4 Days in Nha Trang: Beaches, Seafood & Budget Luxury | 11-Day Vietnam and Cambodia Itinerary (Part 3)
- Mario Ng
- Aug 7, 2025
- 28 min read
Updated: Aug 14, 2025
🇻🇳Nha Trang Adventures – Days 4 to 7 of Our Vietnam Journey
🗓️ Day 4 (3 November 2024): Arrival in Nha Trang - A Scenic Flight, Late-Night Eats, and First Impressions
Wrapping Up Our Hanoi Adventure
Collecting luggage, one last coffee, and a Grab ride to the domestic terminal.
After we enjoyed our last cup of coffee in Hanoi, it was time to head to the airport. We went back to the hotel to collect our luggage, then booked another Grab ride to the domestic terminal of Noi Bai International Airport.
Flight to Nha Trang with Vietnam Airlines
VN7557 from Hanoi to Nha Trang – A 2-hour evening flight and a reminder of Vietnam’s vastness
✈️ Leg 2, Flight 1: Hanoi → Nha Trang
Date: 3 November 2024 ~ Airline: Vietnam Airlines ~ Flight No.: VN7557 ~ Departure: 5:45 PM ~ Arrival: 7:45 PM ~ Duration: 2 hours
It was the first time I was at Hanoi’s domestic terminal, and I was truly surprised at how busy it was. I was used to the international terminals and never realised that Vietnam is a big country with many locals travelling around the country for various reasons. It was only then that I actually realised that Vietnam is huge. The time is right to do research into the country’s various cities and figure out how we should go about visiting as many of them as possible…
Airport Eats: When Western Cravings Hit
Busy transit zone, quick bites before boarding – hamburger vs pho at Noi Bai’s domestic terminal.
But first, back to Noi Bai International Aiport. After checking in, we had some time to kill and somehow, I was craving for some western food, any western food. One good thing about the domestic terminal is the many eateries within the transit area. There are many people flying and those eateries were quite packed. It would be wise to choose one fast and go about ordering your food. Thankfully, we found a place that serves both local and western food. I ordered a hamburger while my partner continued with the local theme and had a bowl of pho. Obviously, the pho would not be as amazing as the one we had in the morning, but it was decent and did its job well. For me, maybe it was because I have not had any western food for quite a few days, so the hamburger was especially tasty. Within a couple of minutes, I finished it.
Scenic Surprise at Noi Bai Terminal
Skybridge strolls, mountain views, and a quiet moment before takeoff
As there was still some time, I took the opportunity to walk around the terminal and I found out that it was even larger than I imagined. There was a separate building connected by a walkway and the skybridge uniquely offers a great vantage point to capture some fantastic shots. I loved the view of the mountains behind the airport, and it was such a beautiful place to be in. I took some time to admire the wallpaper-worthy view, and quietly enjoyed the view.
Touchdown in Nha Trang
Late-night arrival, remote stand landing, and spotting the tailfin in the dark
Alas, it was time to board and so we did. Nha Trang is near-ish to Ho Chi Minh City so the flight would take approximately two hours as well. Due to a flight delay, the sky already turned dark by the time we boarded the plane. Nevertheless, it is always a joy to fly. No complaints from us! A light snack was served on board and we washed it down with some hot tea. Maybe because it has been a long day, time flew past and before we knew it, we had arrived in Nha Trang. Similar to our experience in Hanoi, the plane was parked at a remote stand, and we made our way down via the good old staircase. I always love boarding and exiting an aircraft via this method as this gives me an opportunity to see the plane up close. I always take every chance I get to take a picture of the tailfin. Magnificent!
From Airport to City: Nha Trang’s Late-Night Challenge
Grab troubles, taxi haggling, and finally reaching December Hotel
By the time we left the airport, it was already 9.30 pm. As the airport is quite a distance away from the city, it may not be easy to book a Grab ride. However, there are taxis waiting at the airport, so you might want to put on your bargaining cap on. If the price seems reasonable, take the taxi and head towards the city! We went straight to December Hotel, our accommodation for the entire duration we would be in Nha Trang.
