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Discover the Coastal Town of Mui Ne: Beaches, Dunes, and Fishing Villages

November 16, 2024
10 Min Read
Vietnam
Women wait at the shore for the fishermen to return.
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Discover the Coastal Town of Mui Ne: Beaches, Dunes, and Fishing Villages
Written by 
Simon
Updated On 
November 16, 2024
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If you're looking for a weekend getaway from Ho Chi Minh City, look no further than Mui Ne. Located about 4 hours from Saigon, this small coastal town offers an abundance of sand dunes, watersports, and fresh seafood.

Get the most out of your trip with our 11 best things to do in Mui Ne, picked from our firsthand experiences. On this list, you’ll find a mixture of top attractions and our favorite spots in town. This includes our go-to hotel, the best place to watch the sunset, and where to find the freshest seafood.

Plan your trip with this comprehensive travel guide to visiting Mui Ne in Vietnam!

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Planning to Visit Mui Ne Soon?

Where to Stay: Booking.com is our trusted website for finding comfortable accommodations in Vietnam. Here are the top hotels to book in Mui Ne.

Best tours in Mui Ne: Viator and GetYourGuide are the best platforms to find tours and excursions to join in Mui Ne. Here are the most highly rated tours you can book right away.

1. Mui Ne Sand Dunes Jeep Tour

2. Surf in Mui Ne with a Local

3. Sailing Lessons in Mui Ne

Are you coming from Ho Chi Minh City? Choose this private car transfer if you want to reach Mui Ne quickly. Otherwise, book your bus ticket here.

Two women wearing conical hats look over the ocean

Mui Ne Overview

Mui Ne is a popular beach getaway from nearby cities like Ho Chi Minh City. However, the area people refer to as Mui Ne is actually Ham Tien, where most hotels and restaurants are located. The actual town of Mui Ne lies to the east of the bay. So, if you take a bus to Mui Ne, it will drop you off in Ham Tien along Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street.

Colorful boats in Mui Ne seen from above

11 Things to Do in Mui Ne, Vietnam

Here is a list of the 11 best things to do in Mui Ne to make the most of your visit. This list includes the top attractions you can’t miss and our favorite places to eat and drink in town.

A woman wearing a conical hat sits on a boat in Mui Ne Vietnam

1. Watch the Sunrise at the White Sand Dunes

The white sand dunes in Mui Ne are one of the most famous tourist attractions in Vietnam. They are located about 30 kilometers from Mui Ne town and the most common way to visit is on a jeep tour.

Here are some of the most popular sunrise or sunset jeep tours you can book. These tours include a visit to the red and white dunes, fairy stream, and fishing village.

Though the white dunes tend to be busier during the sunrise, we still recommend it over sunset as you get more time to explore without being too hot. You can try sandboarding or enjoy the fine sand with lots of great photo opportunities.

It’s important to note that most jeep tours do not take you directly to the dunes. The jeep parks by the entrance and you’ll have to walk from there. This can be quite challenging and time-consuming, especially if you want to reach the top in time for sunrise.

Tip: If you want to have the best experience, we recommend renting an ATV at the entrance or book here in advance.

A blue jeep on the dunes of Mui Ne, Vietnam

To appreciate the dunes better, we suggest heading there yourself so you can take your time. It takes roughly 30 minutes to get there by motorbike. Otherwise, book a private tour.

Read: Quick guide to Vietnam’s Visa Requirements

A man rides his ATV over the dunes of Mui Ne, Vietnam

2. Sand Boarding on the Red Sand Dunes

In comparison to the white dunes, visiting the red sand dunes is more convenient as they’re closer to the main town. They’re also smaller in size and more accessible to discover on foot.

Because it’s a common stopover for jeep tours in Mui Ne, it can get busy during the day. So, we recommend going there for sunset. If you are feeling adventurous, rent a board for about 20,000 VND (1 USD) and try sandboarding.

Read: Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Vietnam

The red sand dunes in Mui Ne, Vietnam.

3. Taste Phan Thiet’s Specialty Food

Look for women selling food across the streets from the red sand dunes, and try the Bánh Bột Lọc. This specialty food of central Vietnam has a soft and chewy dough filled with shrimp and pork and served with sweet and sour fish sauce. One box costs around 20,000 VND (1 USD).

Interested in tasting more Vietnamese delicacies? Read our guide to our favorite Dalat Specialty Foods.

