'Vinpearl' spell out the giant white letters across the bay from mainland Nha Trang, marking the location of a massive theme park and recreation area that is best reached via a scenic cable car ride (the world's longest sea-crossing cable car at 3.3km long). There is plenty to discover: from thrilling 'dry' rides such as the Sky Wheel and ZipLine to the extensive offerings of the water park, to seeing the park's animal residents (most notably on Monkey Island) at the on-site zoo and aquarium. There is a namesake resort here in case you want to stay close to the action, plus a few beaches that are much more pleasant for swimming than the public beach in Nha Trang city.

Just two kilometers from Chora, the small seaside village of Livadia lies in a valley bordered by citrus groves and lush vineyards. Must-see attractions include the Negros Cave in Vatses (reachabale by boat from Chora) and the Agios Vasileios hilltop ruins.

The Santa Monica Pier is where classic seaside charm meets California cool. Home to Pacific Park’s solar-powered Ferris wheel, it’s a spot where kids chase thrills on carnival rides while visitors of all ages take in sweeping ocean views. Street performers, local vendors, and the occasional fisherman lined up along the railings give the pier its lively, unpolished character. Just steps away, the Heal the Bay Aquarium highlights local marine life, and history buffs can snap a photo at the Route 66 "End of the Trail" sign.

This magnificent 19th-century building opened in 1892 and is regarded as an emblematic of the city. Teatro Campoamor is also the venue for the annual Prince of Asturias prize ceremony and for the city’s annual opera season and the Zarzuela music festival. The theatre’s elegant interior was influenced by the Teatro de la Comedia in Madrid and is opulently decorated in scarlet, gold and red. On the first floor you can find the statue of Ramón de Campoamor, the Asturian poet after whom the theatre is named.