I speak fluent Vietnamese and have traveled to many places in Vietnam, including Nha Trang. I understand that finding where to stay in Nha Trang as a first-timer can be overwhelming. That’s why, in today’s article, I will help you to find the safe places in Nha Trang for first-time visitors.
I will share with you what I believe are the best and safest areas to stay in Nha Trang for first-timers and tourists, along with a helpful map. I’ll also share where I stayed in Nha Trang and recommend some of the best hotels for various budgets.
Before get into the detail of the main topic, let’s look at some facts about Nha Trang:
Nha Trang is a popular beach destination in central Vietnam. It is known for its pristine sandy beaches, clear waters, and vibrant nightlife. Nha Trang Beach is the most popular beach in the city, a great place for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities.
There are several picturesque islands off the coast of Nha Trang that are easily accessible by boat. Hon Mun and Hon Tam are two well-known islands for snorkeling and diving among coral reefs.
The city is home to numerous cultural attractions, including the Po Nagar Cham Towers, built by the Cham civilization; the Gothic-style Nha Trang Cathedral; and the Long Son Pagoda, a Buddhist temple featuring a large white Buddha statue seated on a lotus blossom.
The city is famous for its delicious seafood. You can enjoy a variety of fresh seafood dishes at the numerous restaurants along the beach and in the city. Don’t miss trying the local specialty, bun ca (fish noodle soup).
The city is known for its mud baths and hot springs, providing a relaxing and therapeutic experience. Thap Ba Hot Springs is a popular place where you can relax in mineral-rich thermal pools.
Is Nha Trang safe to visit?
Yes, Nha Trang, like any other tourist destinations in Vietnam, is generally safe to visit. But, there are petty theft, scams, and pickpocketing, so it is essential to take care of your belongings, don’t leave valuables on the beach, and exercise normal safety precautions to ensure a safe trip.
Also Be cautious all time when crossing the streets, as traffic can be busy and chaotic. Stay hydrated, use sunscreen, and update local news for severe weather as there are floods and typhoons during the rainy season (June to November).
Where to stay in Nha Trang for the first time?
The best and safest areas to stay in Nha Trang for first-timers and tourists are Tran Phu Beach, the City Center, Hon Chong Beach, Hon Tre Island, and Ninh Van Bay. These are popular tourist areas, offering a variety of accommodations and amenities for all budgets and preferences.
Tran Phu Beach is the most popular area to stay in Nha Trang for the first time. It is the main beach in Nha Trang, and staying here puts you right in the heart of the action. You’ll have easy access to the beach, and a vibrant nightlife scene. Many hotels offer stunning views of the beach.
The city center is a bustling area with numerous dining, shopping, and entertainment options. It’s a good choice if you want to be close to the local culture, markets, and attractions like the Cho Dam market, Nha Trang Cathedral, and Po Nagar Cham Towers.
Hon Chong is a quieter area compared to Tran Phu Beach, providing a more relaxed atmosphere. It’s still close to the city center but offers a bit more seclusion. You’ll need to use Grab to travel to the city center.
Hon Tre Island is home to Vinpearl Land, an amusement park, and Vinpearl Safari, making it a great choice for families. The island provides a resort-like experience with various activities and amenities.
Ninh Van Bay is a secluded and luxurious area, perfect for those seeking privacy and a romantic atmosphere. Resorts here often offer overwater bungalows and stunning natural surroundings.
During my trip to Nha Trang, I stayed at the mid-range Azura Gold Hotel. It was a great hotel in a central location, with easy access to the beach and the city center. Easy reach of all restaurants and shops but in a quiet area set back from the main road. My room was nice, clean, and cozy. Breakfast was delicious.
Below is a map of the popular areas in Nha Trang for first-time travelers. You can scroll down to view the live map.
Let’s get into the details of the recommended areas to stay in Nha Trang, especially for first-time visitors. I’ll provide you with some suggestions for the best places to stay in each area, catering to every budget.
All hotels in Nha Trang have been carefully selected by me from well-known and secure booking sites such as booking.com, with guest review scores of at least 8.0 or higher at the time I chose them.
