VIETNAM

Top Best Tourist Attractions Along the Road From Nha Trang to Phan Thiet

The 200+ km coastal highway connecting Nha Trang to Phan Thiet unfolds a breathtaking natural canvas featuring turquoise bays, giant wind farms, vast sand dunes, and rich cultural heritage sites.

1681719700 - Top Best Tourist Attractions Along the Road From Nha Trang to Phan Thiet

1. Overview of the Nha Trang to Phan Thiet Travel Route

The journey from Nha Trang (Khanh Hoa) into Mui Ne – Phan Thiet (Binh Thuan) passes through three resource-rich coastal provinces in South-Central Vietnam: Khanh Hoa, Ninh Thuan, and Binh Thuan.

Currently, travelers can choose between two main routes depending on their travel style and schedule:

  • Expressway Route (Cam Lam – Vinh Hao – Phan Thiet): Ideal for travelers seeking a direct and fast journey (~3 hours). If you wish to visit attractions along the way, you can exit at major interchanges such as Cam Ranh, Phan Rang, Tuy Phong, or Bac Binh.
  • Coastal Scenic Route (DT702 & DT716): Stretches through Cu Hin Pass, Vinh Hy Bay, Ca Na Beach, and the Bau Trang Sand Dunes. Renowned as one of Vietnam’s most stunning coastal drives, it is perfect for sightseeing, road trips, and photo opportunities.

Comparison Table: Expressway Route vs. Coastal Route

Criteria Expressway Route Coastal Route (DT702 / DT716)
Distance ~220 km ~250 km
Travel Time 3.0 – 3.5 hours 5.5 – 6.0 hours (excluding stops)
Main Scenery Rice fields, rolling hills, dragon fruit farms Turquoise ocean, mountain passes, sand dunes, vineyards
Best Suited For Fast transit, business travel, direct rides Motorbike road trips, sightseeing by private car

2. Top Attractions Along the Route (North to South)

Here are the top sightseeing spots organized chronologically from North to South (departing Nha Trang toward Phan Thiet).

2.1. Khanh Hoa Province (The Departure Gateway)

Cu Hin Pass & Cam Ranh Long Beach (Bai Dai)

  • Location: Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, connecting central Nha Trang with Cam Ranh Airport.
  • Highlights:
    • Cu Hin Pass: A scenic mountain pass hugging steep cliffs, featuring towering granite hills on one side and the deep blue Nha Trang Bay on the other. Includes multiple viewpoints overlooking the ocean.
    • Cam Ranh Long Beach (Bai Dai): Features kilometers of powdery white sand and clear, shallow turquoise waters. Home to high-end 5-star resort chains and casual beachfront seafood stalls.

Suoi Tien Sheep Field (Cam Ranh)

  • Location: Cam Thinh Dong Commune, Cam Ranh City (near the border with Ninh Thuan).
  • Highlights:
    • A peaceful countryside photo spot featuring hundreds of free-roaming sheep grazing across lush green pastures.
    • Decorated with rustic props including thatched huts, wooden bridges crossing streams, and wooden swings.

2.2. Ninh Thuan Province (The Scenic Core of the Route)

Ninh Thuan is a land where sun, wind, sea, sand dunes, and ancient Cham culture converge.

Vinh Hy Bay & Hang Rai (Otter Cave)

  • Location: Vinh Hai Commune, Ninh Hai District, Ninh Thuan Province (on coastal route DT702).
  • Highlights:
    • Vinh Hy Bay: One of Vietnam’s four most beautiful bays, embraced by Nui Chua National Park. Features calm, emerald-green waters ideal for glass-bottom boat tours, coral snorkeling, and SUP paddling.
    • Hang Rai: Famous for an ancient fossilized coral reef protruding above the water. Waves crashing over the flat stone shelf create a mesmerizing “waterfall on the sea” effect.

Thai An Vineyard & Phan Rang Vineyards

  • Location: Adjacent to coastal route DT702 heading toward Phan Rang City.
  • Highlights:
    • Walk beneath lush, heavy-hanging grape trellises.
    • Hand-pick fresh grapes and sample traditional grape syrup, local grape wine, and dried grape jams on site.

Po Klong Garai Cham Towers

  • Location: Bac Son, Do Vinh Ward, Phan Rang – Thap Cham City.
  • Highlights:
    • One of the most intact and impressive Cham tower complexes in Vietnam, built in the late 13th century.
    • Perched on Trau Hill, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and showcasing the pinnacle of ancient Cham brick architectural craftsmanship.

Dam Nai Wind Farm

  • Location: Ninh Phuoc & Thuan Bac Districts, Ninh Thuan Province.
  • Highlights:
    • Dozens of massive white wind turbines towering over golden rice fields or vast open pastures.
    • A romantic setting reminiscent of the European countryside, especially captivating at sunrise and sunset.

Mui Dinh & Mui Dinh Lighthouse

  • Location: Phuoc Dinh Commune, Thuan Nam District, Ninh Thuan Province.
  • Highlights:
    • A rugged, untouched landscape filled with giant, uniquely shaped rock formations extending into the ocean.
    • Reaching the historic lighthouse involves crossing a mini golden sand desert either on foot or aboard high-clearance off-road vehicles.

Ca Na Beach

  • Location: Ca Na Village, Thuan Nam District (along National Route 1A, near the Binh Thuan border).
  • Highlights:
    • Nicknamed the “Sleeping Princess” of Central Vietnam’s coast, where deep blue waters meet towering granite mountains.
    • An ideal lunch break spot featuring fresh seafood restaurants and the historic home of traditional Ca Na fish sauce craft villages.

