What is Ninh Chu Beach like?
Ninh Chu Beach, often called Phan Rang Beach, lies just a few kilometers east of Phan Rang city in Ninh Thuan Province. It stretches for around 10 km in a gentle crescent, with calm waters and a shoreline lined with trees, small parks, and a mix of mid-range resorts and local seafood restaurants.
The beach atmosphere is relaxed and not overly developed, with most visitors being domestic travelers rather than international tourists. In the evenings, you can expect a lively local scene along the promenade, with food stalls and sometimes the less-pleasant sound of mobile karaoke echoing across the shore.
Overall, Ninh Chu Beach is a scenic and peaceful place to spend time, especially for a walk or sunset view. Some parts are clean and inviting, while others can suffer from litter and a lack of upkeep, so your impression may depend on which section of the beach you visit.
What to See & Do at Ninh Chu Beach
1. Swimming & Relaxing
Ninh Chu Beach has calm water that is shallow in some areas, making it suitable for swimming, especially for families. The sand is yellowish and fine, though not as white as at more famous beaches like Nha Trang or Phu Quoc. Conditions can vary: on good days the water is clear and inviting, but at other times litter can be pushed ashore by currents. The central stretches near the resorts are generally the best maintained for swimming.
2. Sunrise & Sunset
This beach is known for its wide horizons, which means you can catch both sunrise and sunset over the water depending on where you stand along the bay. Early mornings are the most peaceful time to enjoy the scenery, with fishermen heading out and the sand usually cleaner. Sunset brings a more social atmosphere, with locals gathering along the promenade.
3. Walking & Cycling the beachfront
Running along the beach is a long, straight coastal road and promenade that stretches for 6–10 km. It’s great for walking, jogging, or cycling, especially in the cooler hours of the day. Evenings are popular with local families, making it a safe and relaxed way to experience daily life in Phan Rang.
4. Seafood dining on the beach
Seafood is one of the main reasons locals and visitors come to Ninh Chu. Dozens of casual eateries and open-air restaurants line the beach, serving freshly caught fish, crabs, shrimp, and squid at very reasonable prices. More polished dining is available at the resorts, though the charm of eating barefoot in the sand is part of the appeal. A word of warning: some restaurants use loud mobile karaoke, which can spoil the otherwise calm seaside setting.
5. Water sports & Activities
Thanks to steady winds, Ninh Chu is a good place for windsurfing and kitesurfing, though facilities are limited compared to Mui Ne. On some days you can also find small-scale rentals for stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, or jet skis, but availability is not consistent. If you’re set on water sports, it’s best to confirm with your accommodation in advance.
6. Fishing village & Market visits
At the northern end of the beach you’ll find a working fishing wharf where boats bring in their catch in the early morning. It’s a lively time to visit, with the chance to see the seafood being sorted and sold directly onshore. For travelers who enjoy local markets, this is an authentic way to experience Phan Rang’s fishing culture up close.
7. Khanh Nhon Salt Farm (Salt fields)
About 5 km from the northern end of Ninh Chu, Khánh Nhơn is a coastal salt farm where you can see working salt pans, salt mounds, and local farmers in action—especially in the dry season. If you have a motorbike or car, it makes a nice photo excursion at sunrise or late afternoon when the light is best.
8. Dam Nai Lagoon
Right behind Ninh Chu lies Dam Nai Lagoon, a large brackish lagoon dotted with fishing nets and small boats. It’s an atmospheric place to see local fishermen at work, especially at sunrise or sunset when the light reflects off the water. The lagoon adds to the coastal scenery of Ninh Chu and can be explored by walking or cycling around its edge.
9. Nearby Excursions
If you’re staying longer, Ninh Chu Beach can be a base for short outings:
- Po Klong Garai Cham Towers – Ancient Cham temple complex right in Phan Rang city, about 15 minutes from the beach.
- Vineyards and grape gardens – Ninh Thuan is Vietnam’s grape capital, and you can taste or buy fresh grapes and wine directly from farms.
- Ca Du and Da Chong Mountains – rocky hills rising near the coast, good for light trekking or a short escape into more rugged scenery.
