Ninh Thuan - The Land of Sun and Wind
The first impression when mentioning Ninh Thuan travel is its year-round dry and hot climate. Known as the land of sun and wind, Ninh Thuan enjoys over 300 sunny days each year. This has created a distinctive landscape not found in any other province in Vietnam - arid fields, golden sand dunes, and untouched beaches.
Ninh Thuan travel is not only famous for its attractions but also for the unique culture of the Cham people. This is where the traditional cultural values of the Cham Pa ethnic group are preserved, with festivals, ancient Cham towers, and traditional craft villages.
The Ideal Time for a Ninh Thuan Trip
Ninh Thuan can be visited year-round, but the most ideal time is from January to August. This is when the climate is pleasant, with little rain, favorable for sightseeing and exploration activities.
If you want to experience the distinctive cultural festivals of the Cham people while traveling to Ninh Thuan, you should visit in April or October to attend the Kate Festival - the biggest festival of the Cham community during the year.
Must-Visit Destinations When Traveling to Ninh Thuan
1. Vinh Hy Bay - Ninh Thuan's Blue Jewel
Located about 40km north of Phan Rang city center, Vinh Hy Bay is considered one of Vietnam's four most beautiful bays. When traveling to Ninh Thuan, you cannot miss experiencing a glass-bottom boat tour to view coral reefs here.
Vinh Hy Bay features pristine beauty with clear blue seawater, diverse coral reefs, and small beaches surrounded by majestic limestone mountains. Moreover, this is also an eco-tourism spot adjacent to Nui Chua National Park, which preserves many rare animal and plant species.
2. Po Klong Garai Tower - Cham Pa Cultural Heritage
When traveling to Ninh Thuan, you cannot miss Po Klong Garai Tower - one of the most intact Cham Pa architectural works in Vietnam. Located on Trau Hill, about 7km from Phan Rang city center, the Po Klong Garai Cham Tower was built in the late 13th century, during the reign of King Jaya Simhavarman III.
Po Klong Garai Tower is not only a unique architectural work but also a place marking the history and culture of the Cham people. Every year, the Kate Festival - the biggest traditional festival of the Cham community - takes place here, attracting numerous domestic and international tourists for sightseeing and research.
3. Nam Cuong Sand Dunes - "Miniature Desert" in the Heart of Vietnam
Nam Cuong Sand Dunes, likened to Vietnam's "mini desert," is an attractive destination not to be missed when traveling to Ninh Thuan. The sand dunes stretch with brilliant yellow color under the sunlight, creating a picturesque scene.
At Nam Cuong Sand Dunes, visitors can experience sand sliding, watch beautiful sunrises or sunsets. This is also an ideal check-in spot for photography enthusiasts.
4. Bau Truc Pottery Village - The Oldest Pottery Village in Southeast Asia
Bau Truc Pottery Village, located about 10km south of Phan Rang city, is the oldest pottery village in Southeast Asia with over 900 years of history. When traveling to Ninh Thuan, you cannot miss the opportunity to visit and learn about the traditional pottery craft of the Cham people.
The specialty of Bau Truc pottery is that it doesn't use a potter's wheel but only hands and simple tools for shaping. Pottery products here bear the distinctive character of Cham culture with simple yet sophisticated decorative patterns.
5. Ninh Thuan Vineyards - Famous Specialty
Ninh Thuan is the only region in Vietnam that can grow grapes thanks to its distinctive dry and hot climate. When traveling to Ninh Thuan, you cannot miss visiting the lush green vineyards and enjoying fresh grapes right from the vine.
Besides touring, taking photos, and enjoying fresh grapes, visitors also have the opportunity to purchase grape products such as wine, raisins, and grape syrup as gifts for family and friends.
6. Ninh Chu Beach - The Most Beautiful Beach in Ninh Thuan
Ninh Chu Beach is located about 6km northeast of Phan Rang city, and is one of Ninh Thuan's most beautiful beaches. The beach stretches over 10km with fine white sand, clear blue water, and coconut trees swaying by the shore, creating a stunning natural landscape.
When traveling to Ninh Thuan, you can relax, swim, and enjoy fresh seafood at Ninh Chu Beach. This is also an ideal place to watch sunrise or sunset over the sea.
7. Hang Rai - A Hidden Gem in the Sea
Hang Rai is a magnificent scenic spot located about 15km south of Vinh Hy Bay. This is where rock slabs are arranged naturally and artistically, creating a majestic scene in the middle of the sea.
When traveling to Ninh Thuan, you cannot miss watching sunrise or sunset at Hang Rai - an unforgettable experience with a spectacular view as sunlight shines on the rock slabs and sea surface.
Ninh Thuan Cuisine - Rich Flavors of the Coastal Region
Ninh Thuan travel is not only a journey to explore beautiful scenery but also a journey to discover the distinctive cuisine of this region. Here are some specialty dishes not to be missed:
- Ninh Thuan Bánh Xèo: Different from Southern bánh xèo, Ninh Thuan's version is smaller, crispier, and eaten with fresh vegetables and sweet and sour fish sauce.
- Sheep Steamed with Grape Leaves: This is a unique dish only available in Ninh Thuan, where sheep meat is steamed with grape leaves, creating a distinctive, delicious flavor.
- Mai Fish Salad: A rustic yet sophisticated dish, fresh mai fish is prepared as a salad with aromatic herbs and distinctive spices.
- Phan Rang Half-Dried Squid: Phan Rang half-dried squid is famous for its rich flavor, chewy squid meat, and distinctive aroma.
Accommodation When Traveling to Ninh Thuan
Ninh Thuan offers various accommodation options to suit all needs and budgets, from hotels, luxury resorts to homestays and budget guesthouses. Areas with concentrated accommodation facilities are Phan Rang - Thap Cham city, Ninh Chu beach, and Vinh Hy Bay.
Some accommodation suggestions when traveling to Ninh Thuan:
- The Anam Resort: A 5-star resort with luxurious design and beautiful sea views.
- Saigon - Ninh Chu Hotel & Resort: A 4-star resort located right on Ninh Chu beach.
- I Resort: A resort combined with mud baths and spa services.
- Homestays in Vinh Hy: Experience simple but comfortable living.
Transportation When Traveling to Ninh Thuan
To reach Ninh Thuan, you can choose various means of transportation:
- By plane: The nearest airport is Cam Ranh Airport (Khanh Hoa), then you can rent a car or take a bus to Ninh Thuan.
- By train: Thap Cham Station is right in the center of Phan Rang city, convenient for travel.
- By bus: Many high-quality bus companies have routes passing through Ninh Thuan.
To travel within Ninh Thuan, you can rent motorbikes, cars, or take taxis. Renting a motorbike is the most popular and convenient way to explore tourist attractions.
Conclusion: Ninh Thuan Travel - A Journey Full of Experiences
Traveling to Ninh Thuan is a journey to explore a land full of sun and wind but no less enchanting with its beautiful natural landscapes, unique culture, and distinctive cuisine. Whether you are a nature lover, passionate about cultural exploration, or simply want to find a place to relax, Ninh Thuan can meet all your needs.
Plan your Ninh Thuan trip today to discover the pristine beauty of this land. And don't forget to follow MLifeOn for more useful information about traveling to Ninh Thuan as well as other attractive destinations in Vietnam and Australia!
Have you ever been to Ninh Thuan? Share your experience in the comments section below!
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CREDIT:
Photo: farobe.farmstay