The city beach of Nha Trang.
Transport and Travel Time
For tourists from Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, the most convenient way to get to Nha Trang is direct flights from Almaty to Cam Ranh (CRX), which is located 30 km from the city. The travel time is about 8 hours. Sometimes charter flights from Bishkek with a refueling stop in Kolkata are available, which increases the total time to 8.5 hours. Note that the time difference between Bishkek and Nha Trang is +1 hour.
As for seasonality, the high tourist season here lasts from March to September. During this time, the weather is sunny and dry, and the sea is calm and clear. However, Nha Trang is attractive to tourists almost year-round.
During the rainy season (from October to February), the weather is cloudy, and waves may arise at sea. Nevertheless, it is worth noting that the temperature during this time is quite comfortable, there are fewer tourists, and prices for accommodation and services are lower. Rain is mostly short-lived, although there can sometimes be entire days of rain.
This period will be interesting for those who want to spend winter in warm countries or for those who plan to devote more time to excursions rather than beach relaxation.
What to Prepare: Documents and Visa
Thorough preparation of documents is key to a quick passage through border control. Your package should include a valid foreign passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining at the time of return, airline tickets, a voucher for accommodation, and an insurance policy if you are purchasing a tour package. If you are traveling with children under 18 without one of the parents, be sure to obtain a notarized permission for departure.
As for visas, Kyrgyz citizens can enter Vietnam without a visa for up to 30 days, which simplifies the entry process and does not require additional fees or documentation upon arrival.
For those planning to stay in Nha Trang for more than a month, it is necessary to apply for an online visa in advance.
Practical Recommendations: Safety, Currency, and Communication
Currency. The main currency is the Vietnamese dong (VND). It is best to exchange dollars at jewelry stores in the city (look for signs saying "jewelry store"), as the rates there are often more favorable than in banks. Some electronics stores also offer exchange services, but specialized exchange offices are not common in Nha Trang. Keep in mind that there is a fee for withdrawing cash from ATMs.
Approximately, $100 is equivalent to about 2.6 million dongs.
Communication. To stay connected, you can purchase a physical SIM card upon arrival at the airport, and it may cost $1-2 less in the city. eSIM is also available. Communication in Vietnam is inexpensive and of good quality.
Food. In Nha Trang, you can find not only Vietnamese cuisine and seafood but also many restaurants offering European and Russian dishes. There are establishments with Uzbek, Armenian, and Italian cuisine, as well as steakhouses and international fast-food chains. Finding familiar dishes will not be a problem.
Transportation
Taxi. The most popular and convenient way to get around. Prices are lower than in Bishkek. You can use the Grab or Bolt apps or hail a taxi on the street. Taxi stands are located at many intersections. Keep in mind that drivers may have poor English or Russian skills, so it’s better to show the address on a map or use Google Translate.
Motorbike Taxis. This mode of transport is significantly cheaper than regular taxis but is not recommended for large families.
Bicycle Rickshaws. Be cautious with bicycle rickshaws in the city center, as they may inflate prices by taking advantage of tourists' lack of knowledge. Always negotiate the price before starting the ride; bicycle rickshaws are more suited for the tourist experience than for convenient transportation.
Where to Stay: Choosing an Area
The choice of residence area in Nha Trang determines the style of your vacation: whether it will be a peaceful getaway or an active city life.
For a beach vacation, especially with children, consider Hon Che Island, known as Vinpearl. This is a closed area with several hotels and private beaches, with calm seas even during the rainy season and plenty of entertainment in the nearby VinWonders park.
Hotels on Hon Che offer not only comfortable accommodation but also access to the amusement park. Notable hotels on the island include Vinpearl Resort Nha Trang 5* and Vinpearl Resort & Spa Nha Trang Bay, which offer an "All-Inclusive" concept. The villas of the more expensive Vinpearl Luxury Nha Trang 5* are also an excellent choice.