First Taste of Nha Trang at Nhà Hàng The Coral Anh's
A comforting late-night dinner of fried rice, chicken salad, tofu, and soup—great start to coastal dining
We arrived around 10.30 pm, checked in, and immediately went hunting for food. As it was our first night in the city, it was a little challenging to orientate ourselves. We found Nhà Hàng The Coral Anh's, a nice eatery near our hotel and seeing it has quite a crowd, settled for a late dinner there. To our surprise, we enjoyed the food quite a lot. Even though we had a simple meal of fried rice, chicken salad, tofu, and a hot and sour soup, we enjoyed every dish. Everything was flavourful and we did not feel thirsty afterwards, which is usually what one might feel if a meal is especially tasty. We were also quite filled and this was great for our tired bodies. For those who fancy a simple meal in Nha Trang, this could just be the place for you to enjoy a meal. They also sell live seafood, including lobsters, so you could possibly spent some serious money here. For us, we had already decided where to enjoy some nice seafood dinners, so read on! For that night though, we were done. So back to the hotel for some well-needed shut eye!
Name of eatery: Nhà Hàng The Coral Anh's
🗺️ Google Maps: Nhà Hàng The Coral Anh's
Opening hours: 8.30 am to 2 am daily
🗓️ Day 5 (4 November 2024): Nha Trang Itinerary - Best Brunch Spots, Salt Coffee, Motorbike Rides & Fresh Seafood Dinner
Best Brunch in Nha Trang: Time House Bistro & Bar Review
Where to find hearty English breakfasts and sizzling buffalo meat near the city centre
Because we had such a tiring day yesterday, enjoying the best pho in Hanoi and flying across the country to a coastal city, we were understandably exhausted. That was why we woke up quite late, per our usual travelling style, and had a late brunch.
We found Time House Bistro & Bar, a nice western bistro near the hotel and I made the almost unforgivable mistake of thinking it was walkable. Technically, it was, but I know now I was wrong. After a 30-minute stroll, we arrived at this lovely bistro that serves the usual delicious breakfast Americans and Brits are known for! For all the days that we had been enjoying Vietnamese food, I rewarded myself with a proper English Breakfast. Comprising two sunny-side-ups, bacon, sausage, baked beans, sautéed potatoes, toasted bread, and salad, my day was already satisfied. I loved that the baked beans were served warm. This already tells you something about the standards at this lovely eatery. The sausage was a proper banger, packed with meat. Delicious. You cannot go wrong with bacon and when eating them together with the potatoes, divine. The toasted bread went perfectly with the warm baked beans and I felt almost like an Englishman if not for the colour of my skin. The salad was a great balance to complete the meal after indulging in so much high-calorie but delicious food.
My partner went for the simpler-sounding but equally tasty Buffalo Sizzle. Buffalo meat served on a sizzling hot plate, it came with two sunny-side-ups, parsley butter, and was served with toasted bread and a salad on the side. The meat was surprisingly tender and was incredibly delicious. The toasted bread always pairs well with sunny-side-up eggs. When you start to get a little full, the salad comes to the rescue to open up just a little more space in your tummy. After enjoying such a fantastic brunch, I washed it down with a hot cup of Americano, as usual, while my partner always chooses something cold, in this case a classic OJ. A perfect start to our first day in Nha Trang!
Name of eatery: Time House Bistro & Bar
🗺️ Google Maps: Time House Bistro & Bar
Instagram: @timehousenhatrang
Opening hours: 7 am to 1 am (Sundays to Thursdays); 7 am to 2 am (Fridays and Saturdays)
December Hotel Nha Trang: Rooftop Pool, Gym & City Views
What to expect from this popular hotel’s relaxing facilities and panoramic skyline
As a sign of how relaxing this trip was, it was almost 3 pm by the time we finished brunch, our first meal of the day. Having learnt my lession, we booked a Grab ride back to the hotel to take a break. We took the opportunity to explore the hotel, and found a beautiful infinity swimming pool on the rooftop. There is a kiosk on the rooftop so you can order some food and drinks as well. It has an amazing view of the city and we saw many tourists having the time of their lives in the pool. The gym is one floor down, and it was good to know there is one available if we ever need it. Moving on.
Renting a Motorbike in Nha Trang: Cost, Tips & Benefits
Why renting a scooter is the best way to explore Nha Trang at your own pace
We decided to rent a motorbike for the rest of our stay in Nha Trang because it made financial sense. After doing some quick calculations, the cost of renting a bike is lower than booking a Grab ride each time we wanted to head anywhere. Besides, we could make impromptu trips and stop anywhere we wanted, unlike a Grab ride that brings us from point A to point B only. Hence, my partner, who has a motorbike license in Vietnam, rented one. She contacted the vendor and we simply had to wait for about an hour. It was really very fast and efficient. Indeed, after about an hour, the vendor arrived at our hotel lobby. Now, we can travel anywhere and everywhere in Nha Trang!
