Mui Ne, Vietnam, was unlike anywhere else I had been in Vietnam. I felt like I was in a completely different country, but which country, I wouldn't be able to tell you! Mui Ne, if you don't know, sits between the desert and the sea in the south of Vietnam. It's a lazy costal town that it's worlds apart from the hustle and bustle that defines many other destinations in Vietnam, although I would add that we, like most tourists, stayed along the beach front which is designed to be a holiday destination, rather than in the city itself, which doesn't receive much tourism.
I spent three unforgettable days exploring Mui Ne, but it is entirely possible to see all of the attractions in a day or two. What travellers really come to Mui Ne for is to relax, to recuperate a little after a long stint backpacking, or for a specific activity like kitesurfing which is popular in this area thanks to the high winds coming in from the South China Sea.
No matter what you come for, Mui Ne offers something refreshingly different from the typical Southeast Asian experience.
Contents
- About Mui Ne
- How to Get to Mui Ne
- Where to Stay in Mui Ne
- Weather & Best Time to Visit Mui Ne
- How to Get Around Mui Ne
- Things to Do in Mui Ne
- Where & What to Eat in Mui Ne
- Best Bars in Mui Ne
- Prices and Money in Mui Ne
- FAQs About Travelling in Mui Ne
- Conclusion
About Mui Ne, Vietnam
Mui Ne was once a sleepy fishing village, until it became popular with tourists after a 1995 solar eclipse drew visitors to the area. Mui Ne has now a 15km stretch of resorts along Rang Beach, which stretches to the west of the main city, making it one of Vietnam's premier beach destinations. What makes Mui Ne truly special is its microclimate - it's one of the driest places in Southeast Asia, creating the unique sand dunes that have become its most famous attraction.
Most visitors need around 2-3 days to properly experience Mui Ne. If you're short on time, one full day is enough to see the highlights, but with three days, you can combine adventure activities with plenty of beach time. Despite its growing popularity, Mui Ne remains relatively laid-back compared to busier beach destinations in Vietnam like Nha Trang.
How to Get to Mui Ne, Vietnam
Most travellers arrive in Mui Ne from Ho Chi Minh City (or have Ho Chi Minh City as their next stop), which is about 220km away. The most popular option is taking a bus, which takes 4-5 hours and costs around 150-250k VND (€6-10). I was travelling north to south, and went to Mui Ne before heading to Ho Chi Minh City.
If you're coming from the north, like me, buses from Nha Trang or Dalat (where I came from) both take about 4 hours and cost 100-180k VND (€4-7).
Though there's no train station directly in Mui Ne, you can take a train to nearby Phan Thiet (about 11km away) and then grab a taxi to your accommodation. If Mui Ne is going to be your first stop in the south or in Vietnam at all, the nearest airports are in Ho Chi Minh City or Lien Khuong Airport near Dalat. Both of them are a fairly long bus ride away.
Where to Stay in Mui Ne, Vietnam
Mui Ne's accommodation is spread along a single coastal road that runs west from the main city, with different vibes depending on which section you choose. The main areas include Ham Tien (the central tourist area with most restaurants and shops), Mui Ne Village (closer to the fishing village, more authentic), and the area near the white sand dunes (quieter, more isolated).
For backpackers, hostels like iHome and Mui Ne Hills offer beds from 150-200k VND (6-8€) per night with good social atmospheres. I stayed in Miami Hostel, which was 220kVND (around 10€), which was a bit of a splurge from a backpacker budget but I really loved it there! Mid-range travellers can find plenty of beachfront resorts between 600-1,500k VND (24-60€) per night, or The Cliff Resort & Residences with stunning ocean views for more luxury trips.
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Weather & Best Time to Visit Mui Ne, Vietnam
Mui Ne has a unique microclimate that makes it one of the driest regions in Vietnam, with less than half the rainfall of Ho Chi Minh City. The best time to visit is during the dry season from November to March, when temperatures hover pleasantly between 22-30°C with minimal rain. This period also coincides with the strongest winds (December to February), making it ideal for kitesurfing enthusiasts but slightly less ideal for lounging on the beach.
The rainy season runs from May to October, with September and October seeing the heaviest downpours. Even during this period, rain typically falls in short, intense bursts rather than all day. The temperature doesn't vary much throughout the year, with a warm coastal climate, bit it can feel more hot and humid in the rainy season.
How to Get Around Mui Ne, Vietnam
Mui Ne is spread out along one main road that stretches for about 15km, so having transport is necessary for exploring beyond your immediate area (unless you're really into walking). The most convenient option is renting a scooter for around 150-200k VND (€6-8) per day – just be aware that police often target tourists for checks, so make sure you have the right license.
Taxis are readily available, but can be a bit more expensive for longer distances. For visiting the major attractions like the sand dunes, jeep tours organised by your accommodation are common and they are quite practical, especially if you have a large group. (Otherwise you can also use a scooter to get to the sand dunes.)
