Nha Trang belongs to Khanh Hoa, not Ninh Thuan, after the 2025 merger

Nha Trang is in Khanh Hoa Province, in Central Vietnam's South Central Coast region. Following Vietnam's administrative restructuring in 2025, the province retained the name Khanh Hoa, while the former city-level administrative area of Nha Trang was reorganized into new wards. You can still search for Nha Trang as usual when planning a trip, but official addresses need the updated ward names.

Which province is Nha Trang in after the 2025 merger?

Nha Trang belongs to Khanh Hoa Province, just as it did before the administrative changes in 2025. What changed was the size of the province and its internal administrative structure, not Nha Trang's geographical location.

On June 12, 2025, Vietnam's National Assembly adopted a resolution merging the former provinces of Khanh Hoa and Ninh Thuan into a single province named Khanh Hoa Province. The new provincial administration officially began operating on July 1, 2025.

Photo: Windrain

Here is how the changes affect Nha Trang.

After the merger, Khanh Hoa Province covers 8,555.86 square kilometers and has a population of 2,243,554.

An older guidebook or hotel listing that says "Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province" doesn't mean the destination has moved. The familiar coastal city, its beaches, islands, railway station, markets and tourist attractions are still in the same places. What you need to pay attention to is the official administrative address.

Does Nha Trang City still exist as an administrative unit?

Before July 2025, Nha Trang City was a district-level administrative unit within Khanh Hoa Province.

On July 1, 2025, Vietnam began operating a two-tier local government system consisting of provincial and commune-level administrations. The former district-level administrative structure was discontinued, so Nha Trang City is no longer a district-level administrative unit in the same legal sense.

Nha Trang remains a widely used geographical and tourism name. You will continue to see expressions such as "Nha Trang city center," "Nha Trang hotels" and "Nha Trang beach" on maps, booking platforms and travel websites.

These names are useful when looking for accommodation or planning a trip. Official documents need the correct ward or commune under the new administrative system.

Where is Nha Trang located in Vietnam?

Nha Trang sits on Vietnam's eastern coastline, facing the East Sea, internationally known as the South China Sea. The area is known for its combination of urban beaches, offshore islands, hills and sheltered bays. Unlike some beach destinations where the resorts are located far from town, Nha Trang has a long public beach directly beside its urban center.

Photo: Nguyenhai314; © OpenStreetMap contributors

If you are looking at a map of Vietnam from north to south, the major reference points are:

• Hanoi is in Northern Vietnam.
• Da Nang is in Central Vietnam, north of Nha Trang.
• Nha Trang lies farther south along the central coast.
• Ho Chi Minh City is to the southwest, in Southeastern Vietnam.

Tran Phu Street is one of the easiest landmarks for identifying central Nha Trang. This coastal road runs alongside the city's main beach, with hotels, restaurants, parks and public beach access along the way.

Photo: ntt (P4ntt)

Offshore, the bay contains several islands, including Hon Tre, home to the VinWonders Nha Trang entertainment complex. North of the city center is the Hon Chong area. Farther south, the coastline leads toward the tourist boat departure area and the road connecting Nha Trang with Cam Ranh.

Start a general search by entering "Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa, Vietnam" into Google Maps or another navigation app. Once you have chosen a hotel, use its exact street address rather than simply searching for Nha Trang. The tourism area extends well beyond the central beachfront, and not every hotel advertised as being in Nha Trang is within walking distance of the sea.

Is Nha Trang in Central or Southern Vietnam?

Nha Trang is in Central Vietnam, specifically the South Central Coast region. This is the standard geographical classification when Vietnam is divided into three broad regions: North, Central and South.

Nha Trang is relatively far south along the central coastline, which explains why some international visitors assume it belongs to Southern Vietnam. Geographically, however, it is part of the Central region.

Internationally, the location can be written as Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province, South Central Coast, Vietnam. Here, Khanh Hoa Province is the administrative unit, while South Central Coast describes the geographical region. The latter is not a separate level of local government.

Another common point of confusion is Da Nang. Both Da Nang and Nha Trang are major coastal destinations in Central Vietnam, but they are separate places. Da Nang is approximately 520-530 km north of Nha Trang by road, depending on the route.

What are Nha Trang's new wards after the 2025 administrative changes?

