IDD Code:(+84) 68
Southeast of Phan Rang. Ninh Chu Beach is increasingly popular with local tourists. Apart from a bit of litter, the 10km-long beach is quite nice. It makes a quieter alternative to Phan Rang as a base for visiting the Cham ruins. A bizarre local attraction is the Hoan Cau Resort (Tell: 890077; waterpark admission adult/child 10,000/ 5000d), where Disneyland meets Vietnamese folklore. Hilarious piaster statues adorn the grounds and rooms are shaped like tree stumps. A brief visit is more enjoyable than actually staying here.
Sleeping & Eating
Den Gion Resort (Tell:874223, r150,000-00,000d,camping per person 70,000d; A giant Cham-looking brick building looks set to replace the ugly hospital-like reception that was in use at the time of research. The crimson-brick beach bungalows arc surprisingly nice, with crisp new linen, glassed-in showers and wooden ceiling fans. Facilities include an open-air restaurant (mains 30,000d) and tennis courts. Dome-tent camping is possible near the beach. Saigon Ninh Chu Hotel (Tell: 876 006; r US$40-55, sle US$80; Good value for the price, this is easily the best accommodation in the area. Each of the tasteful rooms has a sea view - as well as nice carpets, comfortable beds. quality linen, robes and a safety box. Although the beach is on the doorstep, the swimming pool is hard to resist. Rounding out the picture are a small fitness centre, two restaurants, a bar, a business cen¬tre and 24-hour room service.
Getting There & Away
Turn left (southeast) into Đ Ngo Gia Tu, the street immediately before the Cai River bridge in Phan Rang, and continue on, following the signs for 7km. Unless you're driving yourself, it's easiest to take a xe om (30,000d).