Must-Try Coffee in Nha Trang: Salt Coffee & Coconut Coffee at Maichoise Café
A review of December Hotel’s famous salt coffee with croissant and creamy coconut brew
While waiting for our motorbike to arrive, we decided to hang out at December Hotel’s lobby lounge, Maichoise Cafe, and have a cup of coffee. We had heard much about Maichoise Cafe and how good its drinks were. Since we were here, we took the opportunity to try it. We headed down to the cafe and ordered two drinks: the December Salt Coffee - Croissant, and Coconut coffee. Oh boy, were they delicious. The coconut coffee was just out of this world! It tasted fantastically sweet but not to the point of overpowering the drink, while there is still the strong coffee taste. I loved it. The December Salt Coffee - Croissant was such a unique drink. Salt coffee is quite popular in Nha Trang but December Hotel made it their very own signature drink. Topped off with a croissant, it is almost like a dessert! We took our time to savour the dessert and the rich, creamy foam at the top of the salt coffee made it the perfect dip to go along with the croissant. It was a great time spent at the lobby lounge.
Name of cafe: Maichoise Cafe
🗺️ Google Maps: Maichoise Cafe
Opening hours: 7 am to. 9.30 pm daily
Nha Trang Beach at Sunset: Photos, Vibes & VinWonders Views
What it’s like to visit Nha Trang’s beach after dusk — and why you should
At almost 6 pm, it was the perfect time to head to the beach, right when everyone would have left, since the sunlight was virtually gone. We rode in our newly-rented motorbike, which took us from the hotel to the beach in 2 minutes. We bought two coconuts and rented two sunbeds. While I was chilling out on the sunbed, looking at the islands across the sea and checking out VinWonders Nha Trang, the city’s most well-known landmark, my partner was busy taking photos of herself. Alas, my peace was prematurely interrupted when she informed me I had to assist her in the photo-taking. After my job was completed, it was back to the sunbed for me. The city lights started up, and the ferris wheel on VinWonders Nha Trang lighted up in an assortment of colours. It was beautiful. The beach lighted up as well and it actually looked really nice. While there is natural sunlight during the day, Nha Trang’s beaches in the night looked rather lovely too. There were also plenty of locals still hanging out at the beach even though it was already at night.
Best Seafood Restaurant in Nha Trang: Hải sản Thanh Sương 2 Review
Our experience with fresh lobster, sea snails, and jellyfish salad at this popular local eatery
Resting on the sunbed and strolling around the beach burnt off some calories. So much so that it was time for dinner. Nha Trang is most famous for its seafood dinners and if you have not had one before you left Nha Trang, you really have not been to this fine city. We made our way to Hải sản Thanh Sương 2, a famous eatery in the city. In case you were wondering, yes, there is a “2” in the eatery’s name. Although it was packed with locals, the staff easily found seats for us on the second floor. We first ordered the seafood we wanted from the first floor’s live aquarium. Plenty of fresh seafood were waiting for us and we decided on some prawns, sea snails, sea urchin, jellyfish, and a lobster. The staff asked we would like the lobster to be done, and caught offguard, the staff suggested cheese on top of it. Let’s do it then! Besides the fresh seafood, we also ordered other dishes, including beef noodles, a plate of vegetables, and samosas. The biggest bad habit I have is not realising when to stop ordering food. Whenever we order food, I always have the impression that it is not enough and I order slightly more just in case. Well, that just in case turned into oh my goodness, which was precisely what both of us uttered when all the food arrived. However, we took that though off our minds and enjoyed the meal first.