If you don’t like my suggestions (perhaps they don’t suit your budget or preferences), you can click the “MORE HOTEL DEALS” button where you can choose your own hotel.
5 Safe areas to stay in Nha Trang for first-timers and tourists
1. Tran Phu Beach
Tran Phu Beach, or Nha Trang Beach, without a doubt, is the best place to stay in Nha Trang for first-timers. It offers a central location with easy access to the beach and the city center.
Tran Phu Beach is a long stretch of white sandy beaches along Nha Trang Bay where you can enjoy water activities, relax by the beach, or take a stroll along the promenade.
In addition to the beach, this area is also known for its lively nightlife, with numerous bars, clubs, and beachfront establishments. You can experience the vibrant atmosphere in the evenings, with options ranging from casual beach bars to more upscale lounges.
Tran Phu Beach is lined with a variety of restaurants offering both local Vietnamese and international dishes. You’ll find seafood restaurants, street food vendors, and upscale dining establishments.
There are markets and shops along Tran Phu Street where you can buy souvenirs, clothing, and local crafts. The bustling atmosphere adds to the overall experience of the area.
Best places to stay in Nha Trang in Tran Phu Beach:
Luxury ($$$): Regalia Gold Hotel, 5-star good value for money hotel in a central location, close to everything, within walking distance from Nha Trang Beach, and different tourist attractions. The hotel has a nice rooftop pool, family rooms, free parking, and 24-hour front desk.
Mid-range ($$): Azura Gold Hotel & Apartment, 4-star good value for money hotel centrally located on Tran Phu street, a short distance from the beach, Sailing Center Vietnam, and Main Square. Easily reachable from the bus station by Grab/taxi. Guest rooms are spacious and beds are comfortable. It has an outdoor pool, luggage storage, laundry services, and airport shuttles.
Budget ($): Aaron Hotel, 3-star hotel conveniently located in the beachfront area, just off the main road so it is a little quieter. Close to restaurants, bars, and shops. It has a tour desk, luggage storage, family rooms, 24-hour front desk, and currency exchange.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN TRAN PHU BEACH2. Nha Trang City Center
Nha Trang City Center is a great choice for travelers who want to experience the local culture, explore historical landmarks, and have easy access to shopping and dining.
The city center is home to various markets and shops where you can buy local goods, souvenirs, and traditional crafts. The Dam Market is a popular destination for shopping enthusiasts.
Nha Trang City Center offers a diverse range of dining options, from street food stalls to upscale restaurants. You can explore Vietnamese cuisine and try local specialties.
The city center is close to attractions such as the Po Nagar Cham Towers, Long Son Pagoda, Nha Trang Cathedral, and Alexandre Yersin Museum. Exploring these landmarks provides insights into the history and culture of the region.
Staying in the city center makes it easy to navigate and explore Nha Trang. You can easily access transportation options for day trips, tours, and activities.
Best places to stay in Nha Trang City Center for first-timers:
Luxury ($$$): Meliá Vinpearl Nha Trang Empire, 5-star hotel, conveniently located in the center city and easy to walk to many attractions. Short walk/ Grab ride from Tram Huong Tower, the beach and Nha Trang Centre Mall. It has good breakfast, family rooms, outdoor pool, and a paid airport shuttle.
Mid-range ($$): Zenia Boutique Hotel Nha Trang, 4-star good value for money hotel in central location. 10 mins walk from Nha Trang Centre Shopping Mall. Easy access to Tram Huong Tower, Nha Trang Train Station and Dam Market. It has fabulous breakfast, air-conditioned rooms, and an onsite restaurant/bar.
Budget ($): Vitamin Sea Nha Trang, good accommodation close to several noted sights such as e Nha Trang Cathedral, Dam Market and Nha Trang Centre Shopping Mall. It is located in a quiet area with many cafes and restaurants nearby.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN NHA TRANG CITY CENTER3. Hon Chong Beach
Hon Chong Beach is a more tranquil and less crowded area compared to the bustling Tran Phu Beach. It is located just north of the city center and Ponagar Temple, and is only a short grab ride away. You can find a cluster of accommodation along Pham Van Dong street.
