With a population of 300,000, Nha Trang is the closest thing to a European resort centre in Vietnam, but still retains its Vietnamese culture and its small city atmosphere. The city is flanked by practically ten kilometres of prime beach and benefits from an all-year-round warm climate and a pretty archipelago of offshore islands. Additional out in the South China Sea are the Spratly islands, largely occupied by Vietnam but claimed by a number of south-east Asian countries together with China.  

The city is nicely-served by transport links. Both the railway and High means 1 runs past, and a new international airport has just opened on the site of a struggle time US airstrip at nearby Cam Ranh. 

The seashore is mostly backed by palms and firs, and a row of eating places and cafes fronting on to a seafront street that runs the length of the city. Most of Nha Trang's hotels are on the landward side of the highway and further again in the city. Notable exceptions are two up-market resort hotels, one a small institution positioned on the seaward side of the seaside street at its southern extremity, and the other a lot larger, hidden from view in a secluded bay on the far side of Hon Tre Island. 

The sea is Nha Trang's foremost attraction. Warm and clear for many of the year, with sandy beaches and rocky islands with coral reefs, it has grow to be essentially the most popular destination in Vietnam for scuba diving, snorkeling, water sports and solar bathing. Boat trips around the bay and up the CAI River are additionally popular.

There's loads of choice for locations to eat - Vietnamese, Asian and international, and prices are good. The Louisiana Café does wonderful pastries and has a good swimming pool free for customers. The Italian and Indian restaurants next to the Nha Trang Sailing Club are worth a visit.  

The Po Nagar Cham Towers are a powerful sight. Constructed between the seventh and 12th centuries on a website overlooking the CAI River, it was utilized by Cham Hindus.  

Not removed from the Po Nagar Towers is the wonderful Thap Ba Spa. Pure hot mineral water and dust is pumped as much as feed a sequence of open-air mud baths and mineral showers on terraces on the mountainside. The baths and showers are a deal with - unless you've got a factor about privacy, the communal baths are the best deal by far. You do not need equipment: a towel and a disheveled swimming costume come as a part of the package. 

Once you have completed wallowing, there's a splendid hot mineral water pool to lounge in as long as you wish. Massage and body treatments are also available. All this is located in a gorgeous garden of paper bushes and hibiscus. Not to be missed! 

Bao Dai’s Villa sounds an attention-grabbing place to remain, but the actuality is a disappointment. The state rooms would have has a tremendous view in the Emperor’s day, but now they look out at an unsightly aluminum and glass restaurant.  

The Long Son Pagoda is impressive inside and out. Above the pagoda on the top of a hill is. A giant seated Buddha that dominates the city. The 152 steps are worth the hassle as a result of the views is brilliant.