The Vietnam Mediterranean
By : David Stott

You can get every thing you want at Nha Trangs beach without leaving your place. Sellers with books, fruits, jewellery and much more come to you and offer their goods and of course you can also get food like lobsters cooked right in front of you. The beach of Nha Trang is often called Vietnam's Mediterranean. The coral seabed in Nha Trang also makes it ideal for scuba-diving and snorkelling.

Many bars can be found along the beach. The bars and restaurants in the city centre, and particularly along Biet Thu, are forbidden from staying open past midnight.

The huge White Buddha seated on a hill side above Long Son Pagoda in the north west of town is Nha Trang's major landmark. It was crafted in 1963 to symbolize the Buddhist struggle against the repressive Diem regime, and around its lotus-shaped pedestal are carved images of the monks and nuns that set fire to themselves in protest.

Po Nagar Cham Towers were built between the eighth and 13th centuries. The largest of the four remaining towers was built in honour of Po Nagar, also known as Lady Thien Y-ana or the Goddess Mother. She spent part of her life teaching weaving and agricultural techniques. The remaining towers were dedicated to different gods, the central tower to Cri Cambhu, the north-west tower to Sandhaka and the south tower to Ganeesh. Not only are the towers famous for their architecture and sculpture, but also for their great significance in terms of history, nationalism and archaeology. The 22.5m tower contains Po Nagar statue sitting cross-legged on Buddha's throne. The 2.6m statue has 10 hands, each holding a specific object illustrating the intellect and power of Buddha.