Day Trips from Nha Trang 2026: Da Lat Highlands and Ninh Van Bay

Nha Trang is primarily a water-based destination, and the best day trips extend the coastal and aquatic experience rather than heading inland. That said, the highlands route to Da Lat is an excellent full-day road trip.

Ba Ho Waterfall (25km north)

Three tiered waterfalls and natural swimming pools in the forest 25km north of the city. The hike through the jungle to the upper falls is 2–3 hours round trip with moderate difficulty. The pools are clean and cool — swimming is possible.

Getting there: Motorbike (45 minutes). Follow the coast road north. Entry fee nominal (₫20,000 / $0.80). Weekend crowds are significant — go early on weekdays.

Yang Bay Waterfalls (45km west)

A waterfall park and eco-tourism area in the Khanh Vinh district. Multiple falls accessible via a well-developed path. Less wild than Ba Ho but easier and with more facilities. Crocodile farm and hot springs on site. ₫100,000 ($4) entry. Organised day trips from Nha Trang: ₫200,000–350,000 ($8–14).

Da Lat (130km by mountain road)

The mountain city at 1,500m elevation is 130km from Nha Trang via a spectacular mountain road (the Ngoang Pass section is outstanding for motorbike riders). As a day trip it’s rushed — Da Lat warrants at least one overnight. But the drive alone (130km, 3 hours each way) through the mountain rubber plantations and coastal highlands is one of the best motorbike routes in southern Vietnam.

Nha Trang to Da Lat by bus: Regularly operated tourist bus, 3–4 hours, ₫100,000–180,000 ($4–7.20). Most travellers do Nha Trang as a leg on the Hoi An → Da Lat → HCMC route rather than as a day trip.

Ninh Van Bay

A secluded bay 15km north of the city, accessible only by boat (20 minutes from the Canh Buon pier). The bay has several luxury eco-lodges and a quiet beach with good snorkelling on the bay fringing coral. Day trips by chartered boat: ₫300,000–600,000 ($12–24) return transport. The bay is primarily a resort destination but worth a day visit if you want quiet water and beach away from the city.

Practical notes

Nha Trang guesthouses organise most standard day trips. Self-organised motorbike access gives more flexibility for Ba Ho and Yang Bay. The Da Lat road is suitable for competent motorbike riders.