OVERVIEW OF KHÁNH HÒA PROVINCE

Geographical Location

Khánh Hòa is a coastal province in the South Central region of Vietnam, with the following geographical borders:

• To the North, it borders Phú Yên Province.

• To the West, it borders Đắk Lắk Province.

• To the South, it borders the East Sea.

• To the East, it borders Lâm Đồng Province.

• Khánh Hòa covers a natural area of 5,197 km² and has a population of over 1.2 million people, with 36 ethnic groups living together.

Topography

Khánh Hòa has diverse topography, including mountains, forests, seas, and islands.

Mountains account for about 60% of the province's natural land area. The mountain range in Khánh Hòa runs in a Northwest-Southeast direction, with the highest peak being Hòn Bà Mountain (1,578 m).

Forests cover about 20% of the province's natural land area. Khánh Hòa has many valuable natural forests, such as Khánh Hòa National Forest, Diên Khánh Protective Forest, and Cam Lâm Protective Forest.

The sea covers a vast area, with a coastline of 385 km. Khánh Hòa has many beautiful beaches, such as Nha Trang Beach, Dốc Lết Beach, and Đại Lãnh Beach.

The islands cover an area of approximately 1,200 km², with over 200 large and small islands. Some famous islands in Khánh Hòa include Bình Ba Island, Bình Hưng Island, and Điệp Sơn Island.

Climate

Khánh Hòa has a tropical monsoon climate, with two distinct seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. The rainy season lasts from September to December, and the dry season lasts from January to August. The average annual temperature is about 26°C.

History

Khánh Hòa has a long history and rich cultural heritage, with many valuable historical and cultural relics.

In prehistoric times, Khánh Hòa was inhabited by Homo erectus around 2 million years ago.

In ancient times, Khánh Hòa was one of the centers of the Champa civilization.

In the medieval period, Khánh Hòa was one of the important regions of Đại Việt.

In modern times, Khánh Hòa has made remarkable progress, becoming one of the key provinces of Vietnam.

Economy

Khánh Hòa has a developed economy with several key sectors, including:

• Tourism is a leading economic sector in Khánh Hòa. It is one of Vietnam’s famous tourist destinations, with many scenic spots, historical sites, and cultural attractions.

• Agriculture is an important economic sector in Khánh Hòa. The province has favorable conditions for agricultural development, with a large agricultural land area, a temperate climate, and abundant water resources.

• Industry is a rapidly developing economic sector in Khánh Hòa. The province has many industrial zones and industrial clusters operating efficiently.

• The sea is a valuable resource for Khánh Hòa. The province has significant potential for developing marine-related industries, such as fisheries, marine tourism, and fishery logistics.

Culture

Khánh Hòa has a diverse and rich culture, deeply rooted in ethnic traditions:

• Folk culture in Khánh Hòa is very rich, with many traditional art forms such as bài chòi singing, hò khoan singing, and responsive singing.

• Champa culture is one of the ancient and valuable cultures of Vietnam. Khánh Hòa is home to many historical and cultural Champa relics, such as the Po Nagar Tower and Bà Ponagar Tower.

• Modern culture in Khánh Hòa is developing vigorously, with many new forms of art such as music, cinema, and theater.

1. Nha Trang Beach

Nha Trang Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam, featuring a long coastline, fine white sand, and clear blue water. It is an ideal destination for swimming, relaxing, and engaging in various seaside recreational activities.

2. Nha Phu Bay

Nha Phu Bay is a vast bay featuring many beautiful islands such as Hòn Tre, Hòn Tằm, and Hòn Mun. It is home to numerous luxury resorts, entertainment areas, and exciting nature exploration activities.

3. Ponagar Tower (Tháp Bà Ponagar)

The Ponagar Tower is an ancient Cham temple complex located on Chồng Mountain in Nha Trang City. It is one of the most important historical and cultural sites in Khánh Hòa.

4. Hòn Chồng Hòn Vợ 

Hòn Chồng Hòn Vợ is a famous scenic spot in Nha Trang, featuring two large rocks side by side, associated with a legendary love story. It is an ideal location for enjoying the sea views, taking photos, and exploring the area.

5. Vân Phong Bay

Vân Phong Bay is a vast bay with many pristine, picturesque beaches. It is an ideal destination for relaxation, vacationing, and engaging in activities like scuba diving and fishing.

6. Bình Ba Island

Bình Ba Island is a small island located in Cam Ranh Bay, known for its beautiful beaches, stunning coral reefs, and delicious fresh seafood. It is an ideal destination for those who love the sea and islands.

7. Bình Hưng Island

Bình Hưng Island is a small island in Cam Ranh Bay, featuring beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and a rich marine ecosystem. It is an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and those who love to explore the natural world.

8. Điệp Sơn Island

Điệp Sơn Island is a small island located in Vân Phong Bay, known for its unique walking path across the sea. It is an ideal spot for sightseeing, photography, and nature exploration.

9. Dốc Lết Beach

Dốc Lết Beach is a beautiful beach located about 40 km from Nha Trang City. It is famous for its fine white sand, clear blue waters, and refreshing rows of coconut trees. This beach is an ideal destination for swimming, relaxing, and enjoying various seaside recreational activities.

10. Vinpearl Land Nha Trang

Vinpearl Land Nha Trang is a modern amusement park located on Hòn Tre Island. This tourist destination features numerous exciting rides, a children's play area, an aquarium, and art performance venues. It is an ideal destination for the whole family.

Other Tourist Attractions

In addition to the 10 famous attractions, visitors can explore many other sites, including Nhạn Tower, Twin Towers, Mỹ Khánh Cham Tower, Long Sơn Pagoda, Nha Trang Cathedral, Bảo Đại Palace, Stone Church, Đá Bạc Stilt House, Cầu Đá Historical Site, Cam Ranh Bay, Hòn Ông, Hòn Xã Tắc, Hòn Yến, Dài Beach, Diên Khánh Beach, Đại Lãnh Beach, Đại Bình Beach, Ninh Hòa Beach, VinWonders Nha Trang, Vinpearl Safari Nha Trang, Vinpearl Land Nam Hội An, Nha Trang Airport, Nha Trang Railway Station, Nha Trang Night Market, Đầm Market, and Xóm Mới Market.

1. Swiftlet’s Nest (Yến sào)

Swiftlet’s Nest is a premium dish made from the nests of swiftlets. It offers numerous health benefits, such as boosting the immune system and nourishing the body. Swiftlet’s Nest can be prepared in various ways, including swiftlet’s nest soup, swiftlet’s nest porridge, and swiftlet’s nest dessert.

2. Seafood

Seafood is a must-try when visiting Khánh Hòa. The seafood in Khánh Hòa is incredibly fresh and diverse, including lobster, crab, blue crab, squid, and fish. It can be prepared in various ways, such as grilling, steaming, boiling, and stir-frying.

3. Jellyfish Noodles (Bún Sứa)  

Jellyfish Noodles (Bún Sứa) is a specialty of Nha Trang. It features a refreshing taste with a broth made from fish, jellyfish, and scallions. Jellyfish Noodles is typically served with fresh herbs, such as lettuce and aromatic herbs.

4. Vietnamese mini pancake (Bánh căn)

Bánh Căn is a traditional dish from Khánh Hòa. Made from rice flour, eggs, and scallions, these small savory cakes are typically served with sweet and sour fish sauce and scallion oil.

5. Ninh Hòa Grilled Pork (Nem Nướng Ninh Hòa)

Ninh Hòa Grilled Pork (Nem Nướng Ninh Hòa) is a famous dish from Ninh Hòa, Khánh Hòa. It is made from pork, pig skin, fat, and scallions. Nem Nướng is typically served with grilled rice paper, fresh herbs, and various accompaniments.

6. Diên Khánh Steamed Thin Rice Pancake (Bánh Ướt Diên Khánh)

Diên Khánh Steamed Thin Rice Pancake (Bánh Ướt Diên Khánh) is a specialty of Diên Khánh, Khánh Hòa. Made from rice flour and coconut milk, this dish is typically served with sweet and sour fish sauce, Vietnamese pork sausage, and pork.

7. Crispy Vietnamese Pancake (Bánh Xèo)  

Crispy Vietnamese Pancake (Bánh Xèo) is a popular dish throughout Vietnam. In Khánh Hòa, it is made from rice flour, eggs, and scallions. It is typically served with sweet and sour fish sauce and fresh herbs.

8. Chicken Rice (Cơm Gà)

Chicken Rice (Cơm Gà) is a popular dish throughout Vietnam. In Khánh Hòa, it is made from rice, chicken, and scallions. It is typically served with sweet and sour fish sauce and fresh herbs.

9. Vietnamese Thick Noodle Soup with Fish Cake (Bánh Canh Chả Cá) 

Vietnamese Thick Noodle Soup with Fish Cake (Bánh Canh Chả Cá) is a renowned dish from Nha Trang. It is made from rice flour, fish cakes, and scallions. This thick noodle soup is typically served with sweet and sour fish sauce and fresh herbs.

10. Grilled Beef at Lạc Cảnh (Bò Nướng Lạc Cảnh)

Grilled Beef at Lạc Cảnh (Bò Nướng Lạc Cảnh) is a famous dish from Nha Trang. It is made from beef and a special grilled beef sauce... This dish is typically served with bread and fresh herbs...

11. Other Dishes

In addition, Khánh Hòa also boasts many other distinctive dishes, such as: Fried fish cake noodle soup (Bún Chả Cá), Shredded fish fillet noodle soup (Bún Cá Dầm), Tuna Fish Noodles (Bún Cá Ngừ), Water fern cake  (Bánh Bèo), Flat steamed rice dumplings (Bánh Nậm), Gai Leaf Rice Cakes (Bánh Ít Lá Gai), Squid Thick Noodle Soup (Bánh Canh Mực), Grilled Clams with Salt and Chili (Ốc Móng Tay Nướng Muối Ớt), Grilled Beef Skin (Cá Bò Da Nướng), Mai Fish Salad (Gỏi Cá Mai), Tamarind Glazed Squid (Mực Rim Me), Dried Deer Meat from Diên Khánh (Nai Khô Diên Khánh), and Ninh Hòa Duck (Vịt Ninh Hòa).

IDEAL TIME TO VISIT KHÁNH HÒA

The best time to visit Khánh Hòa is from January to August when the weather is sunny, with little rain and calm seas, ideal for beach activities and entertainment. During this period, the average temperature in Khánh Hòa ranges from 25 to 30°C, making it perfect for sightseeing, swimming, and outdoor activities.

However, this is also the peak tourist season in Khánh Hòa, so service prices are generally higher compared to other times of the year.

If you want to save on costs, consider visiting Khánh Hòa in September, October, November, or December. During these months, the weather remains pleasant and cool, but prices have decreased from the peak season.

Additionally, it is advisable to check the weather forecast for Khánh Hòa before planning your trip to ensure a suitable itinerary.