Best time to visit
Ninh Chu Beach sits in a tropical monsoon climate, with sunny and windy conditions for much of the year. The dry season runs from January to August, with the most reliable weather between March and August when the sea is calmer and the days are long and bright.
The rainy season lasts from September to December, when showers and occasional storms can affect the area. During this period, the water often looks less clear and beach conditions are less appealing for swimming.
No matter the season, the midday sun can be extremely intense, so mornings and late afternoons are the best times for walks, swimming, or cycling along the promenade.
Location & Getting there
Where is Ninh Chu Beach?
Ninh Chu Beach is located about 5 km east of Phan Rang – Thap Cham city in Ninh Thuan Province. The nearest train stop is Thap Cham Railway Station, a key station on the north–south line, from where it’s a short ride by taxi or motorbike to the beach.
Taxi or Ride-Hailing
From the city center, it’s easy to take a taxi or Grab to Ninh Chu Beach, with rides usually only 10–15 minutes. If you’re coming from further out, ride-hailing apps are less reliable, so it’s best to arrange transport in advance. For short visits, asking a driver to wait can save the hassle of finding a return ride.
Car with driver
Hiring a car with driver is a good option if you plan to combine Ninh Chu Beach with other nearby attractions such as Vinh Hy Bay, Nui Chua National Park, or the Po Klong Garai Cham Towers. This way you can set your own pace, include multiple stops, and avoid worrying about return transport.
Renting a motorbike
Motorbike rental is a popular choice for visitors who want flexibility. Rentals in Phan Rang usually cost around 100,000 VND per day. The coastal roads to Ninh Chu are manageable and not as chaotic as in bigger cities, making it a practical option. Do note that while rental shops rarely ask, you technically need an International Driving Permit (IDP) and valid license for insurance to apply in case of accidents.
Where to stay at Ninh Chu Beach
Ninh Chu Beach is the main coastal strip for staying in Phan Rang, with several mid-range resorts and smaller hotels right along the shoreline. Most accommodations face directly onto the beach or are just across the road, so you can expect easy access to the sea.
Don’t expect luxury resorts like in Nha Trang or Phu Quoc. The style here is simpler, often older concrete resorts with large rooms, swimming pools, and beachfront restaurants. A few newer villa-style resorts have opened, but the overall standard is more practical than polished.
For most travelers, staying at Ninh Chu is convenient if you want direct beach access, seafood dining within walking distance, and a relaxed local vibe in the evenings. If you prefer a wider range of restaurants, nightlife, or modern city comforts, the city center of Phan Rang (about 10 minutes away by taxi) might be a better base.
Practical tips for visiting
- Sun protection – Bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water, as there’s little natural shade on the beach.
- Timing – Evenings are busiest with local families, while mornings are calmer and often cleaner.
- Swimming spots – Watch for trash along the shore; the best swimming is usually near the central resort areas.
- Noise – Mobile karaoke is common in some beachside eateries and can be loud at night.
- Seafood markets – For the freshest catch, visit the small morning markets near the wharf.
- Accommodation – Resorts and hotels line the beachfront; they are mostly mid-range and comfortable rather than luxury.
- Payment – Carry cash, as some smaller restaurants and local markets don’t accept cards.
Is Ninh Chu Beach worth visiting?
Ninh Chu Beach is an attractive, long stretch of sand with a distinctly local feel and some of the best sunsets in the region. Its crescent shape, calm waters, and relaxed atmosphere can make it a pleasant stop, especially if you enjoy places that aren’t overrun with international tourists.
That said, it’s not without drawbacks. Trash on the shore, limited upkeep, and occasional noise from beachside karaoke can take away from the experience. It’s not Vietnam’s cleanest or most developed beach, so if you’re expecting luxury or pristine conditions, you may be disappointed.
Ninh Chu Beach is best suited for those already staying in Phan Rang or combining it with nearby attractions such as the Cham towers, local vineyards, Nui Chua National Park, or Vinh Hy Bay. Seen in this context, it’s a worthwhile stop for its sunsets, seafood, and authentic atmosphere—just keep expectations realistic.