From July 1, 2025, the former administrative area of Nha Trang City was reorganized into four new wards, Nha Trang, Bac Nha Trang, Tay Nha Trang and Nam Nha Trang, under a resolution issued by the National Assembly Standing Committee on June 16, 2025.

Anyone completing an address form needs this change more than the province merger itself.

The new names roughly describe the location of each ward, but do not guess a ward simply because an address appears to be north or south of the city center. Official boundaries are based on the former administrative units included in each merger.

01

Nha Trang Ward: the central area

Van Thanh, Loc Tho, Vinh Nguyen, Tan Tien, Phuoc Hoa

Photo: cloud.shepherd (Brian Miner)

The new Nha Trang Ward was formed from five former wards: Van Thanh, Loc Tho, Vinh Nguyen, Tan Tien and Phuoc Hoa.

This area contains much of the city's central commercial and tourist activity. The ward People's Committee and Public Administrative Service Center are located at 42 Le Thanh Ton Street, useful if you need an administrative office rather than a tourist attraction.

A hotel previously registered in Loc Tho Ward, for example, now has an administrative address in Nha Trang Ward. The same applies to addresses formerly belonging to Van Thanh, Tan Tien, Phuoc Hoa and Vinh Nguyen.

02

Bac Nha Trang Ward: northern Nha Trang

Home to Hon Chong and the northern coast

Photo: Can't stop shooting film from Nha Trang, Vietnam

Bac Nha Trang, meaning North Nha Trang, includes the former administrative areas of Vinh Hoa, Vinh Hai, Vinh Phuoc, Vinh Tho, Vinh Luong and Vinh Phuong.

Visitors will know this area for its well-known locations in the northern part of Nha Trang, including Hon Chong and parts of the northern coastline.

Hotels around Hon Chong suit travelers who prefer to stay away from the busiest sections of Tran Phu Street. Check the actual distance to 2/4 Square and the main restaurant streets before booking. Although the address still says Nha Trang, getting into the center may require a taxi or ride-hailing service.

04

Nam Nha Trang Ward: southern Nha Trang

Home to the tourist port in former Vinh Truong

Photo: Tour Đảo Nha Trang

Nam Nha Trang, meaning South Nha Trang, includes the former areas of Phuoc Hai, Phuoc Long, Vinh Truong, Vinh Thai and Phuoc Dong.

The southern part of the urban area connects with port facilities, residential neighborhoods and major roads heading toward Cam Ranh. This matters when booking island tours. Some tours depart from Nha Trang Tourist Port in the former Vinh Truong area, but the exact meeting point depends on the operator.

Not every hotel in southern Nha Trang is close to the boat departure point. Check the port name, meeting time and pickup arrangements on your booking confirmation.

How should you write a Nha Trang address after the merger?

For example, Nha Trang Railway Station is located at 17 Thai Nguyen Street, formerly in Tan Tien Ward. Its updated administrative address can be written as Nha Trang Railway Station, 17 Thai Nguyen Street, Nha Trang Ward, Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam.

Photo: Dragfyre

Before the restructuring, the address was commonly written as Nha Trang Railway Station, 17 Thai Nguyen Street, Tan Tien Ward, Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam.

Both versions may appear on travel websites or maps published at different times. New official paperwork should use the current administrative structure.

What should you enter when booking a hotel or completing a form?

There are three common situations.

When booking accommodation: Search for Nha Trang as your destination. Most hotel platforms continue to use the familiar city name. Once you select a property, check its street address and updated ward.

When completing an official administrative form: Select Khanh Hoa Province, followed by the appropriate ward or commune. Do not automatically add "Nha Trang City" if the form uses the new two-tier administrative system.

When arranging a taxi, delivery or hotel pickup: Provide the updated address together with the hotel's name and a map pin. A driver often gets more from the exact location than from the ward name alone.

An older address mentioning Loc Tho, Vinh Phuoc or Phuoc Long should be compared with the 2025 administrative changes before you enter the new one.

How should international travelers write a Nha Trang address?

On English-language forms with fields such as Address Line, Ward, Province and Country, use the following structure.

Some international booking platforms may still show Nha Trang in the City field. That is normal for a travel destination name and does not change the province to which the location belongs.

