Nha Trang Aquarium

National Oceanographic Museum (or Nha Trang Aquarium as people called it) is a leading marine research institute in South East Asia and one of 10 fascinating cultural and historical destinations in Vietnam. The museum boasts substantial collections of marine species and Vietnam archipelago history. It will definitely enrich your trip to Nha Trang city with unforgettable experiences of the ocean world.

Nha Trang city is a popular coastal attraction in Vietnam, given its spectacular scenery, fair weather, and abundance of tasty seafood. Amid tons of travel destinations in Nha Trang, the National Oceanographic Museum tells a different story about the underwater world that sea lovers shouldn’t miss. A visit to the Nha Trang Oceanography Institute offers a great opportunity to gain insights into marine science and oceanic wildlife.

The National Oceanographic Museum is located inside the Institute of Oceanography – a witness to Vietnamese history. The Institute of Oceanography was established by the French during the colonial era in 1923. In 1952, the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology took over and maintained it as a research institute. After the Vietnam War, in 1993, the institute became an adjoined organization for all of the marine research institutes in Vietnam and its headquarters are in Nha Trang.

Due to the development of the Nha Trang Institute of Oceanography, the National Museum of Oceanography also plays an inseparable role in research and has been open to the public for nearly two centuries.

Nha Trang city is located in the Khanh Hoa province, which has favorable geography and diverse ocean ecosystems. As it has quality facilities specifically for marine research, the Nha Trang Oceanography Institute is considered a leading marine research institute in Southeast Asia. Its museum of oceanography is the first and only national marine museum ranked in the top 10 most attractive museums in Vietnam based on its facilities and service quality. 

The National Oceanographic Museum honorably holds the record for the most extensive collection of marine specimens in Vietnam (Vietnamese Records Book, 2012). Accordingly, the museum boasts a vast collection of 20.000  marine specimens to serve scientific and educational purposes. Besides, its large-scale aquarium is home to thousands of aquatic creatures. As a marine research and management leader, the museum has hosted various national and international events such as Sea Festival (biennially) and APEC (2017).

The National Oceanographic Museum has made remarkable contributions to marine education and local culture. It plays a significant role in protecting the ocean environment and raising public awareness about national underwater resources and territorial sovereignty. As a research institute and a public attraction, the museum is a trustworthy destination for those interested in marine science and deep-sea life.

Address: 01 Cau Da, Vinh Nguyen ward, Nha Trang city, Khanh Hoa

Ticket prices: 
Adults: 40,000 VND (about $2)
Students: 20,000 VND (about $1)
Free admissions for: Children (under 6 years old or under 1.2m tall) & All visitors during Sea Festival (to be held once every two years)

Opening hours: 6 AM ~ 6 PM (7 days a week)