Introduction

Ninh Thuan is often described as a “rough gem” on Vietnam’s tourism map. Once merged with Khanh Hoa, the province captivates travelers with untouched landscapes and the enduring legacy of Cham culture. Discover the true beauty of Ninh Thuan with Asia King Travel now!

Overview of Ninh Thuan

Formerly a province in southeast Vietnam, Ninh Thuan is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, varied landscape, and history. With sand dunes, rocky mountains, dry plains, and an untouched coastline, its landscape is among the most unique in the nation. Ninh Thuan has a raw beauty that is unmatched anywhere else in Vietnam.

Ninh Thuan’s Beautiful Coastline

Culturally, Ninh Thuan is the “heartland” of the Cham ethnic minority, whose heritage remains deeply woven into daily life. Ancient Cham towers, traditional craft villages, and annual festivals reflect centuries of history and spiritual beliefs. Ninh Thuan also stands out for its local cuisine with bold flavors influenced by coastal ingredients and culinary traditions.

At the center of the province lies Phan Rang - Thap Cham, the capital and cultural hub of Ninh Thuan. The city serves as the main gateway to surrounding attractions such as Binh Son Beach, Hang Rai, Vinh Hy Bay, while preserving a relaxed, local atmosphere. Together, its geography, Cham identity, and authentic lifestyle define Ninh Thuan’s unique role as one of Vietnam’s most culturally rich yet quietly captivating natural destinations.

History of Ninh Thuan

The history of Ninh Thuan spans many centuries and is closely intertwined with the broader cultural development of central Vietnam. From the 2nd century, Ninh Thuan became an important center of Cham civilization, deeply influenced by Hinduism and later Buddhism.

During this era, Ninh Thuan and its surrounding areas flourished culturally and spiritually. Its legacy is still visible today through remarkable architectural works such as Po Klong Garai and Po Rome Cham towers, which served as religious, political, and cultural landmarks.

Po Klong Garai Tower in Phan Rang - Thap Cham

Between the 2nd and 15th centuries, Ninh Thuan was part of the Champa Kingdom, whose capital was located at Vijaya (present-day Gia Lai Province). In the 15th century, the southward expansion of Dai Viet led to the gradual decline of Champa, and Ninh Thuan was eventually incorporated into Vietnam’s territory.

In the modern era, Ninh Thuan officially became a province in 1976, following Vietnam’s reunification. The region faced challenges related to its arid climate, leading to efforts to develop agriculture and solve water scarcity issues. Recently, Ninh Thuan has also emerged as a key hub for renewable energy, particularly wind and solar power.

Following the 2025 administrative merger, the former Ninh Thuan Province became part of the expanded Khanh Hoa, contributing 24 commune-level units. Today, the area forms the southern gateway of Khanh Hoa, playing an important role in the region’s development.

Top Attractions in Ninh Thuan

Nui Chua National Park

Recognized by UNESCO, Nui Chua National Park is one of Vietnam’s most unique ecosystems, where dry forests meet the sea. The park offers hiking trails, coastal views, and rich biodiversity, making it an ideal attraction in Ninh Thuan for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Animals at Nui Chua National Park

Vinh Hy Bay

Vinh Hy Bay is a must-visit destination in Ninh Thuan and has been recognized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism as a national scenic site. It is a pristine coastal gem known for its turquoise waters and dramatic rocky cliffs. Visitors can explore the coastline by motorbike along the winding Nuoc Ngot Road or join glass-bottom boat tours to admire the colorful coral reefs below.

Hang Rai

Hang Rai, which lies within Nui Chua National Park, is well-known for its bizarre rock formations. The natural "waterfall" effect created by waves crashing over layered stone is particularly beautiful at sunrise and high tide. Hang Rai is also home to the largest coral reef in the area, which stretches more than a kilometer. A must-visit attraction in Ninh Thuan for photographers.

Beautiful Sunrise in Hang Rai

Nam Cuong Sand Dunes

Located 8 km southeast of Phan Rang - Thap Cham, Nam Cuong Sand Dunes cover nearly 700 hectares and are often compared to a “mini” desert. The dunes change color throughout the day and provide insight into the daily life and culture of the Cham people nearby.

Breathtaking Views of Nam Cuong Sand Dunes

Mui Dinh

Mui Dinh is a remote coastal headland with rugged terrain, golden sand dunes, and a historic lighthouse. It is perfect for adventurous travelers seeking untouched scenery and panoramic sea views of Ca Na Beach.