If a website has not updated its ward list, use the verified address provided by your hotel and keep a copy of the map location. Official applications follow the administrative categories displayed by the relevant government service.

Does Nha Trang have an airport?

Nha Trang does not have a commercial airport operating regular passenger flights within its central urban area. The airport serving Nha Trang is Cam Ranh International Airport, with the IATA code CXR.

Photo: Kontrollstellekundl

Cam Ranh Airport is south of Nha Trang, in the Cam Ranh area of Khanh Hoa Province, and its current administrative address is in Bac Cam Ranh Ward. The airport is approximately 35 km from central Nha Trang. A typical car journey takes about 45-60 minutes, although the exact time depends on traffic, weather and the location of your hotel.

When searching for flights from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, booking websites may display the destination as "Nha Trang" or "Nha Trang/Cam Ranh." The airport code is the detail that matters: CXR. Ignore any other airport that appears close to Nha Trang on a map.

Why is the airport called Cam Ranh instead of Nha Trang?

Nha Trang previously had an airport within its urban area, but that facility had limitations related to space and aviation operations.

On May 19, 2004, Cam Ranh Airport received its first civilian flight from Hanoi, replacing civilian air services previously operating at Nha Trang Airport.

That is why people commonly say they are "flying to Nha Trang" even though their flight actually lands at Cam Ranh. After arriving, passengers continue by road to their hotels in Nha Trang.

Does Cam Ranh Airport have an international terminal?

Yes. Cam Ranh is an international airport that handles domestic and international flights according to the routes operating at a particular time.

Photo: Ed Crystal

Check the terminal information on your ticket before departure, along with the airline's check-in instructions.

International arrivals connecting through Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City should review the full itinerary carefully, because checked luggage may not automatically transfer to Cam Ranh. Baggage handling depends on the airlines, ticket arrangements and connection.

How do you get from Cam Ranh Airport to Nha Trang?

The usual road journey from Cam Ranh Airport to Nha Trang follows Nguyen Tat Thanh Boulevard before connecting with the southern neighborhoods and central streets.

The main transport options are airport buses, taxis and private transfers.

Airport bus: good for solo travelers with light luggage

VinBus route 16-2 connects Cam Ranh International Airport with the Vinpearl Nha Trang area. Its route passes through Nguyen Tat Thanh, Nguyen Duc Canh, Hoang Dieu and Tran Phu.

The route opened on December 24, 2024, and the 2026 fare is VND 50,000 per passenger, one way. The airport pickup area is near columns 8-9 along the passenger waiting road.

The operating window is 5:50 AM to 11:00 PM, although the first and last departures differ by direction. Check the current VinBus timetable before traveling, particularly for flights arriving early in the morning or late at night.

The bus is convenient for hotels near one of its stops. With large luggage and a considerable walk from the route, a taxi may be worth the additional cost.

Airport bus route 18, operated by Dat Moi, also connects Cam Ranh Airport with central Nha Trang, at VND 75,000 for a regular ticket and VND 100,000 for VIP since March 26, 2026, though some places still list VND 50,000, so ask at the counter. Its departure times and stopping points should be confirmed directly with the operator for your travel date.

Taxi or private transfer: easier for families and groups

For two to four travelers, especially those with children or several suitcases, compare the total cost of a taxi or pre-booked transfer with the combined bus fares.

The main advantage is door-to-door transport. You can go directly from the airport to your hotel without changing vehicles or walking with luggage from a bus stop.

Photo: Shansov.net ([Tycho])

Before getting into a taxi, confirm the total fare, luggage arrangements and destination. If you book through a ride-hailing app, check that the license plate matches the vehicle shown on the app.

For late arrivals, arranging transport in advance can make the journey easier. Allow time for immigration, baggage collection and leaving the terminal. A flight's scheduled landing time is not the same as the time you will be ready to board a bus or taxi.

Should you rent a motorbike at Cam Ranh Airport?

Renting a motorbike immediately after landing is rarely the most practical option on a first visit to Nha Trang.

The approximately 35 km journey includes roads with relatively fast-moving traffic, and carrying a suitcase on a motorbike is inconvenient. Taking a car to your hotel is generally the easier choice after a flight.

