Se hva du kan gjøre og oppleve i Nha Trang

One of Nha Trang's most alluring attractions are the Po Nagar Cham Towers, an actively used site of religious significance to Cham, Chinese and Vietnamese Buddhists; only 4 towers remain standing (researchers speculate there may have originally been up to 10). Constructed between the 7th and 12th centuries, the towers have a history that goes back to as early as the 2nd century AD, when the location was first used for religious purposes. The complex teems with worshippers and visitors daily – you'll likely see some dozing on the hillside, others having a family picknick, others yet enjoying a stylised performance at the on-site outdoor stage. Tickets may be purchased at the counter left of the entrance.

"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.

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 from 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 dry season (January through August). Another option are 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, the 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.

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 to, quite literally, bathe 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.

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'. One consistently well-reviewed parlour is King Blind Massage:

A few kilometres south of central Nha Trang lie several floating villages, whose inhabitants make a living by fishing and fish farming. It's a world fascinating to foreign visitors in its stark contrast to city life, both in Vietnam and beyond. the trip makes for an interesting excursion, and visits support local communities. The best way to visit is as part of an organised boat tour – these often include a stop at a floating fishing village in the itinerary.

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.

For a memorable night of cultural immersion, visit an evening show at the Nha Trang Water Puppet Theatre. Water puppetry as an art form originated in northern Vietnam as early as the 11th century, and is kept alive by a small number of enthusiasts. Although production value is no match to that of bigger cities, the show itself feels thought out and intimate thanks to the smaller performance room. The show is narrated in Vietnamese, but the visual emphasis and engaging subject matter – folk tales and legends – make it easy to follow even if you don't speak the language.

One of the most popular restaurants serving Vietnamese specialities, Lanterns is an easy choice for sampling the famed 'bun ca' (fish noodles) that originate from Nha Trang, or tuck into a steaming bowl of 'pho'. For Insta-worthy photos, order the fried rice served in half a pineapple. The restaurant also prides itself on an ethical approach to proceeds: a part of the revenue goes towards supporting local youths through orphanage donations and scholarships. They even offer street food tours and cooking classes (to be booked online).

Hip to the bone, LIVIN Collective is a restaurant, hangout, co-working space and designer souvenir shop all at once. Beer is the only Vietnamese item on the menu (albeit the crafts they serve are very good), and it's all American-style in the food department: burgers, BBQ ribs, mac n' cheese, tacos, quesadillas, and more, plus exceptional set assortments for larger groups. The on-site store sells cool souvenirs designed by independent Vietnamese artists.

Bánh căn 51 is an excellent option for an unpolished local experience, complete with sidewalk seating on low plastic chairs. The 'banh can' are their main attraction: fried rice flower cakes that come topped with shrimp, meat, fried egg and/or greens, to be dipped in sweet chilli sauce. This one is among Nha Trang's most popular locations, but 'banh can' are served throughout town.

Known for its grill-it-yourself beef barbecue (each table is equipped with a tiny grill of its own), Lac Canh is near-universally beloved by locals and the lucky few tourists who discover it. There is still plenty on the menu even if you choose to skip the DIY grill: flavourful noodles, seafood dishes, and more. Prices are very reasonable.

The Sailing Club is a local institution in its own right, a nearly round-the-clock entertainment venue that effortlessly oscillates between casual beach cafe, upscale restaurant, and lively nightlife hot spot. Evenings often see the Sailing Club host performances of different kinds, from live music to fire shows on the beach.

Grill Garden is an exceptional find for travellers on a budget, provided they've worked up a substantial appetite. Just over $10 gets you access to a full-blown buffet of fresh seafood (fish, shrimp, multiple varieties of clam, etc.) and meats, all to be cooked on private grills installed on each table. Offerings range from familiar classics, such as tuna chunks, to more exotic varieties like frog legs, snake, and crocodile (you'll see an entire reptile being roasted on the spit most evenings). Opens for dinner only.

This might be, quite possibly, the best Greek restaurant in the entire country. Have what everyone is having: a grilled meats assortment served on huge sharing platters, with several types protein plus pita bread, a few sauces, and a side of Greek salad (there is more on the menu, including a few vegetarian options). We recommend you arrive early, as word of the restaurant is now well land truly out, and a line forms easily.

