One of Asia’s most insightful experts has revealed Southeast Asia’s top beach destination – and it’s not any of Thailand’s highly sought-after bucket-list beach towns or pristine islands.
Agoda dropped all sorts of surprising nuggets in their latest report, ranging from China’s comeback, hidden gem islands, and Japan’s new hotspot.
But Southeast Asia, in particular, has long been Americans’ favorite wallet-friendly stopping grounds for enthralling cultural immersions, postcard beaches, and sensational cuisine.
While Thailand is the undisputed powerhouse of Southeast Asia, Agoda just revealed a Vietnamese coastal paradise trending upward in Agoda’s bookings and just so happens to be a digital nomad favorite too.
Jaw-Dropping Low Prices
Ever been to a place that your mind’s eye just can’t let go of?
That’s what happens when visiting Vietnam’s stunning beach city, Nha Trang.
It’s a tough task to top Thailand, but Nha Trang has become South Asia’s trendiest beach getaway.
One could argue that this has a lot to do with Thailand’s crowds, as digital nomads and general vacationers have flocked to Thailand’s shores, triggering backlash from locals who want their beloved hometown to feel like home again.
While Vietnam has certainly become a hotspot in its own right, off-path destinations like Nha Trang haven’t had the same overtourism concerns as Phuket and Koh Samui have, which would be surprising, except many mainstream travelers have yet to discover the delights of Nha Trang.
One of the most enticing aspects is insanely cheap prices hence, digital nomads love making their base here with monthlong hotel stays under $160
Yeah, you read that right, which means travelers simply vacationing here can bring a jar of coins to pay for their hotel, like the V Hotel with an infinity pool, for just $11 per night!
Okay, maybe that’s not the best idea since coins will weigh down your luggage, but you get the point.
Cheap hotels are the tip of the iceberg, as savory meals at popular restaurants can be had for $4 or less, and there’s no better way to start your day than with a $1 cup of Vietnamese coffee.
Magnetizing Culture
Typically, travelers venture to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh to immerse themselves in Vietnam’s magnetizing culture with a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and aromas.
Nha Trang boasts a vibrant skyline, much of which consists of aforementioned hotels and rentals, but ground level is a playground likened to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, brimming with lively markets, world-class eats, and even ancient ruins dating back centuries, such as the Po Nagar towers, easily accessible from downtown and open to public access.
But, where travelers agree most to merge with Vietnam’s captivating culture is its remarkably cheap food scene, especially unsuspecting hole-in-the-walls whipping up unheard-of noodle dishes at rock-bottom prices.
Back home, there is obviously a variety of Asian cuisines to enjoy, and your hometown likely has a Vietnamese restaurant serving piping hot bowls of pho and banh mi sandwiches.
While you can find those here, the flavors are more authentic and catered toward locals’ palates, but rarely will you hear a bad word from foreigners who’ve sat streetside people-watching on a rickety barstool slurping noodles with a cold local beer in hand.
Come sundown, that’s when another side of Nha Trang comes alive. Nightlife here is more popular than what you might expect from Vietnam, and night markets like TripAdvisor-favorite Nha Trang Night Market are a must.
Incredible Beaches
Nha Trang, to some, has been dubbed the “Miami of Vietnam,” so you know beach days are practically required when visiting this beautiful coastal city.
A great starting point is the city’s main beach, Tran Phu Beach, back by Tran Phu Street, home to rows of trendy restaurants and bars to level up your beach day in Vietnam’s slice of paradise.
Another surprising reason why Nha Trang overtook Thailand on Agoda’s recent report is Vietnam isn’t often as known for pristine beaches as litter and various environmental issues are a cause for concern.
That’s not the case for Nha Trang, as most beaches are truly spectacular, not beholding any eyesores, and are often swimmable unless lifeguards say otherwise.
According to TripAdvisor, these are travelers’ favorite 3 beaches to hit up in Nha Trang (and all have gleaming white sand!):
- Nha Trang Beach
- Doc Let Beach
- Bai Tom Hin Chong
For a hidden gem worth exploring, you gotta check out Hon Tre Island. If Nha Trang is Vietnam’s ‘Miami’, the Hon Tre is “The Bahamas” just a stone’s throw off-shore and home to 5-star Vinpearl Resort Nha Trang for just $84 per night.
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