboarding, seawalking, jet skiing, surfing, and diving to explore beautiful pearl reefs. Additionally, you can indulge in mineral mud baths to detoxify your body. This location is truly an ideal place for a vacation that combines relaxation and fun!
Hon Mun Island
Hon Mun Island is part of the Bongo Island group, located 12 km from Cầu Đá port, and you can reach it in just about 50 minutes by boat. When you arrive at Hon Mun, you’ll discover Vietnam’s first marine reserve, featuring an incredibly diverse and rich marine ecosystem. Notably, Hon Mun is renowned as the land of coral reefs, as it is home to over 1,500 species of coral out of more than 2,000 species worldwide.
Snorkeling to explore the coral reefs is an activity you cannot miss at Hon Mun. Additionally, while diving beneath the ocean, you will be amazed by the thousands of colorful fish, lobsters, and giant rays that inhabit these waters. The journey to Hon Mun in Nha Trang Bay promises to provide you with delightful experiences!
Hon Mieu
One of the closest and most convenient islands for your self-guided trip to Nha Trang is Hon Mieu. This island is home to the fishing village of Trí Nguyên, characterized by its simple yet captivating beauty. When visiting Hon Mieu, you will not only enjoy the tranquil scenery but also gain insight into the everyday lives of the local fishermen. You can experience activities such as snorkeling to observe the coral reefs and paddling in basket boats. Additionally, you can explore the Trí Nguyên artificial fish pond, which is home to hundreds of species of fish, turtles, and other marine creatures.
Yen Island – Hon Noi
Yen Island – Hon Noi are two famous islands that no self-guided traveler to Nha Trang should miss. These islands are home to thousands of swiftlets and currently provide the largest supply of bird’s nest in the country. When you travel to Yen Island, you will get to see swiftlet eggs and their nests glued to the rocks that stand alone amidst the vast sea.
The most unique feature of the Nha Trang tour is the Double Beach. This beach is renowned for being the only one that is divided into two sections. More precisely, the barrier separating the two beaches is formed by white sand and coral remains.
Vinwonders Nha Trang
One of the international-level entertainment and resort paradises you cannot miss when visiting Nha Trang is Vinwonders Nha Trang, located on the beautiful Tre Island.
Vinwonders Nha Trang is divided into five main areas:
- Adventure World: Features hundreds of exciting rides such as the XD Dark Ride interactive cinema, the collective interactive jumping game Playoke, and the Trampoline park.
- Candy Fortress: A miniature fairy-tale world designed for children.
- Outdoor Entertainment Area: Home to thrilling attractions like the Ferris wheel and Bungee Jumping. Additionally, you can visit the Sky Wheel, the World Garden, King’s Garden, Family Land, and the Mythical Square.
Cam Ranh Bay Area
Cam Ranh Bay is an attractive destination for travelers exploring Nha Trang independently. When mentioning Cam Ranh Bay, any visitor will immediately think of:
- Binh Ba
- Binh Hung
- Binh Tien
- Binh Lap
Famous Shopping Places in Nha Trang
Xom Moi Market
- Address: 49 Ngo Gia Tu, Phuoc Tien, Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa.
Xom Moi Market is famous for its wide variety of fresh seafood such as shrimp, crab, squid, and fish, which are caught and farmed right in Khanh Hoa. Not only that, but the market also sells a lot of other items like cosmetics, household goods, clothing, and fabric, all very diverse and reasonably priced.
When visiting Xom Moi Market, don’t forget to try local dishes rich in flavor, such as grilled pork noodles, noodle soup, fish noodles, and delicious snacks.
Nha Trang Dam Market
- Address: Ben Market, Van Thanh, Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa.
This is one of the busiest dining and shopping spots in Nha Trang. At Dam Market, you can freely enjoy authentic Nha Trang specialties and buy souvenirs for your loved ones. In the evening, when the “street lights come on,” the activities here are bustling, so don’t miss out!
