Nha Trang:
Telephone area code is 58.
Vietnam's most popular seaside town.
Nice beach with good clean water for swimming, snorkelling and diving. On the beach you can get all manner of things from massage to beer and seafood. You can hire the snorkeling gear you need.
Not quite so good in November and December when the rain muddies the water.

Situated 448 km from Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang is one of the most attractive coastal towns in Vietnam.
This town hosts famous beach resorts with harmonious combination of mountains, island and wonderful beaches.
Visitors could dive at the islands such as Mun and, Noc Island, and Bich Dam Islet. Dive companies supply guides, tours and eqipment.
Nha Trang is a favorite vacation spot for well-off Vietnamese.

The leisurely pace here is a refreshing change from bustling Ho Chi Minh City, and the scene is idyllic.
A wide palm-lined boulevard separates elegant Mediterranean villas and modern hotels from one of Vietnam's loveliest beaches.

There are rusting carnival rides, children running barefoot in the sand, and push carts selling an enticing selection of cold drinks and food on a stick.

Although the beach along Tran Phu is inviting, better beaches are north of the city and on some of the islands in the bay.
Only about ten minutes from the center of town, Hon Chong Beach is especially lovely and easliy reached by motorbike, cyclo or taxi.

Along the way you will pass Nha Trang's busy harbor with its fleet of fishing boats, all painted bright blue.
If you are here for an extended period, you might also want to spend a day at Dai Lanh Beach, about one hour north of the city.
Nearby Cham ruins of Ponagar make an interesting picnic stop.

For a day of fun on the bay try Mama Hahn's Bay Cruise (a.k.a. "Mama Hahn's Booze Cruise").
Two boats, which the leathery, potty-mouthed Mama Hahn has dubbed the "lazy boat" and the "party boat," visit three different islands for swimming.
Regardless of which boat you are on be prepared for plenty of loud music and cold beer (which costs one dollar).
At the final stop the party moves into the water, where mulberry wine flows from a floating bar.
Don't be surprised if a joint gets passed your way! The entire day costs a mere five dollars and includes a lavish seafood lunch.
Tickets can be arranged through most hotels and several of the larger shops and restaurants along the beach.

Unless you arrive during a holiday period or summer weekend, shop for a hotel once you arrive.
Most people stay only two nights, but prices are significantly lower if you can stay for three if you haggle.

Attractions:
Po Nagar Cham Towers, ancient remnants of Hindu culture. 2 km north of town. Hon Chong Promontory, scenic area 3 km north. Long Son Pagoda. Oceanographic Institute has an aquarium. Boat tours, to the nearby islands.

Diving: Vietnam's premier diving location, with about 25 dive sites. Visibility averages 15m but can go to 30m (late October to early January is the worst time). A day outing including two dives and lunch costs about US$40-60. There are many Dive operators to choose from.
Jeremy Stein's Rainbow Divers www.divevietnam.com

Warnings: The beach at night is a haunt for thieves.

Coming & Going:
AIR. Daily to Saigon, Hanoi (4 times a week), Danang (3 times a week) on Vietnam Airlines.
BUS. Lien Tinh Bus Station at 23 Thang 10 St.To Saigon ($10), Dalat ($8), Hoi An ($15).
TRAIN. station is on Thai Nguyen St. ticket Office open from7am-2pm daily. Hotels and Cafes can book tickets also.

Money: Vietcom Bank at 17 Quang Trung St. is open 7:30-11am and 1:30-4pm.
Communications: Main Post Office is on the corner of Le Loi St. and Pasteur St.
Another Post Office at 50 Le Thanh Ton St. is open 24 hours.

Communications: Internet is available at the Main Post Office and at Internet Services Centre at 2 Le Loi St. about 600d per minute. teltic@dng.vnn.vn Also available at some Travel Agents.