To avoid the rainy season, go in January or February, when the temperature is a balmy 25 degrees. Try to avoid October – although it’s a little warmer, the rain is torrential.
Getting there
Planes
The nearest airport is Cam Ranh International Airport, which is an 90-minute drive from Phan Rang–Tháp Chàm. There are frequent connecting flights from most international airports.
Boats
Ninh Thuận has three main ports: Vịnh Vĩnh Hy in the northeastern Ninh Hải District; Ninh Chu in southern Ninh Hải District near Phan Rang–Tháp Chàm; and Ca Na Port in the south. It’s a bother to come by boat, though, so stick to air and rail travel if you can.
Trains
Ninh Thuận's main railway station is in Phan Rang–Tháp Chàm. There are also two smaller stations: Bà Râu in Thuận Bắc in the north and Cà Ná near the southern border. Vietnam Railways serves all three stations.
Automobiles
You’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) as well as your regular licence to drive in Vietnam. If you don’t have an IDP, you’ll need to get a Vietnamese driving licence in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh city – so really, it’s more trouble than it’s worth. Instead, book taxis from hotel-recommended firms.