A Meaningful Journey to Nha Trang: Culture, Nature, Giving, Celebration, and Family Memories
A Special Vacation to Nha Trang
A special vacation is one filled with fond memories, joy, and quality time with loved ones. After our trip to Ninh Binh, my parents’ company, LuxGroup, planned a new journey — this time to Nha Trang, a coastal city in Khanh Hoa Province, Central Vietnam.
Khanh Hoa, once part of Ninh Thuan, is now a thriving province with Nha Trang as its centerpiece. Thanks to its diverse natural landscapes — beaches, forests, mountains, and plains — Nha Trang has grown into one of the most developed cities in Vietnam, with opportunities across tourism, marine economy, and culture.
Our trip began early, at 4:15 AM. Everyone gathered at LuxGroup headquarters before heading to Noi Bai International Airport. Unfortunately, our flight was delayed due to unexpected issues, but after four hours of waiting, we were finally ready to board. The flight from Hanoi to Nha Trang took nearly two hours.
Upon arrival, we picked up our luggage and began our city tour. Nha Trang welcomed us with sunshine, a salty breeze, and endless possibilities.
Cultural Exploration: Long Son Pagoda and Ponagar Tower
Our first stop was Long Son Pagoda, a spiritual sanctuary famous for its giant white Buddha statue perched on a hilltop. Located on the bank of the Cai River, this sacred site offered a journey into the world of Buddhism. We admired its classical East Asian architecture and learned about its history. “This region is home to many pagodas and monks like Thích Minh Tuệ who retreat to the mountains for meditation,” my father said.
Next, we visited Ponagar Tower, located at 2/4 Street. With over 160,000 visitors annually, this complex of ancient red-brick Cham temples showcases exquisite carvings and Hindu sculptures. The tallest tower honors Po Nagar, the Mother Goddess of the Cham people who is believed to have taught them farming. Ten large and twelve smaller columns stand in front of the main temple, used during festivals for ritual offerings.
We took group photos, listened to our tour guide explain the Cham culture, and discovered new insights at each heritage site.
Natural Beauty: Hon Chong and Sunset Dining
Our final stop for the day was Hon Chong, a poetic rocky beach where the sky melted into the sea. It became my favorite destination of the trip. The scenic beauty, combined with warm drinks and gentle sea breeze, was magical.
In the evening, we returned to Libra Hotel, freshened up, and dressed for dinner at Lantern Garden Restaurant. Its lush ambiance, Vietnamese cuisine, and artistic lighting created a delightful dining experience. We laughed, bonded, and enjoyed the delicious food before heading back to the hotel, satisfied after a productive day filled with culture, beauty, and good food.
Day 2: Vinh Hy Bay and Giving Back
Day 2 began with breakfast and a bus ride to Vinh Hy Bay in what was once Ninh Thuan Province. Nestled near Nui Chua National Park, Vinh Hy is known for its sunny climate, rocky islands, and the luxurious Amanoi Resort, which we could see from our boat.
On the way, we stopped at a local primary school where students lacked basic learning conditions. With the support of teachers, we donated books and gifts. “Giving is receiving,” I thought as we played, laughed, and took photos with the children. I realized how lucky I am to have so much — and how important it is to share.
Later, we boarded a speedboat, barefooted on Rua Beach, and swam in the crystal waters. We had a seafood lunch at a floating restaurant in the middle of the bay — a first in my life. It was delicious and unforgettable.
Heading back to Nha Trang, we stopped at a vineyard to taste fresh grapes and chat with locals. My father shared, “This 500 km stretch from Van Phong to Cam Ranh is Vietnam’s most scenic coastal road — perfect for maritime tourism.”
Evening Market and Culinary Delights
Back in Nha Trang, we washed up and had dinner together. The meal included grilled fish, oysters with cheese, and scallops — all local specialties. After dinner, we explored night markets, which attract over 1,000 visitors daily and are now a hallmark of Nha Trang’s culture.
Day 3: Teambuilding, Cruise, and Celebration
The final day was filled with teambuilding activities like tug-of-war, beach volleyball, and swimming. Some relaxed at the hotel, but I joined the fun. At noon, we had lunch at Yến Sào Seaside Restaurant, where the view was stunning and the food — pork belly, fried fish, morning glory, and squid — was fresh and savory. We even fed pigeons at the beach!
That evening marked a grand highlight — a gala dinner aboard Emperor Cruises Legend, LuxGroup’s newly launched cruise ship. My cousins and I explored the ship, admired the ocean view, and enjoyed the romantic symphonies.
The upper deck came alive with a light party and heartfelt speeches. My parents shared their reflections on LuxGroup’s 20-year journey. I was moved by the message: Don’t give up. Learn from mistakes. Stay determined. These words inspired me to try harder in life.
An award ceremony honored outstanding contributors. We then danced, sang, and enjoyed luxurious dishes — scallops, beefsteak, and shrimp.
Just then, I received the best news of all — I had passed my high school entrance exam and got into my dream school! Everyone cheered. I’ll never forget that moment.
Later, we played games, sang birthday songs, and watched fireworks light up the cruise. Around 10 PM, we returned to the hotel. On the bus, people laughed, shared stories, and one person even stood up to thank the group for the unforgettable journey.
Homecoming and Reflection
The next day, after a quick nap, we flew back to Hanoi. We arrived around 8:30 PM, collected our luggage, and returned home with hearts full of memories.
This trip to Nha Trang brought me not only joy and excitement but also deep reflection. I learned about Vietnam’s natural beauty, cultural richness, and the value of giving. It wasn’t just a vacation — it was a life lesson.
With 20 years of LuxGroup’s inspiring journey behind this trip, I feel motivated to study harder and live more confidently. The memories, stories, and photos are now treasures I’ll carry with me forever — a double happiness I will always remember.
By Pham Duc Minh
