Nha Trang (1450 km South of Hanoi and 450 km North of HCMC) is the capital of Khanh Hoa province, lies along the East sea with population of 340 000. The name of Nha Trang comes from Cham word "Eatran" ("Ea" means water and "tran" - bamboo).
Nha Trang possesses many islands, clean beaches, coastal climate, sunshine. Average temperature is 23° C. Summer lasts from May to August. The rainy season in Nha Trang runs only from October through mid December.
Attractions
Po Nagar Cham Towers Eight Po Nagar Cham Towers were built on Cu Lao marble hill, 2 km north of Nha Trang, between the 8th and 13th centuries. Not only are the towers famous for their architecture and sculpture, but they are also well known for their great significance in history, nationalism, and archaeology. Standing on the top of the hill, one can admire the beautiful landscapes of the coastal region of Nha Trang. Long Son Pagoda Long Son Pagoda is situated at the foot of Mount Trai Thuy, northwest of Nha Trang, in Khanh Hoa province. The pagoda was first built on Mount Trai Thuy in 1886 and named Dang Long Pagoda. In 1900, the pagoda was damaged in a storm and was rebuilt down the mountain in its present location. Hon Chong Beach The coastline of Ha Tien is on the border with Cambodia [5m/9 km] and has some superb beaches, including the site of the French film L'amant [The Lover, 1995]. Hon Chong Beach is a very seductive beach with soft white sand and calm tropical water, while nearby Tien Cave has interesting rock formations. White sandy Duong Beach is also worth a try. Marine research institute Marine research institute was previously the oceanography institute founded in 1923, which is situated on a large area alongside Cau Da, 6 km away from Nha Trang. Laboratories, libraries, warehouses... are designed as a spacious multi-storey architecture, gracefully situated in the shade of Blue Dragon. Palace Of Ocean King Palace of Ocean King is at the present the largest side nationwide, opened in 1998 on Hon Mieu Island, close to Tri Nguyen fish lake. Palace of Ocean King was designed and constructed with the look of a sailing yawn, allowing visitors to relax, to behold the live life of marine royal and mermaids. Alexandre Yersin Museum Here you can get an inkling of the work of one of Vietnam's greatest heroes, expat or not. Swiss doctor Yersin founded Dalat, isolated a plague-causing bacteria, and researched agricultural methods and meteorological forecasting, all to the great benefit of the Vietnamese. He founded the institute in 1895. On display are his desk, overflowing library, and scientific instruments. Hon Mieu Island The largest of the surrounding islands, Hon Mieu has a fishing village, Bai Soi, that isn't very active any longer but features many seafood restaurants. There is also an aquarium of sorts, consisting of a lake divided into three sections: one for ornamental fish, one for edible fish, and one for carnivorous varieties; there's a wharf to stand on. Salangane Island Salangane Island is most famous for Yen Sao which is the name of the nest of Salangane or swifts. The locals harvest the bird nests (considered a delicacy) used in soups. These nests are processed and exported to Taiwan and Hong Kong. Ba Ho Stream It is 25 km from Nha Trang to the north. This is a stream originating from the top of Hon Son (over 660m), flowing between the two sides of the rocky mountains into the fields of Phu Huu hamlet, Ninh Ich village, Ninh Hoa district, then pours into Nha Phu swamp. The stream gets its name in its supper stream, on the way through the forests and mountains; it opens three times in width right in the mountains into three continuous lakes. Mun Island From the gravel beach of Hon Mieu, you will see three small islands lying in a row; they are Hon Tam, Hon Mot and Hon Mun; among these, Hon Mun has the most attractive landscapes. Its name derives from the geographical features - the high cliffs in the southwest are too risky, ragged with numerous caves; here rocks and stones are all ebony-like black, which is rarely found on any other islands.
Transportation
By Plane -- Vietnam Airlines is the country's only domestic air carrier, but prices are reasonable and the service is good. Seats are usually easy to come by. Purchasing tickets is also very easy; all travel agents book for a nominal fee, and many major hotels have V.A. agents in the lobby. By Train -- Vietnam's major rail network runs from Hanoi to Saigon and back, with stops along in Hue, Danang, and Nha Trang. By Bus/Minivan -- Public buses are recommended to only the most intrepid travelers. Local transport is slow, crowded, and prone to break down.
