Mui Ne, 5 Key Questions Before Booking Your Dream Seaside Escape

Mui Ne is a picturesque resort town in Phan Thiet, Southern Vietnam, known for its tropical beaches and fantastic sand dunes. This is an easily accessible destination, located about a 4-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City. Allow this guide to assist in finding some of the best things one can do when visiting Mui Ne, apart from providing information on transportation options and comfortable accommodations

Written by Jade NGUYEN, (local expert) Updated on 06-11-2024

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Where is Mui Ne?

Mui Ne, located approximately 200 km (approximately 124.27 miles) from Ho Chi Minh City (about a 4-hour drive), is a beautiful town fondly called the "Cape of Ne," meaning "the protected bay." Once a small fishing village, it has grown into one of the most scenic destinations in Vietnam.

Another unique feature of Mui Ne, located about ten kilometers away, is its red sand dunes. Thanks to its semi-desert environment, visitors may feel as if they are standing in a smaller version of the Sahara—a "mini Sahara."

The history of Mui Ne dates back to the 14th century, when Princess Huyen Tran, the daughter of King Tran Nhan Tong, married Cham King Jaya Simhavarman III. At that time, the region was part of the Kingdom of Champa, while the Dai Viet (as Vietnam was known in the 14th century) ruled the area around Hue, near the Champa Kingdom's border.

Things to do in Mui Ne?

• Discovery of giant white and red sand dunes

In this area, there are two types of dunes: white sand and red sand, both of which attract visitors from far and wide. The white sand dunes are massive hills made of white sand, constantly changing shape due to the wind. It’s breathtaking to witness a landscape resembling the beauty of the Sahara Desert. Whether at sunrise or sunset, the views of Mui Ne’s dunes are unforgettable moments.

The red sand dunes are quite unusual in Vietnam, originating from an ancient iron mine that existed many years ago. The sands here come in nearly every color, once drawing sand artists seeking materials to create colorful, unique paintings.

If you prefer not to explore on foot, you can rent a quad bike for 30 minutes or an hour to ride up and down the dunes. The red sand dunes in Mui Ne offer a unique experience that attracts visitors of all ages. Young couples and families with small children can enjoy sliding down the red sand hills. When you're tired, you can rest and enjoy the cool sea breeze while taking in the stunning wide view from the top of the red dunes.

• Sun and Sea Immersion on Mui Ne’s Magnificent Beaches

Along the coastal region, the sun shines on nearly crystal clear turquoise water and white sandy beaches. Adventurists can enjoy water sports; those who are lazy can let the sands do the magic and beach bums, while for the nature lovers – a fresh coconut juice ready for gracious sunsets – only breathtaking ones. The most scenic shoreline in this region has to be Mui Ne beach.

Usually, such beaches are quite tranquil, though there are a lot of local fishermen and fishing boats. You will find the real life of the local people here.

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• Mui Né Fishing Village

In the region, Mui Ne fishing village is the center of wholesale seafood supply. The village is about 1km long along the coast and has beautiful sight views, especially in the early hours of the day, when the sunrise is over the sea, and the fishermen are busy at work. After an intense night of fishing, boats come into the shores filled with crabs, squids, shrimps and fishes. No wonder there are lots of transactions that go on here between the fishermen and traders who have ready access to the fresh supplies of fishes that enter the market every hour.

Address: Huynh Thuc Khang Street, Mui Ne District, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province.

• Kite surfing challenge

Vietnam's Mui Ne is a paradise for kite surfers as there are on average over 200 days a year with winds of over 12 knots. The best time to fly on the sea is from October to the end of March each year, when the wind becomes much stronger and more constant, regularly from 12 to 30 knots on average. Don't hesitate to try kite surfing, it will bring many exhilarating moments to your peaceful vacation.

For kite surfing novices, it is recommended to take a short lesson to familiarize yourself with the basic rules and techniques. Some schools offer full equipment if you sign up for their classes. Kite surfing lessons are usually held early in the morning when the breeze is lighter. The main beach offers the best conditions for beginners due to its central location. However, if you feel confident enough, you can explore other locations such as the Malibu Resort, Turtle Island, or the Harbor Wall for a more advanced experience. Don't forget to bring sunscreen and water to stay hydrated throughout the day.

