Nha Trang is world famous for snorkelling and scuba diving. There are many islands that dot the bay and these are ideal for water sports. Divers from as far as America throng the small islands for the amazing facilities here. The city itself sports over a dozen shops that offer diving equipment and attire. Most of the travellers and divers who come to Nha Trang look beyond scuba diving as a leisure sport. They are keen to get certified and some even show interest in taking it up professionally. The certification offered at Nha Trang is recognised around the world and is considered among the best in the field. Amateur divers looking for certification will not be disappointed, for they can get this during the period of their stay itself. PADI open water courses are also available with full equipment rental for $ 200. A dive boat trip with equipment rental along with lunch will cost just $ 25.

Diving in Nga Trang is a year round activity but is usually less during the monsoon season between October to December. The air is windy due to which the boat rides can get rough. Diving and snorkelling around this season is limited to few safe islands.

Nha Trang has a complex system of conducting the diving tours. If you sign up for a trip with shop A, you might end up being clubbed with the group and diving instructor from shop B. What's more some times the boat of shop B may be shared with another group and dive master from shop C. This is rampant especially during the lean seasons when the groups are small and the shops are many.

Vietnam is a haggler's destination and bargaining is an accepted thing here. So don't miss a change to strike a deal with the local diving instructors. The dive masters are very friendly and will offer a lot of folk tales during the course.

To heighten the fun quotient of your trip get on the Mama Hahn's Bay Cruise, popularly known as the ‘Mama Hahn's Booze Cruise'. Two leathery boats called ‘lazy boat' and ‘party boat' take travellers to four different islands for swimming and other water sports. The islands that these boats go to are Mun Island, Mieu Island, Tam Island, and Mot Island. The organisers offer snorkelling, fishing, and many other activities at these islands.

Regardless of the type of boat, be prepared for loud music food and cold beer. The beer on board costs just $1, which is a steal considering the ambience. As you approach the final destination, the party livens up with mulberry wine flowing from a floating bar. The entire day works out to an affordable $ 5 and this includes a lavish spread of seafood. The tickets for this party are available at most hotels, restaurants and large shops on the beach. This is a great hit with adults, especially singles who want to mingle.

Nha Trang is known for its beaches and there are plenty of private and public beaches. The beaches in Nga Trang are mostly located to the north of the city and on some of the islands along the bay. Among them, Tran Phu is the most inviting and Hon Chong Beach is easily accessible by motorbike, cyclo or taxi. The Dai Lanh Beach is about one hour north of the city and near this is the Cham ruin of Ponagar. So if you are in a mood to picnic, there are lots of options.

The Tran Phu Beach with its soft golden sand is arguably the best beach in Vietnam. The beach is sparsely populated even during the peak Tet season (Vietnamese New Year). You can hire sun beds for 10,000 VND or 60 cents per day, and order food and drinks from the nearby restaurants. The sea is a little rough so unless you are a seasoned swimmer, don't attempt to swim or get adventurous. Most of the restaurants and hotels are along the beachfront. They serve fresh seafood caught from the sea and cooked right in front of your eyes. The most popular section of the beach is its central area with many eateries and joints.

Going to the beach is a family affair in Vietnam. Big families and many generations bonding together in the sandy beaches is a familiar sight here. The Nha Trang Beach is filled with local people socialising, playing badminton, practising Tai chi and breathing in the fresh sea breeze. The mornings, between 5­-8 am, are packed with these activities. Many of the people form groups and go for their morning swim, exercise and discuss national and international news. News is conveniently spouted out of loud speakers placed strategically on electrical poles. They also deliver music and discussions. The hustle bustle is seen till 8 am. Post 8 am, silence and serenity are restored as the beach is magically emptied of all the commotion.

There are ample opportunities for scuba diving, kayaking, snorkelling, and windsurfing in the clear waters of Vietnam. Travellers can be assured of having a great time and getting full value for money here.

The trip to Vietnam is incomplete without a short visit to Whale Island. The famous Whale Island is a two hour drive north of Nha Trang, and is located on the quiet and beautiful Van Phong Bay. The best way to see the island is by boat. Discover the transparent turquoise coloured water, sea life, corals and coconut trees by cruising around the area. Every year between April and July the whales and the whale sharks arrive at the archipelago. They feed themselves on the masses of krill and the plankton. The island derives its name from these yearly visitors.

The Whale Island resort was built way back in 1997 and has 23 traditional bungalows. These are located picturesquely on the beach front. Don't get carried away by the word bungalow. The accommodation is very basic, with each room having a bed, shower, toilet and a mosquito net which is very essential in Vietnam. The temperature can rise well above 30 degrees, so make sure there is a fan in the bungalow.

There is no dearth of monuments in war torn Vietnam. The most visited one is the Long Son Pagoda. An imposing white Buddha, 79 ft tall, is the main attraction at this pagoda. It was set up in 1963 in tribute to the nuns and monks who died while protesting against the Diem government. The visiting time is from 8 am-5 pm and admission is free.

A dip in the Thap Ba natural hot springs is a highly recommended experience. It comes at a surprisingly affordable price of $4 a day per person. Situated in the outskirts of the city, it is a very relaxing place providing services that calm your senses. From a hot mud bath to hot water pool massages and mineral water baths, every kind of luxury is available here. For the highly stressed traveller the therapy and massages refresh the body and soul. No one leaves the hot springs without feeling rejuvenated.

The institute was founded in 1923 and was known as the French Institute d'Océanographique in the earlier days. Inside the institute is an extensive library, indoor and outdoor aquariums and a huge whale skeleton. The world's most famous oceanographer, Jacques Cousteau, started his successful career here in 1933.