Home Travel Tips & Hack Is Mui Ne Worth Visiting? A Travel Guide

Travel Tips & Hack

Is Mui Ne Worth Visiting? A Travel Guide

December 19, 2024

Mui Ne, often mistakenly referred to as Ham Tien, is a coastal town approximately five hours north of Ho Chi Minh City. Primarily a tourist destination, it features extensive beachfront resorts and restaurants, losing some of its authentic Vietnamese character. While catering to tourists, its services for foreigners remain inconsistent, creating a unique, albeit sometimes confusing, atmosphere. Many travelers debate its worth; however, a short visit reveals numerous attractions, including vibrant nightlife, iconic red and white sand dunes, a charming fishing village, and, of course, the beach.

Our recent visit, during the low season (late April), found the town surprisingly quiet compared to our previous experience four years prior. This quietness, however, extends beyond the typical low-season lull; the area seems to have lost some of its former vibrancy, with some resorts and restaurants appearing abandoned. Despite this, the town still possesses a unique charm.

Mui Ne’s tourism is heavily influenced by Russian visitors, evident in multilingual signage (Vietnamese, English, and Russian) in various establishments. However, even the number of Russian tourists seemed diminished during our visit.

Is Mui Ne Worth a Visit?

Despite its quieter, possibly less bustling atmosphere, Mui Ne retains considerable appeal. The reduced crowds contribute to a more relaxed and peaceful experience, with lower accommodation prices. For those seeking unique natural landscapes, tranquility, and beautiful beaches, Mui Ne remains a worthwhile destination. Many travelers we encountered reported finding it to be a perfect relaxing respite after the energetic experience of Ho Chi Minh City.

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Things to Do in Mui Ne, Vietnam

Exploring the Red and White Sand Dunes

The red and white sand dunes are Mui Ne’s primary draw. The dramatic red dunes, resembling an African savanna, offer a stunning spectacle, particularly at sunset. Smaller than the white dunes, they’re located near the tourist center. There you’ll find children offering sandboarding services—though those over 70kg (155lb) may find the experience limited.

Mui Ne’s red sand dunes

Red sand dunes, Mui Ne, Vietnam

Red Sand Dunes: Entrance Fee and Opening Times

Access is free, 24/7. Parking fees apply if arriving by motorbike.

The white sand dunes offer a different experience; considerably larger than the red dunes, and located approximately 45 minutes from town. ATV rentals are available for exploring the expansive landscape (prices range from 200,000 VND to 400,000 VND for a half-hour rental, depending on demand and negotiation skills). However, remember that ATV usage can impact the natural environment.

White Sand dunes Mui Ne, Vietnam

White Sand Dunes: Entrance Fee and Opening Times

Open from 4:15 AM to 6:15 PM, a small entrance fee typically applies, unless included in a tour package.

Mui Ne Sand Dunes: Sunrise or Sunset?

While sunrise at the white dunes and sunset at the red dunes are popular choices, adapting to an alternative schedule is also possible. Both times offer unique, photogenic opportunities. Organized tours from Ho Chi Minh City are available for sunset viewing of the dunes.

Mui Ne Sand Dune Tours

Various tour options cover both sand dune locations and other sites like the fairy stream. Costs vary (ranging from $6USD to $10USD), influenced by group size and vehicle type (private jeep tours are more expensive for smaller groups). Group tours generally provide cost-effective travel but may require a short walk to the dunes. Always confirm that entrance fees are included in the tour price when booking these tours.

Exploring the Fairy Stream

The Fairy Stream is a unique natural feature, a shallow stream meandering through rock formations. Visitors can easily walk along its course, enjoying a refreshing and tranquil experience. Ignore any insistent guides offering their services; the stream’s end is easily visible and requires no assistance. Avoid riding ostriches offered near the stream; this practice is ethically questionable.

Mui Ne’s Beaches

While much of Mui Ne’s beachfront is occupied by resorts, public access points exist. It may require navigating through resort properties, but accessing the beach is possible. Note that beach access may require purchasing something at certain locations. Be aware that significant coastal erosion is impacting the area; massive sandbags and tree planting are attempts to mitigate the problem.

The erosion is evident, with some resorts experiencing significant beach loss and even structural damage. The sandbags, while functional, are visually intrusive.

Mui Ne Fishing Village

The Mui Ne fishing village offers picturesque views. Hundreds of colorful fishing boats populate the waters, particularly the distinctive round “bowl” boats used in nearshore fishing. Visiting during early morning hours allows witnessing the return of the fishing fleet and the lively market activity.

