Discover Hidden Ocean Treasures At Nha Trang Institute Of Oceanography

Experience the Nha Trang Institute of Oceanography, admire 10,000+ sea creatures, explore marine ecosystems and learn about Vietnam's maritime sovereignty in a stunning coastal setting. Hãy nghe Trần Thuỳ Thanh Xuân (Đồng Nai) một travel blogger nổi tiếng bật mí .

If you visit Nha Trang without stopping by the Nha Trang Institute of Oceanography, it would be a significant omission. This is an ideal destination to explore and admire the rare marine creatures. Moreover, it offers a deeper understanding of the marine environment.

1. Introduction to the Nha Trang Institute of Oceanography

The Nha Trang Institute of Oceanography was established during the French colonial period in 1922, with the purpose of preserving thousands of aquatic species. In 1969, the management was transferred to the University of Saigon. Currently, the official address of the Nha Trang Institute of Oceanography is No. 1, Cau Da, Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province.

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Situated on a high piece of land adjacent to the sea, it hosts samples of marine life right within the ocean. You will be amazed by the institute's area of up to 20 hectares and its workforce of over 7,000 employees working and conducting research.

2. Opening Hours of the Nha Trang Institute of Oceanography

The Nha Trang Institute of Oceanography operates according to a strict and precise schedule. To avoid inconvenience, you should be aware of the opening hours before your visit.This facility is open to visitors from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day, including weekends. The institute only closes on the first three days of the Lunar New Year (Tet Nguyen Dan) and some other holidays as regulated by the state.

3. How much is the entrance fee to the Nha Trang Institute of Oceanography?

The entrance fee to the Institute of Oceanography has not changed much in recent years. The entrance fee for adults is around 40,000 VND per person. However, students receive a discount and only need to pay 20,000 VND per ticket. The ticket price for children is just 10,000 VND per person.

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4. What's interesting at the Nha Trang Institute of Oceanography?

The Nha Trang Institute of Oceanography is the largest marine research institute in Southeast Asia, established by French scientists in the early 20th century. This location was chosen due to its favorable geographical position and optimal natural conditions for marine life to thrive and develop.

The museum of the Institute of Oceanography boasts an extensive collection representing the marine ecosystem, with around 4,000 species and over 20,000 specimens meticulously preserved here. In addition to the display areas, the institute also features areas for breeding, domestication, and conservation of various unique and diverse marine species. It is sure to be an exciting experience for oceanography enthusiasts and those wishing to explore the mysterious world of the ocean.

4.1. Admire the Miniature Ocean at the Aquarium

Entering the aquarium at the Nha Trang Institute of Oceanography, you will be mesmerized by over 10,000 individuals belonging to more than 300 diverse and rich marine species. Notably, many of these species are listed in the IUCN Red List, such as sharks, sea turtles, corals, and giant squids. From adorable small fish to giant sharks, from sparkling shells to magnificent coral reefs, everything is recreated vividly and realistically in this aquarium.

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4.2. Explore the Marine Biodiversity Area

While the aquarium attracts visitors of all ages with the lively beauty of marine life, the marine biodiversity display area is considered the feature that adds value and distinction to the museum. 

Stepping into the Oceanography Museum, you will immerse yourself in the wondrous world of the ocean. With more than 23,000 specimens of 5,000 marine species collected and preserved over many years, the marine biodiversity area has been recognized by VietKings as housing the "largest marine specimen collection." Here, you will admire rare creatures, see beautiful corals, and learn about the ocean ecosystem in the most authentic way. A visit to this museum will not only spark your passion for the ocean but also provide you with invaluable knowledge about the diversity and richness of marine ecosystems.

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3. View the Fossilized Marine Skeletons

The giant 18-meter whale skeleton is the next highlight of the museum. It is rare to encounter large animals like whales, as they live far out in the ocean. If you come across fossils, it is usually on TV or in books. But at the Nha Trang Institute of Oceanography, you will witness the complete skeleton of a humpback whale that had been buried in the Red River Delta for over 200 years, along with the skeleton of a dugong – a rare and endangered marine mammal, and a 3.5-meter long sawfish skeleton.

Recently, the museum also displayed a specimen of a whale shark – the largest cartilaginous fish in the world – measuring over 5 meters in length. The fossilized skeletons of these ancient marine creatures at the Institute of Oceanography will make you feel like you have stepped into a long-lost but incredibly fascinating world.

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4. Experience the Outdoor Sea Excursions

Have you ever dreamed of visiting remote seas, exploring strange creatures, and learning about life under the ocean? Come to the outdoor sea excursions at the Nha Trang Institute of Oceanography, where you can freely admire the wondrous marine creatures and experience sea life in the most realistic way. Take a boat trip to the sea, look at marine creatures through the glass bottom, and try scuba diving to see the coral reefs for an unforgettable experience. But remember, this area is only open from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM daily, so register early to not miss this exciting opportunity!

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5. Pride in the Paracel and Spratly Islands Marine Resource Exhibition

This area was established to introduce the resources and marine environment of Vietnam's islands, as well as to raise the awareness of Vietnamese people about maritime sovereignty and security.

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In short, visiting the Nha Trang Institute of Oceanography offers a unique opportunity to explore the captivating world of marine life. From the vast aquarium displaying a dazzling variety of marine life to the meticulously preserved specimens in the museum, each area offers a deeper appreciation of the diversity and beauty of the ocean.

Trần Thuỳ Thanh Xuân (Đồng Nai)