Nha Trang Night Market
- Address: Tran Phu, Loc Tho, Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa.
Nha Trang Night Market is one of the cultural highlights of the land of agarwood. Here, you can enjoy various cultural, culinary, and artistic forms such as singing and folk performances while shopping for souvenirs for your family and friends.
The night market offers many handicrafts, fine arts, clothing, shoes, bird’s nests, and agarwood. You can also buy necklaces, keychains, which make meaningful gifts for your self-guided trip to Nha Trang.
Exciting Experiences When Traveling to Nha Trang
Snorkeling at Hon Mun Island
When visiting Nha Trang, snorkeling is an activity you shouldn’t miss. According to travel experiences from Phượt, to have the best snorkeling tour, you should head to Hon Mun. Why? Because Hon Mun is considered the coral kingdom of Vietnam, home to over 1,500 unique and rare coral species. At Hon Mun, you can freely dive into the ocean and explore the diverse marine life.
Note: You might not know this:
- Whether you can swim or not, you can still participate in this experience. Specialized diving equipment will ensure your safety throughout the snorkeling adventure.
- If you wear glasses, you can still snorkel as well! You will be provided with prescription goggles for your dive.
Flyboarding Experience in Nha Trang
One thrilling experience that every traveler should try when exploring Nha Trang is flyboarding. This extreme sport allows you to soar 6-10 meters above the water while performing impressive flips and tricks. This exhilarating activity takes you through a range of emotions, from excitement and thrill to pure joy. Plus, it’s a unique way to enjoy the stunning views of Nha Trang Beach from above.
Note: Make sure to listen carefully to the instructor’s safety guidelines to ensure a safe experience. It’s also recommended to wear lightweight, specialized sports attire for maximum comfort while flyboarding.
Camping at Robinson Island
Robinson Island is one of the newly emerging “paradises” in Nha Trang, known for its breathtaking beaches nestled quietly among lush greenery.
When traveling to Nha Trang on your own, make sure to experience camping on Robinson Island at least once to feel like a sailor in your own adventure. You’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, disconnect from electronic devices, and reconnect with friends and family.
Additionally, you can enjoy a delicious seafood feast sizzling on the grill, surrounded by the beautiful scenery. As the sun sets, gather with your companions for a magical night of music and camaraderie by the beach. It’s an unforgettable experience that blends adventure, relaxation, and the beauty of nature.
What to Eat in Nha Trang? Tips for Enjoying Nha Trang’s Specialties
Visiting Nha Trang without indulging in its delicious, famous specialties would indeed be a missed opportunity, wouldn’t it? Let’s jot down a handy guide to Nha Trang’s culinary scene right now!
Nha Trang Seafood
If you’re visiting Nha Trang independently and skip the fresh seafood, it’s truly a loss. The variety of seafood here is vast and diverse, prepared in delicious, different ways.
Recommended Seafood Restaurants:
- Hai San Binh Dan – 6 Ngo Si Lien
- Hai San Binh Dan Nha Toi – 4 Ngo Quyen
- Hai San Lang Chai Nha Trang – Near Bao Dai Port
Banh Can, Banh Uot, Banh Beo, and Banh Dap
Banh Can, Banh Uot, Banh Beo, and Banh Dap are typical “street” foods, very familiar to the people of Central Vietnam. Banh Beo and Banh Uot are both made from rice flour, with Banh Beo topped with golden, crispy shrimp, while Banh Uot is served with pork, grilled meat, and dipped in a sweet and sour fish sauce that’s simply amazing.
Recommended Spots:
- Banh Uot Long Ga H5 – 54A Tran Nguyen Han
- Banh Can Chi Gai Nha Trang – Group 8 Thap Ba
- Quan Banh Beo Be Tu – 15 Huynh Thuc Khang
Nha Trang Banh Canh
Banh Canh is a Nha Trang specialty that’s a must-try when you’re here. It’s a simple dish but full of rich seafood flavor from the fish-based broth. The Banh Canh noodles are moderately chewy, served with minced fish, fried fish cakes, and garnished with aromatic green onions. One bowl might not be enough – you’ll want two!
