How to Spend THREE DAYS in Nha Trang, Vietnam: 3-Day Itinerary

Planning a trip to Nha Trang and wondering how to make the most of three days? I’ve got you covered!

Nha Trang is an absolute gem! After spending some time here, I got a pretty good idea of what’s actually worth seeing and doing. Three days is just about right for the sights, food, beach time, along with trips to the nearby islands and countryside.

To make things easier, I’ve put this itinerary together based on what I did and what I think is worth seeing. It’s easy to follow, too, with practical details on where to stay, how to get around, and how to plan your days without overdoing it.

Let’s go!

Itinerary Overview 

Nha Trang is one of Vietnam’s best-known coastal destinations, with a long sandy beach, nearby islands, historic sights, lively markets, and excellent Vietnamese food. This three-day itinerary is made for first-time visitors and combines the main sights with time on the water without cramming too much into each day.

Getting around Nha Trang is pretty straightforward, but staying near Trần Phú Street makes things pretty simple, since many restaurants, central attractions, and the beachfront promenade are within walking distance. For longer trips, Grab and regular taxis are the easiest options. Better yet, most organized tours include hotel transfers, just check your exact pickup time after booking.

I also recommend booking your water-based activities ahead of time and keeping your plans a little flexible since weather and sea conditions can affect schedules. Nha Trang’s heat is no joke, so pack sun protection, plus swimwear, comfortable walking shoes, and a light layer for the evening.

🍜 Day 1: City Sights & Local Bites
Kickstart the morning with coffee and a light bite, then get to know Nha Trang with a private guide and end the day with a local dinner and a walk through Nha Trang Night Market. 

🏝️ Day 2: Islands, Diving & Night Views
Choose between island hopping or scuba diving, then end the day with dinner by the beach and impressive nighttime views from a rooftop. 

🌅 Day 3: Beach, Culture & Sunset Cruise
Start your day at the beach, visit Nha Trang Cathedral, and wrap up your Nha Trang trip with a sunset dinner cruise. 

Day 1 

Breakfast – Xóm Mới Garden 

Start your first morning at Xóm Mới Garden, a leafy, popular spot in central Nha Trang. Plants and lanterns are everywhere, plus open-air seating, so it’s a nice place to ease into the day.

Since lunch is included with your city tour, I’d keep breakfast fairly light. Go for a bowl of pho or try something more local like bánh xèo or nem nướng. And don’t skip their coffee! The egg coffee and coconut coffee are both worth trying.

The restaurant opens at 6:30 am, so you’ve got plenty of time, but aim to arrive around 8 am. That gives you about an hour to eat and have a coffee before heading back to the hotel to grab anything you need for the tour. If you’re staying near Nha Trang Beach, it’s just a quick Grab or taxi ride away.

You can make a reservation, but you probably won’t need one that early. After breakfast, be back in the hotel lobby by around 9:20 am and ready for your private pickup.

Morning/Afternoon – Explore Nha Trang’s essential sights with a private guide 

If it’s your first time in Nha Trang, a private guide is a pretty great way to see the city without planning a thing. This VIP sightseeing tour takes around 5 to 6 hours and hits several of the city’s main sights. There are plenty of departures around 9:30 am or 10 am, so you can even sleep in a little or enjoy your coffee a tad longer.

Since pickup and drop-off are included for hotels in central Nha Trang, you can just sit back and enjoy the ride. If you’re staying farther out, including around Cam Ranh, they can still pick you up, but there may be an extra transfer fee.

The itinerary covers Po Nagar Cham Towers, Dam Market, the National Oceanographic Museum, Long Son Pagoda, and Bai Tam Hon Chong. You’ll have around 30 minutes to an hour at each stop, so there’s enough time to look around without feeling rushed.

My favorite part was being able to customize the day around what I wanted to see. My guide, Sa, knew the places inside out and shared some fun details. When I mentioned wanting simple street food for lunch, he took me to a roadside spot for some of the best banh mi I’ve ever had.

Just don’t forget to bring sun protection, water, and a light scarf or other layer to cover your shoulders at religious sites. The tour finishes around 3:30 pm, giving you plenty of time to rest at the hotel before heading out to dinner.