A woman sells Banh Bot Loc in Mui Ne, Vietnam

4. Stroll at the Mui Ne Fairy Stream

The Mui Ne Fairy Stream is a winding, shallow stream that is recognized for its landscape of reds, oranges, and pinks. You can walk along its gooey sand texture that flows through a bamboo forest, and depending on the season, the stream can get as high as your ankle.

It's an interesting stop if you're on a jeep tour since it's usually included in the package. However, we didn't find it particularly worth the visit.

Tip: To avoid the midday heat and crowds from jeep tours, go before 9am or near sunset.

Read: Visit Tra Su Cajuput Forest in An Giang

A girl walks through the fairy stream in Mui Ne, Vietnam.

5. Visit the Mui Ne Fishing Market

One of our favorite things to do in Mui Ne is visit the fishing village in the early mornings. It's fascinating to watch the fishermen coming back to shore while their wives eagerly wait to receive the catch of the day. 

Women wearing conical hats at the fishing market in Mui Ne, Vietnam

Additionally, the view of the expansive coastline with hundreds of colorful boats in the sparkling blue water is worth seeing.

Tip: For the best experience, make sure to visit around sunrise when the market is at its liveliest.

Read More: Mui Ne Fishing Village in Vietnam

A fisherman stands in his colorful boat in Mui Ne, Vietnam.

6. Have Breakfast at Sunset on the Beach 

Sunset on the Beach is a cozy boho-style cafe that offers a stunning view of the sea. They serve a variety of drinks and as the name suggests, it is a great place to enjoy the sunset. We recommend ordering the Vietnamese pancake for breakfast!

Read: Discover Nhon Hai Fishing Village in Quy Nhon

7. Watch the Sunset at Ong Dia Rock Beach

If you’re looking for another place to watch the sunset, we recommend ending your day at Ong Dia Rock Beach. Lots of locals and visitors come here to enjoy swimming and surfing in the afternoon.

Other than that, there's a boulevard lined with food trucks and street vendors. We recommend trying out the coconut ice cream or Kem Dua for around 30,000 VND (1.30 USD).

Looking for the best beaches in Vietnam? Head to the Con Dao Islands and enjoy some of the most idyllic beaches without the crowds.

Fishing boat with the sunset in the background.

8. Try KiteSurfing

Known as the kitesurfing capital of Vietnam, Mui Ne has plenty of shops offering lessons along Ham Tien Beach. So if you’re feeling adventurous and want to try it out for yourself, head to C2Sky Kitesurfing which is one of the top-rated schools in Mui Ne. Book your lessons directly at the shop or on their website.

Read: Experience the Chuon Lagoon in Hue

Surfers at the beach in Mui Ne, Vietnam

9. Take Sailing & Surfing Lessons

With a prime location offering great wind and wave conditions, Mui Ne is also an ideal place for sailing and surfing. Like kitesurfing, you can find plenty of shops in town that offer beginner lessons. Otherwise, here are the highly rated classes you can book online: sailing lessons and surfing with a local.

Read: Visiting Banh It Cham Towers in Binh Dinh

Colorful boats at the shore of Mui Ne, Vietnam.

10. Have a Drink at Pineapple Mui Ne

Pineapple Mui Ne has a cozy atmosphere that will make you want to lounge on a bean bag under the palm trees all day. They serve a good selection of food and drinks, as well as shisha. The place is mainly relaxed but gets quite busy in the afternoon. It's a great place to see the sunset if you don't mind the Instagrammers aiming for good lighting.

Looking for unique destinations in Vietnam? Head to Pu Luong Nature Reserve and enjoy its beautiful rice terraced fields, caves, waterfalls, and Pu Luong’s authentic villages.

A beach club in Mui Ne, Vietnam

11. Discover the Coastal Town on a Motorbike

The best way to see more of Mui Ne is to rent a motorbike. This will allow you to explore more of the coastal town from driving through the small alleys to discovering empty beaches.

Besides that, most of the roads in Mui Ne are paved, and traffic is light. You just have to be careful on the road and make sure you follow the rules, as the traffic police in Mui Ne are well known for stopping tourists. You can rent a motorbike at your accommodation or book online in advance.

Looking to take on one of Vietnam's most popular mountain passes? Read our comprehensive Ha Giang Loop itinerary that takes you to stunning landscapes, remote villages, and unique cultural experiences along the way.