In the city itself, the Central District is considered the most prestigious, with many hotels for every budget. Here are some of the best city hotels, such as InterContinental 5* and Sheraton 5*, offering high-quality service and private beaches. This is where the President of Vietnam stays. There are also many budget hotels in this area.
The city center is famous for its developed infrastructure and proximity to the local landmark "Lotus".
If you are looking for peace or planning a long stay, consider the south or north of Nha Trang. In the south, in the elite An Vien village near the cable car, tranquility reigns, although the infrastructure here is poorly developed. Modern hotels like Costabella Resort 5* or Boutik Cham NhaTrang Hotel 4* can be good options for accommodation.
The northern part of the city, closer to the Cai River, offers both city hotels and resorts. Among the hotels, Nha Trang Palace 5*, voco Scenia Bay Nha Trang by IHG 5*, The Morning Glow Boutique Hotel Nha Trang 5*, Nha Trang Horizon 5*, Sunrise Nha Trang Beach Hotel & Spa 5*, and Boton Blue Hotel & Spa stand out. The most famous resort is the spa hotel Amiana Resort Nha Trang 5*. Also good are Alibu Resort Nha Trang 5*, Boma Resort Nha Trang 5*, The Costa Nha Trang Residences 5*, and the luxurious Villa Le Corail Gran Melia Nha Trang 5*.
What to See in Nha Trang
Resting in Nha Trang is not only about beaches but also about many activities and attractions.
Cultural and Spiritual Landmarks
Po Nagar Towers. This ancient temple complex of the Cham civilization is located on a hill with a beautiful view of the river.
Long Son Pagoda. Famous for its enormous white statue of Buddha, which is visible from many points in the city.
Nha Trang Cathedral. A majestic Gothic-style building that reminds of Vietnam's French colonial past.
Entertainment and Nature
VinWonders Park on Vinpearl Island. A must-visit place, especially with children, offering a huge selection of attractions, a water park, a zoo, and colorful shows. You can get there by taxi to the pier and then by cable car or boat.
I-Resort Mud Spa. A great place to relax, a complex with hot mineral springs and mud baths, located just 15 minutes from the center.
The I-Resort spa complex with thermal springs.
The Northern Islands (Monkey Island and Orchid Island). This is a popular excursion where you can feed monkeys and stroll through a beautiful orchid park.
Monkeys on the Northern Islands.
Long-Distance Excursions
Da Lat. A trip to the mountain city known as "Little Paris" will take a whole day (3 hours one way). You will find the unusual Crazy House hotel, waterfalls, Buddhist temples, and coffee plantations.
Doc Let Beach (Paradise Beach). If there are waves and murky water in Nha Trang (especially in winter), it is worth heading to this beach located 50 km from the city, where you will find white sand and calm sea.
Baho Waterfall. For those who want to climb the mountain and swim in the waterfall.
It is also worth visiting the Yang Bay Nature Reserve, located two hours from Phan Rang, and much more.
One-day and two-day excursions to Ho Chi Minh City are also available.
You can also travel from Nha Trang to Da Nang — the trip takes 10 hours by bus or 1 hour by plane. The tourist complex Ba Na Hills, with the famous "Hands of God" bridge, is located half an hour's drive from Da Nang, but it is better to plan a trip to Da Nang separately.
Souvenirs from Nha Trang
Shopping in Vietnam can start with purchasing pharmacy products, as the country is known for its natural healing balms, ointments, and dietary supplements. It is best to buy them in regular city pharmacies.
Among edible souvenirs, cashew nuts and dried mango are particularly popular. When choosing mango, prefer lighter and fresher fruits. These treats can be purchased at the Night Market opposite the Lotus, but prices will be even more attractive at the large DAM market or in fruit shops.
Fresh mango, passion fruit, and dragon fruit are also brought, packed in special baskets for hand luggage. Don’t forget that Vietnam ranks among the world's leaders in coffee and natural pearl production, so these products are also worth considering.
As for clothing and footwear, inexpensive cotton items can be found at Lotte Mart supermarket, and since many well-known American brands are produced in the country, you can often find original models or quality copies at low prices in street shops.