Dinner – Chuon Chuon Kim Restaurant 

Now that you’ve had a chance to rest, it’s time for dinner! Tonight, head to Chuon Chuon Kim Restaurant, a popular homestyle Vietnamese restaurant in central Nha Trang. A 5:30 pm reservation is a good idea, especially on weekends and during busy travel periods, and you can arrange one with the restaurant through WhatsApp.

I loved the setting here. Two dining spaces sit side by side at 85 and 89 Hoàng Hoa Thám, both with wooden furniture, ceramics, hanging lanterns, and some old-school household items. It actually feels like walking into a Vietnamese family home, which is much more my style than a busy, polished hotel buffet.

The menu has all the Vietnamese family favorites, from clay-pot fish and braised meats to seafood, vegetables, soup, and rice. Even better, many of the herbs and vegetables come straight from their own garden.

Start with bánh xèo or the fried fish patties wrapped around lemongrass. For mains, the tamarind shrimp and crispy pomfret are both worth a try, while meat lovers can go for the pork ribs braised with pineapple. Add a vegetable dish, some soup, and coconut fried rice, and you’ve got yourself a proper Vietnamese dinner. Yum!

You’ll probably spend around 60 to 90 minutes here, then it’s an easy 13-minute walk to your next activity at Nha Trang Night Market, or you can hop in a Grab or taxi. 

Evening – Browse Nha Trang Night Market 

After dinner, walk over to Nha Trang Night Market. It’s only about 13 minutes from the restaurant, so you don’t really need a taxi. The market is also close to Tram Huong Tower and 2/4 Square, so you can check those out too.

You’ll find all the usual stuff here, from clothes, bags, and jewelry to little gifts, dried fruit, food, snacks, coffee, and souvenirs. Definitely try the rolled ice cream while you’re here!

Have a good look before buying anything, though. Some stalls sell the same mass-produced stuff, so don’t assume everything is locally made. Prices are negotiable (they kind of expect you to haggle), and it’s a good idea to keep smaller Vietnamese notes on you since not every stall takes cards or has change.

The market usually runs from around 7 pm to 10 pm, although some vendors start packing up earlier. It can get pretty busy later on, so keep an eye on your valuables. Once you’ve had enough shopping, it’s easy enough to grab a taxi or Grab back to your hotel if you’re staying farther out. Just don’t stay out too late. Tomorrow starts early!

Day 2 

Breakfast – Ơi Nha Trang Restaurant  

Start your morning at Ơi Nha Trang Restaurant, a restored century-old French house surrounded by greenery. I like that it’s a calm little spot to have breakfast before a busy day on the water.

The menu offers a mix of traditional Vietnamese food, Western dishes, and other Asian options, so you can keep it local with a Vietnamese noodle dish or go for something more familiar. Grab one of their locally sourced coffees too. Coffee first, obviously!

The restaurant opens at 6:30 am, so try to get there when they open and order fairly quickly. Aim to leave around 7:20 am, so you have time to get back to the hotel for your island excursion pickup.

If you’re doing the scuba experience, I’d skip this breakfast. The diving starts at 7:30 am, and your pickup could be earlier than that. Breakfast is already included with the scuba trip anyway, so you can eat there instead.

If you’re not doing the scuba trip, having breakfast at your hotel is also a good option if you don’t want to rush around first thing in the morning.

Morning/Afternoon – Choose your day trip adventure! 

Today, you get to pick your adventure! You can spend the day exploring nearby islands or try scuba diving. Both include hotel pickup and lunch, but they finish at different times, so I’ll leave the afternoon open. I’ve done both on different trips, and I know choosing between them isn’t easy, so here’s a little more info to help you decide. 

Option 1: Go island hopping around Hon Mieu and Hon Tam 

I absolutely loved getting out of Nha Trang and exploring the nearby islands. The water was crystal clear, the beaches were gorgeous, and it was just nice to spend a day away from the city. This island-hopping tour starts at 8 am with pickup from your hotel or an agreed meeting point, then heads to Nha Trang Port.

Our first stop was Bai Tranh Beach on Hon Mieu Island, where I went for a couple of swims. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can try jet skiing, SeaWalk helmet diving, snorkeling, or kayaking, although these cost extra.

After a short boat ride, we stopped for lunch at the Floating Restaurant on Hon Mieu Island. Oh boy, was the food good, especially the steamed shrimp with lemongrass and Vietnamese sour soup with fish. We finished with cold iced tea and a local dessert. Yum!

