Is it worth going to Nha Trang?

Which one is better, Phu Quoc or Nha Trang?

Ugh, Phu Quoc or Nha Trang? Which is better? Depends, right?

• Phu Quoc: Beaches, chill vibes, not super crowded. Think nature, relaxation. Is that what I want?

Nha Trang… hmm.

• Nha Trang: City vibes, like, actual city. Nightlife! More to do. Water sports maybe? History stuff? More food choices.

Do I even want to do water sports?

I’m leaning Phu Quoc. Remember that awful jet ski incident in Cancun?

• Phu Quoc is less developed. That’s good, right? Cancun was insane. I need quiet.

Wait, what about the food in Phu Quoc? Nha Trang has amazing seafood restaurants, I’ve heard. Okay, maybe Nha Trang then?

• Consider what you want. That’s the key. Duh.
• Oh! And budget too. Where will I actually spend less of my money?

Okay, list time:

• Phu Quoc Pros: Quiet, beaches, less crowded, nature-focused

• Phu Quoc Cons: Maybe boring? Less food variety? Potentially pricier since it’s “exclusive”

• Nha Trang Pros: Bustling, nightlife, more activities, restaurants

• Nha Trang Cons: Crowded, loud, maybe too much? Touristy

Right now, Phu Quoc seems better… but still uncertain.

• Jet Ski Incident: In 2020, in Cancun, I rented a jet ski and almost crashed into a pier. The rental company tried to scam me afterward, claiming I damaged the jet ski. It was a nightmare.
• Budget: Flights to Phu Quoc from my city in 2024 are generally more expensive than flights to Nha Trang. Accommodation varies, but overall, Phu Quoc can be perceived as the “luxury” option, although deals can be found in both locations.
• Food: Nha Trang has long been known for its fantastic and diverse seafood offerings. Phu Quoc is rapidly catching up but still has more limited (and sometimes higher-priced) options. I have a craving for a big seafood platter.

How many nights to stay in Nha Trang?

Three nights felt rushed. Four felt right. But Nha Trang…it’s addictive. I could’ve stayed longer.

Four days, maybe five, is ideal. Enough time to truly unwind.

To breathe.

To escape.

I wish I’d explored more of the islands. The beaches were stunning though, the sand so soft. It was peaceful, a needed escape.

Things I loved:

• The sunsets. Absolutely breathtaking. Each one different.
• The food. Fresh seafood everywhere. I indulged.
• The Long Son Pagoda. Peaceful. Serene. A beautiful place.

Things I regret:

• Not taking a boat trip to the islands. A missed opportunity.
• Spending too much time near the main beach. The quieter beaches were better.
• Not learning more Vietnamese. I wish I could speak the language.

It was 2024. Hot, humid. A perfect escape, if a little too short. I’ll go back, definitely. Longer next time. Nha Trang holds a special place for me now. I need that peace again.

Why are there so many Russians in Nha Trang?

Nha Trang, huh? So many Russians there. Why? Right! “Little Russia”, I’ve heard that. My aunt went there on vacation in 2023, said you hear Russian everywhere.

It’s because of the war, obviously. People fleeing. But also, wasn’t there something about a Soviet base back in the day? Makes sense, a historical connection.

Dissidents, yeah. Makes sense. People against Putin wanting out. A beach town is probably a good escape. Better than Siberia, at least. Lol.

• War: Obvious reason. Escape.
• Soviet base: Historical ties.
• Dissidents: Political refugees.
• “Little Russia” image: Already attractive to tourists.

My brother says Nha Trang is cheap too? Is that true? Maybe that also plays a part. A cheap, sunny escape from a bad situation.