Vietnam’s beach and scuba capital, Nha Trang is a remarkably pretty beach resort city packed with opportunities for adventure, discovery and recreation. A popular destination for tourists traveling up and down the country, Nha Trang is just 8 hours from Ho Chi Min City by bus and a major stop for people traveling the country by rail. That said, it’s not just a destination for stopover travelers — Nha Trang has established itself as the beach capital of Vietnam and the go-to tourist location in the country for good reason.

Offering some of the best beaches in the country combined with an active and exciting nightlife, Nha Trang is the ideal destination for a combination of R&R and excitement. If you’re a diver, you’ll have no trouble keeping yourself occupied, with many of Vietnam’s top dive sites within easy access from the city itself. Beachcombers will be happy spending days on Nha Trang’s six kilometer beach, with services and shops spread along the beachfront and vendors combing the sand ready to sell everything under the sun.

It’s not all about beaches, though. If you get tired of the constant sun and surf, there’s a wide variety of Buddhist religious sites scattered around the city, along with some remarkable natural wonders further inland. However, with the beaches being the main draw of Nha Trang, it’s wise to pack for the sun and water, and get ready for an exciting beach holiday.

What to see:

The beach! Nha Trang is internationally renowned for its pristine beaches, particularly the main drag around Nha Trang bay. Allow at least a day for simply relaxing along the beach area and enjoying the cool little shops, refreshing vendors and beach party atmosphere. Drinks are available very cheaply along the beach itself, and the many street vendors will cook up a storm from as little as $1.

Hundreds of exciting activities depart from the beachfront, each making the most of Nha Trang’s incredible scenery and marine life. Divers are in a wonderland here, with many dive operators operating trips — all at incredibly low prices — to some of the most impressive and diverse marine areas in Vietnam. For as little as $30 you can experience two dives at some of Nha Trang’s impressive offshore islands, coral reefs and marine sites. For newbie divers, complete PADI beginner courses are available for prices as low as $250.

If you’re getting tired of the water, make sure to head into the city and soak up the Vietnamese coastal town atmosphere. Long Son Pagoda, in the city itself, is a 79 ft. tall Buddha colored in striking white. Erected in 1963 in tribute to the demonstrators that lost their lives protesting the controversial Diem government, the Buddha and pagoda are an interesting break from the endless sea and sun.

A nice way to end a hot day in Nha Trang is observing the fishing boats coming in and out of the bay. Get down to the shore at the end of the day and watch the army of fishing vessels come in, all while enjoying an ice cold drink and the evening warmth. With Nha Trang offering some impressive nightlife, it’s no effort to head to some of the many bars and restaurants and enjoy the night from here.

Where to stay:

There’s an incredibly wide range of accommodation options available in Nha Trang, possibly even more so than in Vietnam’s larger cities. From 5-star to ultra budget, you’ll have no trouble finding a hotel or guesthouse to suit your levels of comfort and budget requirements.

Budget accommodation is typically located a block or two inland from the beach, particularly centered on Tran Quang Khai St. Room prices start from just $5, although the quality is nothing to write home about at that price. For a reasonable balance of comfort and frugality, expect to pay around $12-20 for a double bed, hot water bathroom and manageable level of amenities.

On the higher end of the scale, there are many resorts in Nha Trang, most of which are in the $150++ per night price bracket. Featuring lush gardens and pool areas, these aren’t for those with a tight budget, but certainly offer a level of luxury that’s worth the price. Even a budget traveler could be swayed by the swanky rooms on offer, so for a one-night spend-a-thon they’re certainly worth a look.

How to get around:

Nha Trang isn’t as small as some other Vietnamese coastal towns, but it’s no mammoth city like Hanoi. From the major tourist zones you can easily access the beach — the main attraction! — and with most guesthouses situated just a few hundred meters from the beach, you’ll have no trouble getting to the beachfront restaurants, bars and shops on foot.

For further excursions, there are hundreds of motorcycle taxi drivers around town, each vying for your attention and fare. As always, negotiate before you sit down on the bike, or else you might find yourself paying significantly more than the market price when you arrive at your destination. If you hire a bike and driver for the entire day, negotiate a price at the start of the day, not at the end.

If you’re traveling in a group or don’t want to spend your entire day on the back of a small Vietnamese scooter, taxis are available and plentiful in the tourist zones. Flag one down and make sure that they use the meter — you’ll find yourself paying much more than the market rate if you let them dictate the price to you. On average you’ll find yourself paying 10,000 – 20,000 dong for most destinations, with only the most lengthy trips commanding a higher fare than that.

Costs, Customs and Extras:

Remember that the wet season spans from October to January, and conditions in Nha Trang aren’t exactly ideal during that time period. If you’re planning a beach holiday or a dive-a-thon, make sure you book when it’s dry, otherwise you might find yourself diving in muddy water and rough seas.