In the middle of long stretches of travel, moving quickly from one city to the next, it’s easy to forget the importance of slowing down. To pause. To simply breathe. For me, Nha Trang was that pause—a chance to have a proper beach day in the midst of my journey around the world.
Nha Trang is famous for its long stretch of coastline, turquoise waters, and its wide mix of visitors. The beach feels alive with energy, yet at the same time offers that timeless calm that only the sea can bring. What struck me most, though, was the sheer number of Russians there. It felt as if half the youth of Russia had chosen this very city as their escape, scattered along the sand, relaxing beneath umbrellas, or swimming in the warm water. It was fascinating to see so many cultures converging in one place, all drawn by the same desire to unwind by the sea.
I went there with someone who, at the time, meant a great deal to me—my beautiful ex. Looking back, that day is wrapped up not only in the setting but in the quiet joy of sharing it with her. We spent the whole day doing nothing extraordinary and yet everything wonderful: wandering along the shore, taking dips in the ocean, finding small cafés to rest in, and letting time drift past us without any agenda. For once, there was no rush, no checklist of places to see—just the simple act of being present with each other.
The food, of course, was part of the magic. Vietnam knows how to delight you with its flavors, and the bánh mì we shared on the beach was nothing short of perfection. Fresh bread, savory fillings, herbs that tasted alive with brightness—it was the kind of meal that stays with you, not because it was extravagant, but because it was enjoyed in the right place, at the right time.
Do I feel lucky to have had that day? Absolutely. Would I do it again? Without hesitation. Travel gives us many things: new landscapes, new experiences, new perspectives. But sometimes, it also gives us something even more valuable—a memory that lingers, a moment of happiness we can carry with us no matter where we go next. Nha Trang gave me that. And though life has moved on, that day remains one of those rare and beautiful pauses I’ll always be grateful for.
