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 Nhatrang Sights
All information What you need to travel to Nhatrang - Vietnam
Accommodation | Tours | Maps | Weather | Attractions | Transport in Nhatrang
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Nhatrang do & don't
Nha Trang City has a few sights worth a look in, but outlying attractions are more likely to appeal. Considering the main draw here is the beautiful beach and the lifestyle that goes with it, even these may sometimes be overlooked.
Cultural Activities
Nha Trang's Cham Tower is worth visiting. The Cham people ruled in this area from 243 AD until the 1600's, and this is one of the last remnants of their civilization. Once a whole complex of towers, some are now in ruins, but the North Tower still stands largely untouched.
Also within an easy bicycle ride of the beach is the Long Son pagoda, which houses an impressive sitting Buddha statue high in its gardens on the hillside, and which is visible for miles around. This is the biggest and most worthwhile pagoda to visit whilst in the city, and also the most convenient for its location - it's right by the train station.
A few kilometers away at the bottom of a bumpy pot-holed road are the Thap Ba Hot Spring Centre. As the advertising billboards around town boast, 'soaking in mineral mud is interesting'. Not only is there the chance to take a mud bath, but also soaking in mineral water, steam bath and massage, and a warm mineral water swimming pool are available. The centre even has a VIP Spa service taking in all these highlights through the course of a very relaxing day. A mud soak in a single tub costs 180,000 dong, or 300,000 for a 'double tub'. A swim in the pool costs 30,000 dong for an adult, kids are cheaper. Transportation is available from Nha Trang city and back for 30,000 dong per person.
The National Oceanographic Museum of Vietnam lives in Nha Trang, to the south of the town on the coast road. The museum is set in a huge colonial complex of buildings. Signs guide the way through the various exhibits which range from bored looking leopard sharks in tanks, to a plaster-cast model of a whale skeleton (or maybe it's real as they say -- you decide), to an entire 'sea cow' or manatee preserved in a huge glass case. Preservation is a big thing here, but we're talking about 'in vinegar' preservation -- giant squids and small reef sharks, if it's gruesome sights in glass jars you're looking for, there's a whole room full of them here. Other displays show Vietnam's oceanographic history.
Another museum, although a whole lot less interesting, is the Yersin Museum. Yersin was a prominent Frenchman who was loved by the Vietnamese for his work in the country. This may only interest those who want to learn more about the man and his contributions to shaping Vietnam during French colonial times. The museum features displays about Yersin's life, book collections from his library and an enormous telescope.
Outdoor activities
As with any coastal destination, Nha Trang offers an extensive range of water-based pursuits with everything from free activities such as swimming and snorkeling to organized activities such as scuba diving and sailing. A modest selection of dry land pursuits completes the basic list although guests may find reputable hotels offering extras.
Vinpearl Amusement Park
A small scale operation but still well worth a visit, the Vinpearl Amusement Park on Bamboo Island is operated by the Sofitel group and offers among other things, a giant Ferris wheel which gives great views over the area from its highest vantage point. A traditional carousel ride, giant inflatable and a ball pool, list among the other attractions available.
Vinpearl Water Park
Part of the same operation as the amusement park, the Vinpearl Water Park is the ideal place to take the kids on a day when the hot weather precludes any sightseeing possibilities. It has a variety of giant slides, a wave pool, a cable ride and water games; list among the attractions on offer. Food and refreshments are available for purchase so it’s feasible to spend the entire day at the park.
Water sports
Down at the beach, it’s possible to take part in a variety of water based activities including jet skiing, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking and sailing. Accidents have been known to happen so visitors are advised to ask questions before embarking on an activity and make sure the organizers are of repute. Swimming is of course available to all beach-goers however the waves can be somewhat erratic so again, caution is advised.
Jogging
You’ll need to get up ultra-early and head for Tran Phu Street if you want to join the locals for their morning jogging sessions. Between 05:00 and 08:00, this street sees large number of Nha Trang residents engaging in everything from gentle walks to energetic running sessions.
Tai Chi
Equally a very early morning pursuit; the locals of Nha Trang often rise before the sun and head down to pedestrian areas of the city to participate in graceful sessions of this ancient martial art. It’s all conducted in silence so there’s no need to be able to speak Vietnamese to take part although a basic understanding of the moves is certainly necessary.
Tennis
A number of reputable hotels offer tennis courts which are available to both residents and non residents on payment of the required fee. The Grand Hotel, the Ana Mandara, Vien Dong and Yasaka hotels, all have courts located within hotel grounds.
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