Ninh Chu is on no one's short list of hot-spots to visit while in Vietnam, but if you're feeling harried and stressed out by trying to do too much, we highly recommend decompressing here.

It seems we're not the only fans -- at one stage, the entirety of Ninh Chu beach was reserved for the exclusive use of the President of South Vietnam, Nguyen Van Thieu (who resigned and fled to Taiwan just prior to the Communist victory, living out his exile in the UK and USA where he died in 2001) and other assorted VIPs.

There's is something wonderfully tranquil about Ninh Chu and aside from the presence of the Saigon-Ninh Chu Hotel, the place is completely unspoiled. The locals are very laid back and cheerful, and the fishing villages along the beach make for a good wander around.

Other than visiting the water park or using the pool at the Saigon-Ninh Chu, you'll have little choice but to do very little while you visit here. As Frankie once said, "Relax".

Orientation
Ninh Chu has no internet, no post office, no banks and no ATMs -- for all these creature comforts you'll need to head to the big smoke in Phan Rang.

To reach this relaxing little hideaway from Phan Rang, head north on Thong Nhat St and take a left just before the bridge. This road leads to the beach -- take a left and the centre of town is further on down the road. You can also head south on Thong Nhat St and take the right fork when you reach the post office. From Phan Rang, a xe-om should cost 30,000 VND and a metered taxi will set you back 60- to 70,000 VND.