Buddhist Temples and Historical Sites

Mui Ne boasts several serene Buddhist temples. The Linh Long Tu temple (approximately 10 km from Mui Ne in Phan Thiet) and the Van Thuy Tu temple (around 15 km from Mui Ne, also in Phan Thiet), which incorporates a whale museum, are noteworthy destinations. Their proximity suggests visiting both within the same trip.

Po Shanu Cham Towers

These 9th-century Cham towers, over 15 meters high and dedicated to Hindu gods, represent remnants of the ancient Champa Kingdom. Situated atop a hill, they offer panoramic views. However, ongoing reconstruction may currently limit unimpeded viewing.

Seafood and Activities

Mui Ne’s culinary scene features ample fresh seafood options along Nguyen Dinh Chieu street. Many tours incorporating the red and white sand dunes and the Fairy Stream often include a visit to the fishing village. Check with your tour operator.

Mui Ne: A Comprehensive Guide to Vietnam’s Coastal Gem

Mui Ne, a coastal town in Vietnam, offers a blend of relaxation and adventure. This guide details its nightlife, transport options, ideal travel times, and dining recommendations.

Mui Ne Nightlife

Mui Ne’s nightlife is relatively low-key but offers several options:

Joe’s Café in mũi né: This popular spot features live music 365 days a year, primarily classic rock. Their performances regularly engage even small crowds. Expect a lively atmosphere and singalongs.

Dragon Beach Bar: For a more vibrant nightlife experience, head to Dragon Beach Bar. This venue has both outdoor seating near the beach and an indoor dance floor. It’s perfect for afternoon relaxation with cocktails or evening dancing. Note that drinks prices are higher here. It’s best visited in the evenings and on weekends for a busier atmosphere.

Getting to Mui Ne

Mui Ne is accessible via various modes of transport:

From Ho Chi Minh City:

Bus: A convenient 5-hour bus journey. Tickets are readily available through hotels, tour agencies, or online platforms like 12Go.asia. Sleeper buses offer a comfortable option.
Train: Take a train to Phan Thiet, then continue to Mui Ne via taxi or local bus (availability may be limited).

From Dalat:

Bus: A 4-5-hour bus ride. Buses are easily booked locally or through online services. The journey offers scenic mountain views.
Motorbike Tour: A more adventurous option, a 2-day motorbike tour provides stunning scenery, opportunities for cultural immersion and local cuisine experiences before reaching Mui Ne.

From Nha Trang:

Bus: Buses operate between Mui Ne and Nha Trang, with the journey taking approximately 5 hours. Connections to locations like Hoi An are also available.

Best Time to Visit Mui Ne

Mui Ne enjoys a stable climate with minimal rainfall year-round. However, the best time for kite surfing is October to March. May to October is considered the low season, aligning with the national low season. December offers pleasant weather averaging 22-29 degrees Celsius, making it an excellent time to visit. November and January are also favorable months.

Trip Length Recommendation

Two full days in Mui Ne suffice if you focus on sightseeing, such as the sand dunes and fairy stream. Extend your stay if you plan to relax on the beach or engage in other activities.

Where to Eat in Mui Ne

Mui Ne caters to various tastes and budgets. Options range from affordable local eateries to upscale restaurants offering international cuisine.

Foreign Food:

Joe’s Café: In addition to its lively atmosphere, this cafe offers a diverse menu, catering to international tastes with options like sushi, Mexican, burgers, pasta, and BBQ meats. While pricier than local options, it offers good value for the quality and variety.

Mui Ne, Vietnam: A Budget-Friendly Beach Getaway

Mui Ne offers a diverse range of accommodations to suit every budget, from hostels to luxury resorts. Booking platforms like Booking.com provide a comprehensive selection.

Affordable Dining in Mui Ne

Inexpensive Local Eats

The Family Restaurant, situated beside Jibes Beach Club, offers surprisingly delicious and affordable Vietnamese cuisine. While the service may be considered average, the low prices make it worthwhile. A meal with drinks for two can cost as little as 130,000 VND. Expect to pay around 39,000 VND for dishes like pork clay pot, significantly cheaper than similar meals elsewhere (typically 70,000-100,000 VND). The value for money is excellent, despite the service’s shortcomings.

Fresh Seafood Delights

Numerous restaurants along Nguyen Dinh Chieu Main Street specialize in fresh seafood. To find the best quality and value, choose busy establishments, preferably those filled with local families (elderly patrons and children being a good indicator).

Accommodation: Cocosand Hotel Review

The Cocosand Hotel provides comfortable and spacious bungalows. Amenities include a well-stocked refrigerator with cold drinks and a private sand area with hammocks and tables. While the hot water is a plus, low water pressure is a minor drawback. Guests will find an ice cream parlor and a nearby shop selling delicious and inexpensive Banh mi and fruit smoothies nearby with excellent service.