After lunch, it’s off to Hon Tam Island for hot mineral mud baths and waterfall bathing. Here you’ll have lots of time to sit in the mud, grab a drink, walk around, and even bathe under a waterfall. 

Since you’ll be swimming and getting muddy, bring swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, water-friendly shoes, and a dry change of clothes. A waterproof phone case is a good idea too. Also, keep some Vietnamese dong with you for optional activities or anything else you might want to buy. 

The tour should wrap up between 2 pm and 4 pm, so you’ll have plenty of time to rest before dinner. 

Option 2: Learn to scuba dive around Hon Mun 

If you’ve never tried scuba diving before, this is a great place to give it a shot. This full-day tour takes you to the marine reserve around Hon Mun Island for two dives in crystal-clear waters.

Be ready for pickup at 7:30 am and expect to be back around 2 pm, with plenty of time for a lazy afternoon on the beach. If you’re staying on Hon Tre Island, you must meet the operator at the mainland cable-car station instead.

Once on the boat, you get breakfast with coffee, water, and fresh fruit, so you can easily skip the hotel breakfast if you wish. Then the instructors will show you how to use the equipment, breathe through the regulator, equalize pressure, and communicate underwater. Before the first dive, you’ll also practice the essential skills in shallow water, so if this is your first time, you’re in good hands!

I’ve never been diving here, but Bailey and Dan have, and they said they saw tons of starfish, a cuttlefish, stonefish, and eels, plus an old bicycle sitting underwater. Yep, a bicycle!

This tour also includes delicious food between dives, and they definitely didn’t skimp. Expect baguettes, beef stew, grilled pork, spring rolls, buns, fruit, coffee, and water!

There are only two divers per instructor, and the tour is open to ages 10 and up. You can also buy the photos for a little extra, so you can take home proof that you actually did it! Bring swimwear, sunscreen, a towel, and dry clothing for the journey back to the hotel.

Dinner – Sailing Club  

After a busy day, it’s time for a relaxing dinner by the water, so I’m sending you to Sailing Club around 6:30 pm. It’s one of Nha Trang’s best-known spots for food and drinks, right on the beach, and it’s been here since 1994.

The menu offers everything from Vietnamese food and fresh seafood to Mediterranean dishes, Indian curries, burgers, pasta, and New York-style pizza. I started with the Spanish-style garlic prawns, then went for the cá kho tộ and mixed grilled seafood platter. Both were really good, especially if you want to try something local.

The Indian menu also looked tempting, with dishes like chicken tikka masala and lamb rogan josh. They also have options for vegetarians, like the mushroom risotto or Buddha bowl.

No matter what you order, save some room for dessert! The warm chocolate fondant is heavenly, but you can also have tropical Vietnamese fruit if you want something lighter. I prefer the chocolate, of course!

The restaurant is open daily from 7 am to 2 am, and reservations are a good idea on weekends, holidays, and during busy travel periods.

Evening – See Nha Trang from the Skylight Skydeck  

After dinner, take a short Grab ride to Skylight Nha Trang, on the upper floors of the Premier Havana Hotel. The 360-degree Skydeck is about 151 meters (about 495 feet) above the city, and the nighttime views are something else- let me tell you! You can see Nha Trang Bay, Trần Phú, and the city center all lit up below. Pretty impressive!

And wait until you see the glass-bottomed Skywalk on the 43rd floor. I’ll admit, looking straight down made me a little nervous!

It stays open until 12:45 am, but the Skydeck and Skywalk close at 11:30 pm. Hours and admission can change, though, so check the current info before heading over.

If you’re mainly going for the views, I’d get there shortly after dinner. Later in the evening, things get more club-like, so it’s worth going earlier if you’re not really after the party scene.

Day 3 

Breakfast – Alpaca  

Day 3 starts nice and easy, with breakfast at Alpaca Homestyle Café. I came across this spot by accident and was pretty surprised. It’s tucked down a small lane in central Nha Trang, but once you step inside, it’s super cozy, with plants, wooden furniture, colorful details, and a relaxed atmosphere.

