Unforgettable Nha Trang Independent Travel Experiences to Try

I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Nha Trang six times, three of which were with my children. I hope my insights will be helpful for your trip!

1. When it comes to entry, it’s best to secure a separate visa in advance, which only requires a passport photo. Vietnam does offer a visa on arrival, but you’ll need to queue up after landing, which can be less convenient. Customs clearance usually takes about an hour, so consider booking daytime flights to avoid any unnecessary stress.

2. From the airport to your hotel, you have a couple of convenient options: the airport shuttle or a Grab (similar to Didi in Vietnam). Both are similarly priced at around 300,000 VND (about 90 RMB), and calling a car is incredibly easy. I often use this service when traveling to other parts of the city as well.

3. For accommodation 🏨, many visitors prefer staying in the heart of Nha Trang. In the city center, I’ve enjoyed stays at the Sheraton Nha Trang Hotel & Spa, which boasts breathtaking sea views, a family-friendly pool, and a dedicated children’s playroom. One of the highlights is the Haidilao restaurant on the fourth floor of the mall behind the hotel, and there’s also a large Lotte Department Store nearby.

The supermarket on the third floor is quite spacious, making it perfect for picking up essentials. While the waves at the beach can be a bit strong, lounging on the sand and taking a leisurely stroll are still delightful.

4. If you’re traveling with children, a must-visit is Vinpearl Land. Located on another island, you can easily take a taxi from your hotel to the Vinpearl cable car station, then ride the cable car over to Vinpearl Land. The amusement park, known as VinWonder, offers a zoo, botanical garden, water park, and fun world, complete with various performances.

It’s a fantastic place to spend the day with your kids! You can purchase tickets online in advance or at the ticket office at the dock, which includes round-trip cable car fees. For more tips on the amusement park, check out another note on my homepage.

5. If your children are eager to visit VinWonder multiple times, consider staying at a hotel on the island rather than in the city. This way, you’re just a 5-minute trip away from the park, and the hotel will provide direct transportation, saving you the daily journey to the dock and the cable car ride.

The advantage is that you can visit the park anytime, and the calmer waves allow for extended beach playtime. The downside is that dining options on the island are more limited compared to the city. However, you can always take the cable car back to the city for meals. If you stay on the island, the cable car offers unlimited round trips, making it very convenient.

6. If you find yourself tiring of the park, you can book a day tour to explore other attractions. For more details, see another note on my homepage.

7. Here are a few fantastic restaurants I’ve had the pleasure of visiting!

👍 The seafood buffet at the Sheraton Nha Trang is an absolute delight! Previously, it was priced at around 200 RMB per person, offering incredibly fresh seafood. While lobster is limited, you can indulge in as much salmon and other delicious items as your heart desires. Be sure to call the hotel to check the current price, as it may have increased.

👍 If you find seafood a bit too pricey, I highly recommend a high-value beef hot pot. The address is shown in Figure 10. The beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the portions are generous, ensuring you leave fully satisfied. For just about 50 RMB per person, you can enjoy a hearty meal. They start serving at 3:00 PM, so plan your visit accordingly.

👍 For those craving Chinese cuisine, Haidilao is a must-try. Located on the fourth floor of the mall behind the Sheraton Nha Trang, you can easily find it by searching for “haidilao.” If you’re lucky, they might even treat you to some complimentary lobster. The dishes and service are on par with what you’d expect in China, but at a more affordable price.

A word of caution: Avoid letting your kids eat from street vendors, and be particularly wary of tile-grilled meat. Our child unfortunately suffered from gastroenteritis after eating it, and the trip to the international hospital cost us a hefty 4,000 RMB. For more details, see another note.

8. The journey from Nha Trang to the airport takes nearly an hour, so make sure to leave early to avoid any stress.

For more detailed travel notes, feel free to visit my homepage. Wishing everyone a smooth and enjoyable trip!