Beaches

Nha Trang is lined with an uninterrupted, fine stretch of sand: the Tran Phu Beach. This is the beach most used by both locals and tourists, with infrastructure such as changing rooms and bathrooms available throughout at a fee. Although the beach works great for recreation, it's far from being the area's cleanest and most attractive. Alternatives worth exploring include the Bai Dai Beach, frequented by surfers, Bai Tien Beach (stones rather than sand), beaches on nearby islands (such as Bai Tru on Hon Tre, and Hon Tam Island beach). The beautiful Diep Son Beach is known for the spectacular underwater sand path leading to the island (only seen in full during low tide). If you're ready to travel further out, the Jungle Beach is a great option, but will take a couple of hours to reach. Surrounded by nature and fascinating flora and fauna, this beach is popular with both off-the-beaten-trackers and resort vacationers staying at the nearby Jungle Beach Resort.

Blind Massage

Multiple parlours in Nha Trang employ visually impaired and blind masseurs, all professionally trained and certified to perform various types of treatment (there are educational facilities aimed specifically at trainees with visual impairments). Paying a visit to one of such salons contributes to helping local communities and supporting positive development, not to mention the rejuvenating effects of having your knots worked through by a pair of what's referred to as 'seeing hands'. One consistently well-reviewed parlour is King Blind Massage:

• Web:

  https://kingmassage.business.site

• Address:

  34/2a Nguyễn Thiện Thuật, Tân Lập, Thành phố Nha Trang

• Phone:

  +84 898 360 886

Fishing Village

A few kilometres south of central Nha Trang lie several floating villages, whose inhabitants make a living by fishing and fish farming. It's a world fascinating to foreign visitors in its stark contrast to city life, both in Vietnam and beyond. the trip makes for an interesting excursion, and visits support local communities. The best way to visit is as part of an organised boat tour – these often include a stop at a floating fishing village in the itinerary.

Long Son Pagoda

A giant sparkling-white Buddha sits atop a hill at the foot of Trai Thuy Mountain, marking the location of a beautiful pagoda, one of Nha Trang's most notable sites. Walk through the mosaic-adorned halls and take the 152 steps that lead up to the pagoda; a spectacular view unfolds over Nha Trang in its entirety from up here. Footwear should be removed prior to entering the temples, and modest clothing covering the shoulders should be worn. Please note that the area is notorious for minor scam artists offering unsolicited services to tourists, which can be an annoyance.

• Address:

  Thai Nguyen St, Nha Trang

Mud Bath

Mineral deposits found in the Nha Trang area are believed to have natural curative properties, which can be experienced first-hand at the city's several reputable 'mud spa' centres. Services range from the possibility to, quite literally, bathe in mud, to experiencing a full-on treatment in combination with a massage or other beauty procedures. Spa packages are offered at most centres and are incredibly great value. Some of the best-known spa centres include Thap Ba Hot Springs (with private baths available, as well as waterfalls and thermal pools with both warm and cold water); iResort (another large complex, plus water slides), 100 Egg Mud Bath, and – if you're too short on time to make the trip outside of town to one of the larger complexes – Galina Mud Bath right downtown.

• Web:

  https://tambunthapba.vn

• Address:

  438 Ngo Den, Ngoc Hiep, Nha Trang

• Phone:

  +84 98 373 18 41

Po Nagar Cham Towers

One of Nha Trang's most alluring attractions are the Po Nagar Cham Towers, an actively used site of religious significance to Cham, Chinese and Vietnamese Buddhists; only 4 towers remain standing (researchers speculate there may have originally been up to 10). Constructed between the 7th and 12th centuries, the towers have a history that goes back to as early as the 2nd century AD, when the location was first used for religious purposes. The complex teems with worshippers and visitors daily – you'll likely see some dozing on the hillside, others having a family picknick, others yet enjoying a stylised performance at the on-site outdoor stage. Tickets may be purchased at the counter left of the entrance.

• Address:

  2 Tháng 4, Vĩnh Phước, Thành phố Nha Trang

• Opening hours:

  Daily 8am-6pm