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 2β3 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 (β«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. β«100,000 ($4) entry. Organised day trips from Nha Trang: β«200,000β350,000 ($8β14). Browse Nha Trang day tours on GetYourGuide.
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 itβs 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, 3β4 hours, β«100,000β180,000 ($4β7.20). Most travellers do Nha Trang as a leg on the Hoi An β Da Lat β 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: β«300,000β600,000 ($12β24) 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.
Which day trip for which traveller
For hikers: Ba Ho Waterfall is the best option - natural swimming pools, jungle trail, no ticket system, and genuinely scenic. The 25km motorbike ride north along the coast road is itself scenic.
For families with children: Yang Bay Waterfalls is the easiest option - well-developed paths, facilities, and the crocodile farm interests younger visitors. The organised day trip format removes the logistics pressure.
For road trip riders: The Da Lat mountain road is the standout experience. The Ngoang Pass section (approximately 100km from Nha Trang) offers the most dramatic scenery. Allow 3.5β4 hours one way including fuel and photo stops.
For quiet beach and water: Ninh Van Bay offers clear water and coral with very few people. The boat to the bay (20 minutes from Canh Buon pier) puts distance between you and the crowded Nha Trang city beach.
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.
Motorbike hire: β«150,000β250,000 ($6β10) per day for a semi-automatic scooter in Nha Trang as of 2026. Manual motorbikes available for experienced riders. Carry a paper map or download offline maps - mobile signal is intermittent on mountain roads west of the city.
Book a Day Trip from Nha Trang
Hereβs how the main day trip options compare:
| Tour | Duration | Price (from) | Group Size | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Po Nagar Cham Towers + Ba Ho Waterfalls Day | Full day | from $30/person | Group | Ancient Cham Hindu temple, Ba Ho three-tier waterfalls, jungle path |
| Nha Trang to Da Lat Day Trip | Full day | from $45/person | Group | Highland drive, coffee plantation, Datanla waterfall, evening return |
| Monkey Island Day Trip β Dao Khi | Full day | from $30/person | Group | Ferry to Monkey Island, trained macaque show, beach, seafood lunch |
| Nha Trang Countryside Motorbike Tour β Village Loop | Full day | from $40/person | Small group | Easy rider guide, salt flats, lotus ponds, fishing village, local lunch |
| Vinpearl Land Theme Park Day Trip | Full day | from $55/person | Group | Cable car to Hon Tre island, water park, amusement rides, aquarium |
Browse all Nha Trang day trips β GetYourGuide
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