Nestled in the sun-kissed and windy land of Ninh Thuan, Nui Chua National Park is increasingly asserting itself as a premier eco-tourism destination in Vietnam. Renowned as the “green lung” of the region with its diverse and rich ecosystem, Nui Chua is also a convergence of magnificent natural landscapes, from pristine beaches and breathtaking bays to lush primary forests and refreshing streams. Join “Du lịch khắp thế gian” (Travel Around The World) to discover the unique beauty and wonderful experiences that Nui Chua National Park offers on your eco-tourism journey.
Nui Chua National Park: An Appealing Eco-Tourism Destination
General Introduction to Nui Chua National Park
Located in Vinh Hai commune, Ninh Hai district, Ninh Thuan province, Nui Chua National Park spans a total area of 106,000 hectares and is one of the 11 world biosphere reserves recognized by UNESCO in Vietnam. The national park not only plays a crucial role in biodiversity conservation but also serves as an attractive eco-tourism destination, captivating visitors with its untouched beauty and unique nature exploration experiences.
Nui Chua embodies the hot and dry climate characteristics of the South Central Coast region, fostering a unique ecosystem with the rare “thorn scrub savanna” in Vietnam. The diverse terrain, ranging from coastal areas to mountains over 1,000m above sea level, along with the intersection of numerous biological currents, has created a rich and diverse flora and fauna here. Nui Chua National Park is considered a biological treasure trove, home to thousands of plant and animal species, many of which are rare and endemic.
Discovering Prominent Destinations in Nui Chua National Park
Nui Chua National Park boasts countless fascinating destinations, catering to the exploration and experience needs of every visitor. Here are some highlights not to be missed:
Vinh Hy Bay
Recognized as one of the 8 most beautiful bays in Vietnam, Vinh Hy Bay enchants visitors with its pristine beauty, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and long stretches of fine white sand. In Vinh Hy, you can indulge in swimming, snorkeling to admire coral reefs, participate in water sports, or simply relax on kayaks, enjoying the fresh air and stunning natural scenery.
Hang Rai (Otter Cave)
Hang Rai is a unique and extraordinary destination in Nui Chua National Park. This place is famous for its ancient coral reefs dating back millions of years, eroded by the sea waves into bizarre shapes. Especially on stormy days, large waves crashing into the cave create white pillars of water, with foam flying across the sky, offering an incredibly impressive and majestic scene. The best time to visit Hang Rai is in the early morning or late afternoon to fully admire the magical beauty of this place.
Binh Tien Freshwater Stream
Binh Tien Freshwater Stream is an ideal destination for you to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy absolute relaxation. The clear stream flows gently through large rocks, weaving through lush green forest canopies, creating a peaceful and poetic space. You can freely swim in the stream, have a picnic by the stream bank, or simply immerse yourself in the cool water, dispelling the fatigue and stress of everyday life.
O Lim Valley
O Lim Valley is an attractive destination for those who love exploration and adventure. This place possesses pristine, majestic beauty with towering rocky mountains, dense primary forests, and winding streams. You can participate in activities such as trekking, mountain climbing, camping, and exploring the rich flora and fauna of the valley.
Lush green scenery on the way to Nui Chua National Park, creating an impression of a fresh ecological destination – Photo: DUY NGỌC
Nui Chua Peak
Nui Chua Peak, with an altitude of over 1,000 meters above sea level, is known as the “roof” of Ninh Thuan. Conquering Nui Chua Peak is a challenging yet incredibly rewarding and memorable experience. From the summit, you can admire the panoramic view of Nui Chua National Park and the vast, majestic Ninh Thuan sea. The feeling of standing on the top, breathing in the fresh air, and admiring the beautiful natural scenery will be a worthy reward for your efforts.
Nui Ong Peak
Nui Ong Peak is also an attractive destination for those who love mountain climbing and nature exploration. Although not as high as Nui Chua Peak, Nui Ong Peak still offers you exciting experiences and beautiful natural scenery. The path to Nui Ong Peak is somewhat easier to navigate than Nui Chua Peak, suitable for a wider range of visitors.
