Travel guide

Visit Ca Na: Things to Do on the Ninh Thuan Coast

Turquoise water, salt fields and one of Vietnam’s most beautiful coastal roads — here’s how to make the most of a trip to Ca Na.

(01) — The “Sleeping Princess”

Why visit Ca Na?

Nicknamed the “Sleeping Princess” of Ninh Thuan, Ca Na is one of the wildest and most beautiful beaches in Vietnam — around 10 kilometres of clear turquoise water framed by rocky mountains. It sits on Vietnam’s south-central coast, right on Highway QL1A and the trans-Vietnam railway, about 30 km south-east of Phan Rang and roughly 200 km east of Ho Chi Minh City.

That makes Ca Na a perfect coastal stop — whether you’re road-tripping the QL1A between Phan Rang and Mui Ne, riding the railway, or simply chasing a quieter, unspoiled stretch of sea. And when the swimming works up an appetite, you’ll find some of the freshest seafood on the coast right here. (That’s where we come in.)

(02) — Things to do

Things to do in Ca Na & nearby

From the beach itself to the salt fields and lighthouses around it — the highlights worth your time.

Ca Na Beach

Swim and snorkel in famously clear, turquoise water along a 10 km stretch of unspoiled, rocky coastline.

The Ca Na coastal road

Drive Route 701 / QL1A — mountains on one side, navy-blue sea on the other — one of Vietnam’s most scenic coastal roads.

Ca Na salt fields

Walk the dazzling white salt fields that stretch up to 1,000 hectares along the shore — a favourite photo spot.

Mui Dinh & Son Hai dunes

Side-trip to the Mui Dinh lighthouse and the golden Son Hai sand dunes for sweeping coastal views.

Fishing port & villages

Watch the boats come in and meet the local fishing community that has shaped life on this coast for generations.

Ninh Thuan grapes & Cham culture

Explore the wider region’s vineyards and ancient Cham villages — Ninh Thuan’s signature culture and produce.

(03) — Where to eat in Ca Na

Where to eat in Ca Na

Ca Na is famous for two things on the plate: its sea salt and nhỉ fish sauce, and its fresh seafood — crab, shrimp, shellfish and the daily catch. The easiest way to taste it is right on QL1A at Kim Anh Restaurant, where the seafood is caught at dawn and served with an ocean view. Browse our menu, try the signature seafood bouquet, or plan a celebration with a group.

Beachfront terrace seating beside the turquoise sea at Ca Na, Ninh Thuan

Fresh seafood served with an ocean view in Ca Na

A basket of freshly steamed Ca Na sea crab

Airy seaside dining hall on the Ca Na coast

(04) — Getting there

How to get to Ca Na

By road: Ca Na lies directly on Highway QL1A, about 30 km south of Phan Rang and on the main route towards Phan Thiet and Mui Ne — an easy, scenic drive by car or motorbike.

By rail: the trans-Vietnam railway runs right along the coast, with trains serving the Ca Na area. From Ho Chi Minh City it’s roughly 200 km east. For the exact route to our door and opening hours, see our contact & directions page.

Make us your seafood stop in Ca Na

Put fresh, ocean-view seafood on your Ca Na itinerary. We’re open daily, right on the highway — find us and plan your visit.

Find us & directions See the menu →