The famous coastal city of Mui Ne located in the Binh Thuan Province of Vietnam. About 220 kilometers northeast of Ho Chi Minh City, making it easily accessible for both domestic and international travelers. Discover the best things to do in Mui Ne, from plenty of adventure on sand dune to fishing village or stunning beachs…
Mui Ne is renowned for its beautiful beaches, charming fishing villages, and natural wonders – making it one of the most popular destinations in Vietnam for adventurers and holiday goers alike! In addition, travelling to Mui Ne allows you to admire a particular landscape: red and white sand dunes resembling the Sahara desert are located right next to the beaches. Let’s discover some of the highlights of this amazing city with Vietnam Itinerary!
MỤC LỤC
Quick info on Mui Ne
- Population: 25,000
- Area: 35km2
Map of Mui Ne
Personally, I find the beaches in Mui Ne less beautiful than those in Nha Trang. However, Mui Ne is closer to Ho Chi Minh city (about 5 hours drive). Access to Mui Ne is easy. You can get there by train or bus (see how to get from HCMV to Mui Ne here).
Video on Mui Ne from above
The beaches of Mui Ne are long and relatively beautiful. Its climate is favourable as it rarely rains in this region. However, once you are there, you will find that environmental protection is an issue in Mui Ne. Around the fishing villages, the sea discharges a lot of waste.
To be precise, Mui Ne is the name of the beaches and also the name of a district in the city of Phan Thiet, Binh Thuan province, in southern Vietnam. The beaches of Mui Ne are located about 22 km from the city of Phan Thiet.
Best time to visit Mui Ne
Mui Ne can be visited all year round but it is windier and sometimes rains in the summer, which lasts from May to October. The best months to travel are between December and April.
This is one of the driest regions in the country, with an average annual temperature of 27 degrees C and an average rainfall of 927.3 mm.
Best things to do in Mui Ne
I. Visit the red sand dune and white sand dune
The red and white sand dunes are very famous landmarks in Mui Nes, with thousands of visitors coming here every year. The sand dunes offer visitors a unique experience: travellers can experience desert activities while visiting a coastal city.
There are various activities waiting for visitors in the red dunes and sand dunes, such as:
– Sand Sledding: You can hire a plastic sled and slide down the sandy slopes, an exhilarating and popular activity among visitors. It’s not really an activity that you can easily find in Southeast Asia, and the scale of the sand dunes here are nothing to scoff at.
– Photography: Imagine a scene of a vast sand dune under the blue sky, where you can take stunning photographs that make your friends and family think that you travel to somewhere in the Middle East or Africa. You’d be surprised to find some of the hidden treasures such as a fresh water lake in the middle of the White Dunes, forming a literal oasis. And just wait until you see the sunset over the dunes. It doesn’t get much more picturesque than that.
A couple tips for visiting the sand dunes: don’t forget to put on your sunscreen, wear protective clothing when hanging out on the dunes. The heat can be punishing during most of the day, and dehydration and heat stroke is a constant threat. Be safe and prepared, so you can enjoy the dunes at your best.
2. Fairy stream – a perfect destination for nature walking
The Fairy Stream, also known as Suoi Tien, is a small stream that flows through the stunning landscape of red and white sand formations, creating a magical and picturesque setting. This is undoubtedly a perfect destination for nature walkers, who enjoys a slow journey that will let them fully appreciate their surroundings.
The Fairy Stream offers a serene and enchanting environment, with its crystal-clear water flowing gently between the vibrant-colored sand dunes. As you walk along the stream, you’ll be surrounded by mesmerizing geological formations, including whimsical limestone cliffs, sculpted sand banks, and intriguing patterns created by the water’s erosion.
The red sand dunes gradually merge with the stream, creating a striking contrast against the clear water. At some points, you may encounter small waterfalls or mini rapids depending on the season, adding to the stream’s charm and beauty. You don’t want to miss this destination on your journey to Mui Ne.
3. Po Shanu Cham Tower
The Po Shanu Cham Tower is a complex of ancient Cham towers that showcases the architectural and cultural heritage of the Cham people. The complex dates back to the 8th and 9th centuries, during the time of the Champa Kingdom. The Champa civilization, known for its rich cultural and architectural heritage, thrived in present-day Vietnam from the 2nd to the 19th centuries. The towers served as religious sites where the Cham people worshiped their deities.
The towers feature intricate carvings and sculptures, depicting various mythological and historical scenes. The architectural style is a fusion of Hindu and Buddhist influences, reflecting the religious practices and beliefs of the Cham people. While being a work of architectural art at heart, it is also an opportunity for visitors to learn and appreciate the culture of the Cham people in Vietnam.
4. Mui Ne Fishing village – where you can find the best seafood
The heart of the local fishing industry in Mui Ne is the fishing village itself. Located near the coast, the village is home to many fishermen and their families. You can witness their daily routines, observe the colorful fishing boats lined up along the shore, and get a glimpse of the authentic fishing culture. Although it may not be a traditional fish market, you can often find fishermen selling their catches directly to locals or restaurants in the area.
Mui Ne has a wide array of seafood restaurants and stalls where you can enjoy fresh catches of the day. These establishments often source their seafood directly from the fishermen or local suppliers. You can explore the beachside restaurants or venture into the town to find places serving various seafood dishes, including shrimp, fish, squid, crabs, and more. Be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as grilled fish or seafood hotpot.
5. Visit Van Thuy Tu whale temple
- Address: 54 Ngu Ong Street, Phan Thiet City
- Visit ticket: 10,000 VND
- Opening hours: 07.00 – 17.00 daily
If you have more time in Mui Ne, you can visit the town of Phan Thiet, 25 km away, and discover its whale temple. Van Thuy Tu is the largest and oldest whale temple in Phan Thiet. It houses whale skeletons, fishing boats, conical hats and artifacts from the Nguyễn dynasty.
Accommodation suggestions
Most hotels and resorts in Mui Ne are concentrated in Nguyen Dinh Chieu and Huynh Thuc Khang streets, which run along the beach.
- Mia Mui Ne resort*****: excellent 5 star resort on the beach. It is undoubtedly one of the best hotels in Mui Ne.
- Bamboo Village Beach resort & spa**** : beautiful resort located at 2 minutes walk from the beach. Its setting is green and very pleasant.
Mui Ne offers a delightful mix of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and a laid-back beach vibe. This is our favourite place to introduce to our travellers as a nice cherry on top for the end of their journey in Vietnam.
Photos from the internet
