Nha Trang City Half-Day Tour with Po Nagar and Hon Chong

Po Nagar Cham Towers

The Po Nagar Cham Towers stand on Cu Lao hill at the mouth of the Cai River, just north of the city centre. Built in brick by the Cham kingdom between the 8th and 13th centuries, they are dedicated to Yan Po Nagar, the mother goddess of the land, and remain an active place of worship today. The tallest tower, about 23 metres high, houses a statue of the goddess, and carvings of dancers and deities decorate the doorways.

A visit takes about 45 minutes, including the hall of pillars at the bottom of the steps and the views over the river and fishing boats. Is Po Nagar worth visiting? Yes, it is one of the best-preserved Cham sites in central Vietnam. Shoulders and knees must be covered; robes are lent at the entrance. Po Nagar opening hours are usually from early morning to late afternoon every day.

Hon Chong Promontory

Hon Chong is a rocky headland at the northern end of Nha Trang's bay, where huge granite boulders, smoothed by wind and waves, are piled on top of each other above the sea. Local legend says a giant left the large handprint you can still see on one of the rocks. From the top there are fine views over the beach, the fishing boats and the islands of the bay.

Look north-west to see Co Tien, or Fairy Mountain, whose three peaks are said to look like a reclining woman, and out to sea for Hon Do, a small island with a tiny pagoda. The visit takes about 30 minutes; wear shoes with a good grip if you want to climb onto the rocks. It is especially beautiful in the soft light of early morning.

Nha Trang Stone Church

The Stone Church, officially Christ the King Cathedral, sits on a small hill near the railway station and is one of Nha Trang's most recognisable buildings. Built between 1928 and 1933 in French Gothic style, it is made of large blocks of cut stone, which gives it its local name, and is topped by a tall bell tower with a clock.

Inside, colourful stained-glass windows light the nave, and the hillside path is lined with statues. The visit takes about 20 minutes, and the church is open to visitors outside service times; dress modestly and keep your voice low inside. Your guide will tell you how the church survived the war years and how it remains the heart of the city's Catholic community.

Museum of Oceanography

The Museum of Oceanography belongs to Nha Trang's Institute of Oceanography, founded in the 1920s near Cau Da port as one of the first scientific research centres in Vietnam. Its collection of preserved marine creatures is among the largest in Southeast Asia, from corals, shells and crabs to sharks, sea turtles and dugongs.

The highlight for many visitors is the huge skeleton of a whale displayed in its own hall, and outdoor tanks with reef fish, rays and turtles. Plan about 45 minutes here; children usually love it. Museum opening hours run from early morning to late afternoon every day, which is why our guide often starts the tour here before the busier hours.

Planning your Nha Trang city tour

How to get around Nha Trang's sights: they are spread from Po Nagar in the north to Cau Da in the south, about 8 km apart, so a guided half-day tour with transport is the easiest way to see them all. We pick you up at your hotel, drive you between the stops and bring you back after lunch, with entrance fees and a bottle of water included.

The best time to visit Nha Trang for sightseeing is from February to August, when the weather is dry and sunny; the rainy season runs from September to December, but the tour runs all year. Lunch is local Vietnamese food; halal-certified food is limited outside a few city restaurants, so tell us if you need vegetarian or no-pork dishes. Cam Ranh International Airport (CXR) is 35 to 45 minutes away.