Exploring Nha Trang is not just about enjoying its stunning beaches; it’s also an opportunity to immerse yourself in the unique history and culture of this coastal city. In this article, Boma Nha Trang introduces you to the top 5 museums in Nha Trang that you shouldn’t miss.
Oceanographic Institute Museum
Managed and operated by the Oceanographic Institute, the Oceanographic Institute Museum is located within the institute’s premises, chosen by French scientists for its unique location that gathers various tropical marine ecosystems such as mangrove forests, coral reefs, seaweed, sandy beaches, and rocky shores
Situated on Hon Mot Island, about 6 km from the city center, the Oceanographic Institute Nha Trang provides favorable conditions for research on the Southeast Asian marine ecosystem. With over 90 years of history, the institute has made significant contributions to the conservation and research of the sea. Originally established to study and collect marine species, it has evolved into a leading research institute on marine ecosystems and plays a crucial role in educating and raising awareness about the importance of the sea.
Open daily from 6 am to 6 pm, excluding holidays, the entrance fees range from 10,000 VND to 40,000 VND, depending on the visitor category. The institute offers not only indoor experiences but also outdoor marine excursions, an aquarium, and exhibits on the resources of the Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelago.
Khanh Hoa Museum
Situated at 16 Tran Phu Street, Xuan Huong Ward, Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Museum attracts visitors with its central location. Formerly known as the Phu Khanh Provincial Museum, it is a historical building constructed in French architectural style.
The museum opens from 8 am to 11 am and 2 pm to 5 pm from Monday to Friday. The entrance fees are 20,000 VND for adults, 10,000 VND for students, and free for children under 1m2.
At the museum, visitors have the opportunity to explore the history and culture of Nha Trang through thousands of original artifacts and images preserved from various historical periods. The museum also displays two large ancient stone tablets named Vo Canh and Cam Thinh Dong, along with valuable items such as stone axes, bronze drums, Champa pottery, and ancient coins.
Especially noteworthy is the recreated space of Champa pottery, introducing the architecture and culture of the Champa people. The museum holds nearly 10,000 artifacts and over 5,000 photographic documents, offering a deep experience of the unique local history and culture.
Alexandre Yersin Art Museum
Located at 10 Tran Phu Street, Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province, Alexandre Yersin Art Museum is an intriguing place for visitors to learn about the life and career of Dr. Alexandre Yersin. The museum opens from Monday to Friday, with visiting hours from 8 am to 12 pm and 2 pm to 4:30 pm. The entrance fee is 26,000 VND per person.
This museum houses numerous artifacts related to Alexandre Yersin, a famous explorer and bacteriologist. Yersin arrived in Nha Trang in 1895 and made significant contributions, from exploring the Langbiang Plateau to introducing rubber trees and quinine cultivation to Indochina. Yersin also founded the Pasteur Institute in Nha Trang and the Indochina Medical School.
Despite its small size, the museum comprehensively reproduces Yersin’s life and work, showcasing thousands of books, personal belongings, and scientific equipment used by him. Visitors have the chance to admire the tools Yersin used in his research, from telescopes to antique Leroy watches.
When visiting the museum, guests can leave memorable messages, purchase unique souvenirs, and visit Yersin’s tomb in Suoi Dau. The Alexandre Yersin Art Museum is not only an educational venue but also a place to enjoy fascinating experiences and commemorate an outstanding scientist.
Phu Vinh Ancient Village
Phu Vinh Ancient Village is located in Vinh Thanh Commune, Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province, approximately 7 km from the city center. This area preserves many ancient houses in the architectural style of the Central region, commonly known as “Bat can dan” with three rooms and 36 columns. These houses, built over 100 years ago, feature wooden doors and intricately carved column decorations.
Phu Vinh Ancient Village is renowned for its ancient Central Vietnamese architecture and is a special attraction for tourists, especially those from abroad. Visitors will feel as if they have stepped into a different world, reminiscent of a time 200 years ago. It serves as a historical and cultural tourist spot in Nha Trang, appealing to those who want to enjoy the serene atmosphere of the countryside.
Guests can appreciate the peaceful atmosphere by taking a horse-drawn carriage around the village, admiring the ancient houses and enjoying fruits in the garden. Each primitive horse-drawn carriage brings a simple and intimate touch to Vietnamese culture, making the experience enjoyable. Phu Vinh Ancient Village offers unique souvenirs like coconut shell water containers and coconut shell ladles, made from dried coconut, serving as meaningful mementos for the trip.
Nha Trang Fisheries Museum
The Nha Trang Fisheries Museum, part of the Science and Technology Institute for Marine Products, Nha Trang University, preserves the efforts of many generations of lecturers and students. They undertook long journeys to distant regions to collect and restore rare or extinct traditional Vietnamese fishing tools, along with modern fishing artifacts. As of now, the museum has more than 100 rare specimens, divided into five groups, each focusing on a different type of fishing tool.
Since 2007, the university’s fishing gear exhibition room has been transformed into a museum with an area of nearly 500m2, adding more exhibits to serve tourist groups. The museum is not only a place for cultural heritage preservation but also a fascinating and educational destination for students and visitors. Models and maps illustrating the various regional characteristics provide a comprehensive view of fishing and the territorial sea of Vietnam.
Also, check out these 5 Fishing Villages in Nha Trang
Boma Nha Trang’s article has introduced you to the top 5 unique museums in Nha Trang. To fully enjoy your stay in Nha Trang, make sure to stop by the 5-star Boma Nha Trang Resort. At Boma Nha Trang, guests can relax and enjoy a private beach, indulge in diverse cuisine at luxurious restaurants, and experience a variety of entertainment and sports activities. The professional and enthusiastic staff will ensure you have a memorable vacation.
