Why Motorbike?
Ninh Thuan's highlights are spread across 60km of coastline and inland. Public transport is limited. Taxi costs add up fast. A motorbike gives you:
- Freedom to stop wherever you want
- Access to places taxis don't go (Vinh Hy, Hang Rai)
- Cost: 120-160k VND/day vs 300-500k VND for a car
If you can ride a motorbike, this is how to get around.
Renting
Where: Any guesthouse in Phan Rang can point you to a rental shop. The area near the bus station has several.
What to rent:
- Semi-automatic (xe số): Better for mountain roads (Vinh Hy road, Song Pha). More control on steep descents.
- Automatic (xe tay ga): Easier for beginners. Fine for flat areas. Can struggle on steep hills with a passenger.
Price: 120-160k VND/day. Includes basic insurance.
Always: Check brakes, horn, lights, and fuel level before leaving the shop. Take a photo of any existing scratches.
Main Routes
Route 1: Phan Rang → Vinh Hy (40km one way)
Road condition: Good tarmac for the first 20km, then narrow coastal road through Nui Chua National Park. Some steep sections. Time: 60-75 minutes without stops. Caution: The road between Vinh Hy and Ninh Chu has sharp curves. Take it slow, especially downhill.
Route 2: Phan Rang → Bau Trang Sand Dunes (45km one way)
Road condition: Highway 1 most of the way. Easy riding. Time: 50-60 minutes. Caution: Highway 1 has heavy trucks. Stay in the left lane, don't overtake recklessly.
Route 3: Phan Rang → Ca Na (60km one way)
Road condition: Highway 1. Straightforward. Time: 60-75 minutes. Caution: Long stretch with limited shade. Bring water.
Route 4: Phan Rang → Song Pha (45km via Highway 27 toward Da Lat)
Road condition: Mountain road. Steep and winding. Beautiful but demanding. Time: 60-90 minutes. Caution: Not recommended for first-time motorbike riders or automatic scooters with a passenger.
Road Rules to Know
- Ride on the right (Vietnam drives on the right)
- Helmet is mandatory — police checkpoint near Phan Rang regularly fines foreigners
- No drunk riding — zero tolerance, heavy fines
- International license: Technically required, rarely enforced for tourists but a liability if you have an accident without one
Safety Notes
The biggest hazard: Sand on the road. Common near Bau Trang and the coastal roads. Sand looks like wet pavement but behaves like ice. Slow down on curves in sandy areas.
Night riding: Avoid it. Minimal street lighting outside the city, and large potholes appear without warning.
Rain: Stop and wait it out. Wet roads + motorbike + sand = high accident risk.
Fuel: Fill up in Phan Rang before heading to Vinh Hy or Bau Trang. Stations are few along those routes.
If You Don't Ride
Hire a motorbike taxi for the day: 400-600k VND. Ask your guesthouse to recommend a reliable driver. This is better than renting a car if you're solo.