Nha Trang Activities

Boat Cruises

Nha Trang is flanked by 71 islands and the sea at most times of year is crystal clear so the plethora of boat trips daily heading out plus the easy availability of booking agents is self-explanatory. Trips are not expensive and are more often than not party cruises but with a fair amount of snorkeling and fishing fitted in between the drinking. Check whether lunch is included or not and compare deals before booking.

If you are not an extremely early riser then charter a boat the day before. Most hotels can handle the booking but the place to book in person is the Cau Da Dock. 

Diving & Snorkeling

Nha Trang has 10 or so dive shops, so this is a 'buyers-beware' market! Students looking for certification will find that the value for money here is superb, with PADI open water courses available with full equipment rental for as little as US$300-$400. A two-dive boat trip with equipment rental and snacks can be had for between US$50-$75. As with everywhere in Asia, check what you are getting for your money and make sure you speak to the Instructor who'll be teaching you, not ju st a 'salesman'. Diving, especially training, should not be chosen by price alone. Use a divecentre with the top accoldaes for peace of mind.

Rainbow Divers: PADI-National Geographic Dive Centre: 90a, Hung Vuong Street. Tel: 058-3524-351
Angel Dive: SSI Dive centre. 1/33 Tran Quang Khai Tel: 058-522-461
Octopus Diving: PADI Divecentre 62 Tran Phu Street Tel: 058-810-629
Vietnam Explorer: SSI Divecentre 02 Tran Quang Khai Tel: 058-524-490

Half-Day Bike Tour of Nha Trang

Check out Nha Trang's attractions on bike. The Hon Chong Promontory, the Po Nagar Cham, Long Son Pagoda, with its huge seated Buddha, and Bao Dai's Villas. All these sights are within a hired bike ride away from each other. 

Mud Baths

The mud baths at Thap Ba natural hot springs are a healthy and fun way to spend a few hours. The best time of day to go is between 12:00 and 15:00 when they are less crowded. You will be offered single or shared mud baths and obviously the single ones are more expensive yet the communal tubs are more fun. Shower off in mineral-rich water afterwards or let the mud dry on you first for additional benefits before showering. 

Sailing

The same applies for renting out a yacht except this is a calmer (albeit more expensive) way to go out island hopping from May to September.

Dividing the cost among a group is a good way to go.  

Vinpearl Water Park and Aquarium

Vinpearl is a resort located on Hon Tre (Bamboo Island) some three kilometres south of the port. It is connected to the mainland by the longest cable car in the world (in itself a pretty impressive experience) that transports visitors some 40 metres above sea level to the resort, its water park, games park and an aquarium, as well as a spa. Prices are reasonable and the water park closes at 18:00.