Mui Ne sits on a peninsula in southern Vietnam, with a population of around 25,000 people, but during peak season it feels much busier thanks to the influx of (mostly Vietnamese) tourists drawn to its beautiful beaches and famous sand dunes. In contrast to the rest of Vietnam, the best hostels in Mui Ne aren't the ones with the most events and liveliest atmosphere, but the ones that are close to the beach, have aircon (crucial), and have plenty of space to kick back and pretend like you're in a five star resort.
Originally a quiet Vietnamese fishing village, Mui Ne has transformed into one of Vietnam's most popular beach destinations, although it still maintains a laid-back vibe that's perfect for backpackers who have burnt themselves out and need to tone it down a notch to rest and get some of their energy back. Mui Ne enjoys a dry microclimate that makes it sunny and warm year-round, which is why it's become such a haven for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts.
What I loved most about Mui Ne was how different it felt from the bustling cities I'd been exploring elsewhere in Vietnam. Here, the pace slows down, the beaches stretch for miles, and you can actually hear the waves crashing instead of motorbike horns honking. It's the perfect place to decompress after weeks of intense sightseeing, and choosing the right hostel in Mui Ne made our stay absolutely unforgettable.
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Which Areas to Stay in Mui Ne, Vietnam
Here's what you need to know before booking your hostel in Mui Ne: Mui Ne city itself isn't really where you want to stay. The city itself doesn't offer much for travellers, and you'd be missing out on the main attraction – the gorgeous coastline.
Instead, all the best hostels and hotels are spread along the beach road that runs west of the main city. This coastal strip is where all the action happens, from beach bars to restaurants to tour operators offering trips to the famous sand dunes.
Even amongst the hostels, they're quite spread out along this coastline. There isn't one concentrated backpacker area where you'll find all of the hostels, like there usually is in touristy areas.
My biggest piece of advice? Book a hostel that's as close to the beach as possible. The beach itself, as well as just the generally beachy vibes, is honestly the best thing about Mui Ne. Unless you are only going for the weather and want to spend all of your time by the pool, in which case just pick the best looking hostel in Mui Ne within your budget and be done with it!
Best Hostels in Mui Ne, Vietnam
After comparing notes with all the friends I made during my time in Vietnam, here are the hostels that really stood out as the best places to stay in Mui Ne:
Miami Hostel, Mui Ne
This is where I stayed with the group of friends I ended up travelling with for the whole second half of my Vietnam adventure, and we absolutely loved it. Miami Hostel became our home base, and it's easy to see why it's so popular with backpackers.
The rooms at Miami Hostel are genuinely lovely – much nicer than your average backpacker accommodation. If you book in advance, you can even choose a room without bunk beds, which was such a welcome change after weeks of hostel living. I had originally booked one of these rooms without bunk beds, but when I arrived they'd run out of that room type, so they upgraded me to a private room for the night at no extra cost. It felt like such luxury that I ended up paying to keep the private room for another night!
The rooms are spotlessly clean, each one has air conditioning, there's a really nice swimming pool perfect for cooling off during the hottest parts of the day, and they serve a cheap breakfast that actually tastes good. My favourite perk was the free beer between 6-7pm (which does seem a bit silly when a beer usually costs about a euro anyway); most hostels that offer free beer give you flat, watery plastic cups, but Miami hostel gave us crisp, cold bottles of Saigon.
The staff are genuinely lovely and helpful, there's proper air conditioning (essential in Mui Ne's heat), and there's a fast laundry service right next door. Honestly, what more could you want from a beach hostel?
iHome Backpackers Resort, Mui Ne
One of my travel buddies stayed at iHome and had mostly great things to say about it. The location is absolutely perfect – right on the beachfront – and the hostel has much more of a social, party atmosphere compared to Miami Hostel. If you're looking to meet other travellers and enjoy some nightlife, this could be the perfect fit. (I stayed at the iHome in Hoi An earlier in my trip and really enjoyed the vibe there, which is why I can say this so confidently).
The main drawback, according to my friend, was the lack of air conditioning, which can be a real issue in Vietnam's heat. But if you can handle sleeping in a fan-cooled room and you're prioritising the social atmosphere and beachfront location, iHome could be a great choice.
Mui Ne Hills Backpackers
Several people from our group stayed at Hills Backpackers, and they were generally happy with their choice. The hostel has great social vibes and an excellent bar area, plus they have two swimming pools which is always a bonus. The facilities are good and the atmosphere is perfect for meeting other backpackers.
The only downside was the location – you have to walk up quite a big hill to reach the hostel. After long days exploring the sand dunes or lounging on the beach, that uphill walk can feel pretty challenging. But if you don't mind the extra exercise and you're looking for a hostel with a bit more of a resort feel, Hills Backpackers offers excellent value for money.
FAQs About Mui Ne
How far is Mui Ne from Ho Chi Minh City?
Mui Ne is approximately 200 kilometres northeast of Ho Chi Minh City. The journey typically takes 4-5 hours by bus or train, making it a popular weekend escape for both locals and travellers.
What's the best way to get to Mui Ne from Ho Chi Minh City?
You can reach Mui Ne by bus or train. The train goes to Phan Thiet station, and then you'll need to take a taxi or bus to Mui Ne beach. Many travellers prefer the direct bus services that run regularly from Ho Chi Minh City to Mui Ne.
What are the famous sand dunes in Mui Ne?
Mui Ne is famous for its red and white sand dunes. The white sand dunes are larger and more impressive, while the red sand dunes are closer to town and perfect for sunset viewing. Most hostels can arrange tours to both locations.
Is Mui Ne good for water sports?
Absolutely! Mui Ne is particularly famous for kitesurfing and windsurfing due to its consistent winds. You'll find plenty of schools offering lessons and equipment rental right along the beach.
How much do hostels in Mui Ne cost per night?
Hostel prices in Mui Ne typically range from 260k-520kVND (10-20€) per night for a dorm bed, while private rooms start from around 650kVND (25€) per night. Beachfront locations tend to be more expensive than those further inland.
What's the weather like in Mui Ne?
Mui Ne enjoys a unique microclimate that's drier and sunnier than much of Vietnam. The best weather is typically from November to March, with less rain and more comfortable temperatures. Even during the rainy season, Mui Ne tends to be drier than other parts of the country.
Conclusion
Choosing the right hostel in Mui Ne can make or break your experience in this beautiful beach town. Whether you prioritise luxury and comfort like I found at Miami Hostel, social vibes and beachfront access like at iHome Backpacker, or resort-style amenities like at Hills Backpackers, there's something for every type of traveller. Mui Ne might not be Vietnam's most famous destination, but it's definitely one of the most relaxing, and with the right hostel as your base, it's the perfect place to slow down and soak up some sun.