Disappointing Second Trip to Nha Trang: What Went Wrong?
Last year, I also visited Nha Trang at this time. It was a purely leisurely trip, and the total cost came to 4099, with additional expenses for optional activities and meals bringing the total to over 7000. The weather in Nha Trang last year was scorching, and the area around the beach hotel Nalicas, including the beach itself, was bustling with people all day long, creating a lively and vibrant atmosphere. This year, I was eager to return.
After hearing from friends on Xiaohongshu about budget tours priced at 499 and 999, I found a 999 low-cost shopping tour through a friend. However, the actual cost ended up being 999 + 600 for tax and visa + 600 for a single supplement + 500 for a single room at a local four-star hotel + 200 for airport transfer in Nanjing, totaling 2899.
This was only 1200 less than the pure leisure tour, but the experience was far worse. They claimed there was no forced shopping, yet the female guide talked non-stop. To get a poorly sized bracelet restrung, I had to buy a bag of tea for 340, which made me feel sick after drinking it. Later, I bought some jade and other local specialties, along with optional activities, spending 7420, making the total over 11000.
The overall experience was much less enjoyable.
This year, the climate in Nha Trang was significantly cooler, and the area around Nalicas hotel and the beach was desolate and bleak, instantly dampening my mood. It seems that if I don’t plan to shop, I should avoid low-cost shopping tours in the future. Checking the weather forecast and doing more thorough planning will be essential for my next trip.
I’m sorry to hear your second trip didn’t measure up to the first one. It sounds like the overcrowded beaches really took away from the experience this time around. Have you considered visiting during a different season to avoid the crowds? I’d love to know if that makes a difference!
Thank you for your thoughtful suggestion! I actually have thought about visiting during a quieter season, as the crowds were overwhelming. While it might improve the experience, I’m also curious how other factors like weather could play a role. Thanks for sharing your idea—I think it’s worth considering for future trips!