Nha Trang
It is the capital of Khanh Hoa Province and is about 450km north of Saigon and 1,200km south of Hanoi.
WHEN TO VISIT
- Nha Trang has a tropical climate with a long dry season
- Dry season: January to August
- Wet season: September to December
HISTORY
Nha Trang dates back to the Champa kingdom when the town was knowns as Kauthara. It is still home to the Po Nagar cham tower relics. Up until the French times it was a small fishing village and when the French came it was transformed into a resort town. One of its most famous residents was Alexander Yersin who discovered the Bubonic Plague microbe. He is buried in Nha Trang.
PLACES OF INTEREST
Ponagar Cham Towers (Thap Ba). Temple complex built before 781AD The annual Thap Ba festival is held from 21-23 days of the 3rd Lunar month
Opening Times – 07:30-17:00 daily
Oceanographic Museum of Vietnam. located 5km from the center of Na Trang at Bao Dai Village. Housed in a French colonial building.
Opening times – 6:00-18:00 daily. Entry fee 30,000 VND
Nha Trang Cathedral. Dates back to the early 20th century.
Long Son Pagoda. Built in 1886, at the foot of Trai Thuy mountain. Famous for its large white Buddha which can be seen from all areas of the town.
Opening times – 08:00-17:00 daily
Alexander Yersin Museum. Opened in 1990 dedicated to the great man. Set within his former home. includes exhibits from his life.
Opening times – Monday to Saturday 08:00-11:00 and 14:00-16:30. Entry fee 28,000 VND