The vitality of Nha Trang tourism.

After three years of the pandemic, Nha Trang's tourism industry has revived. Proof of the city's tourism vitality is the resurgence of the "Western Quarter" and the bustling presence of Korean tourists on its streets…

"Western Quarter" gets a new look.

One evening in late October 2024, I visited Nha Trang's "Western Quarter." The streets of Hung Vuong, Nguyen Thien Thuat, Biet Thu, and Nguyen Thi Minh Khai were bustling with tourists. Hotels and restaurants, brightly lit, created a vibrant scene. On the streets, tour buses and taxis carrying tourists moved back and forth incessantly. Korean, Kazakhstani, and Chinese tourists strolled along the sidewalks with cheerful faces. Occasionally, groups of tourists stopped to buy souvenirs or visited spas to relax after a tiring day of exploring the seaside city. Stopping at Ell Lounge Spa & Hotel (117 Hung Vuong Street), I saw many Korean tourists enjoying a foot massage through the window. A marketing staff member said that the number of customers was much higher than before the Covid-19 pandemic. Also on this street, many souvenir shops catering to Chinese tourists had reopened, though not on the same scale as before. Ms. Thuy Oanh, owner of the A Bao souvenir shop (Hung Vuong Street), shared: “Before the pandemic, I ran a souvenir shop for Chinese tourists on Biet Thu Street. Since the end of 2023, when Chinese tourists started returning in large numbers, I reopened my shop on Hung Vuong Street. Business isn't as good as before, but it's gradually improving. Besides Chinese tourists, Kazakhstani tourists also come to buy things…”

Tourists strolling through the streets.

Walking around the "Western Quarter," it's easy to see that tourism has truly returned to its former vibrancy. I remember more than three years ago, after the most intense days of the pandemic in 2021, I stood at the intersection of Biệt Thự and Hùng Vương streets, the wind blowing fiercely. Hotels like Legend Sea, Liberty Central Nha Trang, Ibis Styles Nha Trang… were closed. But now, walking along the streets of the "Western Quarter," you easily spot groups of tourists from Korea, Kazakhstan, China, Russia, Europe, and America strolling around. Almost all the shops have reopened, although many have changed names and ownership. In conversations, many jokingly say that the "Western Quarter" now has "fewer Westerners." Many restaurants that used to cater to Russian and Western European tourists have now given way to Korean and Kazakh customers… and there are even restaurants specializing in Indian cuisine. Right at the corner of Hùng Vương and Trần Quang Khải streets, The Local bar has also been renovated and transformed into The Coral Anh's bar. Amidst soothing music, tourists chat and laugh, raising their glasses to enjoy the cool seaside atmosphere. Across the street is the luxurious Adamas Boutique Hotel, which opened just a few months ago. The rapid recovery of Nha Trang tourism has prompted many to invest heavily. On Tran Quang Khai street, many new hotels are under construction and are expected to be completed by the end of this year. Ms. Le Thi Thanh Thu, General Manager of Adamas Boutique Hotel, shared: “Compared to before the Covid-19 pandemic, the number of European, Russian, and Chinese tourists is not as high as before, but the number of Korean and Kazakhstani tourists has increased significantly, so business has improved again.”

International tourists stroll through Nha Trang's "Western Quarter".

The renewed vibrancy of the "Western Quarter" isn't just evident in the restaurants and hotels on the main streets, but also in the small alleys along Hung Vuong and Nguyen Thien Thuat roads. Here, family-run eateries and pubs have revived. It's not uncommon to see backpackers from the West sitting and drinking beer, chatting until late at night. "The customers here are diverse: Nha Trang locals, expats (foreigners living in Nha Trang), and tourists. It's like a meeting place, a spot to have a beer and chat," says Phuong Do, a connoisseur of the "Western Quarter." When asked, most vendors say business isn't as good as it was before the Covid-19 pandemic because there are fewer Western tourists. But everyone is happy that business is gradually improving.

And the freshness in "Korean Street"

Along with the revival of the "Western Quarter," Nha Trang now has a "Korean Quarter." "Korean Quarter" is a playful term used by Nha Trang locals to refer to the area near Xom Moi Market, encompassing streets such as To Hien Thanh, Ngo Thoi Nhiem, Vo Tru, Bach Dang, Hong Bang, Le Dai Hanh, and Dong Da… In recent years, with the boom in the Korean tourist market, many restaurants and eateries catering to Koreans have opened. Prominent Korean signs, charming cafes, and bakeries decorated in a Korean style create a warm and familiar atmosphere for visitors from the land of kimchi. The restaurants here are always crowded, offering diverse and appealing menus, from local dishes to authentic Korean cuisine. On Bach Dang Street, I met Baek Jong Sin (a tourist from Busan, South Korea) buying bread with his girlfriend. Striking up a conversation, he said that Nha Trang, a coastal city, is "much more beautiful than I expected." “This area has so many amenities. Everywhere you go, there are restaurants, supermarkets, massage parlors… Even when we went to a local restaurant, everything was written in Korean. That made me think this city is really convenient for Koreans to visit,” shared Baek Jong Sin.

Tourists shop at Nha Trang night market.

Images of young Korean tourists strolling, admiring the scenery, and exploring the local cuisine have become an integral part of life here. They stop in front of charming cafes, take photos next to Korean signs, and enjoy delicious sandwiches or fragrant coconut milk coffee. Mr. Le Thanh Trung, Director of Good Day Venaja Co., Ltd., said that Korean tourists often travel based on social media influence, especially with the increasing number of Korean actors and celebrities visiting Nha Trang. Their check-in moments at famous landmarks in the neighborhood create a wave of curiosity and excitement, leading many to endlessly discuss the interesting things this city has to offer. The cheerful, youthful, and vibrant atmosphere makes "Korean Street" an ideal destination for those who love cultural exchange and discovering new things.

Recently, during a tourism survey in Nha Trang - Khanh Hoa, Mr. Tony Tsai, representative of Hong Yi Travel Co., Ltd. from Taipei, Taiwan (China), was surprised by the rapid recovery of tourism in the "Land of Agarwood." After four years, Mr. Tony Tsai observed that Nha Trang has seen an increase in hotels and new entertainment venues. Even more remarkably, the city has become more culturally diverse, catering to the needs of a wider range of visitors… This is not something every tourist city can achieve!

THANH NGUYEN

Source: https://baokhanhhoa.vn/du-lich/202411/suc-song-du-lich-nha-trang-1900567/