Tropical beach city where turquoise waters meet French colonial architecture, seaside temples and vibrant seafood markets.
Your friend group lands in Nha Trang for three things: ridiculously cheap fresh seafood, warm turquoise water that actually lives up to Instagram, and a beach scene that doesn't feel overrun by package tourists. This coastal city hits different than Thailand's islands — fewer backpackers doing bucket challenges, more Vietnamese families grilling seafood on the sand at sunset while you join in with cold Saigon beers. The best things to do in Vietnam Nha Trang involve water. Island hopping to Hon Mun for snorkeling costs about $15 per person including lunch on a boat, mud baths at Thap Ba are weirdly fun for groups (think: mineral-rich clay pits you climb into together), and the night markets along Tran Phu Beach serve grilled scallops with scallion oil for under $2. You're not roughing it here, but you're also not dropping Bali money. Cam Ranh International Airport sits 35km south of the city. Skip the airport taxis trying to charge $25 and book a Grab van for your group trip — fits 7…