Ninh Thuan Weekend Trip from Ho Chi Minh City
Leave Friday night, back Sunday evening. Here's exactly how to make the most of 48 hours in Ninh Thuan.
Is 2 Days Enough?
For a first visit: yes, with caveats. You'll see the highlights but won't have time to be slow. If you want to stay overnight in Vinh Hy or explore multiple beaches, add a third day.
For a second visit when you know what you want: 2 days is ideal for doing one or two things properly.
Getting There from HCMC
Night bus (recommended): Depart HCMC around 9-10pm, arrive Phan Rang 3-5am. Sleeper bus, comfortable for most people. Price: 150-220k VND.
Operators: Phuong Trang (Futa), Thanh Buoi, Minh Quoc. Book online or at Ben Xe Mien Dong (Eastern Bus Station).
Train: Phan Rang doesn't have its own station. Nearest is Thap Cham, about 7km from center. The Hanoi-HCMC trains stop there. Takes about 5-6 hours from HCMC (Saigon Station).
Flight: Nearest airport is Cam Ranh (Nha Trang), 100km north. Worth it only if time is the constraint.
Friday Night → Saturday Morning
- Depart HCMC ~9:30pm
- Arrive Phan Rang ~4-5am
- Check into your guesthouse (pre-book one that accepts early check-in, or ask to store bags)
- Eat breakfast at a street stall near the bus station (bánh căn vendors open at 6am)
- Brief nap or shower
Saturday
9am: Phan Rang City
If arriving tired, spend Saturday morning slower:
- Walk the old market area
- Visit Po Klong Garai Cham Towers (20 minutes, 20k VND)
- Buy Ninh Thuan wine or fresh grapes at the market
1pm: Ninh Chu Beach
Drive 5km to Ninh Chu. Swim, walk the beach, have late lunch at Ninh Chu market (pick your own seafood, ask to cook it).
4pm: Ca Na Salt Fields
Leave for Ca Na at 4pm (60km, ~70 minutes). Arrive for late-afternoon light on the salt pans.
Photograph from the roadside or embankment, and don't step into working salt pans. Add Ca Na beach if you still have time.
7:30pm: Dinner in Phan Rang
Night food: Bún cá, bánh xèo tôm nhảy, goat meat dishes. The area around the central market comes alive at night.
Sunday
7am: Vinh Hy Bay
Leave for Vinh Hy at 7am (40km, 60 minutes). Arrive 8am.
- Snorkel or kayak 8-11am
- Lunch at the harbor restaurant
- Head back by 1pm
2-4pm: Free Time / Optional
Options on the way back to Phan Rang:
- Stop at Bau Truc Pottery Village (on the route back)
- Buy food souvenirs: Ninh Thuan dried grapes, chili salt (muối ớt), fermented goat (nem dê)
4pm: Return Bus to HCMC
Most afternoon/evening buses to HCMC depart 4-7pm. Book your return seat before arriving in Ninh Thuan.
Journey: ~6 hours. You'll be back in HCMC by 10-11pm.
Booking Checklist
- [ ] Sleeper bus HCMC → Phan Rang (book 3+ days ahead on weekends)
- [ ] Guesthouse in Phan Rang (early check-in request)
- [ ] Return bus Phan Rang → HCMC
- [ ] Motorbike rental (can book on arrival, but confirm with guesthouse before)
What to Skip on 2 Days
- Song Pha Valley (too far, needs a half day)
- Ca Na Beach (beautiful but adds 2 hours to the south — better for a 3-day trip)
- Hang Rai (requires ranger-guided trek, full half day)
