Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Yaya]

I have a friend going to Vietnam for the first time, so is Nha Trang worth going to?

[jfromtheway]

Almost everyone I talked to when I was in Vietnam, even the friend I was traveling with, said they didn't particularly like Nha Trang. I, however, enjoyed it. I spent around a week there. Nice beaches, good place to relax. I was kind of sick of traveling by the time I reached Vietnam and wasn't too adventurous, so I don't recall many particularly worthy tourist attractions. It's not too big of a city so I spent my days riding my bike around and lounging at the beach. Pleasant place. Depends on where you're coming from and headed afterwards, though. Spending a week in Saigon and looking for a two day trip up the coast? Or, spending a more substantial amount of time and exploring multiple cities along the way? What's the itinerary? I'd definitely hit Hoi An again if I were there for a prolonged stay. Got some nice tailored clothes there. And a shirt that went from a large to an extra small when I washed it thus making me look extremely homosexual every time I screwed it on afterwards. Not that there's anything wrong with that. Double gifted it to my 16 year old cousin a few weeks later when I came back for Christmas: "Saw your facebook photo, showed it to the seamstress, and bought this tailor made in Vietnam for you, Emilio."

[JustinC]

Agree Hoi An is gorgeous and relaxed, plus friendly. I've been to Nha Trang twice, the first time biking about and hitting a few bars, the second time spending a day at the quality Vinpearl Resort. Both were very enjoyable, just be wary about your wallet if you're out late at night (same goes for anywhere in 'Nam, IMO). I think it's had a lot of work recently so there should be a fair amount to keep you occupied now, if you're not wanting to get on 2 wheels. It's quite spread out, though.

[Yaya]

What beaches elsewhere are comparable to Nha Trang? And if my friend opts to stay in Saigon, is it OK to stay there for one week?

[jfromtheway]

[fezmond]

when i first got to nha trang i didn't like the look of it. thankfully i met some good people and learned to scuba dive there so it turned out very well. spent about 6 days there and would go back again.

this was 2005/6 though so it may have changed completely.

as for a week in saigon - i thought that place was a shithole for the most part. couldn't stick more than 2/3 days there.

i think most places will be either good or bad depending on who you're with.

[JustinC]

[peter07]

I was in Nha Trang for six days in July and it wasn't bad. I went there on a friend's recommendation and first, it's CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP. It's not a bad place to relax and such, but the natives don't speak English that well and the beach isn't as good as others I've been to.

That said, the WiFi is really good and it's pretty safe. Lots of development going on in Nha Trang now and I hear Korean Air and Asiana have both started direct Incheon-Nha Trang (Camh Ranh airport) flights.

Another interesting thing is that young European tourists, including many from Russia and France, hit Nha Trang. From Nha Trang, you can also hit other quieter beach areas like Da Nang.

[BobbyOrr]

I loved Nha Trang. No great cultural experience but a great party, cheap, and with a nice beach right in town. Day trips abound (island hops, Vinpearl Land, quieter beaches north and south, etc).

I did 5 days. Anymore and my liver would have exploded.

[Yaya]

OK, I am now in Nha Trang and I must say, it's a nice place. The beach isn't all that (the water turns brown this time of year) but the food joints are great, it's really cheap, and the people are so laid back.

I've met a few English teachers here who say they like it, though the money isn't great.

I give it a thumbs up!