Activities in South Central Coast
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Vinpearl Land
Nha Trang’s answer to Disneyland (well, sort of) the island resort of Vinpearl Land has fun-fair rides, a water park, arcade games and plenty of other attractions to keep the kiddies amused. There is also an Underwater World aquarium here, but that costs another 60,000/45,000d per adult/child. It’s certainly not a world-class adventure park, but it will keep children amused for a full day, and includes the world’s longest over-the-sea cable car (oooh!) and the biggest wave pool in Southeast Asia (ahhh!). The leading attraction is undoubtedly the water park, with more than 20 serious slides for adrenalin-seekers.
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Thap Ba Hot Spring Center
If hot muddy water is your thing, Thap Ba Hot Spring Center is one of the most fun experiences on offer here. For 180,000d you can sit in a wooden bathtub full of hot thermal mud, or for 60,000d per person you can slop around with a group of friends in a larger pool. The centre also has private mineral baths (50,000d) and a large outdoor heated swimming pool complete with thermal waterfalls (free with a mud or mineral bath, 30,000d otherwise). To get here, follow the signpost on the second road to the left past the Po Nagar Cham Towers and follow the winding road for 2.5km.
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Novotel Ocean Dunes & Golf Resort
Serious golfers might like to try Novotel Ocean Dunes & Golf Resort, sitting pretty between the golf course and a private stretch of beach. The hotel’s Seahorse Restaurant is the best restaurant in town, serving up local seafood (dishes US$5 to US$15). There is also a branch of Mogambo’s (which is a popular spot in Saigon) in the clubhouse, overlooking the green. Discounted golf packages, including accommodation, are available from just US$110.
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Vietnam Scuba
Vietnam Scuba is an attractive and well-appointed Korean-run dive centre on a private beach about 3.5km south of Ca Na, easy to spot from the highway. This is very much a by-Koreans for-Koreans resort, but serious scuba divers – and kimchi (pickled cabbage) lovers – will appreciate the set-up and some of the best diving in Vietnam. Marine life includes big fish, manta rays, barracuda and sharks.
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Fairy Spring
The Fairy Spring is really a stream that flows through a patch of dunes with interesting sand and rock formations. It's a beautiful trek wading up the stream from the sea to its source, though it might be wise to hire a local guide. You can do the trek barefoot, but if you're heading out into the big sand dunes, you'll need leather soles on your feet; sandals are even questionable during the midday sun.
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Long Phu Tourist
If you’re not part of a tour, head 15km north of Nha Trang on Hwy 1A to Long Phu Tourist, easily spotted by the huge colourful dragons forming the entrance, not far from a pagoda. Boats will ferry you to the island for 65,000d (15 minutes). Other destinations reached from here include Hoa Lan Springs on Hon Heo (50,000d, 45 minutes) and Hon Thi (30,000d, 20 minutes).
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Ocean Dunes Golf Club
The main attraction of Phan Thiet is the Ocean Dunes Golf Club, a top-notch 18-hole, par 72 course designed by Nick Faldo, near the beachfront at the Novotel. Very reasonably priced golf package tours are available if you book from Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) – visit the website or contact the resort’s HCMC marketing office.
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Con Se Tre
Con Se Tre offers tours to Hon Tre, which include a visit to Vinpearl Land, a look around the village and lunch (from US$17 per person), and snorkelling trips to Hon Mun (from $US15 per person). It also charters speed boats (from US$50) and wooden boats (from US$40), including snorkels and a guide.
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Waves Watersports
If salt water is your thing, check out Waves Watersports. Offering windsurfing, sea kayaking, wakeboarding, water-skiing and sailing lessons, Waves uses state-of-the-art equipment and has access to some great surfing spots in Cam Ranh Bay.
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Hoan Cau Resort
A bizarre local attraction is the Hoan Cau Resort, where Disneyland meets Vietnamese folklore. Hilarious plaster statues adorn the grounds and rooms are shaped like tree stumps. A brief visit is more enjoyable than actually staying here.
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Mana Mana Beach Club
If salt water is your thing, check out Mana Mana Beach Club. Offering windsurfing, sea kayaking, wakeboarding and sailing lessons, Mana Mana uses state-of-the-art equipment and has access to some great surfing spots in Cam Ranh Bay.
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Airwaves
Airwaves, based at the Sailing Club, is an outfit offering kitesurfing, windsurfing and sailing lessons, plus equipment rentals.
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Rainbow Divers
The longest-running dive company in Vietnam, operating out of five centres nationwide. Here at HQ, there is also a popular restaurant and bar.
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Phu Dong Water Park
Right on the beachfront, Phu Dong Water Park has hydroslides, shallow pools and fountains if salt water is not your thing.
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Windchimes
Windchimes is a reliable option, operating out of Saigon Mui Ne Resort at 56 Ð Nguyen Dinh Chieu.
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Crazy Kim Spa & Gym
Helping to fund the ‘Hands off the Kids!’ campaign run by Kimmy Le, this is indulgence for a good cause.
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Sailing Club Divers
Formerly Octopus Diving, this is the underwater arm of the famous Sailing Club.
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Sinh Café
Sinh Cafe Offers bargain basement local tours as well as open-tour buses.
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Khanh Hoa Tours
Offers various tour programmes, including boat trips.
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Vietnam Explorer
A PADI dive centre with a good reputation in Vietnam.
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Su Spa
A designer spa with a range of scrubs, rubs and tubs.
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Deep Blue Diving
Popular seafront company for recreational dives.
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