A Practical Guide to Mui Ne: Best Things to Do
Mui Ne is one of the most popular beach destinations in Vietnam among both adventure travelers looking for outdoor sports and regular tourists seeking a peaceful atmosphere. Read our travel guide on the best things to do and top attractions in Mui Ne including practical information on best hotels in Mui Ne, how to get there and how to get around, when to visit, and what to pack.
We are not afraid to say that holidaymakers, long-term travelers, tourists seeking both relax and sightseeing, and outdoor enthusiasts will find their way to Mui Ne while traveling in Vietnam.
Once a small fishing village has grown into one of the most popular destinations in the country in the past twenty or so years, but unlike in other destinations around the world dealing with crowds, Mui Ne still keeps its laidback charm.
What we loved the most about Mui Ne?
First of all, we always had a feeling there are plenty of things to do, and we never got bored, even when staying for several nights in the village.
Second of all, when we were not in the mood and wanted to stay put instead of exploring, we could leisurely walk around the main strip, look for fresh food and later on go to the white sand beach, take a dip in the sea and watch kitesurfers conquering the wind and waves.
When we take into account the size of Mui Ne, and the fact that not that long time ago, this place was a tiny settlement living out of fishing, there are surprisingly a lot of attractions worth exploring and many activities you can enjoy.
The area is rich in both natural and cultural sights, and you should allocate at least two to three days to get the most this destination has to offer and to soak in the atmosphere.
Are you wondering what to expect from Mui Ne, and why should you put this place on your Vietnam itinerary?
Well, we think we have more than enough arguments: dunes, adventure activities, streams, old temples, sacred mountains, beaches, and great food.
These are in short Mui Ne highlights.
In this post, we would like to provide you with in-depth travel guide focusing on the best things to do in Mui Ne and top attractions you can visit in Phan Thiet area, but we will also cover practical topics such as how to get to Mui Ne, what is the weather like, what to wear and how to get around.
Well, let's dive into it!
TOP THINGS TO DO IN MUI NE
Lately, Vietnam has become one of the most popular countries in Southeast Asia among travelers, and for a good reason. There are so many places to go, and so many activities to do.
Nowadays, Vietnam is not only Ho Chi Minh City, Sapa or Ha Long Bay.
Rather the opposite.
Other, new destinations are booming and successfully compete with the traditional ones. We hope that our list of the best things to do will inspire you to visit Mui Ne as it surely deserves your attention.
Mui Ne Fishing Village
Many tour operators include the visit of the fishing village in a package altogether with the dunes, and it is also how we got there, but you can enjoy Mui Ne Fishing Village absolutely independently (on a bike or motorbike).
We've already mentioned than Mui Ne was once a tiny fishing village, but even though nowadays tourism took over, it does not mean that still, quite many people make a living out of this traditional industry.
The visit to the fishing village is absolutely amazing and very photogenic, so have your camera ready.
You will know soon you are getting nearer as the smell is quite overwhelming, but nothing you could not get used to after a couple of minutes.
You will find the bay with tens of colorful boats at the north end of Mui Ne, and it is only up to you when you decide to visit this place.
In general, you can stay here only fifteen minutes, have a look over the bay and snap several photos of the boats, but to be honest, we found the village very interesting so more time you have, it's better.
The best time to visit Mui Ne fishing village is early in the morning when fishermen return from the sea (ask locals if they know the time exactly), and during this time you can admire the unusual boats, take photos of locals (with their permission), and their catch.
You might have a feeling that in the morning all the village is on the small beach because vendors, locals and restaurant owners come here to buy fish.
Also, the fishing village is a great place to watch sunrise or sunset, and of course, it is a place to go for dinner as you won't find many restaurants in the country where the fish will be more fresh and tasty.
White Sand Dunes & Red Sand Dunes
One of the highlights of Mui Ne is the visit of sand dunes.
Usually, people visit white dunes early in the morning for the sunrise, and red dunes later in the afternoon for the sunset, but it depends only on you how you will plan your day.
We liked the white dunes a bit more, but it really pays off to arrive early before the crowds (or at least at the same time), because in the morning dunes are soft without footprints and traces created by quads bikes.
