Nha Trang is a sea side town in Vietnam that is ideal for a long weekend.
Accommodations
Most of the decent hotels have reasonable pricing and they are mostly located along the beach. Look for the Novetel Hotel and anything around there is just down to your own preference. However as this was a company holiday with staff we had to be more careful with our budgeting. We opt for Hotel Xavia towards the southern end of the coast like and it is around 15-20 mins walk from the city centre. The lobby to be honest looked a bit dated despite being a new built, but thankfully the rooms made up for it. It was spacious, clean and we got upgraded to Sea View. There is a pool but we didn't use it as we are right by the beach.
The cliente of this hotel is geared towards Koreans and Chinese with the occasional Russians. Vietnam is currently pushing their tourism in China and Russia so you will find A LOT of them occupying the whole beach. Luckily the beach is big enough and you will be able to find a quiet spot there.
Note
Immigration / Custom
Let's just say the queue was illegally long and it's worth asking around to see if there is an 'express' lane you can use.
Money
They don't really have any Money Exchange Stalls in Town. You can do it at some of the local/travel agencies but the rate tends to be higher. If you can do try to go do it at the bank but do note their opening hours if you are visiting over the weekends.
Sightseeing
Nha Tran Night Market
If you google night market Nha Tran you will find there are 2 locations on the map. The one in Nguyen Thi opens till late and focuses more on souvenirs and accessories. This is ideal for after dinner. The night market on Tran Quang Khai is has more novelty T-Shirts but most of the shops were closed by 8:00pm.
Ponagar Tower - Landmark Temple
This is one of their landmark temple but it is a bit out the way in the north of the city. There is not much around there and you will need to take a taxi or Grab for sure. I didn't stop to go in but was happy enough to just drive pass.
Vinpearl - Theme Park and Water Park
There is their version of Ocean Park and it is definitely worth spending a day here. I particularly like the Water Park. You can get the tickets through the Hotel Xavia reception (cash only) and it is the same price.
Restaurants & Nightlife
Lanterns - Local Vietnamese
A relatively modern restaurant with a contemporary interiors. We did not eat here but I seen enough good review on this place. As team building we opt for their cooking class and it comes with a tour to the local market as well.
Galangal - Local Vietnamese and Street Food
We spend our first dinner here and this places offer a good range of dishes in a more modern rustic interior. The food was delicious and there is not much to complain about this place.
Sailing Club Nha Trang - Upscale Vietnamese and International Cuisine
One of the fancier beach side establishments in Nha Trang. Come to relax during the day for lunch or party like you are at a full moon party at night.
Nhà Hàng Ngọc Trai - Seafood Resturant
A well know seafood restaurant in the neighbourhood serving above average seafood dishes. A bit more expensive than your average restaurants but still very reasonable for what we had. The waiter spoke Mandarin, English and Russian.
Skylight Bar
An upscale rooftop bar and club. Panoramic view of the city and provide dance entertainment in the late hours. Caters for a more international crowd.
Hoa Hoa - Local Pho Joint
This is where the taxi driver took me to in the early morning. It tasted decent but no English here. You just have to point and things and nod.
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