This spectacular urban oasis of a cafe holds close to the promise of its name: designed in a way that imitates a rainforest (all wood, palm leaves and greenery), it features several levels of seating with private booths reminiscent of tree houses. The drink selection is extensive and ranges from coffee to smoothies, plus a decent selection of Vietnamese and Western food.

The Sailing Club is a local institution in its own right, a nearly round-the-clock entertainment venue that effortlessly oscillates between casual beach cafe, upscale restaurant, and lively nightlife hot spot. Evenings often see the Sailing Club host performances of different kinds, from live music to fire shows on the beach.

With its 2 locations in town, An Cafe is the perfect getaway from the heat: the seating area is fully shaded, and the part furthest away from the entrance is air conditioned; a koi pond and dim lighting add a vague zen quality to the atmosphere. They mostly serve coffee and chilled drinks, but food is also available during breakfast, lunch and dinner hours.

Everything about Runam appears thought out down to the smallest detail: the carefully curated 'hip vintage' interior features enormous paper cranes hanging down from the ceiling, and their coffee comes exclusively from Vietnamese farms in the Central Highlands area, roasted in accordance with the highest Italian standards. With long opening hours, a pretty wide selection of both local and international dishes, and a central location across from the beach, Runam is genuinely difficult to find fault with.

This wholesome little Western-style cafe serves great locally-sourced coffee, plus a wide selection of food that seems to be getting consistently positive reviews; they do everything from breakfasts to Mexican, Vietnamese, and even Russian.

The Sailing Club is a local institution in its own right, a nearly round-the-clock entertainment venue that effortlessly oscillates between casual beach cafe, upscale restaurant, and lively nightlife hot spot. Evenings often see the Sailing Club host performances of different kinds, from live music to fire shows on the beach.

This spectacular rooftop beach club with the world's tallest lighthouse (at 151 metres above ground), a panoramic Skywalk, an upscale fusion restaurant and open-air pool on level 43 is Nha Trang's ultimate resort vacationer hot spot. There is a fee to enter (cheaper if you arrive before 20.00), which includes a free welcome drink. Tuesdays are Ladies' Night (women enter free of charge). You can visit the Skydeck only at a fraction of the price, between 9am and 2pm daily.

This often crowded bar and restaurant has a few unique selling points: its own craft brewery (patrons rave about the passion fruit beer), beach location, a varied menu of Vietnamese and western specialities, and – best of all – a full-on outdoor pool, complete with mattressed sun beds. Live music is played on some evenings. It's a local nightlife staple.

For a memorable night of cultural immersion, visit an evening show at the Nha Trang Water Puppet Theatre. Water puppetry as an art form originated in northern Vietnam as early as the 11th century, and is kept alive by a small number of enthusiasts. Although production value is no match to that of bigger cities, the show itself feels thought out and intimate thanks to the smaller performance room. The show is narrated in Vietnamese, but the visual emphasis and engaging subject matter – folk tales and legends – make it easy to follow if you don't speak the language.

Now here's a place to let your hair down, catch a game, play a round of pool and take advantage of the aptly named "instant idiot" promotion: all-you-can drink beer and cocktails for 3 hours straight (between $13 and $26, depending on drink types); groups of 10+ get a discount. There's a noble cause behind what may at first seem like mindless fun – part of the proceeds goes towards preventing human trafficking and child abuse.

Vendors set up shop along Tran Phu Road every afternoon to compete for tourists' attention with wares such as cheap clothing, jewellery, accessories, and traditional souvenirs en masse – if you haggle, you'll likely get a substantial discount. Some stalls sell street food.

Hip to the bone, LIVIN Collective is a restaurant, hangout, co-working space and designer souvenir shop all at once. The store sells cool souvenirs designed by independent Vietnamese artists, which include items like posters and photographs, accessories, clothing, edibles, and more.

Watch craftspeople at wort at this blend of workshop and embroidery atelier stylised to look like a village with a courtyard of its own. Treat this one like a visit to an art gallery, with the added possibility of buying any of the display pieces. Embroidery types range from the more traditional nature and landscapes to portraits – you can even have one embroided of yourself.

