What’s Exciting About Visiting the Nha Trang Oceanographic Institute?

When people think of Nha Trang, they often admire its stunning blue beaches, gentle waves, and soft white sand. However, not many know that this famous coastal city is also home to a unique and fascinating marine museum—the Nha Trang Oceanographic Institute.

If you're wondering whether the institute has an aquarium or what marine creatures you can see there, don’t miss this detailed guide shared by Vietjet below!

Nha Trang, the jewel of the East Sea, is home to the renowned Oceanographic Institute.

1. Where is the Nha Trang Oceanographic Institute?

The Nha Trang Oceanographic Institute is not just a museum but also a leading marine research center in Vietnam. It is currently located at 1 Cầu Đá, Nha Trang, Khánh Hòa, Vietnam.

Founded in 1922 during the French colonial period, the institute has played a significant role in marine science research in Vietnam. With over 4,000 marine species and more than 20,000 preserved specimens, it is a valuable biological treasure and an ideal destination for those interested in exploring the wonders of the ocean.

Opening Hours:

General visiting hours: 06:00 - 18:00 ( Offshore visiting area: 09:00 - 11:00 )

2. How to Get to the Nha Trang Oceanographic Institute

Visitors from all over the country have multiple transportation options to reach the Nha Trang Oceanographic Institute. However, if you want a fast, convenient, and exciting journey, flying is the best option. After landing at Cam Ranh Airport, you can reach the institute using one of these methods:

By Motorbike: Travel southeast from 2/4 Square for about 4km, and you will arrive at the institute.
By Bus: Take Bus Route No. 4 from the city center. The final stop is directly at the Oceanographic Institute, making it an affordable and hassle-free option.

Book a flight to Nha Trang today to visit the Oceanographic Institute, with ticket prices starting from 90,000 VND. Find out more HERE.

3. What Can You See at the Nha Trang Oceanographic Institute?

3.1 Explore a Miniature Aquarium

Stepping into the greenhouse and outdoor tanks of the Nha Trang Oceanographic Institute, visitors will feel like they have entered a miniature ocean world. This area is home to hundreds of rare marine species, including many listed on the IUCN Red List, such as sharks, sea turtles, coral reefs, and giant squids. One of the highlights is the transparent glass tanks, where visitors can admire the colorful coral reefs, creating a mesmerizing underwater experience.

3.2 Visit the Marine Biodiversity Exhibition

The Marine Biodiversity Exhibition is one of the most valuable and unique parts of the Oceanographic Institute. With over 23,000 specimens from 5,000 marine species, collected and preserved over the years, this exhibition offers a fascinating look at the vast underwater world. Visitors can observe a wide range of marine creatures, from common fish, crabs, and squid to rare species like sharks, dolphins, and stingrays. Watching these creatures up close in their glass tanks and learning about their daily habits provides an unforgettable experience for all visitors.

Stepping into the Nha Trang Oceanographic Museum, you'll be immersed in the wonders of the ocean, exploring its mysteries and marine life.

3.3 Discover the Hoang Sa – Truong Sa Marine Resource Exhibition

Hoang Sa (Paracel Islands) belongs to Khanh Hoa Province, making its display at the Nha Trang Oceanographic Institute a geographically significant and culturally meaningful decision. This exhibition is not only a valuable archive of documents affirming Vietnam’s sovereignty over its maritime territories but also an engaging destination where visitors can learn about the beauty and importance of the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos.

3.4 Offshore Exploration at the Nha Trang Oceanographic Institute

Trong Viện Hải dương học, khu tham quan ngoài biển chỉ mở cửa vỏn vẹn 2 tiếng nhưng lại là The offshore exploration tour at the Oceanographic Institute is one of its most popular attractions, even though it is only open for two hours daily. Here, visitors can ride a boat with a glass-bottom floor, offering a close-up view of marine life in their natural habitat. This unique experience allows you to admire various marine creatures and feel truly connected to the underwater ecosystem.

3.5 Check-in at the Fossilized Skeleton Exhibit

One of the highlights that makes the Oceanographic Institute a must-visit destination is its collection of giant fossilized skeletons, including a humpback whale, a giant ray (Manta Ray), and a dugong (sea cow), a species currently at risk of extinction, offering visitors a fascinating insight into prehistoric marine life and conservation efforts to protect endangered species.

What’s Exciting About Visiting the Nha Trang Oceanographic Institute?

The dugong skeleton, a rare marine mammal, is one of the fascinating exhibits at the Nha Trang Oceanographic Institute.

4.Tips for Visiting the Nha Trang Oceanographic Institute

4.1 Ticket Prices

The Nha Trang Oceanographic Institute does not have a fixed ticket price, as it varies based on visitor categories:

Adults: 40,000 VND/ticket
Students: 20,000 VND/ticket
Schoolchildren: 10,000 VND/ticket

Additionally, if you are interested in a guided presentation about marine species and exhibits, you can request this service from the institute’s media department for 60,000 VND per session.

According to visitor reviews, the entrance fee is relatively affordable compared to other attractions in Nha Trang. With just 10,000 VND, visitors can explore a fascinating marine world filled with rare marine species and preserved specimens.

4.2 Important Notes for Visiting the Nha Trang Oceanographic Institute

Exploring the Nha Trang Oceanographic Institute offers a chance to admire the wonders of the ocean. However, to ensure a meaningful and enjoyable experience, visitors should follow these important guidelines:

Do not make loud noises or feed the marine creatures with outside food.
Dress appropriately and respectfully.
Maintain cleanliness and dispose of trash properly.
Wear comfortable sneakers, as you will need to walk a lot due to the large space.
Be cautious in specimen storage areas—do not touch, play around, or cause damage to exhibits.

Overall, the Nha Trang Oceanographic Institute is not only an exciting tourist destination but also a significant marine research center. Here, visitors can learn about valuable scientific resources while admiring the beautiful marine world.

To make your trip even more complete, book a flight with Vietjet to Cam Ranh Airport today! Don't forget to check out Vietjet’s special domestic and international flight promotions, including 0 VND tickets available daily between 12:00 - 14:00. See details HERE.

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