Nha Trang, Vietnam

Capital City

Living in Vietnam's most famous beach resort city requires a thick wallet and tolerance for tourist crowds - local property prices have skyrocketed as over 392,000 residents compete with a constant flood of domestic and international visitors. The 7km crescent of sand along Nha Trang Bay draws comparisons to Hawaii, but September-December monsoons can bring destructive typhoons and flooding that test the city's infrastructure.

This former fishing village turned tourism powerhouse sits on Vietnam's south-central coast, hemmed in by mountains on three sides and dotted with offshore islands. While the oceanfront high-rises and luxury resorts dominate the skyline today, remnants of the ancient Champa civilization like the Po Nagar Towers still stand guard. The economy runs on tourism euros and dollars, though shipbuilding and fishing remain important industries in the outskirts. Despite the rapid development, fresh seafood remains a cornerstone of local life - from market stalls to five-star restaurants.