Where can you find clean water for swimming in Nha Trang, and is the north of the city worth visiting for the beach?

For clean water not far from the city, Libera Beach was recommended. If you use the bar, loungers, cushions, and an umbrella are provided free of charge.

Bai Dai beach has free entry; nearby there's a cozy cafe with hammocks (also free), and a pearl museum is located to the left of the beach.

Marina Beach Club in the north of the city has paid entry, around 79,000 dong per person, but it's a closed bay where waves never occur.

There's also Axi beach — you can get in for free by going through a gap in the fence that locals use.

Additional detail on the free beach area (near Vega City): the water is somewhat littered in spots, but locals have set up small makeshift shelters/sunbeds, and drinks can be bought there.

In defense of one of the beaches: it's wide, gently sloping, and attractive by city standards. Tip: walk away from the crowded loungers in the central area — further along there are far fewer people, it's calmer, and the sand and water are clean.

The newest reference point for North Nha Trang is the Marina Beach area on the far north side. It is recognizable by the abandoned unfinished high-rises near the shore, so this part of the city was described more as a questionable beach area than a top swimming spot.

One traveler said North Nha Trang is not the best choice if your main goal is the sea, and suggested Cam Ranh or other resort areas instead for a more comfortable beach holiday.

If the sea in Nha Trang itself feels dirty, the advice was either to go to more distant beaches or try the beach at the Vega City development in the north of the city. It was specifically noted for cleaner water and free entry.