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Phan Rang - Thap Cham, a hidden treasure on Vietnam's south-central coast, boasts stunning landscapes, rich culture, and endless adventures. This destination blends pristine beaches, dramatic coastal cliffs, and unique dry forests, making it an ideal spot for both relaxation and thrill-seeking. Explore vibrant coral reefs, hike through Nui Chua National Park, and experience the vibrant fishing culture. Ready to discover what makes this city one of Vietnam’s must-visit destinations? Let’s dive into the top 7 best things to do in the Phan Rang - Thap Cham travel guide.

About Phan Rang - Thap Cham

Phan Rang was originally the capital of Ninh Thuan Province until 1976. It lost its status that same year when it merged with Binh Thuan Province, forming Thuan Hai Province, and the city was divided in two, with Phan Rang to the east and Thap Cham to the west. The two areas came together again in 1992 to form a single city. If you cross Vietnam from north to south, you'll notice a radical change in the vegetation around the city of Phan Rang-Thap Cham. The lush green of the rice terraces gives way to a sandy soil where only a few scrubby plants grow. 

The region is famous for its production of table grapes. The best-known tourist site, which is also a frequent stop on the Dalat-Nha Trang route, is the Chams Towers, commonly known as Po Klong Garai. The province is home to tens of thousands of people of Cham descent, one of Vietnam’s ethnic minority groups. There's also a sizeable Chinese population, most of whom come to worship at the Quang Cong pagoda, a colorful downtown temple built 135 years ago. 

Phan Rang - Thap Cham is a must-visit on a trip to discover the surrounding coastline or simply to visit Dalat. The nearby Ninh Chu beach is also a good place to relax.

Things to Do in Phan Rang & Thap Cham

Visit Po Klaung Garai

The Po Klong Garai Hindu Cham complex has become a cultural symbol of the province and of Phan Rang - Thap Cham city in particular. Situated about 9 km Northwest of the city, this is the most majestic and beautiful cluster of Cham towers remaining, built in the 13th century in honor of King Po Klong Garai, who ruled the country. The Po Klong Garai complex consists of three terracotta towers: the main tower (20.5m high), the fire tower (9.31m high), and the gate tower (8.56m high).

The main tower is adorned with a mukka-linga human face, while the pediment features a sculpture of Siva dancing and waving his six arms, a dance that brings down the universe during the periodic destruction of the cosmos. 

The fire tower in the southern corner of the tower area has a distinctive roof in the shape of a saddle. Among the remaining ancient Cham towers, there are only a few towers with this type of roof, and the fire tower’s remains are the most intact. However, the body of the tower does not have any decorative sculptures.

Gate tower—the easternmost tower of the tower complex—is a smaller and simplified version of the main tower. Due to erosion and the steepness of the eastern slope of Trau Hill, the current entrance to the tower complex is opened on the gentle southern slope of the hill.

Because the tower complex is located in an area where the Cham community lives, many annual festivals take place here, the biggest of which is the Kate festival, which includes a ritual of bathing and changing clothes for the statue of the god.

Explore Vinh Hy Bay

One of the top 7 best things to do in Phan Rang is to explore the colorful Vinh Hy Bay. About 40 km from Phan Rang, the bay is a mix of turquoise waters, towering limestone cliffs, and lush greenery. Vinh Hy is one of Vietnam's most beautiful natural harbors and offers a wide range of activities to keep your itinerary full. Snorkeling is a must-do here, as the waters are home to vibrant coral reefs. Dive below the surface to spot colorful fish and delicate coral gardens, or, if you prefer to stay dry, hop on a glass-bottom boat to get an up-close view without needing to put on a wetsuit.

For adrenaline junkies, jet skiing along the coast is an exciting way to experience the bay’s clear waters. You can also rent a kayak and paddle your way around, exploring hidden coves and quiet beaches that are perfect for a peaceful picnic. For a more relaxed experience, spend the day lounging on the bay’s pristine beaches, soaking in the sun and the tranquility of the surroundings.

Visit Nui Chua National Park

Adventure lovers should consider hiking one of the trails in the nearby Nui Chua National Park, which offers an impressive backdrop of dense forests and panoramic views of Vinh Hy Bay. Spanning over 29,000 hectares, this rugged, arid landscape is unique in Vietnam, where lush greenery usually dominates. Here, the combination of dry forest, rocky mountains, and coastal ecosystems creates a biodiversity hotspot waiting to be explored. 

