Tran Phu seafront

Tran Phu Street runs along the front of Nha Trang, separating the city from its main beach. Its seaward side is lined with parks and promenade. Its landward side is a near-continuous wall of hotels, from simple guesthouses on the side streets to international high-rises facing the sea.

What it is like

Staying here means the beach is a few minutes’ walk away, and so is almost everything else. Restaurants, seafood places, cafés, shops, the night market and the Dam Market are all close by. You can walk to the beach at five in the morning to watch the city swim, and walk to dinner in the evening without a taxi.

The trade-off is that this is a city, with traffic, construction and crowds, especially in the high season. If you want silence and a private beach, look elsewhere.

Who it suits

The seafront is the best base for a first visit, a short stay or anyone who likes to explore on foot. It is also ideal for food lovers, since many of the city’s best street food stalls are on the streets just behind Tran Phu.

Choosing a room

The seafront hotels are tall, and the best rooms look straight out over the bay to Hon Tre island. Rooms on high floors are quieter and catch the breeze. Hotels a street or two back are often better value, and still only a short walk from the sand.

Beyond the centre

North of the Cai River, the coast road continues past Hon Chong to quieter bays with a handful of resorts. These offer more space and calmer beaches while staying within a short drive of the city’s restaurants.