Nha Trang: A Coastal Paradise for Retirees
The enchanting coastal city of Nha Trang has been recognized by the esteemed American travel magazine, Travel + Leisure, as one of the world’s premier retirement destinations. With its breathtaking scenery, pleasant climate, and laid-back atmosphere, it’s no wonder that this vibrant city has captured the attention of those seeking a relaxing and fulfilling retirement.
Nha Trang offers a unique blend of natural beauty, a thriving expat community, and a lively yet relaxed vibe. Its beaches are simply stunning, providing the perfect backdrop for leisurely walks, morning swims, and breathtaking sunsets. The city also boasts a range of high-quality healthcare services, ensuring that residents have access to the best medical care.
One of the key attractions of Nha Trang is its pedestrian-friendly design. The city boasts dependable public transportation, making it easy to get around without a car. The nightlife is vibrant, with a variety of entertainment options and delectable cuisine to tantalize the taste buds. For those seeking a more tranquil experience, the local resorts offer a peaceful retreat, with separate accommodations providing a quiet and relaxing stay.
According to a representative from Champa Island Nha Trang, a local resort hotel, the city has seen an increase in middle-aged and older visitors. “Older guests often prefer to relax within the resort and take advantage of the nearby facilities,” they explained. “They tend to appreciate the tranquility and convenience of having everything they need within close proximity.”
A foreign couple captures their happiness in a photo on the beach in Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province, in central Vietnam. Photo: Minh Chien / Tuoi Tre |
Tran Minh Duc, chairman of the Khanh Hoa Travel Association, noted that retired and older tourists often seek serene locations with ample open spaces, such as historic towns, villages, and islands. Spiritual journeys, pilgrimages, and health-focused experiences, including mineral mud baths and hot springs, are also popular among this demographic.
“However, we must recognize that older and retired tourists often face health and mobility challenges,” Duc added. “Tour itineraries should be designed with a focus on leisure, allowing for a slower pace and extended durations at each stop. Accommodations and meals should also cater to their specific needs, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience.”
The Rise of Medical Tourism in Khanh Hoa
Khanh Hoa has also emerged as a promising destination for medical tourism, particularly among retired and elderly tourists. While the local medical tourism industry is still in its nascent stages, it offers a unique combination of healthcare services and resort-like experiences, including acupuncture, acupressure spas, and dental procedures.
In comparison, countries like Thailand and Australia have developed more comprehensive medical tourism models, integrating modern hospital systems with herbal gardens and herb shopping. To fully capitalize on Khanh Hoa’s natural advantages, especially its forest system and mineral mud resources, several resorts have started offering medicinal mud baths and stone foot massages, enhancing the region’s appeal for medical tourists.
A foreign tourist captures the beauty of a lotus pond in Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province, in central Vietnam. Photo: Minh Chien / Tuoi Tre |
Trinh Ngoc Hiep, deputy director of the Khanh Hoa Department of Health, emphasized the province’s commitment to developing medical tourism. “Our health development strategy toward 2030, with a vision for 2045, includes fostering international collaboration to create a world-class medical tourism model,” Hiep stated. However, he also acknowledged that regulations and the overall maturity of the industry need to be improved to match the standards of leading medical tourism destinations.
Nha Trang truly is a coastal paradise, offering the perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and high-quality healthcare. It’s easy to see why it has captured the hearts of retirees and travelers seeking a relaxing and rejuvenating escape.
Diving for Pearl Oysters on Tam Islet
Tam Islet is one of the four most beautiful islets in Nha Trang with a diverse maritime eco-system. The islet is an ideal place for swimming and diving to behold colourful coral reefs and see pearl oysters which are raised in the sea. Recently, the Provincial People’s Committee of Khanh Hoa instructed the Giang Gia Pearl Company and the Hon Tam Tourists Area to organize dive tours for pearl oysters.