• Diving to the bottom of the sea

If you miss the kite surfing season, luckily you have another season for diving from March to October. This is the opportunity to discover the mystical underwater world here. You can register at a local diving agency to be well equipped with professional equipment like diving clothes, diving goggles, snorkel, etc. Underwater life is abundant, including colorful corals, squid, octopus, cuttlefish, eels and barracudas.

Some important information to note: 

• The maximum depth is 30 meters. 
• The water temperature is around 25 to 29 degrees.
• Visibility up to 20 meters.

• Fishermen's Show

As the title suggests, “Fishermen Show – Legend of the Fishing Village” brings real pieces of life and lifestyle of the ancient fishing village of Phan Thiet. Over the course of the play, which takes about 60 minutes, there will be ordinary and plain shots from the lives of the fishermen, for instance, the pretty seashores with fish markets, men with baskets on wheels moving toward the sea, fishnet pulling, salt making, and so on. Life in the fishing village is portrayed with all its hardships and cruelties, bringing the pride and ability of the fishermen to fight all odds into perspective.

• Address: Fisherman's Show Theatre - 360 Nguyen Thong, Phan Thiet - Mui Né.

• Fish Sauce Museum in Vietnam

Adjoining the Fishermen Show theater is Vietnam’s first and only fish sauce museum located in a fishing town. This museum unveils 300 years of the history of fishing, salting, and fish sauce production.

It also conceals the ancient art of crafting fish sauce and depicts the era’s fishing lifestyle. Models of fish sauce processing, age-old equipment, and tales on how the sauce is made help to relate the cultural importance of this condiment.

• Address: 360 Nguyen Thong, Phu Hai, Phan Thiet.

• Discovery of the Fairy Creek

If you are a hiking enthusiast, Fairy Creek is a beautiful destination to explore, located about 30 km from Mui Ne. This natural canyon is filled with pure spring water, and you can walk along the stream to enjoy the natural beauty of the landscape. You can also swim in the natural clear water pools to cool off.

The Fairy Creek in Mui Ne looks like a small version of the Grand Canyon, with multi-colored rocks of different shapes. The canyon's water source in ocher-orange colors gushes out of the stream thanks to the erosion of the limestone rocks, forming countless sculptures. You will walk barefoot in this fairy stream to enjoy the freshness of the water and the sublime landscapes.

• Hike to Takou Mountain

For nature lovers, the Takou mountain is not to be missed. Takou Mountain, located about 30 km from Mui Ne, offers breathtaking views of the ocean and surrounding nature. You can discover Buddhist temples and shrines on the mountain. Tourists often choose to hike through the beautiful rainforest to reach the mountain pagoda at the top. For people who don't like climbing, the cable car is another option available. The pagoda was built in 1879 at an altitude of almost 460 meters above sea level.

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8. Visit the local Cham Tower

Located 7 km northeast of Phan Thiet Town (Mui Ne), Cham's Po Shanu Towers were built to worship the Hindu Lord Shiva, Agni, and Nandi. These towers are vestiges of the Cham culture which once flourished in this region. Built 1200 years ago, the tower was considered an important cultural landmark of the ancient Champa Kingdom along with the Po Dam Towers and My Son Sanctuary.

Until now, the Cham ethnic community visits the temple every year for religious rituals such as praying for rain while local fishermen pray for safety before going fishing. If you are a culture lover, don't miss out on discovering the Cham Towers during your trip to Mui Ne.

9. Discover local fresh seafood markets

The local market is the best way to observe authentic local daily life. Here you get a chance to see what people buy to prepare their meals, how they behave towards others, business activities, etc. The best time to visit is early in the morning when everything is still fresh and vibrant.

Besides vegetables and meat, there are also stalls you will see selling delicious rice noodle fish soups, fresh seafood and fried shrimp rolls. Don't forget to try the fish sauce “nuoc mam Phan Thiet”. It's not a bad idea to have a quick breakfast here before starting your day with fun.

10. Relaxation at the restaurant and bar by the sea

In Mui Ne, you can enjoy succulent seafood in a small restaurant or a luxury restaurant. If you want to have authentic experiences, enjoy grilled seafood with a cold beer at a restaurant overlooking the beach.