They serve everything from scrambled eggs and granola to crepes, salads, and other delicious European-inspired dishes. I love Vietnamese coffee, so I paired my breakfast with that, but you can also order an Americano or fresh juice. There are vegetarian options too, and the staff is used to serving international visitors, so don’t worry; communicating is pretty easy.

It opens at 8 am, and it’s best to get there when they open. Have breakfast, enjoy your coffee, then leave around 9 am. From here, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the central section of Nha Trang Beach, or you can take a taxi if walking is out of the question.

Morning – Enjoy a stroll along Nha Trang Beach 

After breakfast, head to Nha Trang Beach and spend an easy hour by the water. The long stretch of sand, palm trees, islands offshore, and mountains in the distance make it pretty obvious why Nha Trang became such a popular beach destination.

Don’t try to walk the whole thing, though. Instead, stick to the paved promenade along Trần Phú Street. Stop around April 2 Square and Trầm Hương Tower, then find a bench under the trees and watch the fishing boats, swimmers, and morning activity around the bay.

The beach and promenade are free, although private beach clubs charge for loungers, umbrellas, food, and drinks. Oh, and don’t forget to bring water and sun protection too. It can get hot pretty quickly, even in the morning.

Once you’ve had enough beach time, leave around 10:15 am and grab a taxi to Nha Trang Cathedral.

Late morning – Admire Nha Trang’s stone cathedral

You still have time for one activity before lunch, and I have just the spot. Around 10:30 am, head to Nha Trang Cathedral, also called the Stone Church or Christ the King Cathedral. 

Nha Trang is mainly Buddhist, but this French colonial-style cathedral stands out among the city’s many temples and pagodas. It was built between 1928 and 1933 and sits on a 12-meter (39-foot) hill above the city, creating a nice contrast with Nha Trang’s modern streets and beachfront towers.

The cathedral has a simple Gothic-style design, stained-glass windows, and is really well maintained. It’s also free to enter, although access can change around Mass and other religious events. I stopped here while exploring the city center, and it was a nice, peaceful break from the busy streets.

The atmosphere is pretty quiet, so keep your voice down, avoid disrupting services or wedding photos if there’s an event happening, and make sure you’re dressed appropriately. 

Lunch – Mắm Restaurant

After your visit to Nha Trang Cathedral, hop in a taxi and head to Mắm Restaurant. It’s only about a 10-minute ride, so you should be there around 11:30 am.

I really liked it here! They serve familiar Vietnamese home cooking in a polished setting decorated with bamboo, pottery, woven baskets, and other traditional touches. Since you’ve got a five-course dinner cruise later, don’t go too heavy at lunch. Maybe order a few things to share instead.

Start with the spring rolls or grilled beef wrapped in betel leaves. For the main dishes, the caramelized cobia served in a clay pot and tuna braised with pineapple are both good choices. Or maybe just go for the crab fried rice and grilled eggplant with scallion oil. Vegetarians have options too, including vegetable spring rolls, lemongrass tofu, and glass noodles with mushrooms.

It’s open daily from 11 am to 10 pm. You probably won’t need a reservation for an early lunch, but if you’re traveling with a larger group, it’s best to book ahead.

Early afternoon – Keep things flexible before your evening cruise 

After lunch, you’ve got a couple of hours to relax before your sunset cruise. Around 1:15 pm, head back to the hotel to relax, or squeeze in one short activity if you still have energy.

One easy option is Vincom Plaza Trần Phú, an air-conditioned shopping center right beside the beach. You’ll find clothing and sportswear stores, Miniso, and a WinMart supermarket where you can pick up some packaged Vietnamese snacks or a few small souvenirs. It opens at 10 am, and you can have a quick look around. 

If shopping isn’t really your thing, book a short foot massage at your hotel spa or a well-reviewed spa nearby. Keep it to around 30 to 45 minutes, though, since your exact cruise pickup time will depend on where you’re staying.

Or, you can simply stay at Mắm Restaurant and order dessert. The mango tapioca chè, chilled tofu with ginger and palm-sugar sauce, and the restaurant’s house flan all sound pretty tempting.

Just make sure you’re back at the hotel, with enough time to shower, change, and grab everything you need for the evening by around 3:20 pm. Wear something comfortable and smart-casual, and bring a light layer since it may feel a little cooler on the way back after dark.

