NHA TRANG
Nha Trang is a coastal city in Southern Vietnam.
It reminds me a little bit of Da Nang even when it's smaller.
The coastline around Nha Trang is very beautiful and if you have the chance, do a roadtrip down to Phan Rang-Thap Cham or even to Phan Thiet and Mui Ne. Stop over at Vinh Hy Bay which is considered to be one of the most beautiful bays in Vietnam.
You can get to Nha Trang by train, bus or motorbike. We did it by motorbike from Dalat and driving from the mountains down to the coast was just amazing. It gets warmer with every meter as you go from 1.500m (Dalat) to 0m (Nha Trang) above sea level. Check out the ROADTRIP!
Nha Trang Beach
Skyscrapers at the beach - that's Nha Trang Beach! But with the view to Vinh Nguyen (the island with VinWonders and Vinpearl Resort) it's just magic when you come here for sunrise!
Hon Chong Beach
Hon Chong Beach is located north of Nha Trang Beach and I like the view to the mountains from here, You can also hike up to Angel Mountain.
Angel Mountain
You'll have a unique view of Nha Trang from Angel Mountain. On top of the first peak, you'll find the motorbike and the Vietnamese flag. There are three peaks in total but I only did two of them as it was too hot already. There is no shade on this hike so please start early.
Ponagar Temple
The temple complex was built in 7th century during Cham Pa Kingdom. It is located on Cu Lao Hill next to Cai River so you can get a nice view of Nha Trang.
Deo Luong Son
Driving motorbike from Nha Trang to Ninh Hoa is really beautiful. It's normally not busy along the coast and you can stop around Deo Luong Son to enjoy the view.
Ninh Hoa
We drove up to Ninh Hoa which takes about one hour by motorbike to see Doc Let Beach. It's a very beautiful beach with soft, white sand and it was not busy at all.
There are some resorts but it looks like a local fishing area.
Nha Trang is for the food!
I didn't even know I like seafood until I came to Nha Trang. Everything I've tried here was so delicious and fresh. Please try Bun Cha Ca (Fish Cake Noodle Soup).
Banh Xeo Chao Nha Trang
Goi Ca Mai Co Hang
Bun Ca Nguyen Loan
Fish Noodle Soup is popular along Vietnam's coast. Sometimes you'll read Bun Cha Ca, where "cha" means sausage (made from fish).
Oc So Quan
I first ate seafood in Nha Trang and I'm in love with it since then. Especially this dish called
So Long Nuong Mo Hanh.
Bun Bo Huong Giang
I normally don't like eating meat but Bun Bo Hue is a must in Vietnam. At Huong Giang it's delicious and quite famous so don't come there too late.
Banh Can 7C
Ban can (left side) is famous along the coast of South Vietnam. It's like a little version of Banh xeo (on the right).
Nha Hang Chay But Viet
Here I had one of the best Bun Thit Nuong's ever and you all know I eat that dish very often!
Banh Mi Phan
Very delicious Banh Mi!
They have two shops, one that is always busy (waiting time up to 30mins) and another one less busy.
Z Beach Nha Trang
Kem Bo Vfruit
You can always eat Kem Bo! My favorite Avocado Ice Cream in town and they also have other desserts.
Red Brick Bakery & Coffee
They have really good pastries and coffee here. I loved their granola and Banh Ngoi Hanh Nhan (Almond Cookies).
Tooru Coffee
Roadtrip
The best way to discover the most of the Southern Coast of Vietnam is by motorbike.
I recommend you to start in Dalat or in Nha Trang and go South from there to Phan Rang-Thap Cham and Phan Thiet-Mui Ne. On the way you have to stop at Vinh Hy Bay which is considered to be one of the most beautiful bays in Vietnam.
Dalat - Nha Trang
From 1.500m to 0m above sea level - make sure you bring warm clothes for the first part of the journey. But it will get warmer the more you go down from Deo Khanh Le Pass. The landscape changes from pine forests to coconut and banana trees.
Nha Trang - Vinh Hy Bay
Stop over at Vinh Hy Bay and discover the area. We found a very cute place from where you can see the bay and it's a bit adventurous to get there!
You can stay one night in Vinh Hy which is a cute fishing village with good seafood and some homestays.
Vinh Hy Bay - Phan Rang
Drive to Phan Rang-Thap Cham which is famous for kite surfing. It's a small city with more local vibes. The photo was taken in Po Klong Garai, a Hindu temple built in 12th century during Cham Pa Kingdom to honor the legendary king Po Klong Garai.
Phan Rang - Phan Thiet
This will be the longest drive but you can also go back to Dalat (you'll pass beautiful Cau Dat) or take a bus as it's a highway.
You'll see a lot of dragon fruit plantations on the way!
TOP TIP
VINH HY BAY
Close to beautiful Vinh Hy Bay there is something special hidden in the mountains. We found this place after driving up to a little village, crossing a hanging bridge, wading through a small river and walking up a hill.
I didn't expect this cute restaurant at all!
But just look at the pictures, this place is magical, including a nice view of Vinh Hy Bay.
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