Nha Trang

The best time to visit Nha Trang is during spring—roughly from February until early May—when temperatures are at their most comfortable. If you plan a trip during summer, be aware that temperatures may reach extreme highs in May already, which can make anything other than lounging on the beach a difficult feat to accomplish.

Nha Trang is a popular stop on many cruise ship itineraries. Nha Trang proper begins a few kilometres north of the disembarkation point, and cruise ship passengers will either need a pre-arranged transfer to get into town or a cab that can be hired right on the spot. If choosing to hire a cab, make sure the meter is turned on as you board, or agree on the price prior to departure. If a meter is not being used, try to bring the original price down by at least a third (a one-way trip into town shouldn't cost more than $10). If the first cabbie you speak to refuses to come down with the price, walk away confidently and look for a different car, of which there is normally no shortage. The street immediately next to the cruise port is a rather busy one, so last-minute shopping can be done here if there's need. There are also ATMs and money exchange services in the area.

The primary air hub serving the city of Nha Trang is Cam Ranh International Airport, around 30km south of the city. There is a taxi stand right outside the airport, with fixed prices offered by official carriers (you will need to purchase a voucher at the airport prior to boarding a cab). A trip by car will take about 45 minutes. A cheaper alternative would be taking the white-and-yellow Dat Moi bus number 18, which runs all the way into Nha Trang city centre (final stop at 10, Yersin Street). Tickets may be purchased at the Dat Moi counter in arrivals and their head office in Yersin Street.

Public buses do exist, but they're usually not the easiest to navigate for foreign visitors, especially those on tighter schedules. If the distance is too long to be walked or cycled, opt for a taxi, which can be both a motorbike and a car. A local app used to hire rides is called Grab and covers both modes of transport. When hiring a cab off the street, make sure to either have the price agreed upon or the meter running. There are also the touristic 'cyclos' (or pedicabs), but these tend to be pricey and serve more as a form of entertainment rather than transport. If you plan to cover long distances or visit several places in one day, it may be worth hiring a private English-speaking driver to get around. Naturally, this option will come with a heftier price tag.

In Vietnam, electrical outlets typically operate at 220V/50Hz and commonly use plug types A and C. Type A features two flat parallel pins, while type C has two round pins. Travellers are advised to carry a power plug adapter to ensure compatibility with local sockets when visiting Vietnam.