If you don't like seafood, you can try some famous local dishes, such as "banh quai vac" (steamed shrimp cake) or some kind of hotpot. Furthermore, English and Russian menus are popular in most restaurants.

11. Relaxation in a seaside bungalow

In Mui Ne, most accommodations and restaurants stretch for 10 km along the coastal road named Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street. You can find luxury accommodation here as well as guesthouses, backpacker hostels, restaurants, bars, shops and cafes. In general, accommodations located in the city center offer attractions: a pleasant and comfortable room with sea or pool view, an outdoor swimming pool and easy access to hundreds of restaurants just a few meters from the hotel door. 'hotel.

You can also find a luxury villa with a private pool and golf course. Accommodation in Mui Ne meets almost all demands. However, in high season, rooms are often booked in advance. So make sure you have enough preparation for your vacation!

How to get to Mui Ne?

It is quite easy to get to Mui Ne and Phan Thiet from Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). You can choose from 3 transportation options:

• By train

The train ride takes approximately 4 hours and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. There are several trains per day departing from Saigon Station (Ho Chi Minh City) and arriving at Phan Thiet Station. Train tickets can be booked in advance online or directly at the station. It is recommended to book in advance (official website: dsvn.vn), especially during peak tourist periods, to guarantee your place on the train. 

• By bus

To get to Phan Thiet from Ho Chi Minh City, travelers can take a bus that will take them to Mui Ne. The bus journey usually takes around 5 hours, although times may vary depending on traffic conditions. Several reliable bus companies offer routes from Ho Chi Minh City to Mui Ne. Among the best-known are the Futa Bus, The Sinh Tourist, and the Mai Linh Express. These companies are renowned for their quality service and safety.

• By private car

To benefit from assistance in planning your stay in Nha Trang, consider reserving a car through a travel agency. These agencies offer complete packages including round-trip transportation, which is convenient and recommended. Opting for a private car with a driver is an optimal choice for free management of your time and peace of mind when traveling.

When are the best times to visit Mui Ne?

Mui Ne's weather is pleasant almost all year round. However, if you want to make the most of this seaside resort, go there between November and March , where it is sunny but not too hot. For those who don't like crowds, avoid visiting Mui Ne in summer from May to August as this is the time when Vietnamese go on vacation with their families and children.

Where to stay in Mui Ne?

In Mui Ne, you have a wide range of accommodation options, from budget choices to luxury accommodations. It is crucial to choose carefully to ensure a pleasant experience during your visit. To do this, consult reputable hotel reservation sites such as Booking, Agoda, etc. Don't forget to take into account the opinions of other travelers regarding the establishment that interests you, and do not hesitate to directly contact the hotel of your choice to ensure all the details. Among all the available options, we recommend three good resorts in Mui Ne:

• Anantara Mui Ne Resort

Anantara Mui Ne Resort is a luxury resort located in Mui Ne. The resort offers a premium stay experience with comfortable and stylish accommodations, a range of leisure facilities, premium restaurants offering international and Vietnamese cuisine as well as world-class spa treatments.

It also offers direct access to Mui Ne Beach and stunning ocean views. Guests can enjoy a variety of activities such as yoga classes, water sports, boat trips, and cultural tours in the surrounding area. Anantara Mui Ne Resort is an ideal choice for travelers looking to relax and rejuvenate in a luxurious and tranquil setting.

• Allezboo Beach Resort & Spa

Allezboo Beach Resort & Spa is a luxury resort. This resort offers comfortable and stylish accommodations with modern amenities, including an outdoor swimming pool, spa, gym, and a restaurant offering international and Vietnamese cuisine. Rooms offer stunning views of the sea or the resort's lush tropical gardens. Guests can also enjoy numerous activities on offer, such as yoga classes, water sports, and excursions in the surrounding area.

• Pandanus Resort

Pandanus Resort is located on a white sand beach and is surrounded by lush tropical gardens, providing a serene atmosphere to relax and rejuvenate. It is a popular destination for couples, families and groups of friends seeking a luxurious beach getaway in Vietnam.

Our last words,

Are you looking for a place that offers both the sea and sand dunes that resemble a desert? Mui Ne is a wonderful combination of nature! Additionally, the city is rich in cultural features typical of the Cham people, making it a fascinating destination to explore. So why not plan a trip to Mui Ne now?

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