2.3. Binh Thuan Province (The Gateway to Phan Thiet)

Co Thach Pebble Beach & Green Moss Field (Tuy Phong)

  • Location: Binh Thanh Commune, Tuy Phong District, Binh Thuan Province.
  • Highlights:
    • 7-Color Pebble Beach: A natural shoreline lined with millions of multi-colored, smooth pebbles that glisten beneath the sunlight.
    • Co Thach Moss Field: From February to March each year, large coastal rock formations are covered in a carpet of emerald-green moss, drawing photographers from all over.

Coastal Road DT716 & Bau Trang Sand Dunes (White Sand Dunes)

  • Location: Hoa Thang Commune, Bac Binh District, Binh Thuan Province.
  • Highlights:
    • DT716 Route: A straight, smooth highway bounded by vast white sand dunes on one side and the ocean on the other. Colorful vintage Jeep drink stands along the roadside offer iconic photo spots.
    • Bau Trang Sand Dunes (Bau Sen): Often called the “Sahara of Vietnam.” Nestled within vast white dunes are two natural freshwater lakes filled with blooming lotus flowers in summer. Visitors can rent self-drive ATVs to conquer the steep sand peaks.

Mui Ne Red Sand Dunes (Flying Sand Dunes)

  • Location: Mui Ne Ward, Phan Thiet City.
  • Highlights:
    • The sand continuously changes color between red, yellow, orange, and deep brown depending on the sun’s angle and wind currents.
    • A fun spot to try sand-sliding on plastic sleds from the tops of the dunes.

Mui Ne Fishing Village

  • Location: Huynh Thuc Khang Street, Mui Ne, Phan Thiet.
  • Highlights:
    • A picturesque vista of hundreds of colorful round coracles and fishing boats anchored in calm waters.
    • Offers an authentic look into local life as fishermen trade fresh morning catches along the shoreline.

3. Suggested Sightseeing Itineraries

To combine traveling with sightseeing along the road from Nha Trang to Phan Thiet, consider one of the following two itineraries:

Option 1: Express 1-Day Itinerary via Expressway

  • 07:00 AM: Depart central Nha Trang via Vo Nguyen Giap Street onto the Cam Lam Expressway.
  • 08:30 AM: Exit at the Phan Rang Interchange to visit Po Klong Garai Cham Towers and Thai An Vineyard.
  • 11:30 AM: Drive along National Route 1A down to Ca Na Beach for lunch and ocean views.
  • 01:30 PM: Re-enter the Vinh Hao – Phan Thiet Expressway, exiting at Bac Binh to visit Bau Trang Sand Dunes for an ATV ride.
  • 04:30 PM: Arrive and check in at your resort in Mui Ne – Phan Thiet.

Option 2: Leisurely 1-to-2-Day Coastal Route Experience

  • 06:00 AM: Depart Nha Trang through Cu Hin Pass, admiring Cam Ranh Long Beach.
  • 08:00 AM: Take coastal route DT702 past Vinh Hy Pass, stopping for photos at Hang Rai and Vinh Hy Bay.
  • 11:30 AM: Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch in Phan Rang or Ca Na.
  • 01:30 PM: Continue along route DT716 to visit the Tuy Phong Wind Farm and Bau Trang Sand Dunes.
  • 04:00 PM: Stop at Mui Ne Fishing Village for fresh seafood or sunset drinks by the sea.

4. Transport Options for Exploring the Route

A multi-stop road trip between Nha Trang and Phan Thiet requires a flexible vehicle choice.

4.1. Motorbike Road Trip

  • Pros: Complete freedom to pull over anywhere for photos; very low cost.
  • Cons: South-Central Vietnam weather can be hot; riding 200+ km requires physical stamina and limits luggage capacity.

4.2. Door-to-Door Private Car

For families, larger groups, or resort vacationers, renting a private car is the most comfortable and stress-free option. Experienced local drivers familiar with the terrain can easily accommodate custom stops along the route.

Booking a nha trang to phan thiet private car service allows you to enjoy an air-conditioned ride while customizing your schedule—stopping at sand dunes or vineyards without worrying about rigid bus schedules.

5. Expanding Your Journey: The South-Central Coastal Triad

Your coastal road trip does not have to end in Phan Thiet; it connects seamlessly with Ho Chi Minh City as well.

Many travelers choose the Ho Chi Minh City – Phan Thiet – Nha Trang travel triangle to experience the cultural and natural diversity of Southern and Central Vietnam. With the Dau Giay – Phan Thiet Expressway in full operation, booking a ho chi minh to phan thiet private car takes only about 2.5 hours. You can start your vacation in Saigon, relax in Mui Ne, and then head North toward Nha Trang while exploring these coastal attractions along the way.

6. Practical Tips for Sightseeing Along the Route

  • Best Time to Visit: January through August. During these months, South-Central Vietnam enjoys dry, sunny weather with clear skies and calm seas—ideal for outdoor activities and photography.
  • Co Thach Moss Season: To see the vibrant green moss carpet at Co Thach Pebble Beach, schedule your visit between February and March.
  • Sun Protection: The sun in Ninh Thuan and Binh Thuan can be intense. Bring sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, lightweight long-sleeve layers, and plenty of drinking water.
  • Optimal Sand Dune Hours: Sand temperatures at Bau Trang and the Red Sand Dunes get hot around midday (11:00 AM – 2:00 PM). The best times to visit are early morning (6:00 AM – 8:00 AM) or late afternoon (4:00 PM – 5:30 PM).
  • Keep Small Cash Handy: Minor entry fees or parking charges at spots like vineyards, sheep fields, or pebble beaches (10,000 to 50,000 VND) are best paid in small cash bills.

We hope this detailed guide to the top attractions along the road from Nha Trang to Phan Thiet helps you plan an unforgettable coastal journey. Contact Phung Son Travel today via hotline or visit phungsontravel.com to book your private car at the best rates!