Nha Trang is one of the most important tourist hubs of Vietnam, thanks to its’ year long mild temperatures, beautiful beaches with fine, clean sand & the clear green waters of the South China Sea. Tran Phu Street, with it’s long seaside boardwalk, is referred to as the Pacific Coast Highway of Vietnam. With the many huge hotels that line the board walk it’s hard to believe this is Vietnam & could be anywhere in the world.
On arrival (about 7 a.m.) we quickly found our hotel & since it was too early to check in, we stored our packs & headed off to find some breakfast & walk the beach. There is a huge Russia influence here with all the signs predominantly written in Russian. The vibe of this city is much different from the north, much more metropolitan & less culturally sensitive.
We got the lay of the land & planned our next three days. First up was booking a day at the Thap Ba Hot Springs and Mud baths. This is just outside of the city & overlooks the beautiful mountains that surround the area. The salty mineral 
water & smooth mud from rocks & volcanic ash is apparently taken from 100m deep underground thus ensuring absolute sanitation. The claim is that the mineral water penetrates the skin, depositing sodium & some other micro-elements that clean & rejuvenate the body. Other claimed attributes include increasing the immune system, has anti-flammory qualities, decreases arthritis, muscular fatigue & diseases of the cardiac & nervous system. That pretty much covered us! We opted for a private vs. communal tub & got down & dirty. After a 30 minute warm mud soak, we headed to a car wash like shower & then another soak in a heart-shaped mineral hot tub. 
From there we were directed to hot & cold mineral swimming pools, waterfalls & outdoor lounge area.This resort like atmosphere wasn’t too shabby & a great way to de-stress after our long bus ride, all for the grand cost of $17.00 each for the day, including transportation & bottled water. I just love getting a good deal!!!
So jealous…. as we continue to get dumped on by heeps of snow!
Hi Anna, missing your classes! Thanks for following & hope you all get a break from the winter that won’t give up.
Nothing like a spa to rejuvenate mind and body-love the ‘car wash’…I understand you’re missing a truly awful winter but I’m working in the garden here in Vancouver. (I fear your Ontario followers won’t like that) Keep the blogs coming, they’re wonderful!
So what are you wearing in that hot tub?????
Why nothing, of course!!! Just kidding, took forever to get the mud rinsed out of our bathing suits.
“Isn’t that great? Trying to figure out if they are nude in that mud tub and who took the picture.” That’s Alberta’s comment. We are all wondering the same. Nice car wash. Keep blogging…..great fun!
Something I’ve always wanted to do–mud bath!!!
Hope you get to try it someday Alynn. Wonderful for the skin & so soft after, just like a baby’s bottom after. Speaking of babies, we continue to anxiously wait to hear of Conner’s arrival!