Vietnam Travel: Discover Why Some Tourists Don’t Love Nha Trang

Vietnam, a destination that never quite captured my imagination, and this trip to Nha Trang has pretty much solidified my disinterest. If you’re planning a visit to Nha Trang, here are some insights to keep in mind…

🇻🇳 The rainy sea is a real letdown
Perhaps I chose the wrong time of year, but the one thing I was most looking forward to—the stunning sea views—was a huge disappointment. It rained every single day during my 5-day stay. I had imagined the waters of Nha Trang to be picturesque, but what I saw each morning looked more like the murky Yellow River. Pearl Island, however, seemed to maintain its clarity even on overcast days, which might be a better bet.

🇻🇳 Limited activities and attractions
Nha Trang seems to offer very few activities beyond a visit to Pearl Island. I explored the Cathedral, Po Nagar Tower, and Railway Coffee, but none of these places left a lasting impression. The attractions are so modest that they barely qualify as such. The Cathedral, for instance, is supposedly free, but visitors are expected to donate at least 10,000 VND per person, with no change given.

The night market is tiny and overpriced, reminiscent of cheap goods from Yiwu, and there’s little to no authentic tourist experience to be found.

🇻🇳 Overabundance of low-cost tours
While group tours aren’t inherently bad, many visitors to Nha Trang are part of insurance company or ultra-low-cost tours, often catering to elderly travelers. These tours typically involve rushed sightseeing and crowded spots. You’ll also encounter numerous shops that prey on tourists, selling overpriced jewelry and health products. For independent travelers, the overall experience can feel rather lackluster.

🇻🇳 Delicious but risky cuisine
For someone who avoids spicy food, Nha Trang’s culinary offerings were quite enjoyable. The seafood, Vietnamese pho, and sweet treats, especially the cheese-baked seafood, were delightful. However, both my friend and I ended up with gastroenteritis, and we couldn’t pinpoint the culprit. Make sure to bring along some stomach medicine just in case.

🇻🇳 Chaotic streets
When I say chaotic, I don’t mean dangerous, but the infrastructure and tourism facilities are underdeveloped. Despite being a coastal resort, even the roads in the city center are narrow, pockmarked, and cluttered with utility poles and other obstacles, making it a challenge to drag a suitcase around. The constant buzz of motorcycles, their incessant honking, and the disregard for pedestrian safety made crossing the street a nerve-wracking experience.