Things To Do
in Ninh Hòa
Ninh Hòa, a coastal district in Khanh Hoa Province, sits inland from Nha Trang and offers a mix of beaches, salt flats, and forested hills. It is known for its salt flats, fishing villages, and the gateway to pristine beaches like Doc Let and Dai Lanh. The scenery ranges from turquoise bays to forested hills, offering diverse outdoor options.
Visitors can explore markets, temples, and dramatic coastline at a slower pace than nearby cities.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a delightful breakfast at a local café, savoring fresh bánh mì and Vietnamese coffee. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the historic streets of Ninh Hòa, admiring the colonial architecture and visiting the local market. Engage with friendly vendors as you explore the vibrant atmosphere and sample fresh fruits and snacks.
Visit the beautiful Long Son Pagoda, where you can appreciate the intricate details of the architecture and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area. Stop for lunch at a traditional Vietnamese restaurant, trying local specialties like bún chả. Afterward, head to the Ninh Hòa Museum to learn about the area's rich history and culture through fascinating exhibits.
As the sun sets, find a cozy spot at a local restaurant overlooking the coast to enjoy fresh seafood dishes. Sample regional delicacies and sip on local beer while watching the waves crash against the shore. Finally, take a peaceful evening walk along the beach, soaking in the serene atmosphere and the sound of the ocean.
Start your morning with a hearty breakfast at your hotel before heading to the stunning Doc Let Beach. Spend the morning relaxing on soft, white sands or indulging in water sports such as jet skiing and parasailing. The crystal-clear waters provide the perfect setting for both thrill-seekers and those looking to unwind.
Enjoy a beachside lunch at one of the many seafood shacks, relishing grilled fish and fresh salads. After lunch, continue your beach day with snorkeling or diving adventures, exploring vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. This underwater experience will surely be a highlight of your trip.
As dusk approaches, return to the beach for a magical sunset experience, capturing the vibrant colors of the sky. Choose a local eatery for dinner, where you can enjoy a mix of traditional and modern Vietnamese cuisine. End your day with a leisurely beach walk under the stars, feeling the gentle sea breeze.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee/tea | $0.5-2 |
| 🥗Lunch at mid-range restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel per night | $15-40 |
| 🚕Local transportation (one-way) | $0.5-2 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Calm coastal setting with easy access to beaches and mountains
- Fresh seafood and local markets
- Lower crowds than Nha Trang or Da Nang
- Limited nightlife and overnight options compared to bigger cities
- Fewer English-speaking staff in remote areas
- Transport options can be sparse in rural areas
- "Xin chào" - Hello
- "Cảm ơn" - Thank you
- "Tôi muốn ăn hải sản" - I want to eat seafood
- "Bao nhiêu tiền?" - How much is this?
- "Ở đây có ăn chay không?" - Do you have vegetarian options?
- "Tạm biệt" - Goodbye
- "Bạn có thể giúp tôi không?" - Can you help me?
Places to Visit in Ninh Hòa
Visit one of these nice places.
Long stretch of white sand with clear turquoise water, often quiet in the morning for beach portraits.
Coastal headland with dramatic cliffs and a historic lighthouse, ideal for sunrise or sunset shots.
Pristine shoreline with palm-lined dunes and calm waters, a hit for wide-angle beach photography.
Reflective salt flats and traditional salt ponds offer symmetric compositions at the right light.
Colorful fishing boats and traditional houses along narrow lanes provide warm, local scenes.
Food in Ninh Hòa
Ninh Hòa Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A bubbling pot of mixed seafood, vegetables, and fragrant herbs cooked at the table.
Must-Try!
Skewered fish or shellfish grilled over charcoal, served with a tangy fish sauce dip.
Noodle soups featuring fish or crab broth and fresh herbs, popular in coastal towns.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling morning market where you can taste fresh seafood, herbs, and local snacks.
Casual stalls along the road offering grilled seafood, soups, and refreshing drinks with sea breeze.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite hello is welcome; a light handshake or nod is common; addressing with respectful language helps.
Dress modestly, remove shoes where required, and avoid loud behavior near worship areas.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially in markets or small villages.
Show respect in public spaces; avoid loud behavior in religious or cultural sites.
Safety
Tipping in Ninh Hòa
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for good service; rounding up or 5-10% in nicer places is common.
Most places accept cash in VND; some mid-range eateries and hotels accept cards; small vendors prefer cash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Cooler mornings, dry days with occasional light showers; great for hiking and market visits.
Dry and hot; expect clear skies, ocean-friendly beach days, but carry water and sun protection.
Transition to wet season; brief showers possible but still good for photography around coast and markets.
Milder temperatures; humidity higher; some days are overcast but comfortable for exploration.
Ninh Hòa at Night
Hiking in Ninh Hòa
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic coastal hike with cliff views and a lighthouse; best in the early morning or late afternoon.
Gentle to moderate hikes near the inland hills offering rural scenery and viewpoints.
Airports
How to reach Ninh Hòa by plane.
Main airport serving Khanh Hoa, located near Cam Ranh; from there, a 40–60 minute drive to Ninh Hòa by car or taxi.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly Kinh Vietnamese with minority groups like Raglai and Cham in nearby hills and valleys.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played and watched across Vietnam, popular in schools and community leagues.
Common on coastal beaches during dry season.
Snorkeling, kayaking, and occasional diving along Doc Let and nearby bays.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ninh Hòa.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Look for tofu and mushroom dishes; explicitly request no fish stock and verify broth ingredients; many places offer veggie options with stir-fried vegetables and rice.