Have you ever heard about Mui Ne resort area in Vietnam? Once a fishing village, this destination is not well promoted yet among tourists. However, every year more tourists looking for gentle sea and bright sun come to Mui Ne.
Read our 2024 first timer’s travel guide on best things to do in Mui Ne in Vietnam, we’ve tried to collect the full list of most popular tourist attractions.
Mui Ne Town General Info
Some tourists mistakenly consider Mui Ne is an island. This is not true; rather, it represents a cape or peninsula. Mui Ne is, in fact, a very long beach coast, located between the village and the island of Phan Thiet. There is only one street where hotels and cafes are located.
There are not so many things to do and places to visit in Mui Ne, so if your plan is to spend active holidays this resort town is not the best option to choose. But it will be an ideal place if you’re looking for tranquility, solitude and do not have big claims to the quality of the area. Here you will not find neat green streets, expensive hotels – everything is modest and ascetic.
Things to Do in Mui Ne
Try Surfing and Kitesurfing
Waves in Mui Ne are among the best in Vietnam. During rainy season, surfers and kite fans from all over the world come here. After all, waves here are distinguished by their length. It will be interesting for both beginners and professionals who are eager to work out their tricks properly.
For best surfing and windsurfing experiences, come to Mui Ne from August to November. If this water sport is the main goal of your vacation, you can consider surfing in Sri Lanka as an excellent alternative.
Explore Mui Ne beaches
Being the coastal resort city, one of the popular things to do in Mui Ne is exploring its beaches. Perhaps no region in Vietnam is as controversial as Mui Ne – especially when it comes to its beach coasts. Some consider them suitable only for the most unpretentious tourist; while others consider them the best.
The truth, as usual, is somewhere in the between. On the one hand, there is no white sand in Mui Ne. But on the other hand, the coast here is wide, long, well suited for long walks.
White and Red Sand Dunes
White Sands and the Red Sands Dunes are popular tourist attraction in Mui Ne. Often travelers go to the white sands in the morning to meet the dawn, and in the evening they go to the red sands.
It is better to come to the white sands before the crowds of tourists start to arrive. At this time, there are still no numerous tracks and paths on the soft dunes. Don’t forget to bring your sunscreen as the sun is merciless. White Sands is located 25 km from Mui Ne, you can get to the place by joining group tour or by renting a bike.
Red sand dunes are slightly smaller in size. There, locals offer sleds for a small fee, on which you can ride from the dunes.
Fairy Stream
Despite its size, this is a must-visit place in Mui Ne, which is impressive in its beauty. The orange-brown stream is surrounded by limestone formations of red, white and gray. Since the walk runs along the creek itself, shoes can be left in the locker at the entrance for a small fee. There is no official fee for entering the spring, but locals can demand it from you, and they will be very persistent at the same time.
Po Shanu Cham towers
This is a temple in honor of the deity Shiva, built of red bricks in the 8th century. The building rises on a hill between Mui Ne and Phan Thiet . The entrance fee is VND 10,000 per person, you will have to pay extra for parking the bike. You can also buy souvenirs here. The place is not so big, so the visit will take no more than an hour.
Climbing Mount Ta Cu
About an hour’s drive from Mui Ne, there is another attraction – Mount Ta Cu. You’ll see Buddhist statues, pagodas and a large reclining Buddha (the largest in Vietnam). You can reach the top of the mountain just in 10 minutes on cable car for VND 160,000 (price for round trip).
Or you can enjoy hiking, the ascent is quite steep, but people with average physical fitness can climb it. Be careful on the way back as the road is quite slippery. Around the Buddha statue there is a green area where locals go for picnics on weekends. If you want to be in silence, choose to visit this place on a weekday.
Fishing Village
Initially, Mui Ne was a small fishing village. Even today, many locals continue to make a living by taking their boats out to sea. You will understand that you are in a fishing village by the characteristic fish smell. You’ll get used to it in a couple of minutes. Here you can see boats of various shapes and colors, so be sure to charge your camera before the trip.
The village is especially busy in the early morning when the fishermen return home with their catch. Wholesale buyers and restaurant owners are already waiting for them on the beach. Tourists often come here to meet sunrises and sunsets, as well as for dinner. Hardly anywhere else in Mui Ne you will find fresher seafood than here.
If you would like to join guided tour and visit Red and White Sand Dunes, Fairy Stream, Fishing Village, Po Shamu Cham Towers and other iconic landmarks, click here to make your reservation.
Best Time to Visit Mui Ne
Sand dunes have served as the main factor in the formation of a special microclimate in the region. In Mui Ne, there are no sharp cold snaps or sudden storm rains that fall on your head. The rainy season lasts from June to early October. However, most of the precipitation occurs in the evening. Usually, the temperature rarely drops below + 30 ° C (during winter months + 27 ° C). It’s really hot there in the period from May till April, and the high season lasts from November to April.
Before planning your trip to Mui Ne, find out the dates for the Vietnamese New Year. At this time, the prices increase significantly.
Budget-friendly Vacation in Mui Ne
Affordable prices in Mui Ne are one of the main advantages. There, you can find an abundance of seafood you can try and stay within the budget. Prices in stores are also not overstated: here you can buy food and souvenirs cheaper than in other regions.
It is worth to note that Mui Ne tours are very popular among locals. because of democratic prices. So those wishing to buy a ticket will not have to shell out the entire family budget for a trip.
Budget vacation implies appropriate conditions. If you’re looking for an expensive and high-quality vacation, then it’s better to choose another resort city in Vietnam. If you want regularity and desert landscapes, the Mui Ne area will come in handy.