Beautiful Rock Stacks in Mui Dinh

Beautiful Rock Stacks in Mui Dinh, Ninh Thuan

Grape Vineyards

Despite its year-round sunny climate, Ninh Thuan is well suited for growing grapes. In addition to red and green, local farmers also grow black grapes used for winemaking. Along the Ninh Thuan - Nha Trang route, travelers can stop by vineyards such as An Thai or Ba Moi to take photos, pick fruit, and shop for grape-based products.

Food in Ninh Thuan

Fresh Seafood: Abundant coastal seafood such as squid, shrimp, crab, snails, and sea urchin, best enjoyed steamed or grilled to highlight natural sweetness.
Com Ga Phan Rang: Fragrant turmeric rice paired with firm, naturally sweet free-range chicken, served with spicy chili-based dipping sauces.
Banh Canh Cha Ca: Light, naturally sweet fish-bone broth with soft, chewy fish cakes, commonly eaten for breakfast.
Banh Can: Mini rice cakes topped with eggs, meat, or seafood, typically served with light fish broth or fermented fish sauce in the local style.
Lamb Meat: Tender, aromatic lamb raised on natural grasslands, prepared grilled, fried, or steamed.
Goi Ca Mai: Fresh mai fish salad served dry or wet, mixed with herbs, peanuts, and lime, and eaten with rice paper.

Banh Can Phan Rang

Travelling Cost in Ninh Thuan

Accommodation

Ninh Thuan offers a wide range of accommodation options at reasonable prices:

Budget homestays and guesthouses: VND 250,000-500,000 (USD 10-20) per night
Mid-range hotels: VND 600,000-1,200,000 (USD 25-50) per night
Premium resorts: VND 1,500,000 (USD 60+) per night, often at better value than nearby destinations.

Transportation

Traveling within Ninh Thuan is affordable and flexible, especially for independent travelers:

Motorbike rental: VND 120,000-180,000 (USD 5-7) per day, the most popular option.
Taxi services: VND 12,000-15,000 (USD 0.5-0.6) per kilometer
Private car with driver: VND 800,000-1,500,000 (USD 32-60) per day, ideal for families or group travel.

Food

Food costs in Ninh Thuan remain low while offering fresh ingredients and local flavors:

Street food & local eateries: VND 25,000-50,000 (USD 1-2) per dish
Local restaurants: VND 60,000-120,000 (USD 2.5-5) per person
Seafood restaurants: VND 150,000-300,000 (USD 6-12) per person

Entrance Fees

Most attractions in Ninh Thuan are accessible with minimal additional costs:

Free Attractions: Beaches, vineyards, sand dunes, local villages.
Low-cost Attractions: VND 20,000-60,000 (USD 1-2.5) per person, including sites like Hang Rai, Cham towers, and national parks.
Experiences & Activities: VND 100,000-300,000 (USD 4-12) per person, including boat tours, glass-bottom boats, or guided nature experiences.

Best Time to Visit Ninh Thuan

Ninh Thuan is known as “the land of sun and wind” thanks to its arid, hot climate and low annual rainfall. The rainy season is relatively short, from September to November, while the rest of the year remains dry with temperatures ranging between 25 and 35°C. With its long dry season and abundant sunshine, Ninh Thuan is an ideal destination for outdoor activities, coastal exploration, and nature-based travel throughout most of the year.

How to Get to Ninh Thuan

Getting to Ninh Thuan depends on your point of departure, but travelers from major cities such as Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City generally have the following options:

By Plane: Cam Ranh International Airport is the nearest airport serving Ninh Thuan, with direct flights available from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and other major cities in Vietnam. From the airport, travelers can continue to Ninh Thuan by bus, taxi, or private transfer to reach their chosen destination within the province.

By Bus: Long-distance buses operate regularly between Ninh Thuan and major cities including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Although the travel time is longer compared to flying, this option is more economical and widely used by both locals and tourists.

After arriving in Ninh Thuan, visitors can conveniently explore the province’s varied landscapes, from pristine beaches and sand dunes to historical and cultural sites.

Conclusion

Ninh Thuan's identity is still clear even though it is now a part of Khanh Hoa's southern region. Every element conveys a sense of a land sculpted by wind and sun, from the smell of ripe grapes in the highlands to the waves lapping onto Ninh Chu Beach. Book Asia King Travel now to truly feel the essence of Ninh Thuan up close and personal.