In Nha Trang, on the southern Vietnamese coast, you'll find a magical combination of historic sites along with a stunning beach. You can while away a day here soaking up the sun, sand and sea, alternating snorkeling or scuba diving sessions with naps in the shade, lulled to sleep by the sound of the surf. And while warm, clear waters and a white-sand beach dotted with restaurants and bars would be enough for most visitors, the city has worthy historic sites that make it more than just a beach town.
Exploring Nha Trang beyond its beach brings you a better understanding of not only the city's history but also that of Vietnam as a whole, from long before the nation was formed through its colonial period. Work your way forward from Buddhist temples like the 7th- to 12th-century Po Nagar Cham Towers and the late-19th-century Long Son Pagoda, to the city's early-20th-century French Gothic–style cathedral. By day's end, you'll likely find yourself drawn back to the water. Take a walk along the Hon Chong promontory, enjoying the view of the islands in Nha Trang Bay as you watch the sun melt into the sea.