Unveiling Ninh Thuan: A Hidden Gem on the Vietnamese Coast

Situated in the South Central Coast region of Vietnam, Ninh Thuan, with its capital at Phan Rang – Thap Cham, is strategically located 340 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City. Bordering Khanh Hoa to the north and Binh Thuận to the south, this province is renowned for its Nui Chua National Park, recently designated as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.

1- When is The Best Time To Go To Ninh Thuan?

Ninh Thuan is often called the “land of sun and wind” due to its dry, hot climate with little rainfall. The rainy season usually lasts only about two months, from September to November, while the rest of the year is dry and hot, with temperatures ranging from 25 to 35 degrees Celsius.

2- How Can Move to Ninh Thuan?

There are many ways to get to Ninh Thuan. If you go by train, you get off at Thap Cham station. If you fly, the nearest airport is Cam Ranh (Khanh Hoa), nearly 70 km from Phan Rang – Thap Cham city. Other means of transportation such as cars or motorbikes can easily travel on National Highway 1 or the coastal road.

3- Where Can Stay in Ninh Thuan?

Ninh Thuan does not yet have as many hotel systems as other popular tourist destinations. Some 3-4 star hotels are located along Ninh Chu beach such as Hoan My, Sai Gon – Ninh Chu, Aniise, Long Thuan… with prices ranging from 1 to over 2 million dong per night. In the center of Phan Rang – Thap Cham city, there are mainly 2-star hotels or budget guesthouses, with prices ranging from 300,000 to about 500,000 dong per night.

Ninh Thuan offers a more exclusive option with Amanoi, a 6-star luxury resort nestled in the picturesque Vinh Hy Bay. Rates start at 20 million VND per night. For a more rustic and nature-oriented experience, Tanyoli offers a unique opportunity to stay overnight in traditional Mongolian yurts.

4- What are some good places to hang out?

Nui Chua National Park

Spanning across Ninh Hai and Thuan Bac districts, the nearly 30,000-hectare Nui Chua National Park is a treasure trove of biodiversity. Home to 330 terrestrial vertebrate species and over 1,500 species of higher vascular plants, including many endangered species, the park offers a unique glimpse into Vietnam’s rich natural heritage. With its pristine coral reefs, sea turtle nesting grounds, and diverse ecosystems, Nui Chua is a haven for nature lovers. Ninh Thuan has been promoting ecotourism in the area, offering activities like mountain climbing and camping, while ensuring the protection of this fragile environment.

Vinh Hy Bay

Vinh Hy Bay is a must-visit destination when traveling to Ninh Thuan. It has recently been recognized as a National Scenic Landscape by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. In Vinh Hy, you can rent a motorbike and ride along the Nuoc Ngot road that winds along the coast. You can also rent a glass-bottom boat to explore the coral reefs.

Rai Cave

Located about 35 km from Phan Rang city, Rai Cave, part of the Nui Chua National Park, is not only known for its stunning rock formations created by the waves but also for being the habitat of otters, hence its name. This is also home to the most beautiful coral reef in the region, stretching for kilometers with a variety of species and colors, creating a colorful picture. Rai Cave is a favorite photography spot for photographers. The entrance fee to Rai Cave is 20,000 VND per person.

The coastal roads

The coastal drives between Phan Rang and Vinh Hy, as well as Phan Rang and Binh Thuan, are a visual feast. As you journey north or south along the coast from Phan Rang, be captivated by the breathtaking views of pristine beaches, vast salt fields, grazing sheep, and lush vineyards. Part of the recently UNESCO-listed Nui Chua Biosphere Reserve is also located along this route.

Bau Truc Pottery Village

Bau Truc Pottery Village is located 10 kilometers south of Phan Rang-Thap Cham. It is considered a museum of the traditional pottery craft of the Cham people in Ninh Thuan province and is a national intangible cultural heritage. Visitors can try their hand at pottery making or purchase souvenirs for 30,000 to 100,000 VND.

The Towel Poklong Garai

The tower is located on Trau Hill and was built by the Cham people in the late 13th century to worship King Poklong Garai (1151-1205), a king who made great contributions to ruling the country. Symbolizing Mount Meru in Hindu beliefs, the tower complex has a solid architecture despite going through many ups and downs in the history of the ancient Panduranga land. In July of the Cham ¹ calendar, visitors can immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the Kate festival with many rituals, dances, and traditional Cham music.

