Overview of Nui Chua National Park

Nui Chua National Park is located entirely within Vinh Hai commune, and is one of the most special nature reserves in the Central region. This is a rare place in Vietnam that possesses a typical dry forest ecosystem, with a unique terrain with three sides bordering the sea and one side facing arid rocky mountains. This national park attracts tourists with the wild beauty of ancient coral reefs, quiet beaches and rich populations of drought-resistant plants, creating a magnificent natural picture, completely different from the usual tropical forests.

Nui Chua National Park

Nui Chua National Park was recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve in 2021, demonstrating the value of biodiversity and sustainable conservation efforts locally. Visitors coming to Vinh Hai commune can participate in many exciting experiential activities such as trekking to conquer Nui Chua peak, exploring the Stone Park with giant rocks or visiting the sea turtle conservation center. In particular, the area of Hang Rai and Vinh Hy Bay located close to the commune boundary are also stops not to be missed to admire the masterpiece of nature in the heart of the bay.

Outstanding attractions in Nui Chua National Park

Hang Rai

Rai Cave

Located at Vinh Hai commune, Hang Rai is a natural masterpiece with ancient fossilized coral beaches that are millions of years old. The highlight that attracts tourists here is the "waterfall on the sea" phenomenon when waves crash strongly on the rocky shore, the water recedes, creating magical shimmering flows on the coral surface. This is the ideal place for you to hunt for brilliant sunrise frames and enjoy the feeling of walking on the undulating rocky beach amidst the vast sky and sea.

Vinh Hy Bay

Vinh Hy Bay

Located entirely in Vinh Hai commune, Vinh Hy Bay appears like a watercolor painting with blue water surrounded by towering rocky mountains from three sides. Tourists often choose to take a glass-bottom boat to see the colorful coral kingdom hidden under the sea or visit fishermen's floating rafts to enjoy fresh seafood. The calm, wind-tight bay space brings a feeling of peace, completely separate from the hustle and bustle of busy tourist cities.

Rock Park

Stone Park

This location is located deep in the strictly protected subdivision of Vinh Hai commune, featuring thousands of natural stone slabs with strange shapes like giant beasts heading towards the East Sea. Standing from the top of Stone Park, you can see the wild beauty of Nui Chua coast with steep cliffs interspersed with green patches of drought-resistant shrub forest. The scenery here has a quiet, contemplative character and shows the strong vitality of nature in a sunny and windy land.

Lo O Stream

Lo O Stream

Lo O Stream flows through Rock crevices in the forest of Vinh Hai commune bring cool fresh water all year round in the dry land. Small waterfalls fall down to form clear natural lakes, a great resting place for tourists after hours of trekking through the forest. The sound of flowing water mixed with the sounds of wild birds creates a peaceful relaxing space, helping you dispel all fatigue and find balance in your soul.

Bai Meat

Bai Thit

Located in a quiet corner of the sea in Vinh Hai commune, Bai Thit is a rare place on the mainland of Vietnam where sea turtles regularly visit to lay eggs every year. This area is now strictly protected by a conservation center, where you can learn about the life cycle of sea turtles and efforts to preserve local biodiversity. The sandbank here is long, smooth white and has almost no interference from commercial services, keeping intact the pristine and vibrant beauty of the ocean.

The Peak of Nui Chua

Nui Chua Peak

With an altitude of more than 1,000m above sea level in Vinh Hai commune, Nui Chua peak is an enchanting challenge for those who are passionate about conquering. The higher you go, the more clearly the flora changes from drought-resistant thorn bushes to cool, wide-canopy forests, providing a diverse experience of the only dry forest habitat in Vietnam. Standing on the top of the mountain, you will enjoy the fresh air and enjoy a panoramic view of the miniature bay below your feet, a worthy reward for your efforts to overcome the scorching hot roads.

Suggestions for other attractions around the Nui Chua National Park area:

  • Sea Turtle Conservation Center: A place to display specimens and provide knowledge about conservation work protect sea turtles in Vinh Hai commune.

  • Vinh Hy village: Rustic fishing village in Vinh Hai commune, where you can experience the daily life and typical cuisine of local fishermen.

  • Forestside grape fields: Lush green vineyards of the people of Vinh Hai commune, an ideal stopover to enjoy fresh grapes and pure grape honey.

Best time to travel

The most ideal time for you to start your journey to conquer Nui Chua National Park is from January to the end of August every year. This is when this area enters the dry season, the weather is sunny but not too harsh, the sea surface at Vinh Hy Bay and Hang Rai is extremely calm with clear blue water to the bottom. In particular, if you intend to take trekking routes through the forest or conquer mountain peaks, prioritize going between March and June. At this time, the endemic flora of the dry forest is at its best, helping you fully admire the wild beauty of drought-resistant forests without encountering too many weather obstacles.

In addition to climate factors, visitors should consider visiting between May and March. 7 if you want to experience the unique features of nature and local culture. This is the season when sea turtles often come to Bai Thit to lay eggs, providing a rare opportunity to learn about the conservation of rare creatures right in the National Park. At the same time, this is also the heaviest grape harvest season for local people. You can visit grape fields along the forest to enjoy bunches of succulent fruits right in the garden. On the contrary, the period from September to December is usually the rainy season, sometimes with strong winds that affect travel to the bay or mountain climbing activities, so you need to closely monitor the weather forecast to ensure a safe trip.

Travel information

By air

Cam Ranh International Airport (CXR)

Cam Ranh International Airport

  • Popular flight route: Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) to Cam Ranh (CXR) – Flight time is about 1 hour. Hanoi (HAN) to Cam Ranh (CXR) – Flight time is approximately 1 hour 50 minutes.

  • Operating airlines: Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways and Vietravel Airlines.

  • Arrival airport: Cam Ranh International Airport (CXR) is the access point The nearest airport is about 40 - 50 km south of the boundary of Nui Chua National Park.

  • Transportation from the airport to Nui Chua: Taxi, tour contract or self-driving car rental. Tourists often travel along the coastal road of Binh Tien - Vinh Hy to directly enter the core area of the national park.

  • Note:

    • Cam Ranh Airport is the most optimal choice for tourists from both ends of the country who want to save time.

    • The road from the airport leading to the national park is one of the most beautiful coastal passes in Vietnam, visitors should prepare cameras to record the scenery.

    • Reference ticket price (excluding taxes and fees): Ranges from 1,000,000 - 2,500,000 VND/way depending on the time of booking.

By road and rail

Popular route:

  • From the center of Phan Rang - Thap Cham to the National Park: About 30 km Northeast via road DT702. This is the main route that takes you through landscapes such as Hang Rai and Vinh Hy Bay.

  • Rail: Visitors can choose Thong Nhat trains stopping at Thap Cham Station. From the train station, you can easily catch a taxi or rent a motorbike to move into the national park proactively.

Reputable bus company/vehicle:

  • Local bus (Phan Rang - Vinh Hy route): This is the most economical means of transportation, the bus runs throughout the day and stops right at the park gate area. price.

  • Major taxi companies: Mai Linh, Sun Taxi or local car service companies often have full shuttle packages to Vinh Hy Bay.

Reference fare:

  • Public bus: About 25,000 VND – 40,000 VND/trip.

  • Taxi/Private car: About 400,000 - 600,000 VND/turn from the city center.

Departure bus station:

  • At Phan Rang: Phan Rang bus station (located on Thong Nhat street).

  • In the National Park area: Bus stops along the coastal route DT702 or the central area of Vinh Hy Bay.

Transportation to visit Nui Chua National Park

Popular means of transportation:

  • Motorbike: Is the best means for you to freely explore check-in "coordinates" along the coastal road surrounding the national park. The feeling of driving on DT702 road with one side being rocky mountains and the other side being the blue sea is an extremely unforgettable experience.

  • Canoe/Glass-bottom boat: The main means of visiting the marine ecosystem, especially diving to see coral in Vinh Hy Bay or Hang Rai area.

  • Walking (Trekking): The only way for you to touch the top of Nui Chua or explore Stone Park deep in the forest protection zone.

Reference vehicle rental price:

  • Motorbike rental: 120,000 - 150,000 VND/day (can be rented in the city center or nearby homestays) national park).

  • Glass bottom boat to visit the bay (joint group): 80,000 - 150,000 VND/person. Rent a private canoe for the family from 600,000 - 1,200,000 VND/trip.

Car / tourist car rental address: You can contact travel offices in Phan Rang city center or right at Vinh Hy Bay wharf area for information about specialized hill climbing vehicles or hourly sightseeing shuttles.

Accommodation information

Luxury (High-end hotel)

Grand Luxury Hotel Ninh Chu 

Grand Luxury Hotel Ninh Chu

Located in the area In the center of Ninh Chu beach, Grand Luxury Hotel is a modern high-rise building with 4-star standards. From this hotel, it takes visitors about 25 km to reach Hang Rai and about 30 km to go deep into the center of Vinh Hy Bay. With this location, you can enjoy the bustling atmosphere of the city at night but still conveniently start early to explore Nui Chua during the day. Room prices here usually range from 850,000 - 1,500,000 VND/night.

Miami Ninh Thuan Hotel

Located right in the Binh Son coastal urban area, Miami Ninh Thuan possesses modern architecture with rooms with panoramic ocean views. The hotel is about 28 km from Hang Rai and about 32 km from the Nui Chua peak trekking area. This is the ideal choice for those who want to stay at a high-end hotel with full urban amenities before embarking on a journey to explore pristine nature. Room prices here range from 900,000 - 1,800,000 VND/night. Some other quality high-rise hotels:

  • Long Thuan Hotel: Binh Son Beach - About 31 km from Vinh Hy Bay - Price about 1,350,000 - 2,800,000 VND/night.

  • Saigon Ninh Chu Hotel: Ninh Chu Beach - About 24 km from Hang Rai - Price about 1,500,000 - 2,500,000 VND/night.

Resort (Resort, Villa)

Amanoi Resort 

Amanoi Resort

Amanoi Resort is a super luxury resort located directly in the core area of Nui Chua National Park. In terms of distance, this resort is only 2 km from Vinh Hy Bay and about 5 km from Hang Rai, extremely convenient for visiting the main coordinates. The villas here are hidden among the cliffs and forests, providing absolute privacy for those who want to immerse themselves in nature in the most luxurious way. Room prices here are in the highest-end segment, usually from 30,000,000 - 100,000,000 VND/night.

Vinh Hy Resort 

Owning a prime location right in Vinh Hy fishing village, this resort is located just a few steps from the glass-bottom pier (about 200m). From here, visitors only need to travel about 6 km to reach Hang Rai and about 2 km to reach the starting point of Lo O Stream trekking. The resort has an infinity pool facing the bay, helping you fully enjoy the atmosphere of the forest and sea. Room prices range from 1,050,000 - 2,000,000 VND/night. Other outstanding resorts:

  • Hoan My Resort: Ninh Chu Beach - 30 km from Vinh Hy Bay - Price from 1,250,000 - 2,500,000 VND/night.

  • Casa Maya Resort: Bayside area - About approx. 5 km - Price from 1,200,000 - 2,200,000 VND/night.

  • Aniise Villa Resort: Binh Son Beach - About 32 km from the center of the National Park - Price from 750,000 - 1,500,000 VND/night.

Experience (Boutique Hotel, Homestay)

Lamer Homestay Vinh Hy 

Lamer is a boutique homestay located deep in the fishing village, about 500m from the Vinh Hy Bay tourist wharf. The homestay is about 6 km from Hang Rai and very close to the busiest local seafood restaurants in the commune. With a modern white-toned design, this is an interesting stop to experience local fishermen's life while still ensuring comfort. Room prices at Lamer range from 600,000 - 900,000 VND/night.

Lo O Homestay 

As the name suggests, this homestay is located near the Lo O stream area, about 1 km from the stream's starting point and about 3 km from Vinh Hy Bay. This is a great location for those who love the green space of Nui Chua mountains and forests and want to breathe fresh air from cool streams. The distance from here to Hang Rai is about 8 km. Room prices are very affordable, only from 400,000 - 700,000 VND/night. Some other experience suggestions:

  • Truc Nguyen Homestay: Right near Vinh Hy market - 300m from the pier - Price from 350,000 - 550,000 VND/night.

  • Rock Bay Eco Retreat: Along the beach - About 10 km from the Stone Park - Price from 800,000 - 1,500,000 VND/night.

  • Homestay An Nhien: Commune center - 6 km from Hang Rai - Price from 450,000 - 650,000 VND/night.

Cuisine and culture festival 

Famous restaurants

Vinh Hy Resort Restaurant

Vinh Hy Resort Restaurant

Located right on the shore of the bay in Vinh Hai commune, Vinh Hy Resort restaurant possesses a spacious open space with panoramic views of boats anchored on the blue water. The restaurant specializes in serving fresh seafood dishes carefully selected from local farms, prepared with the rich flavors of Ninh Thuan waters. Diners can enjoy dinner in a windy space, listen to the sound of waves and feel the breath of Nui Chua mountains and forests right next to them. The average price here ranges from 250,000 - 550,000 VND/person.

Hoan My Restaurant

Located within the resort of the same name at Ninh Chu beach, Hoan My restaurant offers a sophisticated culinary experience with professional service standards. The menu here is very diverse, from Phan Rang specialties such as grilled lamb and walking chicken to high-end seafood meticulously prepared by skilled chefs. With modern and luxurious design, this is the ideal place to organize cozy parties after a long day of exploring Hang Rai or trekking Nui Chua. Average price ranges from 300,000 - 600,000 VND/person. 

Some other quality culinary places around the area:

  • Vinh Hy Beach Restaurant (Vinh Hai Commune): Located close to the edge of the bay, famous for red grouper and fresh cochlea.

  • Do Vui Seafood Restaurant (Vinh Fishing Village Hy): A popular but quality address, loved by many tourists because of its rustic preparation and affordable prices.

  • De Nhat Cuu Restaurant (Phan Rang): Specializes in dishes from Ninh Thuan lamb such as grilled lamb, fragrant wine-braised lamb.

  • 80 beamed fish noodle soup (Central) Center of Phan Rang): A long-standing fish noodle shop with the flavor of sweet broth from sea fish bones and crispy chewy fish cakes.

Local cuisine

Banh Can and Banh Xeo in Ninh Thuan

This is a pair of rustic dishes but the pride of the cuisine of the sunny and windy land of Ninh Thuan. Unlike other places, banh can here is poured into a terracotta mold, served with four typical dipping sauces: sweet and sour fish sauce, peanut sauce, seasoning sauce and braised fish fish sauce. The hot, crispy cake combined with the fatty taste of eggs, minced meat and a little onion fat creates an unforgettable flavor for anyone who enjoys it for the first time. 

Vinh Hy Bay Seafood

Vinh Bay Seafood Hy

Thanks to the strictly preserved fresh water environment of the gulf, seafood in Vinh Hy has outstanding sweetness and firm meat. Visitors must definitely try grilled squid with salt and green chili, steamed red grouper with hong kong or green lobsters raised right in cages. These products bring the full salty taste of the sea and the richness of the ecosystem along the Nui Chua forest.

Experiential cuisine

Eating seafood on a floating raft in the middle of the bay

The experience of dining on rafts floating in the waves of Vinh Hy Bay is an extremely interesting activity. Tourists will travel by small boat to the raft, hand pick the fish and shrimp swimming under the cage with a racket and ask the fishermen to cook it as desired. The feeling of enjoying fresh seafood in a space surrounded by the sea on all four sides and the steep cliffs of the National Park in the distance brings freedom and closeness to nature.

Visit and enjoy grapes at the garden

Because Nui Chua National Park borders the largest grape growing areas in the province, the experience of picking grapes at the garden is an indispensable part. You can visit Thai An vineyard, walk directly under the succulent grape vines, listen to farmers share about techniques for taking care of plants on sandy soil and enjoy grape nectar and pure grape wine right on the spot. This is a great educational and entertaining activity for families with young children.

Culture & Festival Experience

Cau Ngu Festival at Lang Ong Vinh Hy

Cau Ngu Festival usually takes place around May or June of the lunar calendar every year in Vinh Hy fishing village, Vinh Hai commune. This is the most important spiritual ritual of fishermen around the region to thank the Nam Hai god for protecting and praying for smooth sailing trips. The festival includes solemn processions on the sea with colorful flower boats and a bustling festival with traditional folk songs and lion dances.

Kate Festival of the Cham people

Kate Festival 

Even though it takes place mainly at neighboring temples and towers such as Po Klong Garai tower (about 35km from Nui Chua), the cultural influence of Kate festival still spreads throughout Ninh Thuan every October. This is an opportunity for visitors to learn about the graceful Cham dances, the echoing sound of Paranung drums and colorful traditional costumes. 

Other regular cultural activities:

  • Traditional musical instrument nights at Resorts: Some resorts such as Amanoi or Vinh Hy Resort often organize traditional musical instrument performances for tourists.

  • Boat racing festival on Vinh Hy Bay: Usually held on During the Lunar New Year or major holidays, demonstrating the martial spirit and strength of the fishing village's young men.

Amusement area

Vinh Hy fishing village night market

Vinh Hy fishing village night market

Located in the center of the fishing village in Vinh Hai commune, the night market is the most vibrant entertainment and entertainment spot in the area when the sun goes down. The space here is bustling with sparkling lights from specialty stalls and warm greetings from local people. Visitors can leisurely walk, feel the fresh sea air at night and choose rustic souvenirs bearing the mark of the bay.

Nui Chua National Park has many attractive entertainment venues suitable for relaxation and exploration:

  • Coc Beach: Quiet beach suitable for SUP, swimming and relaxing. in leaf huts along the shore (in Vinh Hai commune).

  • Lo O stream suspension bridge: Famous check-in point in the middle of the green forest, where you can watch the stream flowing through the rocks (in Vinh Hai commune).

  • Thai An vineyard: Area to experience being a farmer, picking grapes yourself Succulent grapes right at the trellis and enjoy on the spot (in Vinh Hai commune).

  • Sea Turtle Conservation Center: Where visitors can learn about sea turtle protection and participate in meaningful environmental education activities (in Bai Thit area).

Suggested tour

Experience tour

Tour to explore Vinh Hy Bay & Thai An Grape Craft Village 1 day

Thai An Grape Craft Village

  • Itinerary: Depart from the center of Vinh Hai commune → Travel by glass-bottomed boat to visit Vinh Hy Bay → Watch coral at the reef → Have seafood lunch at a floating raft house → Visit Thai An Vineyard (picking experience grapes and enjoy grape nectar) → Visit Vinh Hy fishing village → Return.

  • Features: Focus on discovering fishermen's life, enjoying fresh seafood and experiencing the typical agricultural culture of the sunny and windy land.

  • Transportation: Glass bottom boat, Motorbike/Umbrella Tourist bowl.

  • Reference tour price: 600,000 - 850,000 VND/person (Including canoe/boat, sightseeing tickets and lunch).

  • Suggested organizer: Vinh Hy Discovery, travel agents in Vinh commune Hai.

Adventure tour - discovery

Trekking tour Conquering Mount Chua Peak 2 days 1 night

  • Itinerary: Depart from the National Park Environmental Education Center → Trekking through the endemic dry forest → Camping Night camp in the middle of the forest (star gazing and barbecue) → The next morning, conquer Nui Chua peak (over 1,000m altitude) → Descend the mountain in the direction of Lo O stream → Relax in the stream → Return to Vinh Hai commune.

  • Features: Combine physical endurance challenges with the experience of sleeping at night in the middle of the jungle, exploring the forest ecosystem The only dry place in Vietnam.

  • Transportation: Walking (Trekking).

  • Reference tour price: 1,800,000 - 2,500,000 VND/person (Including tour guide/porter, tent and meals).

  • Suggested organizer: Management Board of Nui Chua National Park, Vietrek Travel.

Half-day Rai Cave & Stone Park Discovery Tour

  • Itinerary: Depart from Vinh Hai commune → Visit the Cave Otter (see ancient coral reefs) → Light trekking along the coast to Stone Park (explore strangely shaped rocks) → Take check-in photos at the top of the rocky mountain with a panoramic view of the bay → Return.

  • Transportation: Motorbike/Tourist car + Walking.

  • Reference tour price: 450,000 - 650,000 VND/person (Not including transportation fees from the city center).

  • Suggested organizer: Groups of native guides in Vinh Hy fishing village.

Family tour family

Vinh Hy Resort Tour & Sea Turtle Conservation Experience 1 day

  • Itinerary: Morning: Depart from Phan Rang → Visit Hang Rai → Visit the Sea Turtle Conservation Center (learn about the life cycle of sea turtles). Afternoon: Move the canoe to Bai Coc (swim, gently SUP) → Enjoy a local fruit snack → Dinner at a restaurant along the bay → Return.

  • Features: Short travel schedule, less effort, combining environmental education for children and beach relaxation.

  • Transportation: 7–16-seat tourist car, Cano.

  • Reference tour price: 800,000 - 1,200,000 VND/person (Including conservation fees and meals).

  • Suggested organizer: Ninh Thuan Travel, Hoan My Resort.

Eco-tourism

Lo O Stream Trekking Tour & Learning Indigenous Culture 1 day

  • Itinerary: Morning: Depart from the National Park gate → Trekking under the cool forest canopy to the stream Lo O → Bathing in the stream and relaxing by the waterfall. Afternoon: Visit the suspension bridge and interact with people in Vinh Hy village → Enjoy local specialty cakes (banh can, banh xeo) → Return.

  • Transportation: Motorbike/Electric car + Walking.

  • Reference tour price: 500,000 - 750,000 VND/person.

  • Suggested organizer: Vinh Hai Commune Community Tourism Complex.

Shopping and Souvenirs

Specialties of Thai Grapes and products from Grapes An

Grape wine

In addition to nature explorations, grape products are souvenirs not to be missed. In the Thai An area (Vinh Hai commune), visitors can directly choose to buy fresh grapes, grape molasses, wine or raisins processed manually right at the garden. Shopping here not only helps you get quality products at the right price but is also an interesting agricultural cultural experience when listening to the professional stories of local farmers.

Vinh Hy Market and Dried Seafood

Vinh Hy Market is located right in the center of the fishing village and is an ideal destination to buy gifts rich in ocean flavor. The most popular items here are sun-dried squid and dried fish dried by hand under the bright sun of the country's easternmost sea. Shopping in this area not only brings back salty products of the sea but is also an opportunity for visitors to feel the rustic rhythm of life and the hospitality of the people of the fishing village of Vinh Hai commune.

Support information and other information

Emergency support information

If you encounter problems that require assistance regarding security, health or service quality, visitors can contact the authorities directly. These are accurate and active information hubs, concentrated in the province's new administrative center area:

  • Provincial Police: 0259 3823 037 – No. 287 Thong Nhat, Phu Ha Ward.

  • Visitor Support Center: 0259 3820 820 – No. 122 Ba Huyen Thanh Quan, Phu Ha Ward.

  • Market Management Department: 0259 3822 841 – No. 210 Ngo Gia Tu, Phu Ha Ward.

In case of emergency, you can quickly contact the departments. National radio stations: 113 (Police), 114 (Fire), 115 (Emergency).

Support information in the Nui Chua National Park area

Right at the tourist center of the commune, visitors can find the following direct services and support:

Nui Chua National Park Management Board Lord:

  • Address: Central area of Vinh Hai Commune, Ninh Hai District.

  • Phone: 0259 3770 048.

  • Function: Responsible for management forest and marine resources, selling tickets to visit Hang Rai area, and licensing trekking and camping activities in the core area.

Vinh Hai Commune Health Station:

  • Address: Located near the Vinh Hy tourist wharf area, Vinh Hai Commune.

Ending the journey to explore Nui Chua National Park, where the dry forest ecosystem and the sea blend intact, we hope visitors have had profound natural experiences. Wishing you keep wonderful memories of the majestic scenery and hospitality of the people in Vinh Hai Commune, a sunny and windy land of Ninh Thuan province.