Nha Trang’s cruise setup depends on your ship – smaller boats pull right into the cargo port, while the big guys drop anchor offshore (you’ll take tender boats to land).
For other Vietnam Cruise destinations check out our Vietnam Cruise Ports Guide page.
The port sits about 3-5km from the city center. Getting around is pretty cheap – taxis run about $0.50-$1 per kilometer, or hop on a public bus for just 20 cents if you’re feeling adventurous.
While you’re in town, check out the ancient Po Nagar Cham Towers, chill at Tran Phu Beach, and definitely try some local seafood – the white sardine salad is a must!
Since cruise stops are usually short, it helps to figure out your transportation and must-see spots ahead of time.
Map of Nha Trang Cruise Ship Port
Port Facilities and Arrival Information
Port Facilities and Arrival Information
Ship docking at Nha Trang depends on your vessel’s size. Smaller ships (under 1,800 passengers) get to dock right at the cargo port. Got a bigger ship? You’ll have to anchor 2km offshore and take tender boats to the mainland—this adds about 1-1.5 hours to your journey, so plan accordingly.
The port runs on ICT (UTC+7) and doesn’t have fancy cruise terminals. Just a heads-up: your ship needs clearance under the 3,320m VinPearl cable car that crosses the bay. Port amenities are pretty basic, but you can find what you need close by. Skip the currency exchange at port—you’ll get much better rates at banks downtown.
Getting Around Nha Trang From the Port
When you get off at Nha Trang port, you’ve got three main ways to get around. If you want comfort, go for a private transfer – it’ll cost you between $23-$64 depending on how many people you’re traveling with. The good thing is they’ll pick you up and drop you off exactly where you need, and the drivers know what they’re doing. They’ve got vehicles for small groups or up to 12 people, and there are no surprise charges.
Watching your wallet? Local taxis aren’t bad – they charge about $0.50-$1 per kilometer. Just stick with the reliable companies like Mai Linh or XanhSM. For real penny-pinchers, hop on public buses for just 4,000 VND (that’s only about 20 cents). They’ll get you to most touristy spots.
Feeling a bit adventurous? Rent a motorbike for $4-$6 a day. Just remember they’ll hang onto your passport while you’ve got the bike.
Must-See Attractions in and Around Nha Trang
Nha Trang’s Got It All!
Cruising into Nha Trang for just a few hours or lucky enough to spend the whole day? This gorgeous beach town packs in plenty of cool spots that’ll keep everyone happy. From old-school temples to killer beaches, you won’t struggle to fill your time off the ship.
- Check out the Po Nagar Cham Towers – these 7th-century Hindu temples offer amazing views over the bay (plus they’re pretty impressive themselves)
- Wander through Dam Market to soak up the local vibe – grab some fresh fruit, pick up handmade souvenirs, or just dive into the street food scene
- Chill out at Tran Phu Beach’s massive 7km stretch – rent some water sports gear or just kick back at one of the beachfront restaurants with super-fresh seafood
- Hop on the crazy-long 3,320m cable car to Vinpearl Land for some fun rides and a walk through their awesome underwater tunnel aquarium
Practical Tips for Cruise Passengers
Nha Trang: Dock or Tender?
When your ship pulls up to Nha Trang‘s gorgeous coast, first thing to figure out is whether you’re docking at the port or getting tendered in (that’s cruise-speak for taking little boats to shore). The big ships usually have to anchor offshore and tender passengers in, which adds about 30-60 minutes to your getting-off time.
Some quick tips to make your day smoother:
- Double-check if you’re docking or tendering before booking any tours
- The port sits about 3-5km from downtown, so factor in that travel time
- Grab a Grab app (ha!) instead of regular taxis – you’ll avoid the “special tourist prices”
- Bring some Vietnamese đồng – cash makes life easier here
- Don’t try to see everything – pick your top 2-3 spots that fit your timeframe
- Make sure your tour company has the right port paperwork
- Cover up those shoulders and knees when visiting temples and pagodas
See what’s on offer from the Port of Da Nang (Chan May) for a different Vietnam Cruise destination.
Local Cuisine and Shopping Experiences
Get ready for a flavor explosion in Nha Trang! This beach town serves up some killer seafood that’ll have you texting pics to everyone back home.
Must-try local eats:
- White sardine salad with zingy tamarind and lime (100K-300K VND) – seriously addictive stuff
- Banh Can – cute little pancakes topped with quail eggs or seafood (30K-50K VND)
- Jellyfish vermicelli with that weird-but-awesome crunch in light broth (15K-40K VND)
- Grilled fish cake noodles swimming in mackerel broth (25K-40K VND)
Oh, and while you’re shopping, grab some of that sweet sugar-coated velvet tamarind from the market vendors. It’s like nature’s candy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wi-Fi Available at the Port Terminal?
Sorry, no free Wi-Fi at the terminal. You’ll need to pop into nearby cafĂ©s or restaurants to get connected. Plenty of other travelers hang out at these local spots to catch up online too.
Are There Any Local Festivals During Cruise Ship Visits?
Nha Trang’s local culture is super vibrant! If your timing’s right, you might land during the Sea Festival (coming up in June 2025), catch the Yacht Festival in July, experience the traditional Ponagar Tower Festival (April/May), or see the authentic Fishermen’s Festival in March. Plus, the Vinpearl Carnival happens every Friday and Saturday night – perfect if your ship’s in town for the weekend!
How Reliable Is Mobile Phone Coverage Throughout Nha Trang?
Mobile coverage in Nha Trang is rock-solid! Viettel’s got you covered with 99% 4G LTE all over the city. VinaPhone works pretty well too as a backup option, but honestly, you should steer clear of Vietnamobile while you’re here – it’s just not worth the hassle.
Are There Child-Friendly Beaches With Calm Waters?
Yes, Nha Trang has plenty of great beaches for kids with nice calm waters. Tran Phu Beach has shallow areas where little ones can splash around, and both Doc Let and Nhu Tien beaches have super gentle waves that make swimming safe and fun for children.
Do Local Restaurants Accommodate Dietary Restrictions Like Gluten-Free?
Plenty of Nha Trang spots can handle your gluten-free needs! Check out Mix Greek, LIVIN, Vandana, Nom Nom, and Altitude Rooftop – they’ve all got specific gluten-free choices on their menus. Just pack some translation cards to make sure the staff totally gets what you’re asking for.
Thinking about something different? Check out the cruises leaving from Hue (Chan May) Cruise Ship Port.
