Nha Trang, a Vietnamese beach city on the south-central coast, has long lured travellers with its white-sand beaches and laid-back charm. But when I ventured beyond the postcard-perfect views, a deeper, more interesting side began to reveal itself. I found a place where heritage and hedonism coexist effortlessly, with local craftsmanship, time-honoured traditions, and a thriving food culture woven into daily life. One moment, you're sipping creamy Vietnamese milk coffee on a low roadside stool and the next, you're watching a centuries-old ritual unfold on shimmering water in the theatre.
I happen to believe food is often the gateway to a city’s soul, and in Nha Trang, it deserves real praise. Not just for its top-tier seafood, pulled straight from the bay and served with minimal fuss, but for its vibrant, balanced flavours. At Ớt Hiểm Vietnamese Kitchen, a local favourite, the flavours are bold and beautifully balanced. Grilled meats are infused with lemongrass, spring rolls come crisp and golden, and broth soups are brightened with herbs and spices. Dishes arrive generous in size and ready to be shared. After lunch, I was ready to explore more of what the city had to offer. Just a short distance away, I joined a candle and essence oil workshop at Lui&Juli, an organic soap brand. Guided by owner Juli, I followed my instincts, choosing the scents I was most drawn to. I built my blend on a grounding base of cedarwood, layered with soft rosewood and calming lavender, and topped with a refreshing hint of rosemary. The process was quiet, meditative, intuitive and more about mood than formulas. I left with two custom creations, a candle and essence oil, each tied to scent, memory, and the moment.
Continuing my sensory exploration, I moved from scent to taste. In Vietnam, coffee culture isn’t just a morning ritual, but a social affair, enjoyed late into the evening as people gather in cafés. At La Việt Coffee, a hands-on workshop introduced me to the phin coffee brewer and the art of roasting. The result? A slow, syrupy cup that felt more like a ritual than a routine to locals. Tasting four phin-based coffees in flavours like salted coffee and coconut milk side by side revealed the subtle nuances of each blend. But it wasn’t all flavour and fragrance. For a glimpse into everyday life, Nha Trang’s markets offered a vibrant window. Crowded but easy to navigate, they buzz with local chatter and the scent of fresh fish, herbs, and grilled street food. Whether you’re picking up handmade crafts or snacking on something wrapped in banana leaf, the market is where locals are effortlessly themselves.
As dusk started to fall, culture took centre stage at Do Theatre, home to Life Puppets, a modern reimagining of Vietnam’s traditional water puppetry. With live ethnic music, handcrafted puppets, and poetic storytelling, the show breathes new life into a 1,000-year-old art form. The water stage, glowing under soft lights, becomes a canvas for folklore, humour, and emotion. The show offers a window into Vietnamese art and culture, blending tradition with a creatively contemporary edge. I ended the day at Altitude Rooftop Bar at the Marriott, with sweeping views of Nha Trang’s coastline on one side and the ocean on the other. With good food, great cocktails, and a front-row seat to the horizon, it was the perfect note to close the day on.
The Westin Resort & Spa Cam Ranh
Just a 30-minute drive from Nha Trang and Cam Ranh International Airport, I found an escape along a quiet stretch of untouched shoreline at The Westin Resort & Spa Hotel in Cam Ranh. Opened in 2024, the resort is built around Westin’s six wellness pillars, Sleep Well, Eat Well, Move Well, Feel Well, Play Well, and Work Well, which subtly shaped every part of my stay without feeling prescriptive. I stayed in a spacious one-bedroom villa with my own pool, living room, and an impressively sized closet. Privacy and thoughtful design came together effortlessly, no small feat given the scale of the resort. What stood out to me was the genuine commitment to sustainability. From electric buggies and recycling programs to plastic-free packaging and menus focused on responsibly sourced ingredients and food waste reduction, it’s clear that care for the environment is built into the experience.
Mornings began with a gentle rhythm of yoga by the beach, the sun stretching across the horizon as we moved through breath and flow. It was the kind of start that prepares you for the day ahead. It then eased into workshops with afternoons spent drifting between activities or sightseeing. I took part in a Vietnamese tea ceremony led by Le Duong, founder of Đây là An Viên Trà, a tea expert deeply passionate about growing and crafting tea to preserve tradition. As she poured, she shared stories about Vietnam’s tea heritage, each sip revealing not just flavour, but history and ritual. I tasted a delicate white tea from Sơn La province and a deeper, richer black tea from Yên Bái.
The next day, I found myself at an embroidery therapy workshop hosted by, Hity, a sustainable fashion brand. I didn’t expect to be so moved by the simple act of stitching, but there was something deeply soothing about it. The workshop, designed to spotlight the art of traditional Vietnamese hand embroidery, became a moment of unexpected mindfulness. The itinerary also included a Vietnamese cooking class that turned out to be one of the most joyful experiences of the trip. Under the guidance of the Executive Chef, I learned how to make bánh xèo, which are golden, crispy savoury pancakes that crackle in the pan. I scattered herbs and vegetables into the batter, then flipped it before sitting down to enjoy it with fresh greens and dipping sauces. Cooking in this way, slow, communal, hands-on, reminded me that food, too, can be a kind of wellness. I was given a little certificate at the end, which made me smile. I tucked it into my suitcase, intending to try the recipe at home.
My evenings were just as nourishing, a continuation of the wellness thread, but focused on rest, reflection, and healing. One night, I lay down for a deeply restorative sound healing session led by meditation teacher Thao Bui of Sep’on Heartfulness. Sound healing is a practice that integrates guided meditation and the gentle resonance of sound bowls to create a holistic approach to well-being. On another, we gathered at the Presidential Villa for an Eat Well dinner, and on the final evening, dined in the gardens for a farewell meal, both celebrations of Westin’s Eat Well philosophy, brought to life through local flavours and thoughtfully crafted menus. When I wasn’t learning or making something new, I wandered aimlessly from beach to pool. Each day felt like an open invitation to ask, What do I need to feel good today?
