As one of the most beautiful beach cities in Vietnam, Nha Trang has long been known as a tropical paradise for beachgoers. Not only endowed with crystal blue beaches and dozens of lush secluded islands, Nha Trang is also an ideal destination for those who seek cultural and historical exploration as it was once the land of the flourishing Champa Kingdom.
With a natural area of over 250 km² and its strategic location, Nha Trang is the center of the economy of Khanh Hoa City. As a result, it’s given generous investment to grow to its full potential as the ultimate vacation destination in Vietnam, if not in Southeast Asia.
Nha Trang weather
Nha Trang has a huge advantage when it comes to weather. Located near a large body of water, the temperate is naturally regulated, giving it long sunny hours with minimal temperate fluctuation. The rainy season is short and relatively predictable, making it easy to plan ahead and get the most out of your visit.
Mid-December to mid-March is the best time of the year for extensive outdoor exploration given its clear, rain-free days with pleasant temperature ranges from 18°C to 27°C. The weather can get chilly in the early mornings and late evenings, so proper outerwear should be prepared.
Late March to late September is the best time for swimming and underwater activities due to its warmer water, with the warmest month usually being September, averaging 29°C. September to December marks the rainy season in Nha Trang, so be sure to check with locals or your on-site travel agency for a more accurate weather forecast.
Transportation in Nha Trang
Travel to Nha Trang
As a developed tourist hotspot, Nha Trang is super accessible, offering many ways of transportation from major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang.
By Planes
Cam Ranh International Airport is about 35 km from Nha Trang city center, operating direct flights from and to several cities in Korea, China, and Southeast Asia.
For domestic travel, flights to Nha Trang take around 1-2 hours, with tickets ranging from 800,000 VND – 1,600,000 VND ($32 – $64) one way.
Flying is reasonable if you don’t have much time to spare. But note that the customs lines can take quite some time during high seasons.
Pros: Time-saving.
Cons: Expensive and unpredictable customs wait time.
By Trains
Taking trains to Nha Trang is a fascinating experience. The rides often take up to 8 to 10 hours from Ho Chi Minh City, which take passengers through diverse terrains and landscapes of Vietnam. The Vietnam Railway offers several seating options, from hard seats to world-class beds, catering to all sorts of budgets. Tickets can be booked via their website (dsvn.vn) with flexible refund and return policies.
Train tickets can greatly vary from 350,000 VND to over 1,200,000 VND ($14 – $48) depending on the train class and demand at the time. Advanced booking will guarantee you a good seat and definitely a better price.
Pros: Safe and scenic.
Cons: Time-consuming.
By Buses
Taking buses is a favorable local way to travel to Nha Trang. You can find buses departing to Nha Trang from almost every city. These are better known as sleeper buses with reclining bunk beds, well-equipped with air conditioning, USB charging ports, blankets, pillows, a reading light, and a small TV screen (that hardly works). Some buses even have a toilet on board for supreme convenience.
From Ho Chi Minh City, a trip to Nha Trang typically takes about 7 hours if you travel through the night and about 9 hours for day buses, depending on the traffic. One-way tickets cost around 300,000 VND – 450,000 VND ($12 – $18), and the prices are subject to change due to demand, such as public holidays.
Pros: Cheap, fast, and flexible.
Cons: Uncomfortable and hectic at times.
By Cars
For ultimate flexibility, renting private cars will be a good option that families and groups of friends should consider. In particular, Ho Chi Minh City – Nha Trang is linked by highways and well-developed roads, making it a pleasant ride. The trip takes at least 6 hours and longer if you make more stops on the way. The standard price would be around 2,500,000 VND ($100) one way, including road tolls, fuel, driver, and of course, a well-maintained car.
Pros: Flexible and personalized.
Cons: Expensive.
Travel around Nha Trang
The relaxed flow of traffic in Nha Trang allows easy commuting, even for first-time visitors. Here are some common and affordable ways to get around the city:
Motorbikes
Renting a motorbike is an economical and fun way to explore the city. A motorbike provides an intimate way to explore the city, allowing you to be part of the traffic and interact with the locals on the road. Visitors can easily visit remote spots, narrow alleys, or small cafés at their own pace. Rental prices range from 150,000 VND – 250,000 VND ($6 – $10) a day, depending on the type of vehicle, e.g., gear bikes or automatic scooters. A driving license is required, and wearing a helmet is compulsory at all times when you drive here.
Ride-hailing apps
Hailing a ride is the perfect way to avoid navigational challenges and the risk of overcharging. Grab and Xanh SM offer quick and easy service with only a few taps on your phone. They also allow users to choose from a range of vehicles, like motorbikes and cars, and track the driver’s route. With a credit card, you can make cashless transactions, making payment easier.
Traditional taxis
In case of internet disconnection, traditional taxis are always an option. Taxis are often hailed on the street without significant wait time. You can easily find one outside hotels, restaurants, and tourist areas.
Public buses
Public buses are the most economical way to get around Nha Trang. Buses, especially VinBus operated by Vinpearl Nha Trang with its iconic green color and the V logo, cover a wide area, including the beach, the marina, the city center, and Vinpearl Nha Trang. They run every 20-30 minutes, with fares starting at 15,000 VND ($0.60). The airport route connecting Cam Ranh Airport to Nha Trang city center costs 50,000 VND ($2).
Cyclos
Cyclos, traditional three-wheeled pedicabs, are a safe and fun way to explore the city. Cyclos are human-powered, so they are not only eco-friendly but also interactive since they allow you to take in the sights, smells, and sounds of the city from a close distance and in the most unique way. Prices range from 450,000 – 1,000,000 VND ($18 – $40) depending on the duration and extra services, such as food tours and private tour guides.
