NHA TRANG ATTRACTIONS

NHA TRANG ATTRACTIONS

WHAT TO SEE IN NHA TRANG

It's somewhat paradoxical that, with all the historical ancient attractions that Nha Trang has to offer, the most popular should be a relatively recent addition, the Alexandre Yersin Museum which is located within the Pasteur Institute.

Still, Nha Trang has the alluring combination of being pleasant on the eye, inexpensive and culturally interesting so there is a lot to see in this town of 300,000. 

Alexandre Yersin Museum

Alexandre Yersin, the French medical pioneer, is well remembered in Vietnam, where he was affectionately called Ông Năm. Surprisingly and as a sign of the deep respect the Vietnamese have for him, following the country's independence, streets named in his honour kept their designation, and his tomb in Suoi Dau was graced by a pagoda where rites are performed. His house in Nha Trang is now the Yersin Museum.

At the museum visitors can get an idea of the work of Yersin. He founded Dalat, discovered a vital plague-causing bacterium, and researched agricultural methods and meteorological forecasting, all to the great benefit of the Vietnamese. Yersin arrived in Nha Trang in 1891 and dedicated the rest of his life to scientific discovery from his laboratory here, until his passing away in 1943. He founded the institute in 1895. On display are his desk, a rich library and his scientific instruments. 

Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 08:00-11:00 and 14:00-16:30 
Address: Pasteur Institute 10 Tran Phu Street. 
Tel: (058) 822-355

Long Son Pagoda

The main attraction at this pagoda is the huge white Buddha on the hillside behind the main compound; the 24m-high statue is an important symbol of Nha Trang.

Around the base of the Buddha are portraits of monks who set fire to themselves to protest against the corrupt Diem regime; each monk's portrait, carved in relief surrounded by carved flames. Follow the steps up and you'll be rewarded with a bird's-eye view of Nha Trang and its environs. 

Location: At the end of Xom Bong Bridge, two kilometres out of town.

Long Thanh Photo Studio

Long Thanh is a local photographer with a permanent exhibition gallery open to the public. This is a popular visiting spot for people who appreciate life as seen through a lens. To date, Long Thanh has exhibited at more than 57 different photographic exhibitions around the world including Europe, Asia, Australia and the United States. Long Thanh's photographic repertoire is as wide-ranging as it is unique. His landscapes are often moody, contrasting the natural beauty of Vietnam with the continuing struggle in many people's daily lives. Well worth checking out.  

Location: 126 Hoang Van Thu St.

The National Oceanographic Museum of Vietnam

Established in 1922 and looking its age, the museum is set in a huge colonial complex of buildings. Signs guide the way through the various exhibits which range from leopard sharks in tanks, to a plaster cast model of a whale skeleton to an entire sea cow or manatee preserved in a huge glass case.

Other fascinating displays show Vietnam's oceanographic history. The institute sponsors ongoing research and community projects, ranging from monitoring aquatic life to developing captive breeding programs and encouraging preservation and regeneration of local coral reefs. 

Opening Hours: daily 07:00-16:30 
Location: at the southern base of the small hilltop on which Bao Dai's Villa sits 
Tel: (058) 590 037