VietnamÃÔ most popular beach destination Nha Trang, the capital of Khanh Hoa province, sits in the south of Vietnam around 450km north of Ho Chi Minh City a train journey of as little as seven hours or 45 minutes by plane. The town sits in a spectacular setting, surrounded by paddy fields which eventually yield to a semi circle of mountains that loom over this bustling coastal centre.

Traces of human settlement in Nha Trang date back to the Cham Empire, though in times of Vietnamese rule, there wasnÃÕ much more than small fishing villages. The French recognized that this beautiful bay, with its islands and white sand beaches, made for a perfect bathing spot, and began the transformation into a resort town. American soldiers agreed, and Nha Trang became a favorite vacation stop during the war.

The monsoon season is from October to mid December. Sea winds can be heavy, and sometimes the weather can get pretty chilly. Summer, naturally, brings many vacation goers into town and hotel rooms get somewhat more difficult to find.

The beaches and resorts of Vietnam can easily be compared with the best that the world has to offer. From elegant and luxurious 5-star resorts with all the amenities that you can desire, to exotic tropical hideaways. VietnamÃÔ beach resorts are the perfect spots to relax and enjoy crystal clear waters, gorgeous beaches, delicious food and drink, and the perfect amount of rest and relaxation.

Most are attracted here for the same reasons a beach perfect for a few days relaxation, where the sand stretches along the bay for 6km and for most of the year the sea is a brilliant turquoise colour. Nha Trang even has its own private island resort, Vin Pearl Land.

Many also come for the diving Nha Trang will argue to be the best location for diving in Vietnam. More than eight dive shops work the thirty or so sites in the bay and beyond. Plenty resides above water in the ocean around Nha Trang, so diving is not essential as swimming and snorkeling are just as easily enjoyed simply hop on one of the many boat trips that cruise the bay and its islands daily.

Today, most of the tourist infrastructure is in the southern part of town around Biet Thu, whereas most of the locals live around the Cho Dam in the northern quarters. Cho Dam Market is a popular destination for visitors as well; though. Tran Phu is the backbone of the city, accompanied by a pleasant waterfront promenade, palm trees and the nearly 6km of beach.

Nha Trang has a reliable and easy to navigate public bus system, where the ticket fare does not exceed 3000 dong for a ride on a modern, air-conditioned bus with Vietnamese music. Alternatively, youÃÍl find the usual selection of taxis, cycles and motorbikes.

A wonderful option for seeing the sites is to hire a cycle-driver for the day. I agreed upon a price for the entire day (Jan. 2009-USD$10 plus tip) and my driver took me to all the in-town highlights, the post office, and my choice of restaurants from 8AM-7PM. While English skills were basic, we were able to communicate. He also kept many of the touts awayËÂ real bonus!

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