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.

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.