How to Spend 1 Day in Nha Trang

As Vietnam’s premier holiday resort, Nha Trang packs a punch with its beaches, bays, and water-based activities. If you’ve only got one day in the coastal city, explore by both land and sea to make the most of your 24 hours. Here’s how. 

Morning: Sail the Seas

Devote your morning to getting out on the water. Tour options, which typically last half a day, cater to every traveler type: Opt to zoom alongside the coast on a high-octane Jet Ski tour; discover some of Vietnam’s best marine life during a snorkeling trip to Hon Mun Island; sail the sea on a traditional junk boat, most of which feature an open bar; or escape the crowds during a private trip that takes you to a secluded beach for a seafood lunch.  

Afternoon: Explore the Land

Nha Trang may be well-known for its beaches, but it’s also got plenty of history, which is best discovered as part of a sightseeing tour. Tours tend to visit the 8th-century Po Nagar Cham Towers, named after a Hindu Champa princess; the 19th-century Long Son Pagoda, with its 80-foot-tall (24-meter-tall) Buddha; and Stone Church (Nha Tho Nui), a reminder of French colonialism in Vietnam. Choose between exploring by bike, cyclo, or air-conditioned vehicle. 

Evening: Admire the Sunset

Continue to enjoy the city’s seafront location on either a sunset or evening cruise, both of which reveal Nha Trang Bay at its most magical. In addition to unobstructed views of the coastline, you can enjoy a 5-course meal accompanied by free-flowing drinks or stop at a riverside restaurant instead. After you get back to dry land, head to the bars that back Nha Trang Beach for a taste of the resort’s raucous nightlife; karaoke and cocktails are in abundance here.