The Vietnam Guides

Khanh Hoa Sea Festival 2026: What to Expect in Nha Trang

· 2 min read Travel News
Nha Trang beach, Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam

Contents

  1. Programme Highlights
  2. Practical Information for Visitors
  3. Digital Arrival Card Reminder

The Khanh Hoa Sea Festival (Lễ Hội Biển Khánh Hòa) returns to Nha Trang from 17 to 19 July 2026, with a broader programme of side events running from 10 July through 10 August. The festival’s theme this year is “Colors of the Ocean - Reaching International Heights”, and organisers are expecting between 600,000 and 800,000 visitors across the main three-day programme.

Programme Highlights

17 July (Opening Night): The opening ceremony features augmented reality and 3D mapping projections at Nha Trang Beach, followed by a fireworks display. This is typically the most heavily attended night of the festival.

18 July: The Miss and Mr. Vietnam Supermodel final is scheduled as the headline event on the second evening.

19 July (Closing Night): An international gala closes the main festival programme, with performances from Vietnamese and international artists.

Across the broader July 10–August 10 schedule, more than 40 activities are planned including beach sports, diving and snorkelling exhibitions, traditional fishing demonstrations, and culinary showcases from Khanh Hoa Province.

Practical Information for Visitors

Nha Trang is well connected to Ho Chi Minh City (approximately 50 minutes by air or eight hours by overnight train) and to Hanoi (two hours by air). Flights into Cam Ranh International Airport (CXR) serve the city directly; the airport is around 35 kilometres south of Nha Trang’s beach strip.

Hotels along Tran Phu Boulevard fill quickly during the festival weekend. If you are planning to attend, confirm accommodation now - rooms remaining in the beachfront area for 17–19 July are limited.

Digital Arrival Card Reminder

If you are travelling to Vietnam, the Digital Arrival Card is mandatory for all international passengers entering via Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), Noi Bai (Hanoi), and all major international airports. Complete it at prearrival.immigration.gov.vn within 72 hours before your flight. Failure to complete it in advance may result in delays at immigration. Our Vietnam visa and entry guide covers this process step by step.

Note on health declarations: as of July 2026, there is no universal health declaration requirement in effect for arrivals into Vietnam. The Ministry of Health has the authority to activate health declaration requirements if a specific disease risk is identified, but this is not currently in force. Check for updates if your travel is several weeks away.

For everything from beaches and diving to things to do beyond the festival, see our full Nha Trang guide. The broader July–August schedule includes diving and snorkelling exhibitions - if you want to book a snorkelling tour or island day trip around Nha Trang, GetYourGuide has a range of options.