Cultural Explorations
A popular gateway to Nha Trang town and formerly one of the US military’s most prominent bases during the Vietnam War, Cam Ranh is quaint, cool, and tranquil. Set in the Khanh Hoa province, the idyllic Cam Ranh bay features endless beaches and turquoise waters with an incredible under-the-radar appeal that easily captures the heart of independent and curious explorers. Traverse the Cam Ranh peninsula to explore a spectrum of inspirational and authentic experiences to suit any interest. Visit the nearby age-old coastal town of Nha Trang, known for its mud baths and hot springs, water sports, island hopping adventures, cultural sites, and much more.
A complimentary return shuttle service to Nha Trang is available daily for independent explorers. Our concierge will also be delighted to arrange half-day or full-day excursions to key attractions that cater to your interests.
Long Son Pagoda
Originally built in 1886 at another location, it was renamed and relocated to its current site on the Trai Thuy foothill after devastating damage caused by a typhoon in 1900. An unmissable landmark in Nha Trang, Long Son Pagoda is Vietnam's oldest and largest temple, with features designed according to traditional Vietnamese and Taoist architecture, a lovely garden and ornate mythical sculptural creatures. Explore dragon mosaics composed of glass and ceramic tilework, a marble reclining Buddha statue, a finely carved tableau, a magnificent bell tower and the spacious main hall that functions as a monastery for pilgrims. Marvel at the 24-metre white statue of Buddha seated on a lotus after climbing 193 steps to the hilltop, and enjoy a bird’s eye view of Nha Trang, the oceans, and mountainous landscapes.
Open daily: 7.30 am – 5.00 pm
Nha Trang Cathedral
Also known as the Stone or Mountain Church, this is the largest cathedral in Nha Trang, perched on a small mountain named Hòn Một. Construction was spearheaded by a French priest, Louis Vallet, on September 1928 and completed in 1941. Built entirely with stone, it features Gothic-style characteristics such as soaring ceilings, pointed arches and stained glass windows. Three original bronze bells, made by the famous French firm - Bourdon Carillond, are housed in the tower with a four-direction facing clock and surmounted by a crucifix.
Open daily: 4.45 am – 5.45 pm
Stone Pagoda
Marvel at the intricate details of this beautiful, little-known temple made entirely out of stones and seashells. Over two decades ago, the residing monk had the vision to reconstruct the temple and started handpicking seashells from the nearby lagoon and stones from around Vietnam. The framework was done based on his designs, but every stone and shell were personally placed by the monk’s hand, with the main gate taking seven months to complete. Wander the peaceful grounds around benevolent statues of deities and graceful fishes in a shimmering pond, and climb up the spiral staircase for a top view of the temple’s upper sections.
Kong Forest Adventure Park
Eco-adventure seekers will be thrilled to explore Vietnam's first and biggest jungle park! Located on Hon Ba mountain at 1,500 metres above sea level, nature beckons at Kong Forest, with outdoor activities in a dense and vast rainforest rich in a diverse ecosystem of flora and fauna. Experience a zipline canopy tour tested and certified to meet European safety standards, an ATV extreme tour, hiking, rafting, or enjoy a forest bath at the cool Suoi Nguon stream. Adherence to the safety and environmental preservation standards, covered walking shoes and a change of clothes are advised for all guests.
Open daily: 8.00 am – 5.00 pm
Ponagar Cham Towers
This complex of temples in Nha Trang was erected before 781 AD by the Cham, an ancient civilisation in Southeast Asia known for their distinctive architecture and art style, especially in Vietnam and Cambodia. ‘Po Nagar’ translates to ‘mother of the country’ in the Cham language and features a 23-metre high tower constructed in 817 AD to honour Ponagar, the goddess of creation that grants a good life and harvests for the Cham people. The three remaining structures were each built for a unique deity: the central tower honours the Cri Cambhu deity who blesses childless devotees with fertility, the northwest tower is dedicated to Sanhaka, a woodcutter and foster father to Ponagar, while Ganeca, Ponagar’s daughter, is honoured in the southern tower.
Open daily: 8.00 am – 6.00 pm
Alexandre Yersin Museum
Born on 22 September 1863 in Switzerland, Alexandre Émile Jean Yersin was a famed physician, biologist, and explorer. He is a co-discoverer of the bubonic plague bacteria, the founder of Pasteur Institute Nha Trang and Indochine Medical School (now Hanoi Medical University) and became its first President. The establishment of Dalat city on the Lam Vien Highlands plateau is attributed to a French exploration in the 19th century led by Dr Yersin. Settling in Nha Trang, he provided free medical consultations and treatment to thousands of locals until he died in 1943. His tomb is in Suoi Dau, 20 kilometres south of Nha Trang, and his commemorative statue is by Nha Trang beach.
