Beaches and the Bay in Nha Trang

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The beach is the reason most people come to Nha Trang. The main city beach is about 6 kilometres long and only a short walk from most hotels. The bay in front is wide and sheltered, with islands on the horizon. If you want more space, quieter beaches lie a short drive north and south of the city.

The city beach

The main beach runs along Tran Phu street for about 6 kilometres. A wide promenade with palm trees, gardens and small parks follows the sand, so it is easy to walk, jog or cycle the whole way. Beach clubs rent sun loungers and umbrellas, and some have showers and bars. The sand is soft and golden, and the water is usually calm and warm in the dry months. Early morning is a lovely time, when local people swim and exercise before the heat. On rough days red flags fly, so swim only where lifeguards are on duty and follow their signs.

Hon Chong headland

At the north end of the city, Hon Chong is a small headland of huge, smooth granite boulders stacked on top of each other above the sea. You can climb over the rocks, look for a large hand-shaped dent in one stone and enjoy a wide view back across the bay to the city and islands. It is a popular spot for sunrise. Nearby, small local beaches and seafood places feel less touristy than the main strip. Wear shoes with good grip, because the rocks are slippery when wet, and visit early to avoid the midday sun and tour groups.

Bai Dai, the long beach to the south

Bai Dai, which means Long Beach, stretches for kilometres south of the city on the road to Cam Ranh airport. It is about 20 to 30 kilometres from the centre. The sand is wide and clean, and the beach feels open and wild compared with the city. Large resorts line parts of the shore, but there are still simple seafood shacks where you can eat at a table near the waves. The surf can be stronger here, so take care when swimming. It is an easy stop on the way to or from the airport.

Doc Let and the north

Doc Let beach is about 50 kilometres north of Nha Trang. It has very white sand, shallow, clear water and a calm, quiet feel. It makes a good day trip or a relaxed overnight stay away from the city. Further north, the Van Phong bay area has more empty beaches and small islands. One popular trip is Diep Son, where at low tide you can walk on a narrow sandbar through the sea between small islands. Check the tide times locally before you go. These northern beaches are best reached by car or motorbike, or with a day tour.

Beaches and the Bay at a glance

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