Welcome to the beach capital of Vietnam. It may not be a charmer like MuiNe or a historic jewel like Hoian, but there is a certain something about Nha Trang that just keeps them coming back for more. For most it is the beautiful beach, the best municipal stretch of sand in the country, while the offshore islands add to the appear, offering decadent boat trips on the water and some of Vietnam’s best diving under it.

The setting is stunning, with towering mountain looming up behind the city and the sweeping beach stretching into the distance, the turquoise waters dotted with little islands. The beachfront has given a huge makeover in recent year, with parks and sculpture gardens spread along the shorefront, although by night it still reverts to a bi of a circus with motorbike drivers doubling as pimps and dealers, and kamikaze hookers hoping to relieve drunken tourist of their remaining dong.

Nha Trang is a study in contrasts, as the main city is still a bustling Vietnamese entity, buzzing along oblivious to the tourist crowds lining the shore. Hugging the coast for a few blocks is a fully – fledged international resort, complete with high – rise hotel, souvenir shop, stylish restaurant and sophisticated bars. This part of town, complete with a newly built Sheraton and Novotel, could be anywhere in the world, but the steady soundtrack of xe om drivers will soon bring you back to the Vietnamese reality.

It is not only the blissful beaches and glorious coastline that define Nha Trang. It also offers some of the best dinning beyond Hanoi and Saigon, with a country from the sea and an array of international flavors. As the restaurants wind down, the nightlife cranks up, as Nha Trang is a party town at heart, like any self-respecting resort should be. Forget the curfews of the capital; people play late in this town.

If cocktail and shooters sedate activities on offer beyond the waters. Try an old- school spa treatment with a visit to a mud bath or explore centuries- old Cham towers still standing in the centre of town. Or throw culture to the wind and experience Vinpearl Land, Nha Trang’s attempt at Disneyworld. Nha Trang has something for everyone.

This part of the country has its very own microclimate and the rains tend to come from October until December, a time best avoided if you are into lazing on the beach or diving in crystal- clear water

When to go ?
Nha Trang is warm all year round with an average temperature of 23ºC. Generally, the best time to visit Nha Trang is from January to October. The wet months are November and December, but rain usually falls only at night or in the morning.

Travel Tips
On the beach, vendors sell everything which you might need such as seafood, fruit, drinks, books. If you find it an inconvenient hassle, don't buy just say no and please take care when choosing a scuba diving operator or boat operator as some of the companies use too old equipments, which are not environmentally friendly to the marine ecosystem.