We visited dunes with a tour, and although the timing was fine, we had a feeling that our guide wanted to rip us off because he insisted to pay the entrance fee to the dunes, although we had asked in the agency the day before if everything was included, and they said yes, it was even written on our ticket.
At the end of our disagreement, everyone simply jumped off the car as we did not want to miss the beauty, and did not pay anything extra.
White dunes are located approximately 25 kilometers from Mui Ne, so you can either get there with a tour or on a motorbike.
One of the most popular ways to explore dunes is on quad bikes.
To be honest, we had a feeling that drivers kind of ruined the experience later as they destroyed the smooth sand, but it is possible to do this activity in case you think you cannot live without it.
Red dunes are smaller, and you can expect there many kids and young local ladies waiting for tourists. They will offer you a plastic sled for a small fee, in case you want to slide dunes down.
Red dunes are closer to Mui Ne, so you can get there also on a bike.
Here you can reserve this popular Mui Ne Sand Dunes Tour.
Beach
Although you can spend your time in Mui Ne very actively, many beaches around also allow you to unwind and chill out.
Lately, Mui Ne has made it among the top beach destinations in Vietnam, yet beaches are still not that crowded as you might have expected.
The main Mui Ne beach is pretty long, so you will for sure be able to find here a secluded place, but if you prefer more quiet beaches, you can head a bit further to Hon Rom beach or Suoi Nuoc beach.
We always liked to go to the beach later in the afternoon to watch kitesurfers with a beer in hand.
When in Mui Ne, you decide whether you prefer to stay in a resort or a hostel near the sea, and although it is not absolutely necessary, we recommend you to find accommodation within walking distance, as closer to the shore you are, you can enjoy more laidback vibe.
Outdoor Activities
Speaking about kitesurfing, Mui Ne is a mecca for all outdoor sports lovers.
Thanks to the great weather conditions and seasonal winds this destination is popular among surfers and kitesurfers. The main season in Mui Ne for kitesurfing is between October and March.
Even though you are not a pro, you can find in the village several kitesurfing schools where you can improve your skills or learn even from scratch.
We must admit we are not that much into water sports, but it was very impressive to watch others on the sea, plus it was also very eye-catching and photogenic.
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Fairy Spring
Take off your shoes, and take a leisure walk in uncle-deep water in the Fairy Spring, enjoy the views and refresh yourself.
Although this place is small, the landscape is really beautiful and worth your time. The orange-brownish stream is lined with pink, red, white, orange and grey limestone formations, and altogether create a truly spectacular show.
You can leave your shoes in lockers by the entrance for a small fee, or just grab them in your hand and set off. It is an in-out activity, so you must return the same way, but at least you will have plenty of time to soak in all the colors.
It is possible to visit Fairy Stream on a way to the dunes.
There is no official entrance fee to the stream, although locals waiting for tourists will ask you for money, and they will seem pretty stubborn about it.
Po Shanu Cham Towers
First, we must say we have only positive memories of visiting Po Shanu Cham Towers because we decided to get there on the bike, and the only bike available in a rental shop was a tandem bike.
Well, you probably must try it yourself, to understand how funny it is, we almost did not get to the towers because it was so hilarious.
We laughed hard all the time, especially when going uphill because the towers stand on the top of Ong Hoang Hill, and it’s almost impossible to ride on tandem bike uphill, so you kind of have to walk the whole trip.
So far we've been admiring natural gems of Mui Ne, but finally we have a cultural and architectural attraction on our list of the best things to do here. Po Shanu Cham Towers were built in the 8th century, but you can find here also architecture for example from the 15th century.
Allocate at least one hour for visiting the towers, not that the place would be too big, but the combination of red bricks, greenery, and blue skies is very appealing.
The entrance fee is VND 10 000 per person, and you might be asked to pay a small fee in case you want to park your motorbike on a parking lot.
Ta Cu Mountain
Approximately one hour drive from Mui Ne is another worthwhile stop, Ta Cu (sometimes spelled Takou) Mountain featuring Buddhist statues, pagodas, and a large reclining Buddha statue (the biggest one in Vietnam).