Vendors set up shop along Tran Phu Road every afternoon to compete for tourists' attention with wares such as cheap clothing, jewellery, accessories, and traditional souvenirs en masse – if you haggle, you'll likely get a substantial discount. Some stalls sell street food.

Dam is Nha Trang's central market that's primarily a shopping spot for locals, but those temporarily in town might still enjoy browsing through endless exotic wares such as dried seafood and tropical fruit, and there are a few souvenir stands mixed in. There are lots of small eateries here, too, with prices that are often even lower than the already affordable median price tag.

The air-conditioned Nha Trang Center is a nice respite from the outdoor heat with dozens of stores, a large supermarket and food court with several options (Vietnamese and international). The Center is located just across the road from the beach.

Short (some as short as 15 days) visa-free stays are possible for citizens of Cambodia, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, The Philippines, Brunei, Myanmar, Belarus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Citizens of Chile can enter the country for 90 days, visa-free. Citizens of a further 46 world countries are eligible for an E-visa as of February 2017, these are granted for a period of 30 days. To confirm whether or not you will need a visa to enter Vietnam, please contact your local consulate.

Temperatures are at their most comfortable during the spring, roughly from February until early May. If you plan a trip during summer, be aware that temperatures may reach extreme highs in May already, which can make anything other than lounging on the beach a difficult feat to accomplish.

Nha Trang is a popular stop on many cruise ship itineraries. Nha Trang proper begins a few kilometres north of the disembarkation point, and cruise ship passengers will either need a pre-arranged transfer to get into town or a cab that can be hired right on the spot. If choosing to hire a cab, make sure the meter is turned on as you board, or agree on the price prior to departure. If a meter is not being used, try to bring the original price down by at least a third (a one-way trip into town shouldn't cost more than $10). If the first cabbie you speak to refuses to come down with the price, walk away confidently and look for a different car, of which there is normally no shortage. The street immediately next to the cruise port is a rather busy one, so last-minute shopping can be done here if there's need. There are also ATMs and money exchange services in the area.

The primary air hub serving the city of Nha Trang is Cam Ranh International Airport, some 30km south of the city. There is a taxi stand right outside the airport, with fixed prices offered by official carriers (you will need to purchase a voucher at the airport prior to boarding a cab). A trip by car will take about 45 minutes. A cheaper alternative would be taking the white-and-yellow Dat Moi bus number 18, which runs all the way into Nha Trang city centre (final stop at 10, Yersin Street). Tickets may be purchased at the Dat Moi counter in arrivals and their head office in Yersin Street.

Public buses do exist, but they're usually not the easiest to navigate for foreign visitors, especially those on tighter schedules. If the distance is too long to be walked or cycled, opt for a taxi, which can be both a motorbike and a car. A local app used to hire rides is called Grab, and covers both modes of transport. When hiring a cab off the street, make sure to either have the price agreed upon or the meter running. There are also the touristic 'cyclos' (or pedicabs), but these tend to be pricey and serve more as a form of entertainment rather than transport. If you plan to cover long distances or visit several places in one day, it may be worth hiring a private English-speaking driver to get around. Naturally, this option will come with a heftier price tag. For inter-city travel, there are several companies that run convenient sleeper buses to destinations across Vietnam, and are very inexpensive (a ride on one of such sleepers from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh City will cost no more than $20). The Sinh Tourist Offices is where tickets for long-distance sleepers can be arranged:

Some medications available over the counter in your home country may not be in stock in Vietnam, so it's best to have a supply of any medication you know you will require during your stay. For immediate necessities, pharmacies that stock the largest variety of medications and receive regular deliveries are those run by hospitals (they are often adjacent to them). In Nha Trang, the hospital many expats have had positive experiences with is VK Hospital:

Packages can be shipped worldwide via Vietnam Post, which is relatively reliable but can take up to several months to deliver parcels (3-4 weeks by air mail). Mind that it's possible there will be no English-speaking staff present at the public post office. The Main Post Office in Nha Trang is located at:

Country code: +84 Area code: 58 followed by a 6-digit number

Most hotels will support various types of plugs or provide complimentary converters/adaptors. In Vietnam, the voltage can be both 110 and 220 V, with 50 Hz frequency. Plug types in use are the standard Euro plug (type E & F), American plug (type A), plus a three round prong type D plug.