To explore Nha Trang by motorbike, consider renting one after checking in. Make sure you hold a valid license for the vehicle you intend to ride and follow Vietnam's traffic regulations.

Are Cam Ranh and Nha Trang the same place?

No. Cam Ranh and Nha Trang are different geographical areas within Khanh Hoa Province. Nha Trang is the well-known coastal urban destination around Nha Trang Bay, with its beachfront hotels, city restaurants, attractions and boat excursions.

Photo: L.K.Phung

Cam Ranh lies farther south and is associated with Cam Ranh International Airport, Cam Ranh Bay and the resort developments around Bai Dai Beach.

Following the 2025 administrative restructuring, both areas remain in Khanh Hoa Province, although they are organized into different wards and communes.

This distinction matters most when choosing accommodation. A resort advertised as "Cam Ranh, Nha Trang" may be located near Bai Dai or along the airport road rather than beside Tran Phu Beach.

Eating at restaurants in central Nha Trang every evening, exploring local markets and walking along the beachfront are all easier from the city center.

Time by the pool, relaxing in a resort and fewer trips outside the property point to Bai Dai. You will also have a shorter journey between many Bai Dai resorts and the airport.

How far is Nha Trang from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang?

The distance to Nha Trang depends on where you start and which transport route you take. Road, railway and air distances are different, so one number cannot accurately describe every journey. The following approximate road distances are useful for understanding the scale of a trip.

Actual travel distances vary depending on the departure address, road conditions and route.

Hanoi to Nha Trang

Hanoi is approximately 1,300 km from Nha Trang by road. For a holiday lasting three to five days, flying is usually the most time-efficient choice.

Search for flights from Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) to Cam Ranh International Airport (CXR). A direct flight typically takes around two hours, excluding check-in, baggage collection and the transfer from Cam Ranh to Nha Trang.

The alternative is a train from Hanoi Railway Station to Nha Trang Railway Station. This journey normally takes more than a day, depending on the service. A train makes sense with extra time, a love of long-distance rail travel or a wish to experience part of Vietnam's North-South railway.

A long-distance sleeper bus is another possibility, but the journey is demanding. On a short holiday, the time spent on the road can take up a considerable part of the trip.

Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang

Central Ho Chi Minh City is approximately 440-450 km from Nha Trang by road. This is a manageable distance for an overnight sleeper bus or train.

Travel commonly takes around 7-10 hours, depending on the vehicle, route, traffic and service.

For rail travel, select Saigon Railway Station as your departure point and Nha Trang Railway Station as your destination. Air travelers can look for services between Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) and Cam Ranh International Airport (CXR), subject to the schedules available for your dates.

For a weekend trip, an overnight train or sleeper bus can save some daytime travel. Check your arrival time against your hotel's check-in policy. Reaching Nha Trang early in the morning may leave you with several hours before your room becomes available.

Da Nang to Nha Trang

Da Nang is approximately 520-530 km north of Nha Trang by road. Both cities are connected by Vietnam's North-South railway, making the train worth considering for travelers exploring multiple destinations along the central coast.

You can travel from Da Nang Railway Station to Nha Trang Railway Station without needing to return to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.

Long-distance buses are another option. Check the exact pickup and drop-off locations when booking. A bus service advertised as going to Nha Trang may stop at an operator's office or another designated point rather than near your beachfront hotel.

An itinerary with Da Nang, Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh City usually avoids unnecessary backtracking in a north-to-south or south-to-north sequence.

Is taking the train to Nha Trang more convenient than flying?

One advantage of arriving by train is that Nha Trang Railway Station is close to the city center, at 17 Thai Nguyen Street in Nha Trang Ward. From there, a taxi or ride-hailing car can take you to most central hotels without a long airport-style transfer.

The difference becomes clearer when comparing the total journey from your departure point to your hotel. With a flight, you need to account for the journey to the departure airport, check-in, security, boarding, baggage collection and the approximately 35 km transfer from Cam Ranh Airport to Nha Trang. The train itself takes longer, but you arrive within the urban area.

Photo: Dragfyre

From Ho Chi Minh City, a sleeper train is worth comparing with a flight, especially when the schedule allows you to travel overnight. A sleeper berth gives you room to lie down, and passengers can move around the train and use the onboard toilets.

