Is the sea in Nha Trang dirty or clean for swimming?

In a report dated 2 October 2026, the sea at an unnamed beach beyond the pass towards Cam Ranh was described as clean and clear, although the sand was somewhat dirty. There were hardly any visitors.

One visitor noted that while central Nha Trang has clean sea and beach, moving further south the water and beach were reported as very dirty.

For families with kids, Zone B (on the right) is recommended — nicer beach with a beach-side pool and an inflatable slide into the sea; Zone A, where lunch is typically served, has dirtier water.

The beach on Soi Mieu island was also described as extremely disappointing in terms of cleanliness, alongside Costabella.

Hon Mun island has a dirty beach with plastic trash floating in the water, and the water near the island is on the cool side.

Recent reports say the water at Nha Trang’s central beach can sometimes be so dirty that swimming feels like “swimming in trash.” As a cleaner sea alternative, people recommend Cam Ranh, or in Nha Trang itself, trips to islands or beach clubs.

The beach area opposite Premier is described as very dirty and cluttered: the park ends there, and the stretch by the beach looks neglected.

The beach near the Marriott is unremarkable and sun loungers are in short supply there.

Costabella beach is not recommended for swimming — the water there is somewhat dirty and noticeably colder in places compared to other beaches in the area.

The water at Nha Trang's main beach was clean, but there is a lot of litter in the sand.

Nha Trang's main central beach is suitable for swimming — visitors regularly bathe there without issues. The reputation for dirty water is largely exaggerated and doesn't reflect the actual situation.

The islands near Nha Trang turned out to be dirtier than expected — contrary to what many tourists assume. The main city beach actually fares better by comparison.

Water cleanliness depends largely on currents and visitor behaviour, not just the location. A single bad review shouldn't define your expectations of Nha Trang's beaches overall.

Hon Tam island has many positive reviews despite occasional negative comments. It's worth looking at the overall picture rather than isolated bad experiences.