The Pearl of Vietnam’s East Sea: Nha Trang’s Charm Rivals Phuket and Bali

In May, *Travel+Leisure* magazine named Nha Trang one of the eight best beaches in the world for retirees. Notably, Nha Trang was the only destination in Asia featured in this category.

According to *Travel+Leisure*, retiring by the beach is a trend among the global elite in recent years. The sea and sea air are believed to have therapeutic and healing properties. Nha Trang boasts five unique advantages in one city: the Nha Trang Bay, a “top 10” bay in the world; the coastal city with the best air quality in Vietnam; a diverse range of attractions, including the sea, bay, islands, and mountains; long stretches of white sandy beaches; and a mild climate with 300 days of sunshine. Add to that the friendly locals and rich cuisine, and it’s no wonder Nha Trang has become a favorite destination for international visitors.

Most recently, Nha Trang was recognized by Agoda, a renowned online travel platform, as one of the five best scuba diving destinations in Asia. With hundreds of coral species and a vibrant marine ecosystem, Nha Trang ranks alongside Bali (Indonesia), Phuket (Thailand), Okinawa (Japan), and Cebu (Philippines). On Tripadvisor.com, Nha Trang also boasts numerous five-star reviews and glowing comments.

Mads Benjamin, a traveler from Norway, shared his experience: “Scuba diving in Nha Trang was even more amazing than I expected. The guide was very enthusiastic and friendly.” PatrykiOla, from Poland, enthused, “A half-day of scuba diving gave me fantastic impressions of the vast blue ocean, professional diving services, and delicious food in Nha Trang…”

Libera Nha Trang is the only project where tourists can participate in coral diving right in the city center of Nha Trang

Although a relatively new destination compared to Phuket or Bali, Nha Trang is increasingly capturing the hearts of international travelers with its unique characteristics and strengths. According to statistics from the Khanh Hoa Province Department of Tourism, the number of international visitors to the province has already exceeded the 2024 plan. In the first eight months of 2024, the total number of guests served by accommodation establishments exceeded 8 million, a 61.1% increase compared to the same period in 2023 (reaching 88.9% of the plan). International visitors accounted for over 3.2 million, 2.6 times higher than the previous year, surpassing the plan by 6.7%. Domestic visitors totaled more than 4.8 million, a 29.1% increase (reaching 80% of the plan). Total tourism revenue was estimated at VND 39,513.7 billion, a 65.3% increase compared to the same period last year (reaching 98.5% of the plan).

Experts predict that these prestigious accolades and impressive numbers indicate Nha Trang is poised for a significant leap forward, potentially “overtaking” other destinations to become the best retirement paradise in Asia. The flexible open-door policy and tourism product diversification strategy of Khanh Hoa Province have also played a crucial role in elevating the region’s status.

While Bali, Phuket, and Khanh Hoa boast stunning natural beauty, there are still areas for improvement to enhance the overall travel experience. For instance, in Bali and Phuket, the distance between attractions can make it challenging for travelers to explore the entire area. In contrast, Nha Trang has the advantage of being conveniently connected to other tourist destinations. With a well-developed transportation system, including road, air, and water transport, visitors can easily combine multiple attractive locations in a single trip. The port not only facilitates diverse transportation options but also unlocks the potential for island tourism, offering a rich and unique travel experience that rivals the world’s most famous vacation spots.