Mui Ne Travel Guide: Sand Dunes, Beaches & Adventure in Vietnam

Located along the southeastern coast of Vietnam in Binh Thuan Province, Mui Ne is a small fishing town turned resort paradise. Known for its towering sand dunes, palm-fringed beaches, and world-class water sports, Mui Ne has become one of Vietnam’s most popular coastal escapes.
 

Whether you're an adrenaline junkie looking to kite surf, a nature lover seeking out surreal desert landscapes, or a traveler hoping to relax under the sun, Mui Ne has something for everyone. Let me take you through this incredible destination with the eyes of a local guide.

📍 Where is Mui Ne?

Province: Binh Thuan

Nearest City: Phan Thiet (~20 minutes away)

Distance from Ho Chi Minh City: ~220 km (4–5 hours by road)

Region: South Central Coast

🌟 Why Visit Mui Ne?

✅ Iconic white and red sand dunes unlike anywhere else in Southeast Asia
✅ Gorgeous beaches perfect for sunbathing and water sports
✅ A laid-back town with a unique mix of Vietnamese and Cham culture
✅ Stunning natural sites like the Fairy Stream and fishing villages
✅ Delicious seafood and beachside resorts for every budget

✈️ How to Get to Mui Ne

By Train

Take a train from Ho Chi Minh City to Phan Thiet (4–5 hours), then a 20-minute taxi to Mui Ne.

By Bus

Sleeper buses and minivans operate daily between Saigon and Mui Ne (5–6 hours).

By Private Car

A comfortable and scenic 4-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City via the National Highway 1A.

🏞️ Top Attractions in Mui Ne

1. White Sand Dunes (Bau Trang)

Vast desert-like landscape, best viewed at sunrise or sunset

Try ATV rides, sandboarding, or jeep tours

Great for photography with its rolling dunes and reflective lake nearby

2. Red Sand Dunes

Located closer to town, known for reddish-orange sand

Popular for sunset views and sand sledding

Less expansive but more accessible than the white dunes

3. Fairy Stream (Suoi Tien)

A shallow, red-hued stream winding through limestone formations and lush greenery

Walk barefoot along the cool water for a peaceful nature experience

One of Mui Ne’s most Instagrammable spots

4. Mui Ne Fishing Village

Watch colorful fishing boats return with fresh catches at sunrise

Great place to observe traditional Vietnamese coastal life

Sample local seafood or buy dried fish and shrimp from vendors

5. Po Shanu Cham Towers

Ancient Cham ruins dating back to the 9th century

Located on a hill offering panoramic views over Phan Thiet

A spiritual and historical site showcasing the Cham people’s heritage

6. Ke Ga Lighthouse

Vietnam’s oldest lighthouse, located about 30 km from Mui Ne

Accessible by boat or walk during low tide

Quiet beaches and dramatic rock formations surround the site

🏖️ Best Beaches in Mui Ne

1. Mui Ne Beach

The main stretch lined with resorts, restaurants, and beach bars

Calm waters in the morning; great for swimming and sunbathing

2. Hon Rom Beach

Less developed and ideal for a quieter beach day

Located near the dunes with gentle waves and scenic views

3. Suoi Nuoc Beach

Further out with cleaner water and fewer crowds

Popular with upscale resorts and kitesurfing schools

🪁 Adventure & Activities in Mui Ne

🏄 Kite Surfing & Wind Surfing

Mui Ne is Vietnam’s kite surfing capital, especially between November and April

Popular spots: Ganh Beach and Suoi Nuoc

Numerous schools offer rentals and beginner lessons

🚴 Jeep & Quad Tours

Rent a jeep or join a sunrise/sunset tour to explore dunes and coastal roads

ATVs are available at the White Dunes for thrilling dune rides

🧗 Hiking & Climbing

Trails near Ta Cu Mountain (~1 hour away) lead to a giant reclining Buddha statue

Cable car option available for easier access

🍲 What to Eat in Mui Ne

Mui Ne is famous for fresh seafood, often grilled or steamed right at the beach.

Local Specialties

Bánh căn – Mini rice pancakes with shrimp or squid

Bánh xèo – Savory Vietnamese pancake filled with bean sprouts and pork

Seafood hotpot – A communal meal with shrimp, clams, squid, and fish

Lẩu thả – Mui Ne’s signature dish with fresh vegetables, pork, fish, and rice paper wraps

Gỏi cá mai – Local anchovy salad with herbs and peanut sauce

Recommended Restaurants

Chameleon Beach Bar – Global and Vietnamese cuisine with ocean views

Lam Tong Restaurant – Affordable beachfront seafood

Joe’s Café – Western-style dishes and live music

Sandals Restaurant (Anantara Resort) – Upscale beachfront dining

🏨 Where to Stay in Mui Ne

Luxury Resorts

Anantara Mui Ne Resort – 5-star with infinity pool, spa, beachfront villas

The Cliff Resort & Residences – Ocean-view suites and private beach

Pandanus Resort – Lush gardens, spa, and high-end comfort

Mid-Range

Blue Ocean Resort – Beachfront with modern comforts

Villa Aria Muine – Boutique hotel with tropical charm

Bamboo Village Beach Resort – Popular for wellness and yoga retreats

Budget-Friendly

Mui Ne Hills Backpackers – Social, budget-friendly with pools and parties

LongSon Mui Ne Campground – Unique tent stays by the beach

Minh Anh Garden Hotel – Simple, clean, and close to the action

🛍️ Local Markets & Shopping

Ham Tien Market – Fresh produce and street snacks

Mui Ne Night Market – Souvenirs, dried seafood, local crafts

Fairy Stream Souvenir Shops – Sand art, postcards, beachwear

🗓️ Best Time to Visit Mui Ne

November to February is the peak season with ideal wind and temperatures for kite surfing and exploring.

📸 Best Photo Spots

White Sand Dunes at sunrise

Red Sand Dunes at sunset

Fairy Stream rock formations

Mui Ne Fishing Village from above

Kite surfers flying across turquoise water

💡 Travel Tips for Mui Ne

Pack light clothing and sun protection – It’s hot and sunny year-round

Beware of jellyfish in the water during certain months (June–August)

Avoid midday dune visits – Sand gets extremely hot

Bring cash – Many small eateries don’t take cards

Watch your belongings at busy public beaches

🏁 Final Thoughts

Mui Ne is one of Vietnam’s most unique destinations, offering a rare blend of beach bliss and desert adventure. Whether you’re tearing through sand dunes on an ATV, sipping fresh coconut under a palm tree, or watching the sunrise from a fishing village, Mui Ne promises memories that last a lifetime.

Perfect for couples, families, solo travelers, or adventure seekers, Mui Ne is where Vietnam meets the sea—and the desert.