Nha Trang already has large and expensive hotels built along the beachfront, intermingled with old French villas. Days on end can be spent aimlessly cycling the streets and the surroundings of Nha Trang. On days where it is too warm to cycle, take a boat trip out to the islands for a day of snorkeling in turquoise waters and coral reefs while savoring a fantastic seafood banquet for lunch, returning to town just in time towander down to the beach for a late afternoon beer of fruit shake.
Nha Trang is a large city, with a population over 200,000 and is predominantly flat, so the best way to get around is by bicycle. You can get a massage on the beach for about 3 US$ an hour. The beaches lining Tran Phu Boulevard are stunning and inviting, but unfortunately some foreigners ignore Vietnamese etiquette and culture by bathing topless or in very skimpy costumes. This is usually complimented by the obligatory group of young Vietnamese males looking on from distance.
There is quite a lot to do and see around Nha Trang, but it can be hard work to pry yourself off that deck chair to go cycling again.
Po Nagar Cham Tower
The Cham Towers are to the north of town and give you an insight into the culture of the ancient Cham people through the remnants of their brick temples dating from the 17 to 12 centuries. The north tower is 23 high and is dedicated to Po Nagar who was a mythical goddess. Parts of the towers have undergone renovations in an effort to preserve them for future generations and tourist dollars. There used to be more towers, but they have been destroyed over time, and now there are only four functional towers left. They are still used as places of worship, and there is a group of nuns that may show you around with their best sign language and smiles. There is a small interesting museum to the right of the north tower displaying photographs and ancient statues. Unfortunately most of the information is only n Vietnamese. The hillock upon which the Cham Towers sit offers a great panorama of the surrounds and a view over the entrance to the Cai river with Nha Trang as a background. There are a number of cafes within the grounds of the towers selling ridiculously priced food and drink.
The entrance to the site is at street level followed by a staircase op the hill to the towers. On you way up, on the right, you will notice the remains of the meditation hall, which was the original entrance for Cham worshippers. The north tower is the largest and main one situated on a higher level directly in front of the meditation hall. The other smaller towers are only meters away from this and all of them are militaristically facing due east. Make sure you take off your shoes before entering any of the temples here. There are many beggars along the stairs on the way up to the Cham Towers , that have particularly bad problems.
The Cham Towers are on the north bank of the Cai River and are about a ten minute bike ride from the center of Nha Trang town. Follow Quang Trung Street from the center of town which turns into 2 thang 4 street. This will take you over Ha Ra bridge and then Xom Bong Bridge .
Hon Chong Promontory
The promontory just out into the South China Sea and offers a view of the bay and coast north of Nha Trang and nearby islands. There are a number of shops selling the same things including souvenirs, and some cafes with deck chairs set out to admire the view.
Giant Sitting Buddha and the Long Son Pagoda
This enormous 9 m high Buddha was built quite recently in honor of those monks who elected self immolation rather than continue to live under the oppressive Diem regime. The white Buddha sits upon a hill close to the train station and is worthwhile going up for the view of Nha Trang and the coast. The large Buddha’s base used to be a library until it was closed after the Tet Offensive when it was discovered that the Viet Cong used the library to plan attacks on the city. The pagoda is at the base of the stairs that lead up to the giant Buddha and is very ornate with a strong Chinese influence.