Recognised as a Cultural and Historical Relic Site, the informative museum was established in 1997 to preserve his belongings. Situated on the 2nd floor of a building next to Pasteur Institute Nha Trang, there is a replica of his room where Yersin lived, surrounded by pathways representing milestones of his life and discoveries. There are over 1,200 books and 50 tools that Yersin used in medicine, astronomy, and geography, including hundreds of paper and glass pictures of Vietnamese ethnic groups, a 3D photo slide and a short documentary on his life.
Open Mon - Sat: 7.30 am - 11.30 am & 2.00 pm – 5.00 pm (closed Sat afternoon)
Cam Duc Market
Constructed in 1995, Cam Duc is a traditional market that occupies an area of around 5,000 m² in the Cam Lam district, a mere 15-minute drive from Cam Ranh. Experience a taste of the local daily life as vendors hawk their cornucopia of wares that range from fresh seafood, local ingredients, live poultry, kitchen staples, clothing, household items and more. Be delighted in sampling local treats and breakfast favourites as you wander the narrow pathways teeming with bustling activity.
Island Hopping
Nha Trang bay is blessed with a network of 19 islands and islets, making it one of the finest destinations where island hopping, fishing, basking in the sun, and exploring the underwater world are captured in a day. Surrounded by coral reefs and within a protected marine area, the coastal town is also the perfect launching pad for some incredible snorkelling and dive sites. Equally famous for its therapeutic mud baths and hot springs, combine these experiences with a visit to Hon Tam island for an immersive day on land and sea.
Ba Ho Waterfalls
Meaning ‘three pools’ in Vietnamese, Ba Ho comprises tri-tiered waterfalls and natural pools with descending heights, situated 20 kilometres north of Nha Trang. Hemmed in by dense forests and rocky outcrops, the waterfall source originates from the 660-metre peak of Hoa Son before cascading down over 10 kilometres into the three smaller natural pools at Ba Ho. The easily accessible first tier is a popular stop for picnics, dips and cliff jumps. The challenging second and third tiers nested under a green canopy of trees are only recommended for skilled adult hikers in a group without mobility issues due to an arduous hike that involves cliffs and climbing over large rocks.
Wild, soothing and rewarding for avid adventure seekers, early morning visits are best. Open year-round, it is generally safer during the dry season. During the rainy season, the falls will be dazzling with abundant water flow but beware of strong currents and slippery conditions on rocks and paths. Wear sensible hiking shoes and have enough water, snacks and sun protection for a journey to Ba Ho may take up to three hours. It’s a journey into the woods, so take your time while strictly adhering to the stated rules to avoid wildfires.
Open daily: 6.00 am – 6.00 pm
Vinh Hy Bay
Voted as one of the four most beautiful bays in Vietnam, Vinh Hy is a gorgeous natural harbour 55 kilometres south of Cam Ranh that is embraced on three sides by the majestic tree-clad mountains of Nui Chua National Park and fronts the turquoise sea. With calm waters and jungle wilderness, Vinh Hy shelters a diverse terrestrial and aquatic flora and fauna ecosystem. Visit Hang Rai - a rugged overlapping rock formation by the sea, go snorkelling or scuba diving to explore the vibrant waterworld, try fishing from a glass-bottomed boat, get close to nature by hiking in the national park or dine on local seafood specialities.
The Institute of Oceanography
Established by the French during the colonial era in 1923 before the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology took over in 1952 and maintained it as a research institute. After the Vietnam War, the institute became an adjoined organisation for all the marine research institutes in Vietnam. Located within, the National Oceanography Museum plays an inseparable role in research that boasts a vast collection of 20,000 marine specimens for scientific and educational purposes, with a huge aquarium housing thousands of aquatic creatures. Undeniably, the National Oceanographic Museum plays a significant role in protecting the ocean environment and raises public awareness about national underwater resources and territorial sovereignty.
Open daily: 6.00 am – 6.00 pm
Ninh Hai Salt Fields
Witness a long tradition of making salt during the summer when salt farmers start toiling from before daybreak until late afternoon when the sun is hot. Admire picturesque scenes of immense white salt fields against a blue sky as hardworking farmers lead seawater into the salt pans to evaporate into salt particles. The salt is raked into mounds to dry before collection into raw salt stores and sent to factories for cleaning before being sold.