|
Welcome to Vietnam's ocean city! The capital of
Khanh Hoa Province, Nha Trang sees a heavy local and international tourist
influx, especially in the summer. The central beachside city area is quite busy
and full of cheap guesthouses and small restaurants. The beach and its outlying
islands have sprouted some fine new resorts. The surf isn't bad (for frolic,
not for surfing) along the vast crescent-shaped beach in Nha Trang's central
city, and the bright blue vista is dotted by more than 20 surrounding islands.
There are many good high-end hotels and resorts to choose from, and the
high-rises in the town center hearken almost to a large beach town in Florida.
Good budget options abound, too. Dining is all about fresh seafood.
Nha Trang is a very popular vacation spot for Vietnamese. In
the summer months the town is chockablock with tourists and young kids out
"cruisin' the strip" on the main seaside avenue. The beaches of Nha Trang are a
great place to spend 2 or 3 days playing in the surf, snorkeling and diving, or
taking a cruise to the nearby islands. And Nha Trang's nightlife is thumping.
Centering around the busy backpacker area along Biet Thu Street, the bars hop
until late. In fact, the party often starts out on the boats by day and then
continues at the bars until late. Prepare to shake thy booty at the beach.
Culturally, The Pasteur Institute offers a glimpse into the life
and work of one of Vietnam's most famous expats. Both the Long Son Pagoda and
the well-preserved Po Nagar Cham Temple are interesting sights.
In the winter the surf can be quite rough, making swimming and
watersports less than desirable, but daylong boat trips are always a go. Nha
Trang is a good place for diving to soft coral sites brimming with reef fish,
and a number of very professional dive outfitters can take you there (quite
inexpensive by Western standards). Also note the newly developed Whale Island,
just a few hours north, as well as new developments near the airport.
Because Nha Trang expects an increase in regional and
international flights, the airport moved to Cam Ranh Bay, 30 minutes south of
town. The logic of the new airport is clear -- longer runways for bigger planes
-- but the old in-town airport is now home to a bevy of military jets, which
take off in a deafening roar over the south end of the beach throughout the
day. It's kind of cool if you like jets, but not so cool if you like peace and
quiet.
 famous landscape:
Cho Dam (market): North of the town center. Round shaped market selling mainly
daily goods. Souvenirs can be found on the second floor. Bargain hard.
-Nha Trang Cathedral (Nha tho Nha Trang): Thai Nguyen Street, on
the hilltop. Big stone cathedral, Gothic style with stained glass windows.
Usually closed, but it may be possible to enter when services are held - early
morning or evening(M-Sa4:45-17:00, Su5:00,7:00,16:30). Free
-Long Son Pagoda: 500 m W from the train station on Thai Nguyen
St, 10 minutes from the center by bicycle. Try to get a monk to show you
around. Check out the main hall, then climb the 152 stairs to the top of the
hill and the 14m-high white Buddha statue. Go inside the statue, light some
incense, then go down the hill using the trail to the rear of the statue in
order to see more buildings and more monks. Free, but you may be asked for a
donation by a monk. Don't give money to the many kids hanging around.
-Po Nagar Cham towers: 7-12th century ruin of the Cham people.
2km north from town on 2 Thang 4 Street; you'll see them on the left just
across the bridges. Contains an altar for Goddess Po Nagar. Currently has
scaffolding around some towers. Excellent views from the back and from the
bridge, featured on many postcards. Bargain hard for motorbike parking fee.
Many beggars. Entry 15,000D
-Hon Chong Cape: 3.5km N from town. From the Cham towers, walk
N.500m on 2 Thang 4 St. then turn right onto Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, walk
another 7-800m. Many fishing villages around here. Check out the many boulders
stacked on top of each other. Scenic views, particularly on a fine day when the
sea becomes emerald green. 6:30-17:00 Entry 50,000D S5 Bao Dai Villas: 6km S of
town. Built in the 1920s for the last emperor of Vietnam. Five buildings with
impressive landscape and mostly original furnishings. Stay here, if you like,
or just visit. Great views.
-Thap Ba Hot Spring Center: Son Thuy street, out side of town.Take Quang Trung
street and cross bridges and turn left on Son Thuy street. T835335, hotbath
50,000D, swimming pool 20,000VD Tours available by travel agents.
Special Food
|
It is also possible to have sea food on the beach.
While I was lying on a bed, this nice lady asked if we wanted to try the local
lobsters. After a long negotiation we agreed on the price. She went to the
local market, bought two lobsters and brought them alive. She cooked them on a
small pan on the sand. Although tropical lobster is not as good as cold water
lobster, this was a great lunch. If you buy sea food from a local, make sure it
is alive.
|
|
|