Ta Cu Mountain is near Thuan Nam city, and we got there by a local bus, and although again, we paid a different price for each ride, we got there quite safely, quickly and efficiently.
From Mui Ne, take a bus heading to Thuan Nam city, and by the large shopping mall get off, and wait for a bus number 1 or 4 heading to the mountain which you cannot miss because of a large and shiny entrance gate.
It is possible to get to the top of the mountain by cable-car for approximately VND 160 000 roundtrip, which we found quite expensive, so we decided to walk instead.
To the top of the mountain lead a narrow rocky path, and although the climb is pretty steep and steady at times, it is nothing any normally fit person could not do. On the way back be careful because the path is quite slippery.
The views along the way are awesome, and once you will get to the statues, you know you are almost there.
The green area around the Buddha statue is very popular among locals for picnics, so head there on weekdays, in case you want to avoid crowds. Except for the architecture, watch out for monkeys as well!
Rent a Bike or Motorbike in Mui Ne
Although you can rent a bike or motorbike in Mui Ne to visit some of the top attractions such as Chan Towers or the village, you can do it even without any particular place in mind, because the coast around the village is very picturesque, so you can explore the area a bit on your own.
We recommend this activity especially to those of you who have one more day in the destination and want to spend it more actively than only by lying on the beach.
Some of the travelers even rent a motorbike and travel all the way to Dalat - check out our guide Dalat: Best Things to Do - while enjoying spectacular vistas.
Before you rent a bike or motorbike, always pay attention to the vehicle quality and make sure you understand conditions correctly.
WHERE TO STAY IN MUI NE
Mui Ne is no longer a small and quiet fishing village, and as this destination became one of the must-visit places in Vietnam, no wonder that the settlement started to sprawl, and new hotels and hostels opened their doors for travelers from all around the world, but also local visitors.
Mui Ne does not have the classical center, it is rather the main road leading around the coast, which is dotted with restaurants and accommodations.
It is a good idea to stay near the sea, the road (for bus connections) and travel agent offices, in case you plan on taking some tours.
We've handpicked three best hotels in Mui Ne for travelers on different budgets.
Budget | Gia An Hung Guest House - If you are a budget traveler, but still you want to enjoy a clean room, great location, and friendly service, this is a place to go.
Mid-range | Serenity by the Sea - The great thing about Vietnam is that for a relatively cheap price, you will get outstanding service. In this hotel, you will find splendid rooms, outdoor swimming pool and enjoy perfect views.
Luxury | Sailing Club Resort Mui Ne - This resort is the best choice for all travelers looking for a touch of luxury, yet for affordable prices. The peaceful garden and outdoor swimming pool are the highlights here.
Alternatively, search for your accommodation via Hostelworld.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT MUI NE
The great thing about Mui Ne is that it is an all year round destination, so you can put this destination on your itinerary no matter when you are traveling to Vietnam.
The region where Mui Ne is located is not affected that much by the monsoon season, so you will most likely experience here sunny days and blue clear skies.
The best months to visit Mui Ne are December to April when the weather is stable, but also prices are high.
Before your travels, check out when is Vietnamese New Year's Eve.
We accidentally arrived in Mui Ne during this period, and everything was much more expensive, and locals really liked to take advantage of it.
August to November is the most popular month among surfers and windsurfers because at this time wind picks up and bring waves and overall favorable conditions for these adventurous sports.
The rainy season lasts between June and August, and although you can experience rainfall from time to time, the situation here is much milder than in the rest of the country.
HOW TO GET TO MUI NE
Thanks to an extensive network of sleeping buses (buses with reclining seats running even during the day) in Vietnam, we found getting from one destination to another extremely convenient.
Mui Ne is on the route between Ho Chi Minh City and Dalat, two popular stops among tourists, that's why it is so easy to visit Mui Ne.
Public Transport
The best way to get to Mui Ne from either Ho Chi Minh City or Dalat is by bus as it stops directly on the main road.
The closest airport to Mui Ne is in Dalat, and the train station is around 45 minutes from the city (the train terminates in Phan Thiet), so in that case, you would have to later either switch to a bus or take a taxi.