Fishermen walk back home in Mui Ne, Vietnam

Where to Eat in Mui Ne

Here are our top recommended places to eat in Mui Ne.

  1. Boke Mr Crab: Located on Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, this restaurant has a wide variety of fresh seafood you can choose from.
  2. Pit Stop Food Court: Has plenty of food options other than seafood, including Vietnamese, Mexican, Italian, and German cuisine. Head there towards the sunset for a great vibe.
  3. Dong Vui Food Court: This is the original Mui Ne food court, which opened in 2014 and offers international cuisine with an extensive selection of local craft beers on tap.

Read: Explore the Meo Vac Sunday Market in Ha Giang

Grilled fish in Mui Ne, Vietnam.

Where to Stay in Mui Ne

Most of the accommodations in Mui Ne are located in Ham Tien along Nguyen Dinh Chieu Road. This is a great area to stay in, as there are plenty of restaurants and shops nearby. It is also along the coast, so most of the places are within walking distance of the beach. Find all accommodations in Mui Ne here.

We recommend staying at the Minhon Hotel, which is located toward the end of Ham Tien and close to the fishing village. The hotel is a short walk away from the main street, which makes it quiet and peaceful. Additionally, we loved how cozy it was, with rooms surrounding the pool and restaurant area. Find rates and availability here.

Minhon hotel.

Best Time to Visit Mui Ne

Mui Ne enjoys some of the best weather in Vietnam with hot temperatures year-round and very little rainfall.

In general, if you just want to relax by the beach then visit from December to April. You can expect clear skies and sunny weather during this time but note that it can get very hot during April and May.

If you want to enjoy the water activities, then you should visit in November and March for bigger waves, perfect for surfing and kitesurfing.

Read: Best Time to Visit Vietnam

Women wearing conical hats at the fishing market in Mui Ne, Vietnam

How to Get to Mui Ne

Bus: There are many bus companies offering direct routes to Mui Ne, especially if you are coming from Ho Chi Minh City or Dalat. To save money on extra transportation, ask the bus driver to drop you off at your hotel.

Book your bus to Mui Ne.

Car: For convenience, book a private car to Mui Ne. This is a great option if you're traveling with friends and family.

Book this private car to Mui Ne from Ho Chi Minh City

Two women wearing conical hats looks out over the colorful boats of Mui Ne.

How to Get Around in Mui Ne

If you are staying around the main beach town, you can easily discover the area on foot. Another great alternative for discovering nearby places is to rent a bicycle. You can easily find rentals everywhere in Mui Ne, and most accommodations often rent them for free.

However, the best way to discover the neighboring areas is to rent a motorbike. This will give you the flexibility and convenience to go anywhere you want. The normal rate for a day is around 7 USD. Again, be careful on the road and avoid driving if you have no license, as you are not insured. Rent your motorbike here.

Looking for travel insurance? Make sure you’re covered in case of accidents. Get one today at Heymondo and get 5% off for being our reader!

Colorful boats dot the shore of Mui Ne, Vietnam

How Many Days to Spend in Mui Ne

Deciding how many days to spend in Mui Ne depends on what you want to see and do.

You will need a day to visit the main tourist attractions, such as the dunes, fairy stream, and fishing market. If you want to have more time in between to relax and enjoy the beach and other water activities, we recommend spending at least 2 to 3 days in Mui Ne.

Women wearing conical hats at the fishing market in Mui Ne, Vietnam

Is Mui Ne Worth Visiting?

Mui Ne is a great destination if you're looking for beaches close to Ho Chi Minh City or simply want to get away from the busy streets. This coastal town offers plenty of activities to choose from, which makes it a great weekend getaway.

Where to Next?
Phu Yen
The coast of Phu Yen, Vietnam scattered by islands and fishing boats.
Quy Nhon
A beach is scattered with coracle boats in Quy Nhon, Vietnam
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And those are the 11 best things to do in Mui Ne, Vietnam!

If you’re looking to see more coastal towns, head to Phu Yen and stay on one of the most pristine beaches in Vietnam. For a more unique experience, visit Lang Go Co, an authentic Vietnamese village in Sa Huynh.

Let us know in the comments which of the best things to do in Mui Ne are you looking forward to the most? We would like to hear from you!

Some links in this Mui Ne guide may be affiliate links.

This means that if you make a purchase after clicking on one of our links, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please know that by doing so, you are supporting Colorful Journeys in continuing to provide free high quality content to help you in your travels!

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