Most popular things to do in Nha Trang

This section comprises interesting Nha Trang activities that travelers can enjoy during their holiday. One of the first things people do on arrival in Nha Trang is to head straight down to the beach, but there are more things on offer here apart from soaking up the sun. Catering to all budget levels and preferences, you can also easily plan these activities to suit your time and pace.

1. Bicycle Tour

Bicycle tours are among the best (and healthiest) ways to explore Nha Trang’s beautiful countryside, pristine waterfalls, and verdant mountains. Group bicycle tours (maximum of 10 cyclists) cost approximately USD65 which is inclusive of an English-speaking guide, entrance fee, hotel transfers, meals, cycling equipment, and drinking water. You will pass by Nha Trang’s vast paddy fields, waterfalls, rural villages, and iconic landmarks such as Alexandre Yersin’s Tomb and Bai Ho Waterfalls. While there are plenty of bicycle tour operators in Nha Trang, the most popular one is Vietnam Active, which also provides yoga, rafting, and kayaking.

2. Boat Cruise

Thanks to Nha Trang’s relatively calm waters, there are numerous tour operators that organize boat cruises to neighboring islands on a daily basis. Inclusive of lunch, hotel transfers, and snorkeling gear rental, visitors can opt for the full-day trip to Mun Island, Mot Island, Tam Island, and Mieu Island. A popular boat tour amongst backpackers is The Funky Monkey. Also known as a booze cruise, it offers a unique floating bar, where patrons can enjoy an array of cocktails and beers as well as live entertainment.

3. Scuba Diving

The majority of scuba diving excursions in Nha Trang takes place within Nha Trang Bay Marine Protected Area (MPA), the shallow water is most suitable for beginners to learn how to swim. You can see a wide variety of small colorful tropical fish, moray eels, and pufferfish as well as thriving coral reefs. The bay also has a natural cave and swim-through tunnels, situated at Octopus Rock. A basic 45-minute scuba diving trip which is inclusive of equipment rental, lunch, hotel transfers, and entrance fee to the marine park. For those looking for more than just a fun dive, there are a few PADI Dive Centres that offer full PADI certification courses – highly recommended is Sailing Club Divers on Tran Phu Beach.

4. Mud Baths

As odd as it may sound, mud baths are popular amongst travelers looking to relax after a day of exploring Nha Trang. Locals believe the all-natural mud contains a wide array of minerals that can help relieve fatigue, remove dead skin cells, strengthen bones, and alleviate pain. Highly recommended is the Thap Ba Hot Springs Centre which is a 15-minute drive from Nha Trang City. Open daily, the establishment is fitted with private and shared mud-baths, herbal-bath, Jacuzzi, waterfall, swimming pool, and sauna. The best time of day to go is between 12:00 and 15:00 when it is less crowded.

5. Cooking Class

Vietnamese food is gaining massive popularity worldwide, attending a cooking class is a good way of immersing yourself in the local culture. Available in many local restaurants and five-star hotels in Nha Trang, it is a half-day session that starts with a morning stroll to the local market. An experienced chef guides participants in selecting fresh herbs, spices, and meats before they head back to prepare classic dishes such as spring rolls, hotpots, and Vietnamese curry. Lanterns Vietnamese Restaurant’s classes are held four times a week, where participants are provided with their own cooking stations and a special gift bag at the end of their class.