Nha Trang is a coastal resort city in southern Vietnam known for its beaches, diving sites and offshore islands. Its main beach is a long, curving stretch along Tran Phu Street backed by a promenade, hotels and seafood restaurants. Aerial cable cars cross over to Hòn Tre Island, and the nature reserves of Hòn Mun and Hòn Tằm islands, reachable by boat, have coral reefs.
Historically, the city was known as Kauthara under the Cham. The city is still home to the famous Po Nagar Tower built by the Cham. By the time the French arrived in the 19th century, the area had been deserted for centuries but the French set up military and administrative posts in the area. By the early 20th century Nha Trang was growing rapidly and became a town in 1937. It was captured from the Nationalist Army in 1975. Into the 21st century Nha Trang, despite it's attractive beaches, is little visited by Westerners with Russians the principal tourists.