Nha Trang

A giant sparkling-white Buddha sits atop a hill at the foot of Trai Thuy Mountain, marking the location of a beautiful pagoda, one of Nha Trang's most notable sites. Walk through the mosaic-adorned halls and take the 152 steps that lead up to the pagoda; a spectacular view unfolds over Nha Trang in its entirety from up here. Footwear should be removed prior to entering the temples, and modest clothing covering the shoulders should be worn. Please note that the area is notorious for minor scam artists offering unsolicited services to tourists, which can be an annoyance.

Mineral deposits found in the Nha Trang area are believed to have natural curative properties, which can be experienced first-hand at the city's several reputable 'mud spa' centres. Services range from the possibility of, quite literally, bathing in mud, to experiencing a full-on treatment in combination with a massage or other beauty procedures. Spa packages are offered at most centres and are incredibly great value. Some of the best-known spa centres include Thap Ba Hot Springs (with private baths available, as well as waterfalls and thermal pools with both warm and cold water); iResort (another large complex, plus water slides), 100 Egg Mud Bath, and – if you're too short on time to make the trip outside of town to one of the larger complexes – Galina Mud Bath right downtown.

There are two waterfalls in the vicinity of Nha Trang, both of which make for excellent excursions into nature. Ba Ho Falls, at a distance of roughly 30km north of central Nha Trang, are the falls that attract most visitors. You will need a ride to reach the entrance to the natural area (get a taxi or Grab). Bring swimwear, sturdy shoes (not flip-flops), and your own water. Note that water volumes may vary dramatically depending on whether you visit during or outside the dry season (January through August). Another option is Fairy Spring Waterfalls (Suối Tiên), mostly favoured by local youth. These are much smaller compared to Ba Ho, but there is still an opening fit for swimming. There is a small admission fee to visit both falls.

Nha Trang is lined with an uninterrupted, fine stretch of sand: the Tran Phu Beach. This is the beach most used by both locals and tourists, with infrastructure such as changing rooms and bathrooms available throughout at a fee. Although the beach works great for recreation, it's far from being the area's cleanest and most attractive. Alternatives worth exploring include the Bai Dai Beach, frequented by surfers. Bai Tien Beach (stones rather than sand), beaches on nearby islands (such as Bai Tru on Hon Tre, and Hon Tam Island beach). The beautiful Diep Son Beach is known for the spectacular underwater sand path leading to the island (only seen in full during low tide). If you're ready to travel further out, Jungle Beach is a great option but will take a couple of hours to reach. Surrounded by nature and fascinating flora and fauna, this beach is popular with both off-the-beaten-trackers and resort vacationers staying at the nearby Jungle Beach Resort.

Multiple parlours in Nha Trang employ visually impaired and blind masseurs, all professionally trained and certified to perform various types of treatment (there are educational facilities aimed specifically at trainees with visual impairments). Paying a visit to one of such salons contributes to helping local communities and supporting positive development, not to mention the rejuvenating effects of having your knots worked through by a pair of what's referred to as 'seeing hands'.