First off, the seafood. Everything was obviously fresh and it was delicious. The prawns were simply steamed and I always love cooking seafood this way. I do not need any fancy sauces but prefer to taste the natural sweetness of the prawns. The jellyfish salad was qually delicious and was very refreshing. Salads are big in Vietnam and that is probably one key reason why everyone looks so slim. That and healthy living. The boiled vegetables tasted fresh, just how we liked it, while the sea snails tasted amazing. Truly, every dish was very fresh and cooked to perfection. To balance the fresh food, we indulged in the beef noodles, which is basically beef slices cooked in instant noodles. Wow, I did not know instant noodles tasted this good. I slowly found myself eating more of the noodles until I was requested to eat the other food instead. Heard and noted. We had to share the sea urchin and they only had one left and it was the last one. Once again, cooked to perfection, eaten in a flash. We then attacked the lobster next. It was a little chewy but tasted fresh. The cheese was a little overpowering and sort of covered the natural taste of the lobster. However, cheese lovers should definitely choose this method of cooking and there was plenty of cheese to enjoy. We loved the lobster and cannot wait for our next dinner! Finally, we arrived at the samosa. I never knew such finger food go so well with noodles and seafood and it was quite eye-opening. I dipped it in the mayonnaise-chilli sauce mixture and a symphony of tastes exploded in my mouth. It was good. The still-hot samosa coated in oil blended well with the sauces and together, it was yet another dish of perfection. What can we say? It was only the best meal we have had in Nha Trang so far!
Name of eatery: Hải sản Thanh Sương 2
🗺️ Google Maps: Hải sản Thanh Sương 2
Opening hours: 10 am to 10.30 pm daily
Night Ride in Nha Trang: Exploring the City by Scooter
What it’s like to cruise around Nha Trang after dark and soak in the city lights
After dinner, we were completely filled and we really needed to walk to digest our food. However, since the eatery is quite a distance from our hotel, and we had ridden a motorbike there, we could only do the same. However, instead of returning to our hotel directly, we rode around the city and explored it on two wheels. The city looked really beautiful and I can imagine that retiring here would be very lovely. We have seen many retirees and older folks early in the morning working out on the beach. After that, they most probably grabbed some breakfast at a nearby eatery. Now, that is the lifestyle I can get used to. As we were riding, we rode past InterContinental Nha Trang and a sudden thought came to my mind. Wanna get a cup of coffee at InterCon? Why, yes please! And so we went for our final drink of the night.
InterContinental Nha Trang Lobby Lounge: Nightcap in Style
Relaxing with lattes and luxury vibes at one of Nha Trang’s top beachfront hotels
We parked our bike at the hotel car park, and headed up to the main restaurant. At that time, we were the only customers there. However, the staff remained professional and they were more than happy to serve us. That was really nice. We kept things simple and ordered an iced and hot latte. We were then satisfied to people-watch from the comfort of the air-conditioned hotel lobby. We spent some time chatting away, watching the world go by, and sipping our coffee in between conversations. It was a nice way to end the evening. It was around 10.30 pm by the time we finished our coffee, and it was time to head back. We had better get some rest so that we could wake up earlier the next day. Famous last words.
Name of hotel: InterContinental Nha Trang
🗺️ Google Maps: InterContinental Nha Trang by IHG
Opening hours: 7 am to 10 pm daily
🗓️ Day 6 (5 November 2024) in Nha Trang: Local BBQ Lunch, Coastal Café Hopping, and a Sweet Vietnamese Flan Finale
Late Start to a Relaxing Day in Nha Trang
Wake-up call at 11 am and a leisurely pace to start the day right
Rise and shine, at about 11 am! It was pretty early by our standards, and we were just happy we managed to start the day when it was still morning. By the time we left the hotel though, it was approximately 12.30 pm. We live to fight another day!
Enjoying Nem Nướng at Nha Trang’s Local Favourite
A delicious DIY Vietnamese lunch at Nem Nướng Đặng Văn Quyên, complete with grilled meats and unique dipping sauces
Brunch brings us to a local eatery today (Nem Nướng Đặng Văn Quyên), and we will be enjoying a meal of Nem Nướng. Comprising vermicelli, deep-fried beancurd skin, grilled pork sausage, grilled beef, and fresh vegetables, you wrap it all up using rice paper and dip it in a unique meat sauce before eating it. It is quite different from what tourists are used to whenever they think of Vietnamese food, but this was good. You might not know how to eat it if you were to arrive here with your foreign friends, but you can always ask for help from the staff. They are more than happy to assist you. The meat was piping hot as the it was all freshly grilled right outside the eatery. In fact, you will not miss it when you first step into the eatery, as the whole area was basically covered in smoke. If you are planning a nice day out, you might not want to venture here in the early part of your day. You may need a change of clothes afterwards. For us, we had no such issue and simply enjoyed the smell of freshly barbecued meat. While it may not look like much, it was quite filling after just a few rolls, and we were full! Or, it could be due to the remnants of our gigantic dinner that is still digesting in our bodies somewhere. We will never know.
