Mui Ne, Vietnam: An ultimate guide to a perfect getaway

Contents

1. An overview of Mui Ne, Vietnam

Mui Ne, Vietnam is a well-known destination in Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province. It is located about 200 kilometers east of Ho Chi Minh City and 250 kilometers southeast of Nha Trang. 

Where is Mui Ne in Vietnam? – It is in Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province (Source: Collected)

Renowned not only on Vietnam’s tourism map but also internationally, Mui Ne offers visitors picturesque natural landscapes adorned with vibrant hues of the sea and sands. In addition to mesmerizing scenery, it is celebrated for its delicious cuisine, featuring a variety of seafood dishes crafted from the region’s abundant marine resources.

Mui Ne, Vietnam is also known as a paradise for relaxation. It boasts hundreds of eco-resorts, beach villas, and luxurious retreats that blend the unspoiled beauty of nature with modern architectural elegance. In recent years, international travel media have consistently ranked this destination highly. The Canadian Traveller listed Mui Ne as one of the top two most beautiful beaches in Southeast Asia in 2014, while Skyscanner ranked it among the top 10 impressive beaches of Asia-Pacific.

2. Things to do in Mui Ne, Vietnam

Is Mui Ne worth visiting? Completely yes! It brings together stunning natural landscapes like seas, islands, streams, sand dunes and cultural sites, offering a rich array of experiences for all travelers.

2.1. Take part in exciting activities at Bai Rang Beach

About 15 kilometers north of Phan Thiet City, Bai Rang Beach is one of the most beautiful Mui Ne beaches. The natural harmony here, with emerald waters, golden sands, rocky shores, and rows of lush coconut trees, makes Bai Rang Beach an unmissable attraction. Here, visitors can swim in the cool water, stroll along the sand, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy the breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. Snorkeling reveals a dazzling underwater ecosystem filled with vibrant coral.

Enjoy Mui Ne kitesurfing at the best beach in Mui Ne (Source: Collected)

2.2. Experience the local life at Mui Ne Fishing Village

Mui Ne Fishing Village offers a glimpse into the rustic life of the local fishermen, where you can immerse yourself in the peaceful atmosphere. At the village entrance, hundreds of colorful fishing boats are anchored against the backdrop of the blue sea and sky, creating a stunning scene perfect for photography. Not far from here, a small market offers a tranquil morning experience, where visitors can observe the local life and purchase fresh seafood as the boats return to shore.

Mui Ne Fishing Village offers a glimpse into the local life (Source: Collected)

2.3. Explore Hon Ghenh and Hon Rom

Island-hopping is another exciting activity in Mui Ne, Vietnam. Hon Ghenh (also called Hon Lao) resembles a giant sea turtle from afar. This secluded island is reachable by fishermen’s boats and offers landscapes filled with wild plants, rocky cliffs, and marine life. Notable activities here include fishing, snorkeling among colorful coral reefs, and taking in the scenic sunset.

Hon Rom is a small, untouched mountain surrounded by a series of crescent-shaped beaches. With calm waves, clear waters, and fine sands, these Mui Ne beaches are ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Other highlights include the sunrise and sunset views, overnight camping opportunities under the stars, fresh seafood, and a chance to visit famous attractions nearby.

A perfect Mui Ne tour must include a visit to Hon Ghenh and Hon Rom (Source: Collected)

2.4. Relax at Fairy Stream

Fairy Stream Mui Ne enchants visitors with its surreal beauty. This small stream flows through lush greenery and rock formations carved into fascinating shapes by erosion. Walking along the cool water of Fairy Stream Mui Ne, visitors can take in the serene scenery. At the stream’s upper reach, a small waterfall surrounded by trees provides a perfect spot for a refreshing dip.

The Fairy Stream enchants visitors with its surreal beauty (Source: Collected)

2.5. Try sand skiing at the Red Sand Dunes

Near Hon Rom Beach lies one of the most scenic Mui Ne attractions, the Red Sand Dunes. Here, visitors are greeted by a vast landscape of rolling sand dunes, which continuously shift and form new shapes across the hills. The dunes’ colors, from yellow to red, sparkle vividly in the sunlight. Strolling barefoot over the soft sand and trying out sand skiing are two ways to soak in the natural beauty of the Red Sand Dunes.

Mui Ne Sand Dunes impress with their vibrant landscape (Source: Collected)

2.6. Visit famous attractions in the neighboring area

After exploring the breathtaking natural wonders on the Mui Ne map, visitors can head toward the center of Phan Thiet City to discover cultural sites that offer fascinating insights into the region’s heritage.

• Van Thuy Tu Temple: With nearly 300 years of history, this temple captivates visitors with its ancient, solemn beauty. It is also a symbol of the whale worship practices among the local fishermen in Binh Thuan, housing the largest whale skeleton in Vietnam and Southeast Asia.
• Po Sah Inu Towers: Located 7 kilometers away from the center of Phan Thiet City, Po Sah Inu Towers are remnants of the ancient Champa Kingdom, dating back to the 8th and 9th centuries. The towers offer a captivating glimpse into the culture of this once-flourished kingdom.
• Lang Chai Xua Fish Sauce Museum: As Vietnam’s first and only museum dedicated to fish sauce, it narrates 300 years of the fishing history in Mui Ne, from the Champa Kingdom and the Nguyen Dynasty to the French colonial period, through various exhibitions and shows.
• Duc Thanh School: Established in 1907 by patriotic scholars, this school was once a teaching post for President Ho Chi Minh before he moved to Saigon. It provides insight into the country’s history, showcasing well-preserved relics from nearly a century ago.