5-Tier Waterfall
The 5-Tier Waterfall is a must-visit destination for those who love the beauty of majestic waterfalls. The waterfall cascades down from a height of dozens of meters, forming 5 consecutive tiers, spraying white foam, creating an incredibly impressive and magnificent scene. You can freely swim at the base of the waterfall, admire the pristine beauty of the waterfall, and enjoy the fresh air of the mountains and forests.
Ao Ho Da Vach (Stone Wall Lake)
Ao Ho Da Vach is a unique and mysterious destination in Nui Chua National Park. To reach this lake, you will have to trek a rather long distance, about 3km of flat road and 3km of forest road. However, your efforts will be well rewarded when you admire the pristine, majestic beauty of the lake nestled among towering cliffs. The lake water is as clear as jade, reflecting the shadows of forest trees and cliffs, creating an incredibly magical and poetic scene.
Stone Park
Stone Park is a unique and interesting destination in Nui Chua National Park. This place gathers large rocks with many strange shapes, sculpted by nature over millions of years. You can freely explore, take photos, and learn about the geological value of the stone park.
Travel Experiences in Nui Chua National Park
To have a complete and meaningful trip to Nui Chua National Park, you should note some of the following experiences:
Ideal Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit Nui Chua National Park is during the dry season, from December to August of the following year. At this time, the weather is dry, with little rain, favorable for sightseeing, exploration, and trekking activities. Summer (from May to August) is the hottest time in Ninh Thuan, but it is also the peak fruit season, and you can combine eco-tourism with enjoying local fruit specialties.
Transportation
You can travel to Nui Chua National Park by motorbike, car, or bus. From Phan Rang – Thap Cham city, you can take National Highway 1A or Provincial Road 702 to reach the National Park. Provincial Road 702 along the Vinh Hy – Binh Tien coast is known as one of the most beautiful coastal roads in Vietnam, and you can combine visiting the National Park with exploring this route.
Accommodation and Dining
In the Nui Chua National Park area, there are several guesthouses, homestays, and resorts for you to choose from. Alternatively, you can choose to stay in Phan Rang – Thap Cham city and travel to the National Park during the day. In terms of cuisine, Ninh Thuan is famous for many attractive specialties such as Banh Can, Banh Xeo, Goi Ca Mai (Mai fish salad), fresh seafood, etc. You can enjoy these dishes at restaurants and eateries in the National Park area or Phan Rang – Thap Cham city.
A lush green trail leading visitors to explore Nui Chua National Park – Photo: DUY NGỌC
Estimated Costs
The cost of traveling to Nui Chua National Park depends on your itinerary, means of transport, and choice of accommodation and dining. However, the average cost for a 2-3 day trip is approximately 1,500,000 – 3,000,000 VND/person. The entrance ticket to Nui Chua National Park is about 40,000 VND/person/visit.
Preparation
When traveling to Nui Chua National Park, you should prepare all necessary items such as:
- Comfortable, breathable clothing suitable for hot and humid weather.
- Sports shoes or hiking shoes for convenient movement and trekking.
- Sunscreen, hats, sunglasses to protect your skin and eyes from the sun.
- Personal medications, especially insect repellent and stomachache medicine.
- Camera, phone to capture beautiful moments.
- Drinking water and snacks to bring along when sightseeing and trekking.
Local Guides
To fully explore Nui Chua National Park and better understand the ecosystem, culture, and history of this land, you can hire a local guide. The guide will help you discover hidden destinations, share interesting stories, and ensure your safety throughout the journey. According to information from the Management Board of Nui Chua National Park, visitors can contact to arrange for a guide who is a local Raglai person or an official or employee of the Park.
Conclusion
Nui Chua National Park is not only an attractive eco-tourism destination but also a priceless natural treasure of Vietnam. With its pristine beauty, rich biodiversity, and unique travel experiences, Nui Chua will surely bring you unforgettable memories on your journey to discover Vietnam. Come and feel the beauty of Ninh Thuan’s green gem, immerse yourself in wild nature, and enjoy wonderful relaxing moments at Nui Chua National Park. Are you ready for this exciting journey to explore Nui Chua National Park?