The adventurous can take on the challenge of climbing to the park’s highest peak, Co Tuy Mountain, at over 1,000 meters. The ascent rewards you with panoramic views of Vinh Hy Bay and the surrounding coastal cliffs. Along the way, marvel at rare plant species and colorful birds. 

For a closer encounter with wildlife, embark on a guided trek, where you might see langurs and several endangered species. If you’re visiting between April and September, you may witness baby turtles making their perilous journey to the sea. Want a more aquatic adventure? The marine section of Nui Chua National Park offers incredible snorkeling and diving spots. Scuba diving tours can be arranged to explore this underwater paradise.

Visit Bau Truc Pottery Village

Bau Truc Pottery Village, situated about 10 km from Phan Rang - Thap Cham city center, is one of the oldest pottery villages in Southeast Asia. All the ceramic products—jugs, dishes, and vases—are made entirely by hand, using a secret method passed down for centuries. The process requires a great deal of attention to detail, usually taking days to complete. Visitors to Bau Truc Village will have the opportunity to watch the skillful artisans at work, learn about the centuries-old handicraft, and maybe even try their hands at pottery. You can buy ceramics as a souvenir, but some of the products are quite expensive, given their meticulous creation.

Visit An Hoa Sheep Farm

About 12 km from the Phan Rang-Thap Cham city center, the An Hoa sheep farm is a wonderful place to visit. It’s the largest sheep farm in Vietnam, with about 100-200 sheep. The sheep are quite shy, so be careful not to scare them. You should also ask the farmers for permission before taking pictures with them. The ideal time to visit the sheep farm is in the morning from 7:00 AM to 8:30 AM or in the afternoon from 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM. 

Relax at the Beach

After a fantastic day of exploration in Phan Rang, we suggest you visit one of the town's beaches. Located along the coastline, Phan Rang - Thap Cham is home to many beautiful beaches, but the two most beautiful and famous ones are Ninh Chu and Ca Na.

Ninh Chu Beach: Ninh Chu Beach is the go-to spot in Phan Rang for a laid-back day of sun, sand, and sea. This 10-kilometer crescent of soft, golden sand is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and simply unwinding. Early risers can catch a mesmerizing sunrise, with the sky painted in shades of pink and orange, while the more adventurous can try windsurfing, as Ninh Chu is gaining a reputation as a prime spot for the sport. Feeling peckish after all that beach fun? Wander over to the beachside seafood stalls, where you can indulge in dishes like grilled scallops with peanuts and garlic butter or fresh squid cooked to perfection. The surrounding area also offers picturesque spots for exploration, such as vineyards where you can taste local wines, or you can rent a bicycle and pedal through lush rice paddies and fishing villages.

Ca Na Beach: Ca Na Beach, located about 30 kilometers south of Phan Rang, is an untouched gem perfect for travelers seeking peace and pristine natural beauty. It’s a tranquil paradise with clear waters and fine white sand, surrounded by rocky outcrops that create private coves and a sense of seclusion. This beach is less crowded than Ninh Chu, making it ideal for a quiet picnic. Ca Na Beach is also the starting point for trips to nearby fishing villages and salt fields. After a day of exploration, catch a breathtaking sunset as the sky transforms into a masterpiece of vibrant colors, and savor the peaceful, untouched beauty of this hidden corner of Vietnam.

Explore Local Specialties

Banh Canh Cha Ca (Fish cake noodle soup): Fish cake noodle soup is a common dish, usually taken as breakfast in Ninh Thuan. Different from the usual Banh Canh, which is eaten with crab, this Ninh Thuan specialty is enjoyed with chả cá, or fish cakes. The clear broth is sweet and rich, cooked from the bones of different types of fish. The thinly cut fish cakes are soft and chewy, perfectly stimulating your taste buds.

Banh Can: A specialty of Ninh Thuan, Banh Can are mini pancakes made of rice flour, grilled using a specialized terracotta mold, and then topped with quail eggs, meat, shrimp, fresh squid, and chopped scallions. In Ninh Thuan, diners can enjoy banh can with a bowl of light fish sauce or fish sauce, or mam nem, fermented anchovy dipping sauce.