The area is known for its unique landscape, featuring large rocks and boulders along the shoreline. The scenery can be particularly picturesque, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Hon Chong is not only a beach but also home to the Hon Chong Promontory, where you can find the Hon Chong complex with its ancient rocks. This area offers a glimpse into the local culture and history.
Best places to stay in Nha Trang in Hon Chong Beach:
Luxury ($$$): Muong Thanh Luxury Vien Trieu Nha Trang, 5-star beachfront hotel located on Hong Chong Street, 10 mins Grab ride from the city center, 4 mins walk to the Hon Chong Beach. The hotel has umbrellas on the beach for guests from certain times. Also close to Ba Lang Beach, Hon Chong Promontory, and Po Nagar Cham Towers.
Mid-range ($$): Putin Nha Trang Hotel, 4-star hotel located close to Hon Chong Beach and a supermarket. It has an outdoor pool, free parking, airport transfers, bike/ car hire services. The Staff are friendly and helpful.
Budget ($): Shoho Hotel Nha Trang, 3-star wonderful hotel, conveniently located within walking distance from Hon Chong Beach and local restaurants, featuring free private parking, airport transfers, family rooms, and a shared kitchen.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN HON CHONG BEACH4. Hon Tre Island
Hon Tre Island is an excellent base for those seeking a luxurious and entertainment-focused retreat. It’s particularly suitable for families and travelers looking for a secluded and exclusive experience
The island is home to Vinpearl Land, a large amusement park with various rides, attractions, and entertainment options. It’s a great destination for families looking for a fun-filled day of activities.
Another major attraction on the island is Vinpearl Safari, a wildlife conservation park with a diverse range of animals. It provides an opportunity for visitors to experience a safari-like environment.
Hon Tre Island is known for its upscale resorts and hotels, offering a retreat-like experience away from the hustle and bustle of Nha Trang. It’s an ideal choice for those seeking privacy and relaxation.
The island offers beautiful views of the surrounding sea, and some accommodations provide stunning panoramic views. It’s a picturesque setting, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Best places to stay in Nha Trang in Hon Tre Island:
Luxury ($$$): Vinpearl Resort Nha Trang, 5-star amazing resort located on Hon Tre Island, great base for relaxing and unwind. It has a lovely white sand beach, huge pool, and stunning ocean views from the rooms. Breakfasts are very varied, a big selection of dishes.
Luxury ($$$): Nha Trang Marriott Resort & Spa, 5-star hotel, offering Superb breakfast, private beach area, and outdoor swimming pool, and airport transfers.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN NHA TRANG5. Ninh Van Bay
Ninh Van Bay is an excellent choice for travelers and couples seeking a luxurious and secluded escape surrounded by natural beauty. This area offers privacy, high-end accommodations, and a romantic atmosphere.
Best places to stay in Nha Trang in Ninh Van Bay:
- Luxury ($$$): Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, 5-star hotel in a beautiful setting, 20 mins boat ride from Nha Trang City. The resort has spacious villas with private pools.
- Luxury ($$$): L’Alya Ninh Van Bay, 5-star hotel with luxurious villas with views of Ninh Van Bay. It has an infinity pool, fine dining, and scheduled free two-way boat transfers.
- Luxury ($$$): An Lam Retreats Ninh Van Bay, 5-star accommodation with a tranquil private beach, yoga/meditation session, round trip boat transfer, and outdoor pool, and a sun terrace.
In conclusion, Tran Phu Beach, Nha Trang City Center, Hon Chong Beach, Hon Tre Island, and Ninh Van Bay are the best places to stay in Nha Trang for first-timers and tourists. These are general safe areas for visitors that provide a variety of tourist attractions and amenities for all needs.
You can continue reading other popular tourist destinations in Vietnam in this articles:
- Best places to stay in Hanoi first time
- Best places to stay in Ho Chi Minh City first time
- Best places to stay in Dalat for first time
- Best places to stay in Hue for first time
- Best places to stay in Da Nang for first time
There you have it, my recommendations for the most popular and safest neighborhoods that you can stay during your first trip to Nha Trang. I hope you enjoyed my article and find it both informative and helpful.
If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create more quality content.