Name of eatery: Nem Nướng Đặng Văn Quyên
🗺️ Google Maps: Nem Nướng Đặng Văn Quyên
Opening hours: 7.30 am to 8.30 pm daily
Motorbike Escape to Coastal Nha Trang
Riding out of the city to enjoy a breezy coastal view and experience resort life on two wheels
Today, it will be all about relaxation. We have a bike, and we were going to take it to the edge of the city, where beach resorts await us. We brought along a book, and we were going to have a nice slow afternoon reading and enjoying a cup of coffee. As we rode past the city centre, the sea really comes into focus and it looks so much more beautiful. As the coastal road winds around the city, you see the city’s skyscrapers as you leave it. It was quite a beautiful sight. For some reason, the boats on the sea reminded me of Hong Kong, and if not for the Vietnamese flag attached to each boat, I would have thought I was in Hong Kong for a moment.
Coffee and Books at Alibu Resort Nha Trang
Chilling with a good book and premium coffee at one of the most serene spots in the city
Soon, we arrived at Alibu Resort Nha Trang, where the lobby lounge, The Coffee Shop, was just so welcoming. With an open-air concept, guests get fresh air while the large ceiling fans keep the temperature cool. We found a spot at the end of the lobby lounge, and had the best view of the city. We ordered our coffee, hot Americano and iced latte as usual, and settled down. I was reading Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson and it was very riveting. I found myself glued to the book and only paused to have a sip of the coffee whenever my throat felt a little dry. My partner’s book, was perhaps not so enticing. I noticed her taking selfies occasionally and scrolling through TikTok. But she was still having fun.
After an hour or so of intense reading, it was couple time. We strolled around the property to check out all the fun activities one could here in this resort. Besides barbecue seafood dinners and a spa, it was cool to know that we could do kayaking and choose to swim in either the resort’s beautiful swimming pool, or in the sea, where a safe area has been cordoned off especially for resort guests to enjoy a safe swim.
Name of hotel: Alibu Resort Nha Trang
🗺️ Google Maps: Alibu Resort Nha Trang
Opening hours: 6 am to 10 pm daily
Shopping for Souvenirs in Nha Trang
Souvenir hunting at Kissa Souvenirs Nha Trang – perfect for gifts and keepsakes
We realised that we had not done one important touristy thing yet in Nha Trang. We did not manage to buy any souvenirs so far. We had to do it. We decided to ride back to the city to hunt for a souvenir shop, and we arrived at Kissa Souvenirs Nha Trang where there was a huge range of souvenirs to choose from. We spent about 30 minutes here choosing and picking, before finally being satisfied with our purchases.
Afternoon Tea with a Seaside View at Boma Resort
Elegant bites and beach views – an indulgent break from local fare
We felt a little peckish but it was not really time for dinner yet. We wanted to eat a proper dinner, which was just a few hours away, and so we decided to have a light bite. But where to? We wanted to try somewhere different so Hotel InterContinental was out. What about Boma Resort Nha Trang? It is located right beside Alibu Resort Nha Trang and this gives us an excuse to enjoy the resort lifestyle a little more. And so we did!
Boma Resort Nha Trang is really very classy and beautiful. We headed down one floor where the hotel’s restaurant was, and there was plenty of artificial sand in the outdoor area for guests to enjoy and experience. The resort had a very classy vibe and that could have been due to the artificial sand. While walking around, we saw hotel staff setting up a table at the beach area, most probably for a family to enjoy a private dinner. Back at the restaurant, we decided to order a simple afternoon tea set that was not too filling. As it turns out, afternoon tea was the ideal choice as there were five types of finger food for us to enjoy. The food was quite decent, although it is not as wow as the local delicacies we have been enjoying so far in Vietnam. Nevertheless, it was a nice change from the very flavourful food we had been having so far. The temperature was cool and the sun slowly set, but not before making its final stand in the late afternoon.
Before we knew it, the sun had set and day turned to night. Alas, it was time to make a move. We enjoyed our time at Boma Resort Nha Trang and we will have a tough decision to make the next time we are in Nha Trang. Which resort should we stay in? I got a feeling we will be doing both resorts!
Name of hotel: Boma Resort Nha Trang
🗺️ Google Maps: Boma Resort Nha Trang
Website: https://bomanhatrang.com/dining/
Opening hours: 6.30 am to 10 pm daily
Celebrating the US Presidential Elections with a Classic American Dinner
Burgers and Buffalo Sizzle at Time House Bistro for a Western-style dinner with flair.
