The beautiful seaside town of Nha Trang is Vietnam’s most popular coastal destination, and it’s definitely growing. By 2020, the Nha Trang Administrative Board expects the city to be a bustling tourist town of 600,000 people. The amazing Nha Trang Bay is popular with both domestic and international travelers, and the town is appealing both for its fantastic natural beauty and for its urban feel and exciting nightlife. The best way to travel to Nha Trang is on the train, traveling the route that connects Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. There are plenty of hotels and guesthouses for every budget and plenty of affordable things to see. But why do tourists really love coming to Nha Trang?

1. Diving and Snorkeling

You might find the beaches a little crowded, but what Nha Trang is really famous for is what’s underneath the water. The town boasts around two dozen dive shops and PADI training courses for an incredible value, so experienced divers as well as those looking to get their certification can enjoy exploring the bay’s fantastic coral reefs all year round. Diving excursions occur near several small islands off the coast, where local dive masters can introduce you to amazing fish and other marine life not found anywhere else in Vietnam.

2. Shopping

The shopping in Nha Trang is much more laid-back and affordable than in the bigger cities, and you can find a variety of goods at the local market and in the different shops. Art galleries where you can purchase paintings done by local artists are abundant, as are furniture shops, hand-painted t-shirt stands, and tailors who will fit you with designer clothes. Many of the souvenirs are sea related, such as jewelry and hair ornaments made out of seashells, tortoise shells, palm leaves, and coconuts. And everywhere you go, prices are negotiable.

3. Dining

Nha Trang offers a wide selection of restaurants for every budget, but it’s famous throughout Vietnam for its amazing seafood. There are plenty of places to sample authentic Vietnamese food, whether grilled, steamed, or fried, but there are also local cafes and bistros where you can find pasta and tiramisu. There’s even Tex Mex barbecue and good old-fashioned bacon and eggs available in many of the hotels and dining areas around town. Whatever you are in the mood for, Nha Trang has a good choice for your culinary experience.

4. Museums and Attractions

Besides the waterfalls, hot springs, and other natural wonders you can visit in Nha Trang, the town is also filled with a surprising number of museums, including the National Oceanographic Museum. Frommer’s rates the Alexandre Yersin Museum, dedicated to a Seiss doctor and Vietnamese hero, as the number one attraction in the area, though they also recommend famous religious sites like Long Son Pagoda. The beautiful white Buddha at this pagoda is a symbol of Nha Trang, and every day, visitors climb the stairs to get a stellar view of the town below.

Needless to say, there is plenty to keep you occupied in Nha Trang, whether you are interested in water sports, nightlife, or local history. The richness of the town as a tourist hotspot keeps both Vietnamese visitors and visitors from countries around the world coming back to its sandy shores every year. It remains a shining example of the hospitality and culture that define Vietnam.

Travel blogger Dollie Younkin enjoys opening up to the world exotic lands like Vietnam. Nha Trang is located in the mouth of a beautiful bay with white beaches and crystal clear waters. Consider Vietnam for your next vacation destination.