Travel TipsVietnam

Transportation and Navigation around Ninh Thuan

1. What are the most common means of transportation used by locals to get around Ninh Thuan in Vietnam?


The most common means of transportation used by locals to get around Ninh Thuan include motorbikes, bicycles, and buses.

2. How developed is the public transportation system in Ninh Thuan?

The public transportation system in Ninh Thuan is not very developed. The main form of public transportation is buses, which mainly operate within the city and connect major towns within the province. There are also some minivans that operate on certain routes connecting different districts and towns.

Ninh Thuan does not have a railway system, and the nearest train station is in the neighboring province of Binh Thuan. This means that traveling by train from Ninh Thuan to other parts of Vietnam can be difficult and time-consuming.

Additionally, there are no public ferry services in Ninh Thuan, so water transport is not a feasible option for transportation.

Overall, the public transportation system in Ninh Thuan is limited and not as developed as other provinces in Vietnam. Visitors may find it more convenient to use private transportation such as taxis or motorbikes to get around.

3. Are there any major highways or expressways connecting Ninh Thuan to other cities in Vietnam?

Yes, there are several major highways and expressways connecting Ninh Thuan to other cities in Vietnam:

1. National Highway 1A: Also known as the “Reunification Highway”, this is the longest highway in Vietnam and connects Ninh Thuan to other major cities such as Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Hanoi.

2. National Highway 27: This highway runs from Phan Rang-Thap Cham in Ninh Thuan to Buon Ma Thuot in Dak Lak province. It also connects with other highways that lead to other cities such as Dalat and Pleiku.

3. North-South Expressway: This is a major expressway that is currently under construction and once completed, it will run from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, passing through Ninh Thuan.

4. Dau Giay-Phan Thiet Expressway: This expressway connects Ho Chi Minh City with Phan Thiet in Binh Thuan province, passing through Ninh Thuan.

5. Ca Mountain Pass Tunnel: This tunnel runs through the Ca Mountains and provides a direct connection between Khanh Hoa province (Nha Trang city) and Ninh Thuan.

6. Cao Bo Tunnel: Located in the northwest of Ninh Thuan, this tunnel connects the province with Lam Dong province (Dalat city).

4. What modes of transportation are available for traveling from the city center to popular tourist destinations in Ninh Thuan?


Some of the modes of transportation available for traveling from the city center to popular tourist destinations in Ninh Thuan include:

1. Taxis: Taxis are easily available in the city and can take you to various tourist spots within Ninh Thuan. Make sure to negotiate the fare before starting your journey.

2. Motorbike rental: Renting a motorbike is a popular option for tourists in Ninh Thuan. It gives you the flexibility to explore on your own and is cost-effective.

3. Tour buses: Many tour companies offer bus tours to different tourist attractions in Ninh Thuan, with the option of English-speaking guides.

4. Private car hire: You can also hire a private car with a driver for a more comfortable and personalized experience.

5. Train: The North-South railway connects Ninh Thuan with other major cities in Vietnam, making it an option for longer journeys.

6. Local buses: There are also local buses that operate within Ninh Thuan and can take you to nearby towns and villages.

7. Bicycle or Walking: Depending on your fitness level, you can also opt for a bicycle or walking to get around Ninh Thuan. This will allow you to take in the scenic beauty at your leisurely pace.

5. How easy is it to find a taxi or ride-sharing service in Ninh Thuan?


Finding a taxi or ride-sharing service in Ninh Thuan should not be too difficult. The province has a well-developed transportation infrastructure, with various modes of transportation available.

Taxis can be easily found at major tourist areas, train stations, and airports. They are also readily available on the streets and can be hailed by hand. It is recommended to use metered taxis to avoid being overcharged.

As for ride-sharing services, popular options such as Grab and Gojek have a presence in Ninh Thuan. These services usually have a wider coverage area than taxis, making it easier to find them in remote locations.

Overall, both taxis and ride-sharing services should be easily accessible in Ninh Thuan for locals and tourists alike.

6. Is car rental a popular option for tourists visiting Ninh Thuan?


Car rental is not a very popular option for tourists visiting Ninh Thuan. Most tourists prefer to use motorbike rentals or hire a local driver/guide to explore the area. This is because the roads in Ninh Thuan can be quite narrow and challenging to navigate, and there are many cultural and historical landmarks that can only be accessed by smaller vehicles. Additionally, public transportation such as buses and trains are available for travel within the province. However, car rental may be more convenient for larger groups of travelers who want more flexibility in their itinerary.

7. Are there any bicycle rentals or bike-sharing services available in Ninh Thuan?

There are currently no bicycle rentals or bike-sharing services available in Ninh Thuan. However, many hotels and homestays offer bike rentals for their guests. You can also check with local tour companies to see if they offer bike rentals for tours or excursions.