That night happened to be the day of the 2024 US Presidential Elections and I was actually quite keen to catch the news about on this crucial election. Funnily enough, I suggested eating something Western/American to commemorate the election. Our mind drifted to Time House Bistro, and we duly headed there from Boma Resort Nha Trang. My partner decided to order the same dish that she had previously, the Buffalo Sizzle. Evidently, she enjoyed it so much that she had to eat it again. Either that or she is hinting me she does not want to eat here anymore. Go figure. I ordered the American Burger because, well. It came with a 150g beef patty, cheddar, bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, onions, and pickles. It is then filled with mayonnaise, ketchup, and American mustard. On the side are fries, aioli mayonnaise, and a small salad. I must say that it was a pretty good burger, worthy to be named as the American Burger. It was good and what one might eat when you miss home. You cannot go wrong with a burger and it is sort of like a comfort food for me. Coincidentally, I remember having a burger at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi after having consecutive days of eating Vietnamese food. Wow, that thought just came to me. I guess we were quite hungry as we finished the food pretty quickly. We also managed to score good seats as we looked out towards the road as we ate. There was also a nice ambience at this eatery, and somehow we felt very welcome. This is a testament to the owner as they made everyone feel welcome, regardless of whether they are here for a drink or to grab a bite.
Sweet Ending with Vietnamese Flan at a Hidden Gem
Dessert time at Bánh Flan Đông Sương Tháp Bà – a local favourite off the tourist track
After dinner, my partner suggested having dessert and she led the way. I should have known. She brought me to Bánh Flan Đông Sương Tháp Bà, an eatery serving local desserts. I think she must be sick of eating Western food for two consecutive meals. This eatery is basically a hidden gem as there were only locals around, and is near the end of the city. You do not see tourists around this area and you probably need to speak Vietnamese if you wish to eat here. Or, simply point and make payment. We had a flan that was doused with condensed milk, dark sugar syrup, various toppings, and came with a bowl of thinly crushed ice if you feel that the dessert is too sweet for your liking. I have a very sweet tooth and I thoroughly enjoyed the dessert. Vietnam is famous for its flan and this eatery does it well. Yummy! During our short time there, we also saw many locals eating their dessert and moving off. The people move fast so there are also seats available to enjoy dessert there. This is a great place to enjoy something sweet if you are in Nha Trang.
Name of eatery: Bánh Flan Đông Sương Tháp Bà
🗺️ Google Maps: Bánh Flan Đông Sương Tháp Bà
Opening hours: 8 am to 10 pm daily
By the time we finished our dessert, it was already 11 plus at night and we were getting tired. Plus, we had to watch the news that night. And so, we called it a day and headed back to the hotel for another well-deserved rest.
🗓️ Day 7 (6 November 2024) in Nha Trang: From Rainy Setbacks to Seafood Splendour - Making the Most of Our Final Day in Nha Trang
Morning Plans Derailed: Rainy Weather Cancels Our VinWonders Theme Park Visit
Why we had to skip VinWonders Nha Trang and what we did instead
It was our last full day in Nha Trang, and we had already decided to head to VinWonders Nha Trang today. A theme park on an island, you could travel there either by cable car or ferry. As luck would have it, the cable car was undergoing maintenance during our time in Nha Trang. Hence, we could only opt for the ferry. We bought tickets via Klook yesterday so there was no rush.
Our first order of the day was to enjoy breakfast in the hotel. We wanted to have a full meal before heading over and start enjoying the rides. Breakfast was good and as long as there were eggs, potatoes, and baked beans, I was satisfied. I am a simple man really.
Of course, Murphy’s Law came into effect. The skies turned down and it became quite gloomy. It is never a good idea to take a ferry ride in bad weather and we would have travelled to the ferry terminal by a motorbike as well.
Relax and Recharge: A Blissful Morning at Aramsa Spa Nha Trang
Our last-minute massage decision turned into one of the trip's highlights
Caught off guard, we decided on something more relaxing instead. Massage time! I did a quick and intense check on Google and found a place that was already open. The reviews were also very positive and that is always a good thing. An hour of pure bliss later, we were welcomed back to reality with a delicious serving of dragon fruit and mangoes. I have no idea why but those were some of the most delicious fruits I have ever tasted. Maybe I was dehydrated.
