The city was a popular spot for U.S. servicemen during the Vietnam War. Today this seaside resort is popular among tourists to Vietnam.
Nha Trang offers white-sand beaches, azure waters and palm trees swaying in the breeze. Colorful fishing boats line the harbors. Small farm villages nestle in the countryside's lush valleys. The area is rich in history.
What's not to fall in love with.
The most popular Nha Trang shore excursion, offered by Princess Cruises, was Ponagar Cham Tower, Long Son Pagoda & Embroidery. Take in Nha Trang's highlights on this half-day excursion. Visit the Cham Tower Complex, tour the Buddhist shrine at Long Son Pagoda, and discover the ancient art of Vietnamese picture embroidery. Then, enjoy refreshments, browse for souvenirs, and view a traditional Vietnamese cultural performance to complete your tour.
If you have been following our entire journey, you know that due to high winds and rough seas, Sapphire Princess could not tender in Nha Trang. We can only imagine these highlights of this seaside resort in Vietnam. Thanks to the destination expert, we have some images that we can share here of what we would have seen. Follow us on this imaginary journey to Nha Trang's highlights.
Leaving by motorcoach from the pier we'd depart for a scenic drive to the first stop. Arriving at the Xom Bong Bridge, we'd disembark for the opportunity to view and photograph a charming fishing village and its colorful boats.
Next we'd continue to the historic Ponagar Cham Tower, you'll stand in awe before the best preserved relic of the thousand-year-long Champa dynasty. A commanding presence overlooking the Cai River, the complex boasts four intricately carved towers set amidst lush tropical gardens.
Tip: At the Cham Tower and Long Son Pagoda visitors must climb at least two flights of stairs - 70 steps each way.
Each of the towers revealed a different architectural style indicating that they were built over an extended period of time between the seventh and 12th centuries A.D. The largest was built in 817 A.D and contains a statue dedicated to Ponagar, or Lady Thien Y-ana, the beautiful wife of Prince Bac Hai. Legend has it that she was born into a peasant family in Khanh Hoa province and that spirits assisted her when she sailed on a drift piece of sandalwood to China.
At Long Son Pagoda, dragon-shaped balustrades flanked the entrance and lead the way into an imposing sanctuary decorated with murals and images of the Buddha. Behind the pagoda sat an enormous white Buddha built in 1965. The Buddha commemorates those monks who protested the abuses of the Diem regime by setting themselves aflame.
Visiting a silk embroidery workshop provided a fascinating glimpse into the ancient Vietnamese art of picture embroidery. Skilled artisans illustrated a dazzling array of subjects ranging from mythology to scenes of everyday life.
The return drive to the ship, through the downtown district, provided views of the cathedral, the small shops, and the few remaining French colonial-era buildings. Nha Trang Beach was another of the highlights seen during the excursion.
Whatever you do in Nha Trang, we are certain that you'll fall in love with this city.
Related Album:
Nha Trang
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