Late afternoon/Evening – Cruise across Nha Trang Bay at sunset

For your final evening, I’ve picked a great activity to end your vacation in style. It works even better if you’re celebrating an occasion, but either way, this 4-hour dinner cruise is definitely worth checking out! 

Be ready for hotel pickup at 3:30 pm, and they’ll drop you back off around 8 pm, so you don’t have to worry about figuring out Nha Trang transportation. 

After you board the traditional-style vessel, you’re welcomed with a drink and a short safety introduction before sailing into Nha Trang Bay. I loved the inside of the boat! There were all these gorgeous period furnishings, and everything looked so sophisticated. A quick note: maybe wear something a little fancier, because everyone looked pretty elegant!

About 40 people were on board, but surprisingly, it didn’t feel crowded at all. They even had name cards on the tables, so there was no awkward “where do I sit?” moment either.

For dinner, my options were lobster, beef, or salmon, so be sure to confirm your choice when booking. The couple sitting next to me mentioned they were vegetarian, and they went all out for them! They prepared a full five-course vegetarian meal, plus some vegetarian options for the cocktail party. Now that’s service! Plus, you get unlimited drinks, both alcoholic and soft drinks.

The best part? We had a lovely duet playing throughout the evening, which really set the mood.

After dinner, head back onto the deck to see the illuminated Nha Trang skyline reflected across the water. It’s a great way to sign off on your trip to Nha Trang! After dinner, head back onto the deck to see the illuminated Nha Trang skyline reflected across the water. It’s a great way to sign off on your trip to Nha Trang! And don’t just take my word for it—you can read the hundreds of five-star reviews!

Related Read: Want even more ideas for your trip? Check out my guide to the best things to do in Nha Trang!

Where to Stay in Nha Trang

Staying in Central Nha Trang offers the convenience of a city stay, just steps from the beach. After a full day of tours and activities, you can easily relax and dip your toes in the ocean. Here are my top picks for a luxury, mid-range, and budget hotel right in Central Nha Trang.

Luxury – $$$ 

If you want to be in the center of it all, Sheraton Nha Trang Hotel & Spa is just the place. I love it because it’s right by the beach on the iconic Tran Phu Street, so you’ve got everything you need right at your doorstep, literally.

The place is huge, with around 280 rooms, all with private balconies facing Nha Trang Bay. Then there’s the massive outdoor infinity pool, which is a great place to hang out when you’ve had enough of the sand.

Prices average around $170 USD per night, which is a pretty good deal for a place like this. Check your dates and book your stay here!

Mid-range – $$ 

If you’re looking to keep costs down, Adamas Boutique Hotel offers great value right in the heart of the lively Western Quarter, with Nha Trang Beach just a 5-minute walk away. This is also where I stayed, and honestly, I couldn’t have picked a better location.

Rooms are modern and clean, with connecting options that are ideal for family trips. There’s also a rooftop pool for afternoon fun or cocktails at night, while the seamless airport shuttle service makes arriving and leaving a lot easier.

Rooms go for about $100 to $120 USD per night. Read the great reviews and book Adamas Boutique Hotel here!

Budget – $

Azura Gold Hotel & Apartment is my top budget-friendly choice here. I love it because it’s a bit removed from the busy street, yet still within a short walk of the beach. The rooms are spacious, modern, and updated, and you’ll find plenty of practical amenities, including a pool, gym, free parking, and a convenient airport shuttle service.

You don’t have to go far for food, either, as there’s an on-site restaurant serving everything from Asian to vegan dishes.

With prices starting at just $75 USD per night, you’ll have plenty of money left to spend elsewhere. Browse current rates and book your budget stay here!

For more options, see all of the hotels in Nha Trang here!

Related Read: Not sure which part of the city is right for you? Check out my complete guide on where to stay in Nha Trang, where I break down the best areas and places to stay!

Thanks for Reading!

Three days in Nha Trang goes by pretty quickly, but you can fit a lot in! Between exploring the city, getting out on the water, eating plenty of Vietnamese food, and finishing with a sunset cruise, I think this itinerary gives you a great taste of what makes Nha Trang so much fun.

If you’re traveling elsewhere in Vietnam, don’t stop here! I have plenty more Vietnam blogs to help you plan the rest of your trip. Or check out a few of my favorite guides below!

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