Name of massage parlour: Aramsa Spa - Massage Nha Trang
🗺️ Google Maps: Aramsa Spa - Massage Nha Trang
Website: https://aramsa.vn/
Instagram: @aramsaspa_nhatrang
Opening hours: 8.30 am to 10.30 pm daily
Rainy Day Comfort Food: Hearty Fish Noodle Soup at Quán Bánh Canh - Bún Cá Hai Cá
Discovering one of Nha Trang’s best-kept food secrets on a wet afternoon
As we left the massage place, the weather was still holding up and we decided to try our luck. We headed back to the hotel first to do a quick wash up before heading to the ferry terminal. And just before we reached the hotel, the skies poured. It was funny because the moment we decided to head down to the theme park, it started raining. We chilled out in our hotel room for a while, taking a quick shower and dried ourselves. After some time, it stopped raining. Maybe we should give it a little time for the weather to stablise first? Good idea. We better go grab a bite first while the weather was still holding up.
We grabbed our bike and sped away to Quán Bánh Canh - Bún Cá Hai Cá. Here, it is all about fish and every dish revolve around it. Depending on the type of ingredients you fancy, you can select the additional stuff (in addition to the fish meat) to mix with your rice noodles. The fish rice noodle’s broth was extremely flavourful. It reminded me of the Hanoi-style pho, as the colour of the broth looks plain, but the taste of it was magical. The dish was packed with lots of fish meat, onions, greens, and vermicelli. Banana flowers, mixed herbs, and bean sprouts are also quickly blanched and served to your table. Simply use your chopsticks, grab a portion, and soak it into the broth. What happens next is magic. The taste was really delicious and it was a nice welcome back to Vietnamese food after flirting with Western food the past couple of days. The fish was fresh, the broth was sweet, and the vegetables were fresh and lightly-cooked, perfect for soaking in the broth before eating it. Before I knew it, the entire bowl was empty. A great lunch that was perfect during rainy weather. Which was just as well because halfway through our meal, the skies decided they wanted to tease us again.
And so it started pouring a second time. It was about a ten-minute ride back to the hotel and we thought we should just do it and ride in the rain. We put on our helmets and rode! I was the pillion rider and my face kept getting hit by the rain. I could only imagine what my partner was facing. I was actually having trouble seeing the road, but my partner expertly manoeuvred through the roads and we arrived safely in the hotel. It was our second set of clothes that day and we headed back to the hotel for a third shower.
Name of eatery: Quán Bánh Canh - Bún Cá Hai Cá
🗺️ Google Maps: Quán Bánh Canh - Bún Cá Hai Cá
Opening hours: 6 am to 9.30 pm daily
Cosy Moments at Maichoise Café: Egg Coffee, Yoghurt Drinks & Cake
Staying dry at December Hotel’s beloved café with warm drinks and sweet treats
This time, we decided to relax in the hotel instead. It was pouring outside, and nothing would be better than to enjoy the air conditioning in dry clothes while sipping a hot drink. What is the best feature of December Hotel? Why, Maichoise Cafe of course! We decided to head down and try out more drinks. This time, we went for the Egg Coffee and Coconut Coffee. We also got a slice of cake, because we are on holiday and calories do not count. The cake was pretty decent, but it was clear that the cafe’s forte lies in its drinks. After finishing those tasty beverages, our tummies still had some space. Let’s try more drinks! We headed to the counter and ordered the Chocolate yoghurt and fruit yoghurt. As expected, tasty! We really enjoyed the drinks at this cafe and all the beverages we tasted were really good. Depending on the time of the day and what you are in the mood for, any of the drinks we had would be perfect. It is clear that Maichoise Cafe is a star of December Hotel.
Returning the Motorbike: Easy, Efficient, and Door-to-Door Service
Why we loved our Nha Trang motorbike rental experience
As the sun set, the rain had stopped, and it was just nice as we had to return the motorbike. My partner contacted the vendor and he came to the hotel lobby to pick it up. Talk about door-to-door service! We enjoyed this fuss-free bike rental service. We highly recommend it!
Evening Massage Round 2: Ending Our Trip on a Relaxing Note
Why one massage wasn’t enough and how dragon fruit became our new obsession
We were, unfortunately, still full from all the food and drinks we had had the entire day, and there was no way we could have dinner any time soon. It was time for another massage. We loved the massage session earlier that morning and there was no reason why we should not have another session. After all, it was our final night in Nha Trang… Admittedly, I was looking forward to the cut fruits after the massage session. I was actually thinking about the fruits halfway through the massage. However, the massage was so good that I quickly forgot about the fruits and started relaxing again. After our massage was over, it was straight to the table with the dragon fruit and mangoes.
