NHA Trang may not be a familiar name to many, but in Vietnam, this beach city is a favourite holiday spot for the locals. In fact, it is starting to gain more attention from travellers worldwide, particularly after Vietnam opened its borders following the end of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Now beckoning visitors from all over the world, Nha Trang is starting to enthrall the curious and seekers of old Asian charm.
This coastal city is the capital of Khánh Hòa Province, on the South Central Coast of Vietnam. It is bordered on the north by Ninh Hoà town, on the south by Cam Ranh city and the west by Diên Khánh District.
Getting to Nha Trang is also becoming much easier. For Malaysians, there are several connecting flights from Kuala Lumpur. The standard route would be a flight to Ho Chi Minh which then connects to several other Vietnamese destinations.
A more affordable option would be via Vietnam’s favourite low-cost airline VietJet which has direct flights to Nha Trang from Ho Chi Minh City.
Apart from being known for its beaches and scuba-diving, historically the city was known as Kauthara under the rule of the Kingdom of Champa. The city is still home to the famous Po Nagar Towers built by the Champa. And this beautiful sight should be the first destination if you visit Nha Trang.
Reminiscent of Lara Croft’s Tomb Raider, it is a perfect spot for picture-taking. There were originally 10 buildings dedicated to Hindu deities, but most have been destroyed over the years.
The four remaining towers, built in honour of Po Nagar, Cri Cambhu, Sanhaka, and Ganeca, are still used today as places of worship for the Cham people. Entrance to the towers costs a mere 20,000 Vietnamese Dong which is about RM4.
From Po Nagar, be sure to explore the Long Son Pagoda which houses a massive white statue of Buddha sitting atop a lotus blossom, as well as fire-ringed relief busts of Thich Quang Duc and six Buddhist monks who died in self-immolation in 1963.
There are 150 stone steps to reach the top, but around the halfway point lies a 14-metre-long sleeping Buddha and an entrance to another hall of Long Son Pagoda.
Another religious site that is worth a visit is the Nha Trang Cathedral. Set atop a hill that overlooks the train station, is widely known as the largest church in the city.
It was constructed in the provincial French Gothic style during the early 19th century, featuring beautiful stained-glass windows and a square clock tower surmounted by a large crucifix. Its three cathedral bells, which were cast in France in 1789, are still in working order.
Nha Trang Cathedral serves the local Catholic community, with mass being held between 5am and 6.30pm daily.
If you’re a fan of rides and theme parks, the humongous Vinpearl theme park offers not only fun attractions but also a resort for those who wish to stay within the vicinity.
After an entertaining evening of rides and roller coasters, enjoy the sunset at the Hon Chong Promontory. Standing at La San foothill is an incredible group of naturally stacked boulders. According to scientists, this natural phenomenon is the consequence of the tide’s erosion over a hundred years.
For some shopping, be sure to check out Nha Trang’s Dam Market and their famous night market by the beach. Located very near the Novotel Nha Trang and Ibis Styles hotel, you can find all sorts of items at this market – from clothes to food and drinks, as well as various souvenirs consisting of local handicraft products.
Apart from food items, it is also famous for clothing textiles that are sold according to the requests of customers. Cloths of a million colours can be found here to make an assortment of garments for both men and women.
Truly, Nha Trang is a beautiful coastal city that blends old Asian charm and modernity. If you are ever in search of a city that preserves such balance so well, then this Vietnam beach city must be on your bucket list. – The Vibes, November 7, 2022
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