Nha Trang was once a traditional Vietnamese town with wonderful beaches and funny shaped trees but since a low cost air route opened direct from here to Moscow it's transformed into a tourist hotspot for Russians. And they're everywhere! All of the shops and restaurants are designed to accommodate them with the names and menus translated into Russian first. It's odd that somewhere in the centre of Vietnam can feel so Eastern European.
Needless to say Nha Trang lacks the cultural activities that we've found elsewhere but there was still plenty to fill our time with. The first was a visit to the Thap Ba Spa to soak in the mud baths. Ironically it's the cleanest I've felt since we left London and once the mud had washed away our skin was left feeling silky smooth.
Another day we spent at Vin Pearl, an island a few hundred metres from the coast which has been turned into an all-in-one water park, theme park and arcade. It's only accessible via cable car which we found to be one of the best attractions!
Finally we ventured out one evening to test out the nightlife here and we weren't disappointed. After a few drinks at our hostel bar we headed down to the Sailing Club where there was a massive beach party being held. It was expensive to get in but like all the backpackers there we snuck in around the back from the beach and quickly lost ourselves on the dance floor. The evening ended with Hana being serenaded to Britney Spears, me falling asleep in the toilet and the Kiwis getting naked again. Successful on all accounts, I think.
We've enjoyed Nha Trang but we're looking forward to heading further up North now where we'll find the 'real' Vietnam again.
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