The Stone Park

Nestled within the Nui Chua National Park, the 2-hectare Stone Park is a relatively recent discovery dating back to 2014. This pristine park, located near the coast and surrounded by low thorny shrubs, offers visitors a glimpse into a rugged and untouched landscape. Prior registration at the ranger station is required.

vineyard

Known for its sunny climate, Ninh Thuan is a prime destination for grape and apple cultivation. As you journey along the Ninh Thuan – Nha Trang route, you’ll be greeted by endless vineyards and orchards. Visit renowned vineyards such as An Thai and Ba Moi to experience the local grape culture, capture memorable photos, and indulge in fresh fruits and grape products.

Nam Cuong Sand Dunes

Located about 8 km southeast of Phan Rang – Thap Cham city, covering an area of nearly 700 hectares, Nam Cuong sand dunes are likened to a mini-desert. This place is still quite pristine, nestled in the silence of the sky and earth. When coming here, visitors can choose to transform themselves into Cham girls to have beautiful photos.

Mui Dinh

Due to its remote location and difficult access, Mui Dinh has only been discovered in recent years, so the scenery remains pristine. In Mui Dinh, there is a lighthouse built in 1904, which is an ideal place to watch the sunrise and sunset over the sea. When you reach the top of the lighthouse, you will be able to admire the magnificent natural scenery. On the way to Mui Dinh, you will pass the pristine Ca Na beach and can check in with the rather special precariously balanced rocks.

5- What are some must-try dishes here?

Bánh Căn

Hailing from Ninh Thuan, banh Can is a delectable dish made with rice flour and a variety of fresh toppings including eggs, meat, shrimp, and squid. Served piping hot and topped with chopped green onions, Banh Can is traditionally enjoyed with a light fish sauce or dipping sauce. This unique culinary experience sets Ninh Thuan apart from other regions like Da Lat.

Lamb

Sheep are one of the most commonly raised animals in Ninh Thuan. They feed on natural grasses. Ninh Thuan Lamb is tender, sweet, and delicious. There are many diverse dishes made from Lamb that you can enjoy, such as grilled, fried, and steamed Lamb.

Rice spaghetti with grilled chopped fish

Start your day in Ninh Thuan with a bowl of Rice spaghetti with grilled chopped fish. The delicate broth, made from a variety of seafood bones, combined with the chewy, flavorful fish cake, creates a truly satisfying breakfast.

 

Phan Rang chicken rice

Phan Rang chicken rice is a popular dish among locals and tourists. The special feature of this dish is that it is cooked with fragrant sticky rice, slightly colored with turmeric. The chicken meat is firm and naturally sweet due to free-range farming. Before cooking, the rice is washed clean and seasoned with minced ginger and garlic for added flavor. The special dipping sauce is made with minced chili and garlic or roasted chili salt.

Seafood

Ninh Thuan boasts an abundance of fresh seafood, including various types of shellfish, squid, shrimp, and crab, at affordable prices. Enjoy the natural flavors of these delicacies by simply steaming or grilling them. For an extra touch, a drizzle of scallion oil can enhance the taste.

Deep Herring Salad

Deep Herring is a type of small, clear fish, about the size of a finger, similar to anchovies but less fishy, so it is suitable for making salad. There are two types of Deep Herring salad: dry and wet. When eating the salad, you squeeze lime on the fish to cook it, mix it with herbs, roasted peanuts, and use grilled rice paper to scoop it up. For the wet salad, the fish is mashed in a special sauce made from peanuts and some spices, wrapped in rice paper and eaten with vegetables.

A variety of activities

• Rent a boat for a tour of Vinh Hy Bay, with options for glass-bottom boat tours or snorkeling.
• Go on a 2-day, 1-night trekking and camping adventure in Nui Chua National Park.
• Capture stunning photos at Hang Rai, the Stone Park, wind farms, and coastal roads.
• Visit vineyards, sheep farms, Poklong Garai Tower, salt fields, and green moss fields.
• Enjoy camping by the beach in Binh Tien.

Cre: Du Hy/Vnexpress