Recommended Spots:
- Banh Canh Co Ha – 14 Phan Chu Trinh
- Banh Canh Ba Thua – 10A Phan Chu Trinh
- Banh Canh Phuc – 53 Van Don
Nha Trang Grilled Pork Sausage (Nem Nuong)
This specialty, originating from Ninh Hoa, has become a popular dish for visitors excited to try it when they travel to Nha Trang. A serving of grilled pork sausage is quite elaborate, including aromatic grilled pork, crispy rice paper, fresh vegetables, all wrapped neatly in rice paper. One bite, and you’ll be hooked!
Recommended Spots:
- Nem Nuong Dang Van Quyen – 16A Lan Ong
- Nem Nuong Nha Trang – 39 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai
Nha Trang Jellyfish Noodle Soup (Bun Sua)
A bowl of Nha Trang jellyfish noodle soup is incredibly affordable and comes with steamed and fried fish cakes and crunchy jellyfish, creating a uniquely ocean-flavored dish that leaves a lasting impression on visitors. Bun Sua is perfect for breakfast or a filling afternoon snack. It’s a Nha Trang specialty you can’t miss!
Recommended Spots:
- Bun Sua Doc Lech – Yersin & Ba Trieu Intersection
- Bun Ca – 23A Yet Kieu
- Bun Ca Duc – B8 Phan Boi Chau
Nha Trang truly offers an abundance of delicious dishes. These are just a few of the must-tries! You can update your list with all the specialties in Nha Trang and enjoy them in person!
Suggested Itinerary for an Exciting Self-Planned Trip to Nha Trang
Guide to Planning a Detailed Nha Trang Itinerary
Step 1: Begin by identifying the following:
- How much time do you have for the trip?
- Which attractions do you want to visit and enjoy in Nha Trang?
- What mode of transportation will you use?
Step 2: Based on your time, select activities and attractions that align with your schedule (considering travel time, entertainment costs, etc.).
Step 3: Finalize your itinerary, adding essential information like popular local foods and dining spots.
Here are some sample itineraries to consider for your upcoming Nha Trang adventure!
4 Days 3 Nights Nha Trang Self-Planned Itinerary
- Day 1: Explore the main attractions in Nha Trang city (Po Nagar Cham Towers, Long Son Pagoda, Nha Trang Cathedral, Nha Trang Oceanographic Institute, Nha Trang Night Market). Enjoy Nha Trang’s famous local cuisine.
- Day 2: Spend the day at VinWonders Nha Trang amusement park.
- Day 3: Go snorkeling and admire the coral reefs at Vinpearl Diving Club.
- Day 4: Experience the “path through the sea” on Diep Son Island.
2 Days 1 Night Nha Trang Exploration Itinerary
- Day 1: Visit Binh Tien Island, Po Nagar Cham Towers, Nha Trang Oceanographic Institute, and Dam Market in Nha Trang.
- Day 2: Enjoy a fun-filled day at VinWonders Nha Trang.
1 Day Self-Planned Nha Trang Trip – Where to Go?
- Morning: Spend time at VinWonders Nha Trang amusement park (on Hon Tre Island).
- Afternoon: Visit some of Nha Trang’s famous attractions: Po Nagar Cham Towers and Nha Trang Oceanographic Institute.
Conclusion
Nha Trang is renowned for its beautiful beaches, stunning islands, and other captivating attractions. Therefore, traveling to Nha Trang promises to provide you with exciting and fresh experiences. Make sure to choose the ideal time for your self-guided journey to Nha Trang! Don’t forget to note down essential locations and experiences that will enrich your solo travel adventure in this vibrant city. Enjoy every moment of your trip!