From Hanoi, the time difference is much greater. Flying is generally more practical when you have limited annual leave or a short itinerary.

Whichever option you choose, remember three separate locations:

• Nha Trang Railway Station is inside the Nha Trang urban area.
• Cam Ranh International Airport serves Nha Trang but is located outside the city center.
• Cam Ranh is not the new name for Nha Trang following the administrative merger.

Where should first-time visitors stay in Nha Trang?

Knowing which province Nha Trang belongs to helps you locate it on a map. Choosing the right hotel, however, depends far more on the neighborhood and actual travel distances. The new ward names are useful for addresses, but they should not be your only guide when booking accommodation.

01

For beaches, restaurants and evening walks

Near Tran Phu Beach and 2/4 Square

Photo: Vinpearl

Look for accommodation near Tran Phu Beach, 2/4 Square or central streets such as Hung Vuong, Nguyen Thien Thuat and Biet Thu. This area is practical for a typical first visit. You can swim or walk along the beach in the morning, have breakfast at a nearby restaurant and return to the waterfront after sunset.

Some hotels a few streets inland do not have sea views but are still within easy walking distance of the beach. That can be a reasonable trade-off if you expect to spend most of your day outside rather than sitting on your balcony.

A description such as "central Nha Trang hotel" is not enough. Open the map and check the actual walking route between the property and Tran Phu Beach.

Common mistakes when locating Nha Trang on a map

Several older place names and administrative labels continue to appear on travel websites, accommodation platforms and online maps. That can be confusing, particularly for visitors checking addresses from different sources.

• Mistaking Nha Trang for a province. Nha Trang is not a province. It is a geographical and urban destination within Khanh Hoa Province.
• Assuming Nha Trang became part of Ninh Thuan. The former provinces of Khanh Hoa and Ninh Thuan were merged into a new province named Khanh Hoa. Nha Trang did not move into a province called Ninh Thuan.
• Confusing Nha Trang Ward with the entire Nha Trang urban area. The new Nha Trang Ward covers only part of the former city. Other sections are now administered as Bac Nha Trang, Tay Nha Trang and Nam Nha Trang.
• Assuming Cam Ranh Airport is downtown. The airport is approximately 35 km from central Nha Trang. You need additional time and transport to reach most city hotels.
• Classifying Nha Trang as Southern Vietnam. Under Vietnam's usual three-region division, Nha Trang belongs to Central Vietnam, specifically the South Central Coast.

For international visitors, the clearest search terms are often "Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa, Vietnam" for the destination and "Cam Ranh International Airport (CXR)" for flights.

Tourism names and administrative names serve different purposes. The familiar name Nha Trang helps you find the destination. The updated ward name identifies the official administrative address.

What should you check before your first trip to Nha Trang?

Once you understand where Nha Trang is and which province it belongs to, the rest of the planning becomes more straightforward.

1. Step 1

   Choose your transport

   Start by choosing how you will get there. Travelers from Hanoi will usually want to compare flights to Cam Ranh. Those coming from Ho Chi Minh City have several practical choices, including trains and sleeper buses.

2. Step 2

   Choose your accommodation

   Next, choose your accommodation based on where you actually want to spend your time. Swimming, eating out and sightseeing in town point to the area near Tran Phu Beach. A holiday spent mostly at a resort points to Bai Dai or another suitable resort area around Cam Ranh.

3. Step 3

   Save the address

   After booking, check the property's updated ward and save its location on your phone. Keep a copy of the hotel address, contact number and any pickup instructions. This is especially useful when different websites display old and new administrative names.

4. Step 4

   Plan the airport run

   When flying, plan the journey between Cam Ranh Airport and your accommodation in advance. For an early departure, calculate the drive from your hotel to the airport as well as the time required for airline check-in and security. Do not base your departure solely on the scheduled flight time.

5. Step 5

   Watch the weather

   During periods of heavy rain, monitor weather advisories and transport operator announcements. Boat excursions and other sea activities may be changed or suspended when conditions are unsafe.

If you are choosing between the old address format, "Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province," and the new one, use the current ward name followed by Khanh Hoa Province for official addresses. For hotels, directions and flights, you can still search for Nha Trang as usual, with Cam Ranh International Airport (CXR) as the airport serving the destination.