File photo for reference only

Authorities in Nha Trang are probing a violent incident involving foreign tourists and local individuals that escalated into a road chase. A video showing the altercation has gone viral, depicting people armed with sticks and weapons pursuing the tourists. Tran Xuan Tay, chairman of the Nha Trang Ward People's Committee, confirmed that police are verifying the video and investigating the cause of the conflict.

The footage captures chaos as a group of foreign tourists is engaged in a scuffle with several Vietnamese individuals carrying weapons. In the video, a foreign man attempts to kick a young man but falls and is attacked by youths wielding iron rods. Despite efforts by his companions and bystanders to stop the attack, the group continues their assault, forcing the tourists to flee.

This incident comes after a similar conflict a month ago at a beachside bar in Nha Trang, where staff reportedly used a shovel and a chair to intimidate foreign customers. The bar's management later apologized and announced disciplinary measures against the staff involved.

Nha Trang is known for its picturesque bay and pleasant climate, attracting 14.8 million overnight visitors in 2025, including 4.6 million international tourists. The city's tourism revenue was estimated at over VND 60.3 trillion (US$2.37 billion). Concerns over tourist safety have been raised following these incidents, reported VN Express.

Key Takeaways

• Nha Trang authorities are investigating a violent tourist altercation.

• The event follows a previous confrontation involving local bar staff.

• Tourist safety in this popular destination is now under scrutiny.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from VN Express 2026-01-30

 

 

I loved Nha Trang. Spent 6 months in the area back in 2012. I went south during Christmas as the place got invaded by Russians, who I found to be loud and arrogant and disrespected the locals. I returned after they left.

During my time in South Vietnam I took a month and came to Thailand for the first time. Found it to be 40 - 50% more expensive than Vietnam.

When I reentered Vietnam I went on a business visa, which allowed me to look into business opportunities. Found it to be a nightmare.

The following year I came back to Thailand for 6 months. The next year I returned to Thailand and bought a pub/restaurant on Koh Lanta. Met my future wife on Phi Phi Island. The next year got married in Isan. Took my wife to Canada and then we did 6 months there, 6 months at the Pub for 4 years. Following year sold the pub and bought 5 rai in east Ubon. The wife stayed, I went to work, and we built our house over Covid. I retired here in 2022.

We now have a nice hobby farm with chickens, ducks, fish and pigs and 2 rai in garden. 9 cats and 4 dogs, all by gift 🙃.

I've often thought about taking my wife to Nha Trang. It's a 16hr. drive from my house. I've been meaning to look into the possibilities of driving there. Not sure if it's allowed. Anyone out there have experience driving to Vietnam?

On 1/31/2026 at 3:20 AM, Ubonian Canadian said:

I loved Nha Trang. Spent 6 months in the area back in 2012. I went south during Christmas as the place got invaded by Russians, who I found to be loud and arrogant and disrespected the locals. I returned after they left.

During my time in South Vietnam I took a month and came to Thailand for the first time. Found it to be 40 - 50% more expensive than Vietnam.

When I reentered Vietnam I went on a business visa, which allowed me to look into business opportunities. Found it to be a nightmare.

The following year I came back to Thailand for 6 months. The next year I returned to Thailand and bought a pub/restaurant on Koh Lanta. Met my future wife on Phi Phi Island. The next year got married in Isan. Took my wife to Canada and then we did 6 months there, 6 months at the Pub for 4 years. Following year sold the pub and bought 5 rai in east Ubon. The wife stayed, I went to work, and we built our house over Covid. I retired here in 2022.

We now have a nice hobby farm with chickens, ducks, fish and pigs and 2 rai in garden. 9 cats and 4 dogs, all by gift 🙃.

I've often thought about taking my wife to Nha Trang. It's a 16hr. drive from my house. I've been meaning to look into the possibilities of driving there. Not sure if it's allowed. Anyone out there have experience driving to Vietnam?

Why would you bother driving to Nha Trang when Grab taxis are so cheap when you get there?

On 1/30/2026 at 7:20 PM, Ubonian Canadian said:

I loved Nha Trang. Spent 6 months in the area back in 2012. I went south during Christmas as the place got invaded by Russians, who I found to be loud and arrogant and disrespected the locals. I returned after they left.

During my time in South Vietnam I took a month and came to Thailand for the first time. Found it to be 40 - 50% more expensive than Vietnam.

When I reentered Vietnam I went on a business visa, which allowed me to look into business opportunities. Found it to be a nightmare.

The following year I came back to Thailand for 6 months. The next year I returned to Thailand and bought a pub/restaurant on Koh Lanta. Met my future wife on Phi Phi Island. The next year got married in Isan. Took my wife to Canada and then we did 6 months there, 6 months at the Pub for 4 years. Following year sold the pub and bought 5 rai in east Ubon. The wife stayed, I went to work, and we built our house over Covid. I retired here in 2022.

We now have a nice hobby farm with chickens, ducks, fish and pigs and 2 rai in garden. 9 cats and 4 dogs, all by gift 🙃.

I've often thought about taking my wife to Nha Trang. It's a 16hr. drive from my house. I've been meaning to look into the possibilities of driving there. Not sure if it's allowed. Anyone out there have experience driving to Vietnam?

Sounds like a great life. I used to do business in Lanta 2005-2015, I'm sure I stopped in at your pub.

I wonder why they don't name the foreigner's nationalities or the cause of the ruckas.

Surfer friend of mine who lives in Phuket has been hanging along that whole coast, looks great.