15 Unmissable Things to Do in Ninh Thuan for a Memorable Trip

Ninh Thuan province is located in southern Vietnam, famous for its beautiful sandy beaches and unique landscape. Home to many historical and cultural attractions, Ninh Thuan offers visitors a memorable travel experience. From world-class holy sites to adventure activities under the sun, here are 15 unmissable things to do in Ninh Thuan province for a truly memorable Vietnam trip. Experience the vibrant local culture through festivals, pagodas, and temples. Explore the untouched natural beauty along the coastline. Get close to the locals and indulge in fresh seafood.

This ultimate Ninh Thuan itinerary features the top things to do in Ninh Thuan and hidden gem Ninh Thuan attractions you don't want to miss. Whether you're a beach lover, nature enthusiast, or history buff, this guide will inspire your Ninh Thuan travel.

1. Visit the Po Klong Garai Cham Temple Towers

The Po Klong Garai Cham Temple Towers is one of the most iconic Ninh Thuan attractions, located in the Phan Rang-Thap Cham city. Dating back to the 7th century, it was originally a complex of temples but only the iconic brick towers remain standing tall today. Wander among the impressive red brick towers decorated with detailed carvings of Hindu gods and goddesses. Imagine the grandeur of the temples in their heyday. The temple site is clearly signposted from the roadside - just look out for the tall reddish towers peeking above the treeline.

• The best time to visit: Early morning is the best time to visit before the crowds arrive when the towers are beautifully lit by the soft morning light.
• Detailed location: 24km southwest of Phan Rang city

2. Relax on Phan Rang Beach

With over 4 kilometers of pristine white sand and clear blue waters, Phan Rang Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Ninh Thuan.
Lay out your beach towel, swim in the cool waters, or try some water sports like jet skiing. In the evenings, watch the gorgeous sunset over the South China Sea.

The best time to visit is from October to May when the weather is milder. Summers can be extremely hot so it's best to visit early morning or late afternoon during that time.

The beach is located right in the city of Phan Rang, just 20 minutes by car from Po Klong Garai Temple. You can easily spend a relaxing day at the beach before or after exploring the historical temples.

• The best time to visit: it's best to visit early morning or late afternoon
• Detailed location: 20 minutes by car from Po Klong Garai Temple, right in the city of Phan Rang.

3. Explore Rai Cave

Rai Cave is a spectacular limestone cave nestled in the mountains of Ninh Thuan province. Walk through its magnificent chambers and hallways admiring the dramatic stalactites and stalagmites.

The best time to visit is in the dry months from November to May when it's easier to navigate through the cave. Flashlights are a must as it's pitch dark inside.

The cave is located about 45km from Phan Rang. From the highway, follow signs to Rai Son town then a short 5km ride up the mountain road leads to the cave entrance. Guided tours are available for reasonable rates.

• The best time to visit: Dry season, from November to May
• Detailed location: about 45km from Phan Rang.

4. Go sandboarding at Nam Cuong Sand Dunes

For an adrenaline-pumping activity, go sandboarding at the Nam Cuong Sand Dunes, one of the most striking landscapes in Ninh Thuan. Glide down the smooth giant sand dunes and watch the beautiful desert scenery pass you by.

The best time to visit is around noon when the hot sun makes the fine sand extra smooth and dry for sandboarding. Early morning and evening can be windy.

The sand dunes are located about 50km west of Phan Rang city. Take the road towards Mui Ne in Binh Thuan province and look out for signs of Nam Cuong on your left. Rent a sandboard directly from the entrance for ultimate dune surfing fun.

• The best time to visit: is around noon
• Detailed location: about 50km west of Phan Rang city

5. Visit the Bau Truc Pottery Village

Discover vibrant local craftmanship at Bau Truc, one of the oldest pottery villages in Vietnam. Watch skilled potters sculpting and decorating ceramic vases, plates and figurines on traditional pottery wheels.

There's no bad time to visit as the pottery-making goes on all year round. Early morning offers fewer crowds.

Located just 7km from Phan Rang City, Bau Truc Pottery Village is easy to find. Look out for signs or ask locals to be directed down the small road leading to the village where kilns line the streets. Be sure to shop for authentic handicrafts.

• The best time to visit: All year around
• Detailed location: 7km from Phan Rang City

6. Sample Ninh Thuan's wine at a Thai An vineyard

Ninh Thuan is rapidly gaining recognition for its burgeoning wine industry. Stop by Thai An Farm, one of the province's leading vineyards, for a guided tour and wine tasting overlooking sprawling grape vines.

Spring (March-May) offers cooler temperatures ideal for savoring the wines. The farm also stages wine festivals during this season.
Located just 20km from Phan Rang, Thai An Farm is on the road from the city towards Nui Chua National Park. Tours and tastings run daily and reservations are recommended on weekends.

• The best time to visit: from March to May
• Detailed location: 20km from Phan Rang

7. Visit the An Hoa Sheep Field

Get a feel of rural Ninh Thuan at the An Hoa Sheep Field, home to flocks of smelly merino sheep grazing on lush pastures. Take scenic walks among the herds and learn about local livelihood.

Any time of year is good but the field looks most picturesque after summer rains have turned it lush and green. Early morning offers cooler temperatures.

Located 30km south of Phan Rang town, the sheep field is easily spotted from the main road. Entrance is free and facilities include picnic areas and souvenir shops.

• The best time to visit: all year around
• Detailed location: 30km south of Phan Rang town

8. Take a boat trip to Vinh Hy Bay

Cruise through the scenic coastal waters of Ninh Thuan on a boat trip to Vinh Hy Bay. Admire limestone islets jutting out of the azure waters and stop on pristine beaches.