Phan Rang Chicken Rice: Chicken rice is one of the most popular dishes in Phan Rang - Thap Cham. The special thing about this dish is that it is cooked with sticky, fragrant rice mixed with a little turmeric powder for color. The chicken meat is firm and naturally sweet due to being raised freely. Before cooking, the rice is washed and seasoned with ginger and crushed garlic to create a fragrant aroma. The special dipping sauce is made with crushed chili and garlic or with dry roasted chili salt.

Seafood: Ninh Thuan has seafood that is as delicious as any other region in the country. There are all kinds of snails, squid, shrimp, crabs, sea urchins... at affordable prices. While you’re there, don’t miss out on Mai Fish Salad. It’s a type of transparent fish, about the size of an index finger, similar to anchovies but less fishy, ​​so it can be used to make salad. There are two ways to enjoy this salad. The first way is to add lemon juice, fresh herbs, and roasted peanuts, then scoop it with grilled rice paper. The second way is to enjoy it with a special sauce made from peanuts and spices and stuffed in spring rolls.

How to Get to Phan Rang - Thap Cham

By Air: The nearest airport is Cam Ranh International Airport (CXR), located about 70 kilometers away. From major cities like Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, you can catch a flight to Cam Ranh, then take a taxi or shuttle to Phan Rang–Thap Cham, which takes about an hour.

By Train: Phan Rang - Thap Cham has a train station on the North-South Railway line. You can hop on a train from Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, with travel times varying from 2 hours (from Nha Trang) to around 6-7 hours (from Ho Chi Minh City). Trains are comfortable and offer scenic views along the coast. There are also trains available from Hanoi, but we wouldn’t recommend this option, as it takes 27-30 hours.

By Bus: Several bus companies operate routes to Phan Rang - Thap Cham from major cities like Ho Chi Minh City (7-8 hours) and Da Lat (3-4 hours). Sleeper buses are a popular and affordable option for long-distance travel.

By Private Car or Motorbike: If you’re feeling adventurous, renting a motorbike or car from nearby cities like Nha Trang or Da Lat offers a scenic road trip experience. The coastal roads, especially from Nha Trang, feature stunning views of the East Sea.

Best Time to Visit Phan Rang - Thap Cham

The best time to visit Phan Rang - Thap Cham is between April and August, when the weather is warm and sunny. During this period, the sea is calm and perfect for water sports, while the dry climate makes outdoor adventures like hiking in Nui Chua National Park more enjoyable. March to June is especially great for beach lovers and water activities, as the temperatures are hot, but you’ll get those clear, blue skies and inviting waters.

Avoid visiting in October and November, as this is the rainy season, and storms can disrupt travel plans.

Where to Stay in Phan Rang - Thap Cham

Ninh Thuan does not have many fancy hotels. There are 3-4 star hotels located along Ninh Chu beach, such as Hoan My, Saigon-Ninh Chu, Aniise, Long Thuan, etc., with prices from 1 to more than 2 million VND per night. In the center of Phan Rang - Thap Cham city, there are mainly 2-star hotels or budget motels, with prices ranging from 300,000 VND to about 500,000 VND per night.

Some recommended hotels in Phan Rang - Thap Cham:

Phan Rang Hotel: 242 Ngo Gia Tu, Phan Rang-Thap Cham, Ninh Thuan 

Bigdog Homestay: K1, Van Hai Ward, Phan Rang-Thap Cham, Ninh Thuan

TTC Ninh Thuan Resort: Ninh Chu Beach, Phan Rang-Thap Cham, Ninh Thuan

Conclusion

Phan Rang - Thap Cham promises a one-of-a-kind adventure with its breathtaking natural beauty and vibrant local experiences. From exploring marine life at Vinh Hy Bay to relaxing on serene beaches and hiking rugged trails, this city offers unforgettable memories. Ready to experience the magic of Phan Rang - Thap Cham firsthand? Book a tour today with Vietnam Original Travel and start your journey into this coastal paradise! 

Discover together around this beautiful destination. 

=> Vinh Hy Bay in Ninh Thuan

=> Nha Trang - Vietnam Shore Excursions - Handicraft Villages