Doc Let, also known as Doc Lech, is a beach located in Dong Ninh Hoa ward, about 49 km south of Nha Trang's center. It's renowned for its smooth white sand, cool green rows of poplar trees, and tranquil atmosphere, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation.

A corner of Doc Let fishing village from above. Photo: Quang Anh

A corner of Doc Let fishing village from above. Photo: Quang Anh

This 48-hour itinerary for Doc Let is based on Quang Anh's suggestions from his trip in early 6/2025, along with further investigation by VnExpress reporters.

Day 1

Traveling from Nha Trang

Visitors from Hanoi, TP HCM, and other locations should choose an early morning flight to Cam Ranh to maximize their sightseeing time.

Several sleeper buses operating the North-South route stop at Ninh Hoa bus station, including Phuong Trang, Ha Linh, Khang Thinh, and Muoi Phuong Express. The Thong Nhat train, including the SE1/2 and SE3/4 express trains, also stops at Nha Trang station. Train and bus fares range from approximately 300,000 to 1,700,000 VND per person, one way, depending on the point of departure.

To reach Doc Let, visitors can travel by personal car or motorbike from Nha Trang, following National Highway 1A to Dong Ninh Hoa ward.

Enjoying bun ca for breakfast

Bun ca (fish noodle soup) is a popular dish in the coastal provinces of central Vietnam, but Ninh Hoa's bun ca at Doc Let has its own distinct flavor. The broth is carefully simmered from fish bones, resulting in a clear, fragrant, and naturally sweet and rich flavor. After being cleaned, deboned, and sliced, cobia and sailfish are cooked in boiling water and then mashed – creating the unique "ca dam" (mashed fish), a specialty of this region.

A bowl of bun ca is presented with fresh vermicelli noodles, mashed fish, spring onions, tomatoes, and a few pieces of fish cakes. Depending on the vendor, some may add a few slices of chewy jellyfish for enhanced flavor. A bowl costs from 25,000 VND.

Snorkeling

Snorkeling tours are currently priced from 1.5 million VND per person. This includes electric car and boat transfers to the snorkeling site, fruit, drinks, snorkeling gear, insurance, and two snorkeling sessions. There's also a sea walking tour available for 1.3 million VND.

Visitors can also book additional services like boat rowing, underwater photography, and seafood dining on the sea, ranging from 100,000 to 300,000 VND per person. Children over 6 years old can participate in these activities.

For lunch, visitors can choose from several popular seafood restaurants: Quyet Thang, Tinh Thu, Gio Phu Huu, Garden House, and Bien Ngoc. Along the beach, numerous eateries serve local dishes like com chien la e (fried rice with dracontomelon leaves), banh xeo (Vietnamese crepe), banh can (mini savory pancakes), nem nuong (grilled minced pork rolls), and fresh seafood, with prices ranging from 50,000 to 500,000 VND per person.

Exploring Doc Let fishing village

Quang Anh’s first impression of Doc Let was the smooth white sand stretching alongside clear blue water, and the image of a peaceful fishing village with closely packed tiled roofs extending to the sea. Visitors can easily witness the bustling scene of fishing boats heading out to sea, and fishermen pulling in nets and sorting their catch along the shore—creating a vibrant picture of coastal life.

Doc Let's cuisine is also diverse, with local dishes like banh canh cha ca (fish cake noodle soup), banh can, and banh xeo. Visitors can also buy local specialties like dried fish, braised squid, and seaweed as souvenirs.

The fishing village is also notable for its many narrow alleys leading directly to the sea, popular check-in spots due to their picturesque quality.

Doc Let is likened to a "miniature Hawaii," famous not only for its pristine beauty but also for its reasonable travel costs. Accommodation options range from homestays with various styles to resorts like Pax Ana Doc Let and TTC Doc Let Resort, with prices ranging from around 300,000 to 3 million VND per night.

Day 2

Breakfast and a stroll on the beach

Visitors can have breakfast at their hotel or at local eateries in Ninh Hoa town center. Options include banh uot (steamed rice rolls), banh day (chewy rice cakes), and banh canh cua (crab noodle soup), with prices around 20,000 VND per dish. After breakfast, enjoy a drink at a beachside cafe at Doc Let and take a relaxing walk along the shore.

Exploring Mui Du

Mui Du, part of Cam Mountain, is the easternmost point of Ninh Hoa, notable for its unique folded sedimentary rock formations. The cliffs are formed from multiple layers of rock with varying thicknesses, colors, hardness, and compositions, creating a fascinating natural landscape.

A view of Mui Du from above. Photo: Quang Anh

A view of Mui Du from above. Photo: Quang Anh

Mui Du's main attraction is its extensive capes and rocky beaches, with diverse shapes and structures. In some areas, the rocks curve vertically, while in others they slant diagonally, and in some places, layers of rock are stacked like giant geological folds. This constant change in structure and shape makes it an attractive destination for those who appreciate geology and exploring natural landscapes. Mui Du is also an ideal location for watching sunrise or sunset on clear days.

Hon My Giang

Besides Doc Let, visitors should explore Hon My Giang, located about 10 km away. This island is known for its terrain resembling a "dinosaur's spine" extending into the sea, attracting nature lovers, adventurers, and photography enthusiasts.

The "dinosaur's spine" area on Hon My Giang. Photo: Quang Anh

The "dinosaur's spine" area on Hon My Giang. Photo: Quang Anh

Hon My Giang is a small mountain close to the shore, requiring a 5-10 minute walk to reach the summit. Although the climb isn't too long, it is quite steep, but the breathtaking scenery at the top is worth the effort. From above, visitors can take in a panoramic view of Van Phong Bay, watch the sunrise or sunset, and experience the rare, untouched beauty of Khanh Hoa's coastal region. This is a lesser-known spot, well worth experiencing for a complete exploration.

Ninh Hoa nem nuong

Nem nuong (grilled minced pork rolls) is a specialty of Khanh Hoa. Nem is made from finely ground lean pork, seasoned with spices and scallions, and grilled over charcoal. Diners use thin rice paper to wrap the nem, along with crispy fried rice paper and fresh herbs. The deliciousness of nem nuong also depends on the accompanying dipping sauce, a unique recipe for each eatery. A serving costs from 30,000 VND.

Alternative itinerary

Explore Hon Heo, Hon Khoi salt fields, and Truong Xuan hot springs. These locations are scattered across various communes, accessible via different routes, suitable for longer itineraries.

Tuan Anh