Practical tips: Nha Trang & Dalat

What I wish I'd known before my first trip.

Getting there

Nha Trang is served by Cam Ranh International Airport, about 35 km south of the city, with flights from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and several cities abroad. Dalat has Lien Khuong airport, roughly 30 km south of town. Nha Trang is also a stop on the north–south railway, and buses and limousine minibuses link Nha Trang, Dalat, Phan Rang and Mui Ne.

Visas and entry

Vietnam offers e-visas to citizens of many countries, and some nationalities can enter visa-free for a set number of days. Rules change, so check the official immigration portal before you travel. Apply for e-visas only through the official government site, not through look-alike agencies.

Seasons

Nha Trang is unusual: its rainy season comes late, roughly September or October to December, with storms that can cancel boat trips. February to August is the best time for the sea. Dalat is cool all year, with a rainy season from roughly May to November. The coast around Phan Rang and Mui Ne is dry most of the year, and Mui Ne’s windy season runs from about November to April.

Money

The currency is the dong. ATMs are common in Nha Trang, Dalat and Mui Ne; cards are accepted in hotels and larger restaurants, but carry cash for markets, street food, boats and small entry fees. Check zeros carefully, as notes look similar.

Getting around

Ride-hailing apps work in Nha Trang and Dalat for cars and motorbike taxis. For day trips, hiring a car with driver is easy and not expensive. Motorbike rental is common, but you need the right licence and insurance, and mountain roads demand experience.

Health and safety at sea

Drink bottled or filtered water. Use sunscreen and drink plenty on the coast, where the sun is strong. Dengue is present, so use insect repellent. Dalat can be surprisingly cold at night; pack a warm layer. Currents can be strong on open beaches, especially in the rainy season: swim where others swim, and don’t go out on boats in rough weather.

Scams and prices

Confirm prices in advance, especially for seafood sold by weight, boat trips and tours. Be wary of unofficial guides at pagodas and natural sights. Use metered taxis from reputable companies or ride-hailing apps.

Etiquette

Dress modestly at pagodas, churches and Cham temples. Remove shoes where asked, and don’t point your feet at altars. Ask before photographing people, especially at religious sites and in highland villages.

Provinces and maps

Vietnam merged many provinces in 2025. Nha Trang is still in Khanh Hoa, which now includes the old Ninh Thuan province around Phan Rang, while Dalat’s Lam Dong now includes the old Binh Thuan around Mui Ne. Signs and maps may show either the old or the new names.

SIM and connectivity

Local SIM cards and eSIMs are cheap and widely available at the airport and in town. Coverage is good along the coast and in Dalat, but patchy in the mountains and on some islands.