7 Weekend Getaways for Digital Nomads Living in Nha Trang

Nha Trang, a coastal city in Vietnam, is known for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife, making it a popular spot for digital nomads seeking a balance between work and leisure. While the city itself offers plenty to do, the surrounding areas are ripe with opportunities for weekend getaways. From popular tourist spots to hidden gems, here are seven destinations that offer a refreshing break from the daily grind.

Dalat

Known as the "City of Eternal Spring," Dalat is a scenic highland retreat with a cool climate, lush landscapes, and French colonial architecture. It's a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with activities like hiking, mountain biking, and canyoning. Don't miss the chance to visit the iconic Hang Nga Guesthouse, also known as the "Crazy House," for its unique, Gaudi-esque design. The city's central market is also a great place to sample local specialties like artichoke tea and fresh strawberries.

How to Get There: The best way to reach Dalat from Nha Trang is by bus, which takes about 4 hours. There are multiple departures daily from Nha Trang's bus stations.

Travel Tip: Make sure to visit the Valley of Love for a picturesque picnic spot and the chance to ride a swan boat on the lake.

Where to Stay: Dalat has a range of accommodations, from cozy guesthouses to luxury resorts. The Dalat Palace Heritage Hotel offers a touch of luxury with its classic French design and views of Xuan Huong Lake.

Where to Eat: For a taste of local cuisine, head to the Dalat Night Market, where you can try the famous bánh tráng n??ng, a type of Vietnamese pizza.

Doc Let Beach

Just an hour north of Nha Trang, Doc Let Beach is a serene escape from the city's hustle and bustle. With its powdery white sand and clear blue waters, it's perfect for a day of relaxation or beach activities. The beach is less crowded than Nha Trang's main beaches, offering a more peaceful seaside experience. Take a stroll along the shore, enjoy a fresh seafood meal, or simply bask in the sun.

How to Get There: The easiest way to reach Doc Let Beach is by motorbike or taxi, which takes about an hour from Nha Trang.

Travel Tip: Visit the nearby salt fields to see how local workers harvest salt by hand – it's a unique cultural experience.

Where to Stay: Consider staying at the Doc Let Resort & Spa for beachfront accommodations and a relaxing spa experience.

Where to Eat: The beachfront restaurants offer fresh seafood dishes; try the grilled squid, a local favorite.

Ba Ho Waterfalls

Ba Ho Waterfalls is a series of three natural waterfalls located about 25 kilometers north of Nha Trang. It's an ideal spot for adventure seekers looking to hike, swim, and cliff jump in a pristine natural setting. The trek to the waterfalls takes you through dense jungle and requires some climbing, but the refreshing pools at each waterfall are well worth the effort.

How to Get There: Renting a motorbike is the most convenient way to get to Ba Ho Waterfalls, with the journey taking around 45 minutes from Nha Trang.

Travel Tip: Bring sturdy shoes for the hike and don't forget your swimsuit for a dip in the natural pools.

Where to Stay: There are no accommodations at the waterfalls, but you can find plenty of options back in Nha Trang, such as the luxurious InterContinental Nha Trang.

Where to Eat: Pack a picnic to enjoy at the waterfalls, or head back to Nha Trang for a wide selection of dining options.

Yang Bay Waterfall

Yang Bay Waterfall is a lesser-known destination that offers a tranquil atmosphere and a chance to immerse yourself in nature. The waterfall is part of a larger eco-park, where you can also find hot springs and a cultural village showcasing the traditions of the indigenous Raglai people. Enjoy the soothing sounds of the cascading water, take a dip in the natural pools, or explore the surrounding area on a guided tour.

How to Get There: The best way to visit Yang Bay Waterfall is by motorbike or car, with the trip taking about an hour and a half from Nha Trang.

Travel Tip: Don't miss the chance to experience the traditional music performances by the Raglai people at the cultural village.

Where to Stay: Stay in Nha Trang and make Yang Bay Waterfall a day trip, or for a unique experience, try the eco-lodges in the park.

Where to Eat: The eco-park has its own restaurant serving local dishes, including specialties made with ingredients sourced from the surrounding forest.

Diep Son Island

Diep Son Island is an off-the-beaten-path destination known for its unique underwater sand bridge that connects three small islands at low tide. The journey to the island itself is an adventure, as you'll take a boat through the beautiful Van Phong Bay. Once there, you can walk along the sand bridge, explore the islands, and enjoy the serene beaches away from the crowds.

How to Get There: To reach Diep Son Island, take a bus or taxi to Van Gia town, then catch a boat to the island. The entire journey can take up to 3 hours from Nha Trang.

Travel Tip: Plan your visit around low tide to ensure you can experience the unique sand bridge fully exposed.

Where to Stay: Accommodations are limited on Diep Son Island, so most visitors opt for a day trip from Nha Trang.

Where to Eat: There are a few local homestays on the island that serve home-cooked meals, offering a taste of authentic Vietnamese cuisine.

Monkey Island (Hon Lao)

Monkey Island, also known as Hon Lao, is a quirky and fun destination for animal lovers and those looking for a light-hearted adventure. The island is home to hundreds of friendly monkeys that roam freely, and visitors can interact with them up close. Besides the monkey encounters, the island also offers beautiful beaches, water sports, and a circus show featuring trained animals.

How to Get There: Take a 20-minute boat ride from Nha Phu Bay, which is about a 15-minute drive from Nha Trang.

Travel Tip: Be cautious with your belongings as the monkeys are known to be quite curious and may grab loose items.

Where to Stay: While there are no accommodations on Monkey Island, you can find a variety of hotels and resorts in Nha Trang, such as the Amiana Resort Nha Trang with its stunning ocean views.

Where to Eat: Enjoy a meal at the island's restaurant, which offers a selection of Vietnamese and international dishes with a view of the sea.

Cam Ranh Bay

Cam Ranh Bay is a deep-water bay in Vietnam known for its crystal-clear waters and beautiful coastline. While it's a strategic military location, it also offers pristine beaches and a quieter alternative to Nha Trang's more touristy spots. The bay's Long Beach is perfect for a day of sunbathing and swimming, and the area is also gaining a reputation for luxury resorts and seafood dining.

How to Get There: Cam Ranh Bay is about a 45-minute drive from Nha Trang, easily accessible by taxi or motorbike.

Travel Tip: Visit the Binh Ba Island, known as the "Lobster Island," for some of the best seafood in the region.

Where to Stay: The Cam Ranh Riviera Beach Resort & Spa offers luxury accommodations with a private beach and stunning views of the bay.

Where to Eat: Try the fresh lobster at one of the local seafood restaurants in the Cam Ranh area, such as Binh Ba Lobster Restaurant.