Alexandre Yersin Park

1. Why Alexandre Yersin Park?

Tucked onto the northern curve of Nha Trang’s famous beach boulevard, Alexandre Yersin Park is the green gateway to the city’s waterfront promenade. Only a few minutes’ walk from the Alexandre Yersin Museum and literally at the foot of Tran Phu Bridge, the park serves as both a memorial to the Swiss-French scientist who made Nha Trang his home and a breezy breather from the urban buzz. Locals jog here at dawn, travelers picnic under the casuarina trees, and photographers line up for sweeping shots of the Cai River estuary meeting the South China Sea.

2. Architectural Story & Symbolism

Completed in the early 2000s as part of the Tran Phu Bridge beautification project, the park’s master plan follows a simple “open fan” layout: a broad stone-paved spine starts at the marble statue of Dr Yersin and fans outward toward the water, breaking into petal-shaped lawns that echo the camellia—Yersin’s favorite flower. The four-metre-tall statue portrays the scientist in travel attire, clutching a field notebook—a nod to his lifelong habit of documenting meteorology, crops and public health in central Vietnam. Informational plaques ring the monument in Vietnamese, English and French, telling of his discovery of Yersinia pestis, the founding of the Pasteur Institute, and his introduction of quinine and rubber to Indochina.

Wide promenades edged with pink granite reference Nha Trang’s coral-rimmed coast, while low retaining walls double as extra seating during city festivals. At night, discreet uplighting on the monument and date palms symbolises Yersin’s “light of science” that still guides local research institutes today.

3. What You’ll Experience

• Scenic Strolls: Stone paths wind through bougainvillea arches to reveal postcard views of the bridge, Ponagar Cham Towers and the turquoise bay. Benches and sculptural loungers invite you to linger with a coconut in hand
• Active Corners: Two sand volleyball courts, a calisthenics rig and elliptical bikes keep the city’s fitness crowd busy at sunrise and sunset. A rubber-tiled playground sits next to an ornamental pond that flips on its fountain jets every evening.
• Quiet Reflection: Grab a shaded bench under the frangipani to read Yersin’s biography after touring the museum across the street. Birdsong and sea breeze drown out most traffic despite the park’s city-side location.
• People-Watching: From tai-chi groups at 5 a.m. to courting students snapping sunset selfies, the park offers an authentic slice of Nha Trang life.

4. How to Get There

• By Foot/Bike: From the Trầm Hương Tower (city centre) walk or cycle 2 km north along the beach promenade. You’ll see the Yersin statue just before Tran Phu Bridge.
• By Bus: Green city bus #2 (Bến Xe—Chợ Đầm loop) stops at the “Cầu Tran Phu” junction; fare ≈ 7 000 đ.
• By Taxi/Grab: Ask for “Công viên Yersin, đầu cầu Tran Phu.” A 10-minute ride from most seafront hotels; expect ~40 000 đ.

Parking for motorbikes is free along the curb after 6 p.m.

5. Top Things to Do in Nha Trang (with Yersin Park as Hub)

• Morning jog + sunrise photos at Yersin Park, then cross Tran Phu Bridge for panoramic shots of the Cai River delta.
• Tour the Alexandre Yersin Museum (10 Tran Phu) to see his original microscopes and maps.
• Island-hop to VinWonders Nha Trang for roller-coasters and a record-long sea cable-car ride.
• Visit Po Nagar Cham Towers, an 8-th-century Hindu complex 3 km north of the park.
• Mud-bath on Hon Tam Island—a quintessential “beach in Vietnam” spa experience.
• Climb Long Son Pagoda’s White Buddha for sweeping city views, then cool off back under Yersin Park’s trees.
• Night market & seafood on Nguyễn Đình Chiểu Street; end the day with a moonlit walk along the “Nha Trang beach” promenade.

6. Practical Tips for Visitors

• Best Time: Dry season (January–August). For cooler temps hit the park before 8 a.m. or after 4 p.m.
  • Facilities: Free public toilet (north-east corner), filtered water taps by the volleyball courts, and wheelchair-friendly ramps.
• Safety: Keep valuables close—traffic zips fast on Tran Phu Street. Always cross at the pedestrian lights by Muong Thanh Hotel.
• Budget: Entry is free. Bring small change (5 000-10 000 đ) for coconut water or iced coffee sold by beach-hat vendors roaming the paths.
• Local Etiquette: Hats off when photographing the Yersin monument; locals view him almost as a city patron.

7. Sample Half-Day Itinerary

8. FAQs

Bonus: Nearby Eats & Sleeps

• Seafood Fix: Head to Gió Biển quán (92 Trần Phú) for chilli-lime grilled squid within earshot of the waves.
• Coffee: Rainy afternoon? Hide in Coffee Ngon (opposite Muong Thanh) and watch shrimp boats idle under the bridge.
• Stay: Budget travelers love the rooftop dorms at Tabalo Hostel (~800 m south); for mid-range, Muong Thanh Oceanus opposite the park has balcony rooms with bridge views.

Alexandre Yersin Park may be modest in size, but its seamless blend of coastal scenery, local life and scientific heritage makes it a must-see “thing to do in Nha Trang”. Drop by for a jog, a history lesson or simply a lungful of salty air – you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for how green spaces anchor Vietnam’s beach capital.