When exchanging $100 on your first day in Nha Trang at Kim Thanh/Kim Binh, how much will you receive, and what is the difference compared to the airport?

If you exchange $100 at Kim Thanh or Kim Binh, you will receive 2,362,000 VND. This is 142,000 VND more than the airport exchange rate (2,220,000 VND), which is about ~$5.

Where is Phở Hạnh Phúc, included in the first-day itinerary in Nha Trang, located, and what menu items do you recommend?

Phở Hạnh Phúc is located close to the Kim Thanh/Kim Binh gold shops, which are currency exchange offices in Nha Trang. While their signature dish is a hot pot, given the Southeast Asian weather, we recommend the regular pho if there's no air conditioning. If you find it hard to choose a type of meat, you can opt for 'everything included'.

What is the exact location of Trà Sữa Lá Trà cafe, which is part of the first-day course in Nha Trang, and what menu items do you recommend?

Trà Sữa Lá Trà is located in the Nguyen Trung Truc alley between Kim Thanh and Phở Hạnh Phúc, and it is not the former street stall location shown on Google Maps. Among the menu items, we recommend the 'basic milk tea' as it is delicious enough on its own, and most customers take their orders to go.

Nha Trang First Day: Currency Exchange & Local Eats 2026

Nha Trang First Day: Currency Exchange & Local Eats 2026 | TRVLOGUE

Your Ultimate Nha Trang First Day Itinerary

Booking your flights and accommodation marks the start of your travel planning, but the real adventure begins when you land, swap out your SIM card, and exchange your currency. It's that moment you truly connect with your destination!

Today, I'm sharing a perfect "warm-up" itinerary for your first day in Nha Trang, focusing on those essential initial steps, including where to get the best exchange rates.

Typically, travelers arrive late at night, opt for a budget-friendly 0.5-night stay, and kick off their itinerary the next morning. Having local currency is crucial from the get-go, so let's start there.

Exchanging Vietnamese Dong

For Nha Trang currency exchange, the go-to spots are Kim Thanh and Kim Vinh. They're well-known and conveniently located right next to each other, so you can pop into either. Both are actually gold shops!

The exchange rates are usually identical or very close. When I visited, both offered 2,362,000 VND for $100.

After you've sorted out your cash, it's time to kick off your Vietnamese culinary journey with a classic bowl of pho.

Authentic Vietnamese Pho

Phở Hạnh Phúc

Your next stop in Nha Trang is for a delicious bowl of Phở. While you might be tempted to head straight for a famous eatery with a long line, it can be a bit much right after arriving. Plus, you're probably starving! So, I recommend Phở Hạnh Phúc, a well-known local spot conveniently close to the gold shops.

Their signature dish seems to be a hot pot version, but honestly, eating something so piping hot in the tropical Southeast Asian climate, especially in a restaurant without air conditioning, felt a bit much. So, I opted for the regular pho.

You can choose your preferred type of meat. If you have a favorite, go for it! If you're unsure, just ask for the "all-in" option with a mix of everything.

I went with the "all-in" option myself. It was a solid, authentic local pho experience – not mind-blowingly delicious to the point of wanting to return immediately, but definitely satisfying.