Nha Trang

Nha Trang is a slice of paradise in Vietnam . .

Nha Trang beach

We arrived early, very early, 5:30 in the morning we got off the night bus and tried to work out where on the map we had been dropped off. Once we got our barring we had to then work out how to get to our hotel which i had plotted on the map before hand. Jonny took control of the map and decided after 15 minuets of walking we were on the road i had marked, but the hotel was no where to be seen. Thankfully we quickly realised he had taken us down a road too early so we walked back on ourselves feeling tired, hot and struggling with our backpacks. We tried walking down the next road but again our hotel was no where to be seen. To make matters worse we had some guy on his motorbike following us trying to get us to stay at his hotel, we told him we had accommodation but the more wrong turns we took the less he was believing us. Finally swallowing a little bit of pride Jonny went into a cafe to ask for directions. While doing so i was eyeing up the rather tasty looking chocolate brownies they had for sale. We were happy yet slightly embarrassed to learn the hotel was 30 seconds round the next coroner. We were able to check in, shower and get a few hours of much needed sleep.

Were not ones to waste the day, so at 9.00am we were up soon and ready to explore. First stop was the cafe with the brownies and yes they were as good as they looked. While relaxing in the cute cafe, very randomly the lovely couple from Darwin we met in Halong Bay walked in and joined us for a coffee. It was really nice to hear they had continued to enjoy their adventure in Vietnam and were sad that their holiday was coming to an end. The thought of work for them within 48 hours made us realise how lucky we are, still having many months of commitment free adventure ahead of us.

Our first trip in Nha Trang was to Long Son Pagoda, it was quite a long walk in the sunshine, but we enjoy a walk and believe that its the best way to see somewhere new. The pagoda was well worth the trek, it was beautiful. It was home to 2 extremely large buddha's, one is so large it looks over the city, the size of both was actually overwhelming. Feeling rather tired we had a bite to eat and an early night in front of the tv in our room.

The chilling Buddha

The view of the city from the top

The big Buddha on the hill

On our second day we went on a 4 island trip that we booked through our hotel. We knew we didn't have much time in Nha Trang and decided a tour would be the quickest and most productive way to see everything touristy. We got taken to an aquarium which was nice. They had an outdoor section which allowed us to feed and get close to the massive turtles which was really special for us. The bays the boat stopped at were all gorgeous, we went through a fishing village similar to those in Halong Bay. It still puzzles us how the families can survive the open elements of the sea and the isolation in their floating homes. While in one of the bays the boat anchored, and we were introduced to their "floating bar" which involved a big metal hoop which had loads of floats attached. Everyone was invited to jump off the boat and swim to the bar for a free cup of wine. Needless to say i became an amazing swimmer given the incentive of free wine and managed more than a few cups of the sweet red stuff, it was very surreal bobbing in the warm sea sipping free cold wine - bliss.

Someone has their eye on Jonny

Feeding the turtles

Floating bar

In the warm sea with cold wine - yum

We were able to visit a few of the bars and restaurants during our stay in Nha Trang. There are many to chose from as Nha Trang is one of the best cities in Vietnam for nightlife. Our favourite restaurant was one where Jonny was able to chose what fish he wanted and they then cooked it fresh on the BBQ, not bad for £4. This restaurant also had some rather tasty cocktails which went down a treat.

Jonny and his chosen fish

Cocktails went down a treat

Our final day we decided to make the most of Nha Trangs biggest asset; the beach. White sand, blue sea and we were lucky enough to pick a day with blue sky and sunshine without a single cloud in sight. We could have stayed in Nha Trang another 10 nights and not got bored; it is a city with everything and its still growing. Many large posh hotels were being built on the coastline which will no doubt bring in the tourist when complete. The views from the top of these building as the sun goes down will be unbeatable.

Enjoying Nha Trang beach

Sun, Sea and Sand

The city is growing

Jonny as the sun went down

We have to mention how amazing our hotel (Truong Giang Hotel) was, it could not have been more perfectly located (once we found it). The couple who own it are without a question the loveliest Vietmanese couple we have ever met. They were so kind, welcoming and would go out of their way to ensure we felt completely at home. We have told them we will email them and stay in touch. We also want to advise anyone planning a visit to Nha Trang to consider staying here. Its value for money and their hospitality can not be beaten.

We really hope this is not the last time we see Nha Trang. Next Stop Siagon.

The beach as the sun went down

Loads a love A&J x x