Liên Phan is from Nha Trang, a coastal city that has transformed from a laid-back fishing town to one of Vietnam's hottest beach destinations. Liên is a lecturer at Nha Trang University, and is part of the behind-the-scenes team at Skylight Nha Trang. Here she shares her experience of growing up with Nha Trang, and the best her city has to offer.

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What was it like growing up in Nha Trang?

There were not that many people out in the street back then, now people are busier but they are not different. A bit shy to talk with strangers but still nice and friendly. All that’s different is the outside: more cars, motorbikes and big buildings. Now it’s less easy to communicate downtown because it's always busy, but in the local areas I can still talk to anyone anytime.

How do you feel about the changes that have come to Nha Trang?

I feel very positive about it. Nowadays, I see a lot more modern things, like skyscrapers and big buildings. Nha Trang is more and more modern. Of course I also worry because it's happening so fast.

Before, I wanted to move somewhere else, but the older I get the more I love this city. I lived in Saigon once, but it was too busy and noisy for me. Nha Trang is a great place for people to relax. Life here is so peaceful, it’s not slow at all, but it’s still so peaceful.

What are some must-try dishes here?

If you come to Nha Trang, but you never try bò nướng Lạc Cảnh, then you haven’t really been to Nha Trang. It’s a must! Try the restaurant on Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm street. They cut the beef into squares, marinate it in chili, fish sauce, and honey, and grill it on the barbecue and it's even greater with bread. Also, visitors should eat bánh căn, too.

What are some of the best things to do when in Nha Trang?

You should take a tour to the four islands. The tour costs around 200,000 VND. They pick you up at 7am and drop you off at 4pm. The tour goes to four islands to see the beauty of sea, like coral reefs. At lunch, all the tour companies gather together to eat. The captains surprisingly become oddly amazing emcees during lunch! They make jokes and dance with the guests on the boats, it’s really fun.

For a private tour, I recommend going to mountains and waterfalls. It’s a beautiful ride by motorbike and you can find peace along the way.

Where would we find you on a Sunday afternoon?

For me, probably at home! Monday to Friday, in the afternoon, I like to go to the beach and meditate after work. I used to bring my mat and practice yoga on the beach. If I’m not at home, I go to eat seafood with my sister and my niece. We like to go to Ốc at hẻm 34 Nguyễn Thiện Thuật for barbecue seafood. It’s not a fancy place, but I love it.

Where can people go for a wellness experience in Nha Trang? Do you have a favourite spa?

TyMy Spa and Pure Vietnam. I like them both. Pure Vietnam is more western-style and standard, their foot and body massages are really great. The hair and facial wash at TyMy is awesome too.

What’s the perfect night out in Nha Trang?

Skylight's Skydeck & Rooftop Beach Club is beautiful and perfect for watching the sunset. You can eat and drink a little bit there, then go to small bars in town, or Vietnamese drinking places called "quán nhậu". They're pretty cheap and so Vietnamese! If you get hungry again, go eat some delicious barbecue at street restaurants. Then head out to another bar or club, like Sailing Club on the beach.

For Vietnamese people when partying, we like to go to karaoke or a coffee shop after eating. In Vietnam, people love coffee at the end of the night.

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