נפת נין ת'ואן

The dry season from January to August suits the beaches, though it is hot. Rain falls between September and December and is light compared with other provinces. The sea is calm from March to September.

• Tháp Porome is a Cham tower complex near Phan Rang, still used for ceremonies.
• Hang Rái is a rocky cove in Vĩnh Hy with clear water for swimming and snorkelling.
• Vĩnh Hy Bay is a sheltered bay with a small fishing community.
• Nam Cương dunes is a field of red and white sand dunes near the coast.
• Bãi Cà Tiên is a small beach with calm water.
• Big Rock is a large boulder on the coast near Vĩnh Hy.
• Hòn Đỏ is a red rock outcrop on the shore.

Po Klong Garai, a 13th-century Cham temple on a hill near Phan Rang, is the best-known tower in the province.

• Swim and snorkel at Vĩnh Hy: Clear water and quiet coves.
• Walk the dunes at sunrise: Cooler and better light.
• Visit a Cham tower: Some are still used for worship.
• Watch salt and shrimp farms: These line the coast near Phan Rang.
• Eat fresh seafood: Grilled shrimp and fish at small restaurants.

• Nha Trang: Nha Trang is about 2 hours north by road.
• Da Lat: Da Lat is about 3 hours inland on the mountain road.
• Binh Thuan: Bình Thuận lies to the south.

• North: Khanh Hoa and Nha Trang have the nearest large resorts.
• West: Lam Dong and Da Lat are in the highlands.
• South: Binh Thuan and Mui Ne have more dunes and beaches.

• By train: Tháp Chàm station is on the north–south line. Vietnam Railways
• By road: Highway 1 runs through Phan Rang. Buses from Nha Trang take about 2 hours.
• From Da Lat: The mountain road over Ngoạn Mục Pass takes about 3 hours.
• By air: The nearest airport is Cam Ranh, about 60 km north.

• Motorbike hire: Best for the coast road to Vĩnh Hy.
• Taxi: Available in Phan Rang.
• Car with driver: Useful for a day trip to the coast and the dunes.

• Is a car worth it? Yes, for the coast road and the dunes.
• Roads: Highway 1 is busy and flat. The coast road to Vĩnh Hy has bends and views.
• Heat: Summer midday heat is strong. Start early.

Ninh Thuận is known for its dry-climate produce. Try grapes, grilled lamb and goat, and seafood such as lobster and shrimp. A local dish is bánh canh chả cá, a thick noodle soup with fish cake. Cham communities add their own dishes and weaving traditions.

Ninh Thuận is safe for visitors.

• The province is hot and dry. Drink water and use sun protection.
• Swim only in calm water. Currents can be strong at open beaches.
• Dunes have no shade. Bring a hat.
• Wear a helmet if you hire a motorbike.

Ninh Thuận was part of the Champa kingdom, which built brick towers across central Vietnam. The area around Phan Rang was one of the last Cham centres and still has a large Cham population.

The Vietnamese took over the region in the 17th century. Cham towers, weaving and festivals remain in use today.

Quick practical facts for Vietnam at a glance: