The journey along the coast is adorned with stacks of rocks forming layered mountains, each with a unique shape and form, resembling a vast stone park. Nature’s grandeur is on full display here, with some stones piled vertically, standing tall against the sun and wind like acrobats in a circus.
The coastal route boasts a stunning and poetic seascape.
About 5km from Ninh Chu beach, we stumbled upon the mural wall of Ninh Hai fishing village. The nearly 1km-long mural depicts the famous landmarks of Ninh Thuan province: Chong Son ancient temple, Nui Chua National Park, Cham towers, vineyards, and fishermen casting their nets.
This vibrant mural brightens up the route and has become a popular spot for tourists to take memorable photos.
Our next destination was Dam Vua salt field, which stretched endlessly towards the mountain foothills. Ca Na, Phuong Cuu, and Dam Vua together form the three largest salt fields in Ninh Thuan.
The gleaming white salt pans, towering salt mounds resembling small mountains, and the shimmering effect under the scorching sun create a breathtaking vista that extends as far as the eye can see.
The salt field stretches endlessly into the distance.
Ninh Thuan salt is renowned for its large grains, dryness, and pristine whiteness, making it highly sought-after. On the salt fields, the dark-skinned workers toil tirelessly under the scorching sun, their sweat mingling with the seawater to contribute to the salty flavor of the crystals.
Leaving the salt fields behind, our vehicle continued along a deserted road, with towering mountains on one side and a vast coastline on the other. The crystal clear emerald-colored seawater, pristine white sand, and successive waves crashing against the rocky shore created a dazzling spectacle under the radiant sun.
The unspoiled beach, untouched by human development, proudly displayed its raw beauty, a gift from Mother Nature herself.
The mountains on both sides of the road create a majestic yet romantic ambiance.
Occasionally, we spotted flocks of sheep foraging on the scorching sand dunes or strolling leisurely along the sunny path. Ninh Thuan is known as the “sheep capital,” and these animals have been a part of this sun-drenched, windy, and sandy region for over a century.
We chatted with Mr. Bay, a local shepherd on the sand dunes, and learned that during the rainy season, when vegetation is lush, the sheep can graze near their homes and stay well-fed. However, in the dry season, the land becomes a scorching pan, and only cacti survive. Locals chop up the cacti to feed the sheep during this challenging period. There are now numerous tourism experiences centered around this nomadic shepherding lifestyle.
As we continued on our journey, we were greeted by lush vineyards on both sides of the road. Stepping into the vineyard, we felt a pleasant coolness as the dense foliage above shaded us from the intense sun. Looking up, a few rays of sunlight peeked through the leaves, creating a dazzling effect. Visitors can pick their favorite clusters of grapes and savor the fresh fruit while listening to the soothing sound of the nearby waves, a truly peaceful experience.
Leaving the vineyard behind, we made our way to Hang Rai in Nui Chua National Park. Hang Rai is an ancient coral reef surrounded by layers of rocks that form countless caves along the vibrant blue coastline. Legend has it that this place was once inhabited by otters, hence the name “Hang Rai” (Otter Cave). Due to its coral composition, the surface is uneven, with numerous water-filled crevices that resemble natural pools in the wild. During high tide, the waves crash against the rocks and recede, forming waterfalls in the middle of the ocean, a unique feature not found anywhere else.
The majestic mountains at Hang Rai.
As the sun reached its zenith, we headed towards Vinh Hy Bay, often referred to as the “Ha Long Bay of Central Vietnam.” Unfortunately, due to choppy waters, we were unable to take a glass-bottom boat to admire the coral reefs, but the bay itself was a sight to behold. The crystal clear waters, the occasional gust of wind, and the serene landscape captivated us.
On our way back, the boat stopped at a floating village in the bay, where we feasted on delicious seafood. My family and I then relaxed on hammocks, lulled by the gentle sea breeze, as we listened to the soothing sound of waves lapping against the floats.
Vinh Hy Bay as seen from the boat
These delectable dishes marked the end of our journey through Ninh Thuan, a place that exceeded our expectations. We bid farewell with a promise to return next year to explore the many other attractions this wonderful region has to offer.
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“In addition to its heartwarming tale of family bonds, Ly Hai’s ‘Once Upon a Time 7: A Wish’ has captivated audiences with its stunning visuals of Vietnam’s landscapes. The film is a testament to the country’s natural beauty, showcasing a diverse range of scenic locations that will leave viewers in awe.”
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