Things to Do in Mui Ne, Vietnam
As I mentioned earlier, there isn't LOADS to do in Mui Ne. It's definitely the kind of destination you go to kick back and spend time at the beach or around the pool, but that being said there are a few things you must add to your itinerary.
Located about 30km from the main beach area, the White Sand Dunes are Mui Ne's most popular natural attraction. For the adventurous, you can rent plastic sleds for sandboarding (around 20k VND/€0.80) or quad bikes (400-600k VND/€16-24 for 20-30 minutes).
Closer to town and easier to access than their white counterparts, the Red Sand Dunes offer a completely different experience. The rusty orange-red sand creates a striking landscape, especially at sunset when the dunes glow with warm hues. They're smaller than the white dunes but still impressive, and perfect for a quick visit without traveling too far from your accommodation.
The Fairy Stream is a shallow, ankle-deep waterway that winds between dramatic red and white sandstone formations, creating a miniature canyon. It's a bit random but you take off your shoes and walk up and down the stream with gorgeous views of the canyon above.
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Where & What to Eat in Mui Ne, Vietnam
Mui Ne's culinary scene is completely dominated by fresh seafood, especially shellfish (not ideal for me with a shellfish allergy!). There are tonnes of open-air restaurants displaying the day's catch in tanks at the front (which made me squeamish, to be honest, but maybe that's your vibe).
A local specialty is banh xeo, a crispy rice flour pancake stuffed with bean sprouts, shrimp, and herbs. Fish sauce (nuoc mam), which is produced in the region and considered some of the finest in Vietnam.
For vegetarians, options are somewhat limited at local establishments, but there are a lot of more western-catered cafes and restaurants that have many more options for veggies. A lot of the beach resorts also cater well to vegetarians with specially designed menu options.
Best Bars in Mui Ne, Vietnam
Mui Ne isn't known for wild nightlife, but there are plenty of spots to enjoy some evening drinks after a day of exploring. Your favourite local places will probably be wherever is close to where you're staying!
For a more social atmosphere, staying in or close to a hostel like iHome will help, and I did hear from other travellers that there are more bars and a late-night vibe in this area, but I didn't go myself (I was staying in a hostel with a nice bar with a bunch of friends I'd met earlier in my trip, so we spent most of our time drinking there and/or wherever we'd decided to eat for the night!
Prices and Money in Mui Ne, Vietnam
Mui Ne is one of the best value beach destinations in Southeast Asia, although it's slightly pricier than some inland Vietnamese locations. A typical day can cost between 500-1,000k VND (€20-40) including accommodation, food, and activities. Budget travellers can get by on less by staying in cheaper hostels (150-200k VND/€6-8 per night), eating at local restaurants (40-70k VND/€1.60-2.80 per meal), and using public transportation.
Activities vary in price - jeep tours to the main attractions cost around 150-200k VND (€6-8), whilst beach activities like kitesurfing lessons start at 850k VND (€34) for beginners. You don't pay anything to enter the sand dunes and you can drive yourself, skipping the cost of the jeep tour.
Vietnam's currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND), and while some places do accept cards, cash is king in the whole of Vietnam. There are a few different ATMs along the beach front, but all of them charge withdrawal fees (between 25-100k VND/1-4€). I actually only found ATMs that offered free withdrawals in the North of Vietnam - as soon as I was south of Ninh Binh I didn't find any more free ATMs! Vietcombank typically offers the best rates with lower fees.
FAQs About Travelling in Mui Ne, Vietnam
How many days should I spend in Mui Ne?
I recommend spending 2-3 days in Mui Ne. One full day allows you to see the main attractions (sand dunes, Fairy Stream, and fishing village), while additional days give you time to enjoy the beaches, try kitesurfing, or take day trips to nearby attractions.
Is Mui Ne worth the visit?
Absolutely! Mui Ne is less crowded than other beach destinations in Vietnam, and appeals to more Vietnamese tourists than anywhere else. The sand dunes provide an almost surreal desert experience in Southeast Asia, which is otherwise very tropical.
Is it better to stay in Mui Ne or Phan Thiet?
For most tourists, staying in Mui Ne is more convenient as it puts you closer to the main attractions and offers more accommodation and dining options. Phan Thiet is a larger city nearby (about 11km away) and provides a more authentic Vietnamese urban experience but fewer tourist facilities.
What is Mui Ne famous for?
Mui Ne is primarily famous for its spectacular sand dunes (both white and red), which create desert-like landscapes unlike anywhere else in Vietnam. It's also renowned as Vietnam's kitesurfing capital thanks to consistent strong winds, especially from November to March.
Conclusion
What makes Mui Ne special is how it offers something completely different from what most people expect of Vietnam. Where else can you watch the sunrise over vast sand dunes and be kitesurfing in tropical waters by afternoon? The desert-like dunes, consistent winds, and relatively dry climate create experiences you simply won't find elsewhere in the country. Whether you're seeking adventure through kitesurfing and sandboarding or simply want to relax on less crowded beaches, Mui Ne is a beachside escape that feels worlds away from Vietnam's busier cities.