8. How efficient and reliable are the local bus services in Ninh Thuan?

The local bus services in Ninh Thuan are not very efficient or reliable. The buses are often overcrowded and can be delayed due to traffic. Additionally, there is no set schedule for the buses and they may not run as frequently as desired. However, they do provide an affordable mode of transportation for locals and tourists alike.

9. Is it possible to travel by train to and from Ninh Thuan?

Yes, it is possible to travel by train to and from Ninh Thuan. The nearest train station is in the neighboring province of Binh Thuan, where there are regular trains from major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Nha Trang. From Binh Thuan train station, you can take a bus or taxi to reach Ninh Thuan.

10. What is the best way to get around if I want to explore more remote areas of Ninh Thuan, such as rural villages or scenic spots?


The best way to get around more remote areas of Ninh Thuan would be by motorbike or car. You can rent a motorbike in the city and use it to explore rural villages and scenic spots at your own pace. If you are not comfortable driving, you can also hire a local guide or take a private car tour to visit these places. Another option is to take public transportation, such as buses or taxis, but this may limit your flexibility and access to certain areas.

11. Are there any ferry services available for transportation between islands near Ninh Thuan, such as the Hon Mui and Phan Rang islands?


Yes, there are ferry services available for transportation between islands near Ninh Thuan. One option is the Phan Rang – Thap Cham Ferry which connects the Hon Mui and Phan Rang islands. Another option is the Vinh Hy – Phuoc Binh Ferry which connects the mainland to smaller islands in Ninh Thuan province. These ferry services are mainly used for transportation of local residents and their goods, but they may also allow tourists to board.

12. Can I rent a motorcycle or scooter to get around Ninh Thuan?

Yes, there are options to rent motorcycles and scooters in Ninh Thuan. You can check with local rental shops or through online platforms for availability and rates. It is important to have a valid driver’s license and wear a helmet while riding. Be sure to also familiarize yourself with the traffic rules and regulations of Vietnam before renting a vehicle.

13. Are there any organized tours or excursions that offer transportation around Ninh Thuan?


Yes, there are organized tours and excursions that offer transportation around Ninh Thuan. Some popular options include:

1. Nha Trang – Phan Rang Tours: This tour includes transportation from Nha Trang to Ninh Thuan and back, as well as visits to popular attractions such as Po Klong Garai Cham Tower and Vinh Hy Bay.

2. Mui Ne – Ninh Chu Tour: This tour takes you to the beautiful beaches of Mui Ne and Ninh Chu, with transportation provided between the two locations.

3. Jeep Tours: These tours take you on an adventurous ride through the rugged terrain of Ninh Thuan in a four-wheel drive vehicle, with stops at scenic spots like fairy stream and red sand dunes.

4. Wine Tasting Tours: Ninh Thuan is known for its excellent wines, and many tours offer transportation to local wineries for wine tastings and tours of the vineyards.

5. Cycling Tours: For a more active way to explore Ninh Thuan, there are cycling tours that provide bicycles and transportation to various attractions in the region.

6. Private Car Services: You can also hire a private car or van with a driver to take you around Ninh Thuan at your own pace and according to your own itinerary.

14. What is the average cost of transportation within Ninh Thuan, including taxis, buses, and other services?


The average cost of transportation within Ninh Thuan varies depending on the mode of transportation.

1. Taxis: The minimum fare for taxis is around 10,000 VND (0.43 USD) for the first 2 kilometers and then increases by an additional 6,000 VND (0.26 USD) per kilometer.

2. Local buses: The cost for public buses in Ninh Thuan is around 10,000 VND (0.43 USD) per ride.

3. Motorbike taxis: Motorbike taxi services, also known as xe om, usually charge a flat rate depending on the distance and duration of the trip. In Ninh Thuan, the average cost is around 20,000-30,000 VND (0.87 – 1.30 USD).

4. Private car rental: The cost for private car rental with driver in Ninh Thuan starts from around 400,000 -500,000 VND (17-22 USD) per day.

Overall, the average cost of transportation within Ninh Thuan may range from 50,000 to 100,000 VND (2-4 USD) per day for short trips using a combination of different modes of transportations such as taxis and local buses.

15.Are there any safety concerns when using public transportation or walking around unfamiliar areas of Ninh Thuan?

As with any place, it is important to remain aware of your surroundings and take necessary safety precautions when using public transportation or walking around unfamiliar areas of Ninh Thuan. It is recommended to avoid wandering alone at night and to keep valuables such as money and passports secured. It may also be helpful to familiarize yourself with common scams or tourist-targeted crimes in the area before your visit. Overall, Ninh Thuan is a relatively safe destination, but it is always best to exercise caution and use common sense while traveling.

16. Are there any designated bike lanes or pedestrian paths for safe travel in urban areas of Ninh Thuan?

As an AI, I am not able to provide specific information about designated bike lanes or pedestrian paths in Ninh Thuan. However, you can search for local government websites or tourist resources for more information on bike and pedestrian safety in urban areas of Ninh Thuan. Additionally, it is always important to exercise caution when traveling on foot or by bike in busy urban areas.

17.Can I book private transportation services, such as a private car with a driver, for longer trips within and outside of Ninh Thuan?


Yes, you can book private transportation services for longer trips within and outside of Ninh Thuan. Many tour operators and travel agencies in Ninh Thuan offer private car rental services with professional drivers for personalized trips to destinations within the province or to neighboring provinces such as Binh Thuan, Khanh Hoa, and Dak Lak. You can also hire a private car with driver for longer trips to other cities and provinces in Vietnam, including popular tourist destinations like Hoi An, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City. It is advisable to book these services in advance to ensure availability and the best rates.

18.How long does it take to travel by car from Ninh Thuan to popular destinations such as Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang?


The travel time from Ninh Thuan to Ho Chi Minh City by car can take about 6-7 hours, depending on traffic conditions and the route taken. The travel time from Ninh Thuan to Da Nang by car can take about 10-11 hours, also depending on traffic and route taken.

19. Are there any unique forms of transportation in Ninh Thuan, specific to the local culture or geography?


Yes, there are a few unique forms of transportation in Ninh Thuan that are specific to the local culture or geography.

1. Cham horse cart: In the Cham villages of Ninh Thuan, you can find traditional horse-drawn carts that are used for transport by the local community. These carts have a rich cultural significance and are often decorated with colorful paintings and patterns.

2. Buffalo-drawn cart: In rural areas of Ninh Thuan, you may come across farmers using buffalo-drawn carts to transport crops, firewood, and other goods. This form of transportation is not only practical but also serves as a cultural symbol of the region’s traditional farming lifestyle.

3. Double-decker buses: Due to its hilly terrain, some parts of Ninh Thuan use double-decker buses for public transport. These open-top buses offer passengers stunning views of the surrounding landscape while also providing an exciting and unique mode of transportation.

4. Ostrich rides: In the small town of Phan Rang – Thap Cham, visitors can take a ride on ostriches which are trained by local handlers. It is a fun and unusual way to explore the area and get up close with these impressive birds.

5. Boat rides along Ca Na Beach: Along Ca Na Beach in Ninh Hai district, you can hop on small boats run by local fishermen to explore nearby islands or go fishing. This provides an authentic experience as well as supporting the livelihoods of the fisherfolk in the area.

6. Motorbike taxis: Known locally as “xe om,” motorbike taxis are a popular mode of transportation for short distances in Ninh Thuan. You can easily spot them on almost every street corner and they offer affordable and convenient rides around town.

7. Solar-powered cars: As part of efforts to promote green transportation, some resorts in Ninh Thuan have introduced solar-powered cars for guests to use. These vehicles run on energy generated from solar panels and provide a unique and eco-friendly way to explore the area.

20. What is the best way to navigate through Ninh Thuan’s traffic, especially during peak hours?


1. Plan your route in advance: Before setting out, plan your route and alternative routes that you can take to avoid traffic congestion.

2. Use GPS or navigation apps: Utilize GPS or navigation apps such as Google Maps or Waze to find the quickest and most efficient route to your destination.

3. Avoid peak hours: Try to schedule your travels outside of rush hour, which is typically between 7-9 am and 4-6 pm in Ninh Thuan.

4. Take public transportation: Consider using public transportation, such as buses or local taxis, which are not affected by traffic congestion on the roads.

5. Use motorbike lanes: If you’re riding a motorbike, use designated motorbike lanes whenever possible to avoid being stuck in car traffic.

6. Stay alert: While navigating through traffic, pay attention to your surroundings and keep an eye on other drivers and pedestrians.

7. Be patient and follow traffic rules: Patience is key when driving in heavy traffic. Observe traffic signals and follow all traffic rules to ensure your safety and that of others on the road.

8. Stay in one lane: Frequently changing lanes can cause disruption to the flow of traffic and increase your chances of getting stuck.

9. Avoid shortcuts: In some cases, shortcuts may lead you into more congested areas or unfamiliar roads, so stick to main routes when possible.

10. Stay calm and avoid road rage: Getting angry on the road will only make things worse for yourself and others around you. Stay calm and patient while driving through heavy traffic.