Things to Do in Nha Trang 2026: Islands, Diving and Cham Towers

Nha Trang’s main activities are water-based. The city sights are secondary — worth half a day but not the reason most people come.

Diving and snorkelling at Hon Mun Marine Reserve

The best snorkelling and diving in Vietnam outside Phu Quoc and Con Dao. Hon Mun island and its marine reserve have Vietnam’s highest coral diversity. The water clarity varies with current conditions but is generally better than the mainland coast.

Snorkelling: All island hopping day trips include a snorkelling stop at Hon Mun or the surrounding reefs. Equipment provided. ₫200,000–500,000 ($8–20) per person for the full day trip.

Diving: Multiple PADI dive centres operate from the city beach road. 2-tank boat dives: ₫700,000–1,200,000 ($28–48). PADI Open Water course (3–4 days): ₫4,000,000–6,000,000 ($160–240). Operators: Rainbow Divers (established, internationally staffed), Blue Diving Club, among others.

Island Hopping Day Trips

The standard Nha Trang tourist experience. Boat trips visit 3–4 of the nearby islands: Hon Mun (snorkelling), Hon Mieu (large island with fish farms and an aquarium), Hon Tam (beach and water sports), and Hon Mot (smaller beach). All-day trips include lunch on the boat.

Budget group trip: ₫200,000–350,000 ($8–14) on a shared boat with 20–40 other passengers. Loud, social, and popular with young Vietnamese domestic tourists.

Private speedboat: ₫2,000,000–4,000,000 ($80–160) per boat for 1–6 people. More flexibility, quieter islands.

Po Nagar Cham Towers

The most significant Cham site in the Nha Trang area and one of the best in Vietnam for experiencing continuing religious practice. Four towers from the 7th–12th centuries, the main tower dedicated to the Cham goddess Lady Po Nagar. Worshippers still visit regularly — the towers function as both heritage site and active place of worship.

Entry: ₫22,000 ($0.88). On a hilltop at the north end of the city, 2km from the beach. 20 minutes by bicycle.

Long Son Pagoda

The city’s main Buddhist pagoda, known for the large white Buddha statue on the hilltop behind. The pagoda grounds are peaceful and the climb to the Buddha viewpoint gives a view over the city. Free entry.

Nha Trang Cathedral

A French Gothic cathedral (1933) on a hilltop in the city. One of the more atmospheric colonial buildings in the city. Active Catholic parish.

Vinpearl Land

An amusement park on Vinpearl Island, accessible by cable car from the mainland (the cable car itself is a highlight). Target audience: families with children and domestic Vietnamese visitors. Entry ₫850,000–1,200,000 ($34–48). Controversial for its scale and the development of the island, but very popular.

Nha Trang Beach (city beach)

The 6km city beach along Tran Phu Boulevard. Busy April–August. The beach is wide and the water is swimmable, though the open bay can get rough. Most people use the beach for morning walks and swimming early before the heat and crowds increase.