Visitors examine the bones of a giant whale at Nha Trang’s Institute of Oceanography

Visiting Nha Trang Town, tourists should not miss the chance to stop by the Institute of Oceanography, one of the most interesting places in town displaying the hidden gems of the marine ecosystem.

The museum of marine creatures, a part of the institute, comprises a miniature ocean hosting 40,000 plant specimens and 20,000 sea creatures preserved in different forms.

In 2004, the museum was enlarged and upgraded with different sections showcasing marine life, the history of oceans, and ocean-related occupations.

One section of the museum introduces various live marine creatures with unique fish, sea turtles, and eels raised in aquariums exposed to sunlight. Another part displays specimens of sea creatures found by archeologists and fishermen, such as the skeletons of a dugong and a 26- meter-long whale. A third section exhibits oceanic species collected nationwide in the last 100 years, including seaweeds, corals, fish, bivalves and reptiles.

The history showcase introduces ancient books about the sea, equipment for oceanic studies, and many types of fishing gear.

In future, the marine museum will be expanded to take up part of the underside of Cau Da Mountain, becoming a comprehensive underwater complex to serve the public, according to institute director Dr. Nguyen Tac An.

The museum will be a place to peak the curiosity of youths and encourage a love for studying the sea, An said. It will also continue to support and advance the field of oceanographic research in Vietnam.

Built in 1923 by the French, the institute is the oldest center for scientific research in the country, located at 1 Cau Da Street at the foot of Cau Da Bridge beside Cau Da Port.

Reported by Phan Huy Tram