Winter and spring (December to May) ensure good weather and calmer waters for boating. Mornings offer the best visibility.

Boat trips depart daily from Ninh Chu port, accessible via a 2-hour drive west from Phan Rang. Book with local operators for island-hopping, snorkeling, and seafood lunch on one of the islands.

• The best time to visit: from December to May
• Detailed location: a 2-hour boat trip west from Ninh Chu port

9. Go snorkeling or diving at Hon Do Island

Hon Do Island is renowned for its bountiful marine life. Glide through vibrant coral reefs and schools of tropical fish on a snorkeling or scuba diving trip. Spot turtles, manta rays and reef sharks.

Water visibility is best between December to May during drier months. Early morning has calmer seas.

Hon Do island lies 30 minutes by boat from Ninh Chu port. Dive operators offer daily trips including equipment rental. Trip Advisor reviews help pick reliable companies.

• The best time to visit: Early morning, dry season, from December to May
• Detailed location:  30 minutes by boat from Ninh Chu port

10. Visit the Tanyoli Tourist Area

Tanyoli is a tranquil coastal area ideal for relaxing beach holidays. Swim and sunbathe along the long sandy beach facing turquoise waters. Visit local fishing villages and try fresh seafood.

March to May is the most comfortable time to visit when the weather is mild. Mornings are best to avoid the heat.

Tanyoli is located 30km northwest of Phan Rang city. Head towards Cam Thanh and follow signs to the beachside strip dotted with resorts and seafood shacks. You'll find ample parking right at the entrance.

• The best time to visit: the morning, from March to May
• Detailed location: 30km northwest of Phan Rang city

11. Visit the Mui Dinh Cape

Witness stunning panoramic views of the South China Sea meeting the coastline at Mui Dinh Cape, one of the most scenic spots in Ninh Thuan. Take photos of the dramatic limestone cliffs overlooking azure waters.

Any time of year offers pleasant weather but early mornings between February to August allow cloud-free vistas.

Mui Dinh Cape is located 90km south of Phan Rang City towards Nha Trang. Drive past Ninh Chu town and follow signs towards Cam Ranh. Park near the lighthouse for photo stops along the coastal path.

• The best time to visit: early mornings between February to August
• Detailed location:  90km south of Phan Rang City

​​​​​​​

12. Visit the Ca Na Beach

Fringed with towering limestone cliffs, Ca Na Beach is one of the province's most striking stretches of coastline. Take a relaxing walk along the fine white sand while admiring the azure waters and islands offshore.

The dry season from November to May sees calmer seas ideal for swimming and fewer crowds. Early mornings are also pleasant.

Ca Na Beach lies within the Phan Rang–Thap Cham tourist area, about 8km southeast of Phan Rang city center. Drive along the coastal road towards Nha Trang city. Free parking is available near the beach.

• The best time to visit: early morning from November to May
• Detailed location: 8km southeast of Phan Rang city center

​​​​​​​

13. Visit the Bau Trang Beach

Considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam, Bau Trang features pristine white sands and crystal clear waters sheltered by limestone cliffs. Swim, sunbathe or go fishing in the shallows.

Winter and spring (December-April) are ideal with mild weather and calmer seas. Early mornings are also pleasant and less crowded.
Bau Trang Beach is situated within the Bau Trang tourist area, about 35km southwest of Phan Rang City. From Phan Rang, head towards Mui Ne beach in Binh Thuan province. Free parking is available near the beach entrance.

• The best time to visit: early morning from December to April
• Detailed location: 35km southwest of Phan Rang City

​​​​​​​

14. Visit the Mui Ne Sand Dunes

A short drive from Ninh Thuan, the Mui Ne Sand Dunes offer a scenic landscape of vibrant red and white sand. Play in the dunes, go sandboarding, or take a hot air balloon ride at sunset.

The dry season from November to May has gentle winds perfect for activities. Early mornings and evenings are most pleasant.
The dunes are located in Mui Ne town within Binh Thuan province, about 45km southwest of Phan Rang. Drive along the coastal highway and follow signs to the dune area entrance. Consider staying overnight in Mui Ne.

• The best time to visit: From November to May
• Detailed location: about 45km southwest of Phan Rang

15. Sample Ninh Thuan's cuisine

Ninh Thuan is renowned for its fresh and flavorsome seafood. Try grilled crab, sautéed squid or steamed mussels typically served with rice noodles. Sample local specialties like banh canh Cua Gio Nam cooking crab soup noodles.

Any time of the year is good as seafood is plentiful. Evenings see bustling street food stalls and local eateries.

Seafood restaurants and stalls can be found throughout coastal towns like Phan Rang, and Ninh Hai and along the beaches. No need for reservations, simply follow the aromas drifting in the air.

• The best time to visit: all year around
• Detailed location: along the beaches, or in Phan Rang’s center

In summary, Ninh Thuan province offers visitors a delightful mix of coastal scenery, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences. With its pleasant climate year-round, the best way to explore all that Ninh Thuan has to offer is by planning a 5-7-day trip. In addition to the highlights mentioned, don't forget to visit local pagodas, learn about Vietnamese Buddhist traditions, and sample rural delights like grilled lamb and homemade rice wine.

For help planning your customized Ninh Thuan itinerary filled with top things to do like visiting beaches, historical sites, and outdoor adventures, contact the experts at ThreeLand Travel. Their local guides can arrange all accommodation, and transportation and book unique activities tailored to your interests. Whether you're looking for relaxation, culture, or action, Ninh Thuan has something for everyone. Start planning your next Vietnam vacation to this scenic southern province today!