Ninh Chu Beach

Some litter blights the scene, but the 10km-long beach is attractive and makes a quieter alternative to Phan Rang as a base for visiting the Cham ruins. There are new resort hotels are springing up around the bay.

•  Sleeping & Eating

Hotel resorts are scattered along the shoreline. Budget accommodation is concentrated at the north end of the bay, where there’s a fishing village and a row of beachfront seafood restaurants.

Nha Nghi Dieu Hien GUESTHOUSE $

( 068-387 3399;  s/d 150,000/200,000d) A simple place run by a friendly (non- English speaking) couple with clean rooms, all with TV, fan and air-conditioning. It’s 200m from the north end of the beach.

Anh Duong Hotel HOTEL $

( 068-389 0009; r 245,000-500,000d) Away from the shore, this roadside place offers inexpensive, good-value rooms with smart trim. It’s a short walk to the beach.

Con Ga Vang Resort RESORT $$

( 068-387 4899; www.congavangresort.com; r 400,000-900,000d, ste 1,300,000-2,200,000d) The room prices here are pretty enticing when you factor in smart, spacious rooms, attractive coconut-fringed swimming pool and tennis courts. The hotel’s beachfront Huong Dua Restaurant (mains 40,000-100,000d) has great value seafood, and service is good.

Bau Truc Resort BOUTIQUE HOTEL $$

( 068-387 4223; www.bautrucresort.com; r US$45-140) Formerly the Den Gion, this large hotel resort has a good range of well-appointed bungalows with contemporary bathrooms set in a lush garden by the beach. The pool is huge and breakfast is included, taken at the open-air restaurant (dinner mains 50,000d to 155,000d). Aim for a discount off the rack rates.

•  Getting There & Away

Turn left (southeast) into Ð 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 (around 30,000d) or a metered taxi (70,000d).