'Vinpearl' spell out the giant white letters across the bay from mainland Nha Trang, marking the location of a massive theme park and recreation area that is best reached via a scenic cable car ride (the world's longest sea-crossing cable car at 3.3km long). There is plenty to discover: from thrilling 'dry' rides such as the Sky Wheel and ZipLine to the extensive offerings of the water park, to seeing the park's animal residents (most notably on Monkey Island) at the on-site zoo and aquarium. There is a namesake resort here in case you want to stay close to the action, plus a few beaches that are much more pleasant for swimming than the public beach in Nha Trang city.

This is a beautiful and exotic valley located in the crater of an extinct volcano. Temperatures are lower than Panama City, especially during the dry season. Home to a variety of wonders, from the endemic golden frog to unusual square trees, springs, rivers and multiple bird species. This is a favorite vacation and weekend spot where wealthy Panamanians go to kick back, relax and take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. For years, the Sunday market has been attracting visitors looking for great deals on local handicrafts and products.

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.

Declared by Unesco as “World Heritage Site”, the town of Portobelo is known as a “historic monument collection” since you can visit several sites in the same place. Many of the fortresses, castles and buildings have been preserved almost intact along the years: examples are Fort Santiago, San Jeronimo, San Fernando, the Customs and Controller’s building, and the San Juan de Dios Church famous for the Black Christ. During the sixteenth and seventeenth century, Portobelo became one of the most important silver-exporter ports of Nueva Grenada, the Spanish Colonial Jurisdiction which included today's Colombia, Panama, Ecuador and Venezuela. Portobelo also became one of the most important departure points from the “Indies”. For the same reason, this town was subject to many pirate attacks from Francis Drake, William Parker, William Hiking, Henry Morgan, Edward Vernon, and William Kingles. This coastal town is famous for serving excellent seafood and it is close to other great Caribbean destinations.