The beach resort town of Mui Ne stretches along 12km of coast and can be found in Southeast Vietnam. It’s almost impossible to get lost in the small town, the main strip consists of one main road filled with resorts, hotels, restaurants and bars. Originally a fishing town, Mui Ne has been transformed over the last 25 years into one of Vietnam’s most popular beach destinations.
Mui Ne is only four hours away from Ho Chi Minh City and is a water sports junkie’s dream, particularly renowned for its kitesurfing. Attracting sun worshippers and kitesurfers, Mui Ne is a perfect getaway designation to escape the bustling life of the city. Most travellers head to Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street for accommodation and eateries, the 10km stretch of coastal road has everything you need for your trip.
Getting there
The popular town is well-serviced by several bus companies. You can reach Mui Ne by bus from Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, Da Lat and Hoi An. The time it takes will depend on where you’re coming from, the bus from Ho Chi Minh City takes around 5-7 hours. Alternatively, you can travel by taxi which only takes about 4 hours. Mui Ne doesn’t have its own train station however nearby Phan Thiet does with one train a day running from Ho Chi Minh City to Phan Thiet.
If you’re arriving by air, the nearest airport to the town is Lien Khuong Airport near Da Lat. Another option is to fly to Ho Chi Minh City which has regular international and domestic flights, then get a taxi or bus to Mui Ne. There are plenty of travel options to suit different budgets and requirements.
When travelling to Vietnam, the likelihood is you will need to have a visa arranged prior to arriving. If you’re not sure where to start, visit eVisa-Vietnam.Com for information on your Vietnam visa. Firstly, decide whether you would prefer a Visa on arrival or E-visa then simply fill out the form and let Visa-Vietnam.org do the rest for you.
1. White Sand Dunes
Mui Ne is well-known for its unique sand dunes and for a good reason. The rolling sandy landscape is incredible and a natural wonder. There are plenty of activities to do at the sand tunes including sledging and ATV rides. You can rent straw hats if you don’t have one, make sure you wear plenty of sun protection and drink lots of water.
2. Po Shanu Cham Towers
The ancient temple complex can be found approximately 15 minutes from Mui Ne. The three ancient worship towers were constructed during the late 8th century and are dedicated to Hindu deities. The ruins also offer panoramic views of Phan Thiet and the coastline, a perfect photo opportunity.
3. Red Sand Dunes
Located 3km north of Mui Ne in Phan Thiet, the red sand dunes are spectacular and are truly a sight to behold. A unique natural formation, the dunes look like their out of the middle east. At the highest peak, you can watch the sunset. Whilst visiting be sure to take part in some sand sledging, plastic sledges are available to rent at the dunes. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can also rent quad bikes or buggies and ride through the desert-like dunes.
4. Fairy Stream
The Fairy Stream is a popular attraction, with the stream flowing from Ham Tien’s Dinh Mountain. Visitors can walk through the stream barefoot so be sure to wear comfortable clothing. Surrounded by dramatic red and white rock formations, the walk takes around an hour to reach the end of the stream.
5. Ta Cu Mountain
An hour’s drive from Mui Ne, Ta Cu Mountain is filled with rainforests, wildlife and Buddhist temples. You can either hike up to the top of the mountain or take a 10-minute cable car ride to the top. The hike takes around two hours through the jungle. Ta Cu Mountain is home to a 49-metre reclining Buddha statue.
6. Kitesurfing
A Kitesurfer’s paradise, the beaches are a haven for water sports. One of the top spots in Asia for kitesurfing, there are several kitesurfing schools in Mui Ne where you can take lessons. Be sure to choose your school carefully and double check that teachers have been officially certified to teach.
7. Mui Ne Fishing Village
Found at the northern end of Mui Ne Bay, in the morning you can see the bay filled with fishing boats as local fisherman get their catch of the day. As well as the great view, there are several seafood restaurants and small gift shops in the area that boast fresh catch from the ocean.
8. Sunset at the Beach
Mui Ne’s beach runs along 15km of coastline and beautiful sandy beaches. A visit to Mui Ne wouldn’t be complete without catching a sunset at the beach. The southern end of the beach is where you will find swimming and water activities whereas the northern end is home to traditional fishing and locals.