Khanh Hoa has 200 km of coastline and more than 200 islands and island groups. The bay off Nha Trang is defined by 19 islands and islets. These figures refer to different scales: the province on the one hand and a single bay on the other. Together, they give an impression of the region’s diversity, which encompasses lagoons, cultural traditions and regional dishes as well as the coast and islands.

Discover Islands and Lagoons

Nha Phu Lagoon covers about 1,500 hectares, of which around 40 hectares are mangrove forest. Hòn Lao, also known as Monkey Island, is a designated tourist site in the lagoon. Hon Mun, in turn, is a protected marine reserve. The islands thus represent different aspects of the regional landscape—from lagoons and mangroves to marine conservation.

The activities available also vary: swimming, snorkeling and jet skiing are possible on Hon Tre. On Hon Ong, visitors can swim, dive and kayak. Fishing and hunting are not permitted there under environmental protection regulations. Those who want to explore the islands around Nha Trang on a tour can find one-day island-hopping trips from many providers. They often include transfers, meals, entertainment and activities; check in advance which services are included in the specific offer.

On Hon Yen, visitors can climb the 220 steps to Du Ha Mountain and enjoy panoramic views from the top. Hoang Hoa Village on Hon Tam offers a different focus: it features historic homes of former residents, period furniture and relics. At Diep Son, a sandbar connects the three islets in the island group. At low tide, visitors can walk from one islet to the next. As this depends on the tide, check the local conditions before planning the walk.

Cham Heritage and Regional Traditions

Tháp Bà Pô Nagar was built by the Cham between the 8th and 13th centuries to worship the goddess Pô Inư Nagar. The Tháp Bà Ponagar Festival was recognized as national intangible cultural heritage in 2012. The festival program includes traditional Cham dance, Bóng dance, Chầu Văn, folk games and traditional art performances. Individual events may vary.

Another festival is the Khanh Hoa Yến Sào Festival. It takes place annually on the 10th day of the fifth lunar month. In 2025, both this festival and the knowledge of harvesting and processing Yến Sào from Khanh Hoa were recognized as national intangible cultural heritage. If you are planning a visit, it is advisable to check the specific event dates. The knowledge of harvesting and processing agarwood from Khanh Hoa was also added to the national inventory of intangible cultural heritage.

Local Cuisine and Getting Around

Dishes typical of Khanh Hoa’s fishing villages include bánh căn, bún cá and bún sứa. Together with the festivals and the knowledge of Yến Sào and agarwood, these dishes reveal another aspect of regional culture.

A view of Nha Trang also offers a different perspective on the region: from the upper floors of Tháp Trầm Hương, visitors can see April 2 Square, Nha Trang Beach and Trần Phú Street. Check current access arrangements before visiting. Transport links offer another useful point of reference for planning your journey: Cam Ranh is on Vietnam’s North–South Railway, and Cam Ranh International Airport is a major transport hub for Khanh Hoa and south-central Vietnam.

Discover more destinations: Nha Trang, Diên Khánh, Ninh Hoa, Cam Ranh, Thua Thien-Hue, Da Nang, Quảng Ninh, Dak Lak.

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