Seafood Finale: The Ultimate Vietnamese Dinner at Quán Hải Sản Thanh Sương
Lobster, crab, oysters, and more to wrap up our Nha Trang adventure in style
By then, it was almost 10 pm, and we were feeling a little hungry. For our final night in the city, we had to have a seafood dinner. And so we booked a Grab ride to another part of the city to have fresh seafood. Similar to the seafood dinner we had a couple of nights ago, you choose your own seafood from the tanks in the eatery. Learning our lesson from that previous dinner, we became more conscious of how much to order. We got the lobster, of course, and also ordered snails, prawns, scallops, oysters, and a crab. We ordered a portion of fried rice and lightly-fried vegetables to complete the meal.
Admittedly, it sounds like a lot but most of the seafood dishes were not that filling. We chose to have the prawns barbecued without any sauce, and also requested the lobster and crab to be steamed. The scallops and oysters were barbecued as well but soaked with scallion oil and peanuts. Most seafood shops in Vietnam like to coat their scallops and oysters in scallion oil and peanuts and I love this style of cooking. Oh my, it was so delicious! The scallion oil opened up my appetite and it made the seafood taste so much nicer! The snails were fried lightly with some sauce and it did not overpower the snails. It was great. Of course, with so much protein, we needed to have some greens and carbohydrates as well, and this is where the fried rice and vegetables come in. We deliberately wanted a simple fried rice and did not want any additional ingrEdients. Even so, this eatery’s fried rice was good. I think it must be the oil, but even the plain fried rice was flavourful. By mixing the vegetables together with the rice, it was the best combination. Really, rice and vegetables are all I need on a usual day. Everything on that table was so tasty and we thoroughly enjoyed the natural taste of the seafood. The grilled prawns were fresh and juicy, while the steamed crab and lobster were naturally sweet and tasty. I always prefer food without too much sauce, and the lobster and crab were cooked perfectly this way.
Name of eatery: Quán Hải Sản Thanh Sương
🗺️ Google Maps: Quán Hải Sản Thanh Sương
Opening hours: 10 am to 11 pm (Mondays to Saturdays); 10 am to 10.30 pm (Sundays)
Wrapping Up Our Final Night in Nha Trang
Reflections, packing, and preparing for an early departure
Dinner, or supper, was probably our best meal in the city and we were glad to have saved the best for last. Don’t get me wrong though. We enjoyed every meal we had in Nha Trang, especially all the local delights we had the past four days. However, a seafood dinner is always special and we were glad to have enjoyed such fresh seafood during our final night in the city. We will be back here again one day! And so, it was time to head back to prepare for an early morning. Our flight was at 8.30 am the next day and we had to reach the airport by around 7 am. As a night owl, this was going to be tough. We headed back to the hotel, took a shower, and rested before packing our luggage. Then it was time for bed to prepare for the final part of our Southeast Asian adventure!
What’s Next?
From Cloud Surfing to Passport Panic — Welcome to Phnom Penh!
Our journey continues with a scenic flight to Saigon, a unique nap experience at Chidori Coffee in Bed, and a short hop to the Cambodian capital. But what began as a smooth arrival in Phnom Penh quickly turned into a travel nightmare when we realised… one of our passports was missing. 😱 What followed was a frantic race against time, unexpected kindness, and a heartwarming reminder of why we travel.
👉 Coming up in Part 4:
Don’t miss our Phnom Penh adventure — complete with lost passports, fireworks, unforgettable food, and one incredible Cambodian welcome.
The 11-Day Vietnam and Cambodia Itinerary: Hanoi, Nha Trang, Ho Chi Minh City & Phnom Penh Series
Need a break from everything? Follow our 11-day journey through Hanoi, Nha Trang, Ho Chi Minh City, and Phnom Penh — where the only plan was to relax.
Jet lag? Not here. Our first 4 days in Hanoi were packed with Dreamliners, deep-fried pigeon, creamy egg coffee, and train tracks just inches away.
Part 3: 4 Days in Nha Trang: Beaches, Seafood & Budget Luxury
From pho to flan, beachside lounging to seafood feasting, Nha Trang served up sunshine (and a little rain), spa bliss, and a whole lot of food comas.
What started with a passport panic turned into a Phnom Penh adventure filled with massages, mocktails, mango sticky rice, and a whole lot of Cambodian kindness.
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