Nha Trang is a large city by the sea in South-Central Vietnam. One of the most popular beach destinations in south Vietnam, it has plenty to cater for the tourists, yet it also has a life of its own, populated with university students, trainees at the naval academy, and many more.

Backed by beautiful rolling hills which descend into the mountains, and with a grand boulevard lining the beachfront, Nha Trang is reminicient of Nice in France, yet in a sleepier, more peaceful manner. It is comprised of a number of large bays with beaches that stretch for miles, overlooked by a palace on the headland and protected from storms and rough weather by the islands at the mouth of the bay.

These islands are recognised as nature reserves, and around their rocky shores are a great variety of coral and sealife, which has made Nha Trang one of the most popular scuba diving destinations in Vietnam. Also ever-popular are the boat trips around the bay, which can be booked for less than $20, yet include a delicious lunch, cruise, wine and a chance to snorkel and see the coral on the cheap - albiet from a greater distance!

The climate in Nha Trang is gorgeous for much of the year. The rainy season starts around May-June and runs to October-November, but normally in Vietnam despite it being the rainy season the sun still shines for much of the day, then around December and January the mornings are beautifully cool, heating up in the middle of the day. Over the months in the run up to May the temperature steadily increases - but when the sea is just there the heat should never bother you, and there is usually a gentle breeze to stop you getting too hot.

Early every morning and each evening around sunset the local citizens go down to the beach to meet, swim, and exercise, but due to work, and the Vietnamese preference of shade to the sunshine the beaches are empty once again from 9am - 4pm. You will find clusters of tourists around the beach bars but otherwise the beach is spacious and yours to wander and play.