What are the top sights to visit independently in Nha Trang?

For independent city sightseeing, one traveler highlighted the lighthouse, the Independence Day monument, and a Buddhist temple as more interesting than the Cathedral and the basalt rocks (the latter felt underwhelming to them).

Additional self-guided ideas: 'Do' theater, Vinpearl park, and the pool on the 40th floor of the Panorama hotel.

For those willing to drive or take taxis, a ring of temples on the city outskirts (all 20–30 min away) is recommended: the Amitabha Buddha statue, Chùa Long Phước temple, Suoi Do Pagoda up in the mountains, the very scenic Nghia Son Pagoda with a temple on water, and Alexandre Yersin's grave — a quiet site honoring the physician-hero. A side trip to Cam Ranh's Dragon Temple is also possible (tight cave-like spaces, bats), and for a longer excursion, Dalat (2–3 days, ~140 km each way).

Other self-guided options: mud-bath spas with pools and slides, a train-themed café, a helicopter-themed café, and Fairy Forest park.

Self-guided city loop: Po Nagar Towers with the nearby northern beach and stone garden (entry ~100,000 VND/person); Long Son Pagoda with the large reclining Buddha — a non-touristy stairway on the left leads to a temple and cemetery; then walk to the Catholic Cathedral. Zoc Let beach outside the city is reachable by bus no. 12. Cho Dam market in the morning has three tourist floors plus an open-air food and fruit market.

Beyond the city sights, worthwhile day trips from Nha Trang include Ba Ho Waterfall (three tiers, climbed via ropes and iron rungs, swimming possible, fish pedicure available), Yang Bay Park, and the beaches of Costabella, Hon Tam, and Bai Dai — many accessible via resort day passes.

The Cham Towers and the National Oceanography Museum can easily be combined into one day trip, with a short taxi ride between them — a convenient self-guided route.

The main city sights — Cham Towers, the Catholic Cathedral, and Long Son Pagoda — are easy to visit independently by taxi via the InDrive app. For trips outside the city, the tour company 'Nha Trang Go' (available on Instagram and Telegram) offers unique, non-touristy excursions.

Three key self-guided stops in Nha Trang: the Cham Towers, the National Oceanography Museum, and the giant Buddha statue with its hilltop temple. All are easily reachable by taxi without a guide.