The open tanks
Turtles, sharks and reef fish.
Bùi Thụy Đào Nguyên — Public domain · Lưu Ly (thảo luận) — Public domain
The public museum of the Institute of Oceanography, a research centre founded by the French in 1922 at Cau Da on the southern edge of Nha Trang and one of the oldest scientific institutions in Vietnam. Its collection of more than 24,000 specimens from over 4,000 marine and freshwater species is among the largest in Southeast Asia. Visitors walk past open tanks of reef fish, turtles, sharks and rays, then through halls of preserved specimens, from coral and shells to a giant whale skeleton nearly 18 metres long, the most photographed exhibit. It makes a cheap, child-friendly hour. The museum stands next to Cau Da pier, where boats leave for the islands, so it fits neatly before or after an island trip.
Turtles, sharks and reef fish.
Nearly 18 metres.
Founded in 1922.
1 Cau Da Street, southern Nha Trang, next to Cau Da pier
Yes. The turtle and shark tanks and the whale skeleton appeal to children, the visit takes about an hour and it costs 40,000 dong.