1. Vinpearl Cable Car
Linking Hon Tre Island to Nha Trang, the Vinpearl Cable Car takes you on a 3,320-meter-long ride across Nha Trang Bay until you reach the fun-filled Vinpearl Amusement Park. The journey takes around 15 minutes to complete, and the long cable that keeps you in the air is strung up between seven red and white towers that look like miniature versions of the Eiffel Tower.
As the cable cars run around 40 meters above the ground and sea, there are lots of fantastic views for you to drink in, and this unique approach to the amusement park only makes your arrival there even more special.
2. Long Son Pagoda
Speaking of temples, no visit to Nha Trang can ever be complete without stopping by the Long Son Pagoda – the most famous and impressive Buddhist temple in town. Built in 1886, the pagoda is very striking to gaze upon: majestic dragon mosaics cover the roof and entrance while its interior boasts an impressive ceremonial hall.
The main feature, however, is its glistening white Buddha statue that towers to a colossal 24 meters. As Long Son Pagoda is set upon a hilltop, many people come here to take in the fantastic views that it offers of the rest of Nha Trang while basking in the peaceful ambiance and taking in the astounding architecture all around them.
3. Hon Chong
Jutting out into the sea, Hon Chong promontory makes for a beautiful sight. The view before you is even better, with forest-coated mountains and islands lying far off in the distance across the glittering waters. Besides clambering over the rocks and taking photo after photo of the stunning scenery, visitors can also check out the nearby local beach, which is much quieter than the one in Nha Trang itself.
Here you’ll find a delightful Ruong house which exhibits some wonderful traditional architecture, as well as some small restaurants and cafes. Lying just offshore is the small island of Hon Do, which has a very pretty and laidback Buddhist temple for you to wander around.
4. Nha Tho Nui Cathedral
Built between 1928 and 1933, Nha Tho Nui Cathedral is one of the most important and impressive buildings in Nha Trang and certainly warrants a visit. Perched atop a hill with the city all around it, the French Gothic style architecture looks absolutely incredible, with some beautiful stained glass windows found beneath its sturdy and distinctive square clock tower.
Due to its picturesque setting with the mountains rising dramatically in the distance behind it, the cathedral is a popular place to get married among locals, and it still holds a daily mass.
5. Doc Let Beach
One of the most beautiful beaches in the whole country, Doc Let certainly does paint a pretty picture; its dazzling white sands and gently swaying palm trees lie next to the inviting, crystal-clear waters of the bay. Boasting an 18-kilometer-long beach that stretches as far as the eye can see, there is more than enough sand to go around; as it lies about an hour’s drive from Nha Trang, it seldom gets very crowded.
While some small hotels and resorts can be found here and there, most of Doc Let Beach is wonderfully undeveloped; as such, it is a very peaceful and relaxing place to spend a few days, and the glorious sunsets really do look spectacular.
In addition to its idyllic look and feel, there is also some great seafood on offer, as well as lots of fun watersports for you to enjoy.
6. Monkey Island
Located a short and scenic ferry ride away from Nha Trang, Monkey Island is so named due to the thousand or so monkeys that inhabit it. Bred for export to the Soviet Union, the program was abandoned during the American War, and now the mischievous primates can be spotted almost everywhere you go.
Besides seeing what monkey business they get up to, visitors can lounge on the beach and take in the peaceful ambiance, or go swimming, kayaking, jet-skiing, or scuba diving in the surrounding waters. On top of all this, there are a couple of lovely shops and cafes for you to check out, as well as a fun go-kart track to race around.
7. National Oceanographic Museum
Opened all the way back in 1922, the National Oceanographic Museum is a great place to head to if you want to learn more about Vietnam’s abundant marine life. Located in a lovely old French colonial-era building, there are lots of interesting exhibitions for you to explore. Two of the most impressive items on display are the skeletons of a huge humpback whale and a much smaller dugong.
In addition to its various marine artifacts and preserved fish specimens, there is also a small aquarium for you to wander around. Swimming in the various tanks, you can see seals, reef sharks, marine turtles, and lionfish, with lots of colorful coral also on display. While staying in Nha Trang, the National Oceanographic Museum makes for a great day out for all the family.