Include Po Sah Inu Towers in your Mui Ne itinerary (Source: Collected)

Discover Phan Thiet beaches and nearby attractions!

3. Top foods to enjoy during your trip to Mui Ne, Vietnam

In addition to scenic beauty, Mui Ne attracts visitors with its enticing cuisine. Highlights include seafood dishes, leiolepis, banh trang mam ruoc, lau tha, and cha lui.

3.1. Seafood dishes

In a coastal area like Mui Ne, seafood is the highlight. With fresh catches such as fish, squid, oysters, clams, lobster, and king crabs, visitors can enjoy a wide array of dishes. There are diverse preparations, including steamed dishes, porridge, tamarind sauce, grilled dishes with garlic and butter, and salads.

3.2. Dishes from leiolepis

Leiolepis, a unique reptile that primarily inhabits sandy areas, is a local specialty. With its tender and nutritious meat, the locals prepare various delicious dishes such as grilled, steamed, fried, porridge, and salad.

3.3. Banh trang mam ruoc (grilled rice paper with fermented shrimp paste)

Banh trang mam ruoc is a popular snack featuring crispy rice paper topped with savory mam ruoc (fermented shrimp paste) and a variety of generous toppings like eggs, fried shallots, chili, pork rolls, and pickled vegetables.

3.4. Lau tha (“drop” hotpot)

Lau tha is made from a variety of ingredients like fish, rice noodles, herbs, cucumbers, shredded pork belly, and thinly sliced fried eggs. There are two ways to enjoy this dish: either to mix all the ingredients with a dipping sauce made from fish sauce and sour tamarind, or to pour a hot broth made from shrimp, bones, and pineapples over the mixture. This treat is available at many Mui Ne restaurants.

3.5. Cha lui (grilled minced pork with rice paper)

Cha lui is a must-try of Mui Ne, Vietnam. This dish consists of minced shrimp and pork wrapped in rice paper and grilled over charcoal, resulting in a savory flavor combined with the crispy texture of rice paper. It is typically served with fresh herbs, mangoes, and dipping sauce.

Where to eat in Mui Ne? – Come to fishing villages for the freshest seafood (Source: Collected)

More on: Central Vietnamese food: 28 famous dishes to try on your trip

4. Guide for first-time visitors to Mui Ne, Vietnam

4.1. When is the best time to visit?

Phan Thiet weather is warm year-round, making it suitable to visit Mui Ne at any time, with each season showcasing a different charm. From April to August is considered the best time to travel to this destination with refreshing waters. From August to December is an ideal time for fans of windsurfing. Note that rain may occur in December, so visitors should bring an umbrella when heading out.

4.2. How to get to Mui Ne?

With a distance of over 200 kilometers, travelers can easily travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Mui Ne by motorbike, coach, or train.

• Motorbike: Take the scenic route via Ho Chi Minh City – Cat Lai Ferry – Long Thanh – Ba Ria – Ho Tram – Loc An, then continue along the coastal road to Phan Thiet.
• Coach: You can get on a coach at Mien Dong Bus Station to go to Phan Thiet, with a travel time of about 5 hours. The ticket prices range from approximately 160,000 VND.
• Train: Take the SPT1 or SPT4 train from Saigon Train Station to Phan Thiet for a scenic journey. The ticket prices cost around 110,000 VND per person.

4.3. Where to stay in Mui Ne?

Mui Ne’s tourism is rapidly developing, offering a wide range of accommodation options, from budget homestays to upscale Mui Ne Vietnam resorts. Homestays are generally located farther from the beach and primarily cater to young travelers. Guesthouses are often found tucked away in alleys, mainly along Huynh Thuc Khang Street. Meanwhile, hotels in Mui Ne Vietnam are concentrated on Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street. For the most relaxing stay, visitors should choose beachside resorts.

Mui Ne weather is pleasant year-round (Source: Collected)

4.4. What to note?

Here are some tips for enjoying this stunning tourist destination:

• The waves at Mui Ne beaches are not too large but can be strong. It is advisable to find calm beaches with safety signs for swimming.
• In the evening at Hon Rom, there is a night market featuring a variety of grilled seafood at very affordable prices, making it a great place to explore Mui Ne nightlife.
• At night, you will encounter many fellow tourists, who you can bond with for a lively atmosphere. You can rent a motorbike or bicycle to stroll around and discover the surroundings of Mui Ne.

Mui Ne, Vietnam is a must-visit destination for those seeking natural beauty, cultural depth, and pampering relaxation. With its stunning sand dunes, year-round pleasant weather, and a variety of resorts, Mui Ne offers something for every traveler. It promises a memorable experience filled with unique adventures and peaceful moments by the sea.

After discovering the beauty of Mui Ne, visitors can continue their journey to experience the pristine charm of Nha Trang, which is about a 4-hour drive away. In Nha Trang, travelers can enjoy the beaches, historical sites, architectural landmarks, and vibrant cuisine. Notably, you can dive into endless entertainment at VinWonders Nha Trang and Vinpearl Harbour. 

The amusement park of VinWonders Nha Trang offers water games, thrilling rides, family-friendly shows, a botanical garden, and a zoo. Meanwhile, Vinpearl Harbour is a lively entertainment complex with diverse opportunities for dining, shopping, and relaxation.

VinWonders Nha Trang is one of Vietnam’s top-rated amusement parks

To conveniently explore these attractions and enjoy premium services, it is recommended that you stay at the hotels and resorts of Vinpearl Nha Trang.

Book VinWonders Nha Trang ticket now

Book rooms in Vinpearl Nha Trang now