Travel time by bus depends on traffic, but you should be able to reach Mui Ne from Ho Chi Minh City within five hours. The ride is quite bumpy at times, but nothing too uncomfortable.
Many travel agencies in the center of Ho Chi Minh City sell bus tickets (Pham Ngu Lao in District 1), and the best thing is that you do not have to look for a bus station in most of the cases because the bus will pick you up in front of the agency.
Expect the same situation in case you need to get from Mui Ne to Dalat.
Simply buy a ticket in one of many travel agencies along the road, and then wait by the road for your transport.
Or use this link to find a ticket from Ho Chi Minh City or from Dalat to Mui Ne online.
Tickets are fairly cheap, only remember that when traveling during peak season, it is better to reserve your seat well in advance.
Tour
In case you think you can't fit Mui Ne in your itinerary or do not want to travel independently, it is possible to book this popular Mui Ne Day Tour from Ho Chi Minh City.
Car
Nowadays it is not that common to travel around Vietnam in a rental car, but in case you prefer your independence and a certain level of comfort, you can check out rental cars in Vietnam.
HOW TO GET AROUND MUI NE
The top things travelers can do in Mui Ne are scattered around the village, therefore, you will need to use several means of transport to see the best the area has to offer.
We decided to stay near the main strip with all travel agencies, rental shops and restaurants, and concurrently within walking distance to the seashore.
That gave us the freedom that we could walk around Mui Ne and eat wherever we wanted plus in the evening we could leisurely stroll the beaches.
To visit dunes, Fairy Stream or the fishing village, we took a cheap tour, so we did not have to bother with public transport.
To get to reclining Budha at Ta Cu Mountain, we took a public bus, and to visit other best things in Mui Ne on our list, we either rented a scooter or a bike.
As you can see, getting around Mui Ne is simple, especially thanks to the fact that tourism is booming here, and transport to all attractions can be arranged promptly, efficiently, and you will always find a way how to get around on your budget.
Of course, it is also possible to flag down a taxi, but we advise you to confirm the price before getting on the car.
It is good to know that when you plan on renting a car or a bike, you should have your driving license (international driving license) with you because Western-looking tourists tend to be stopped by local police who usually look forward to giving them a hefty fine.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
WHERE TO EAT IN MUI NE
The main strip in Mui Ne is dotted with restaurants, so you won't have a problem to find a place to eat.
You can walk-in in one of many hotel restaurants, although the price will be slightly higher, but there are also several reasonably priced restaurants and local eateries for all travelers looking to save money.
We usually walked around the main strip and decided on what to eat depending on our mood and budget, often we ended up at one of the eateries at the beginning of Mui Ne on the way to Cham Towers serving Pho soup.
Our other most popular choice was to grab a freshly made banh-mi in one of many stalls along the main road.
Also, on the main strip, you will find several stalls selling fresh fruit, and here we were also common customers.
The only disadvantage is that sellers tend to change the price daily, and we had to bargain over and over again to get a decent price for fruit.
As there are many Russians on vacation in Mui Ne, do not be surprised that Vietnamese learned some Russian words, and when they are not able to bargain in English, they will switch to the Russian language.
WHAT TO PACK FOR MUI NE
Weather in Mui Ne is pleasant all year round, and if you plan on visiting the beach, you should not forget to pack proper beachwear such as swimsuit and beach towel.
You will also use sarong for visiting temples and mosques in Vietnam when it will sometimes be necessary to cover your shoulders.
What else do you need to pack when planning on visiting Mui Ne?
Make sure you have a comfortable day pack for one-day trips, sneakers, and shorts.
Sun in Vietnam can be strong, especially if you will be doing water activities or you will spend plenty of time on the beach, so quality sunscreen is a must.
As the water in Asia is usually not drinkable, we recommend you to buy either SteriPen or filtered water bottle to stay hydrated and to decrease plastic waste.
In case you will be traveling to Mui Ne during the shoulder season or during monsoon season, you should not forget your rain poncho at home.
A compact travel camera and a dry sack to keep your electronics safe should go without saying.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
