Located at the southern end of Vietnamâs enchanting eastern coastline, Mui Ne is a coastal outpost near the chaos of Ho Chi Minh City. Once upon a time, Mui Ne was an isolated stretch of beach where pioneering travellers camped on the sand.
Times have changed and it’s now a string of beach resorts, which have fused into one long coastal strip. I made my way to the beautiful beaches of Mui Ne after the cold hilly
Dalat
.
Places to stay in Mui Ne
Mui Ne hosts an abundance of classy and comfortable resorts. Â It also houses a host of hideaway backpackers and budget guesthouses for travellers seeking a cheaper and more rustic experience.
Long Son Mui Ne Resort
:Â
Fantastic place to stay, right on the beach and away from the busy town so that you can relax. The beach is always empty and clean for the area and easy to get into town via bus or taxi. They open their doors to lovely backpackers like you and me â with
Camping!Â
Not many resorts have so many different kinds of accommodation to suit so many different budgets. Ranging from 1$ to 30$/night, ranging from tents to bungalows.
Things to Do in Mui Ne
All the hostels and resorts will offer jeep tours which, on request, will visit most of Mui Neâs popular attractions over the course of a day.
Sand Dunes:Â
Mui Neâs sand dunes, red and white, are a fascinating regional phenomenon created by the high winds rushing to and from the ocean. The dunes have become the top attraction, their natural beauty somewhat diminished by the crowds scampering all over it.
The white sand dunes of Mui Ne are approximately 25 km. away from the centre of Mui Ne â once you have had your share of fun at the dunes, just walk over to the lotus pond and spend the afternoon watching the sun go down.
The
red dunes
are closest to town, 11 kilometres from the tourist centre. The dunes are crowded and overrun with friendly ladies trying to sell knee boards. Itâs pretty much impossible to get a clear picture with the surrounding landscape.
Lang Chi Fishing Village:Â
Mui Neâs chaotic early morning market provides a fascinating peek into the lives of local Vietnamese fishermen. Every morning they get their catch to the shore. If you eat seafood during your time in Mui Ne, it probably came from here. To really appreciate one of Vietnamâs most prominent industries, itâs well worth watching the melee of where your dinner came from.
Kite and Wind surfing â Â
For those wanting to try the sports for the first time, lessons are available. Serious types tend to bring their own gear.
Getting To Mui Ne
From
Ho Chi Minh City
:
There are two trains which run daily to Mui Neâs nearest station Phan Thiet. On arrival at Phan Thiet train station youâll need to take a taxi to Mui Ne.
Daily bus services run from HCMC and will often drop you close to your hostel in around four hours. Most of the tour companies, situated in the
Bui VienÂ
area of the city, will be able to book you onto an open bus tour. Tickets cost around $6.
From
Nha Trang:Â
Two buses run daily. The first leaves at 8am arriving at 1pm and the second leaves at 8pm arriving at 1am. The buses take around five hours and will cost close to 6 dollars.
From
Dalat:
Â
The bus departs at 7.30am and arrives in Mui Ne at 1pm. The 5 hour journey will cost you $10 and can be organised through you hostel or directly through Sinh café.
Where to go next?
Ho Chi Minh City
â
The commercial capital of Vietnam. Visit Saigon for its interesting architecture, manic atmosphere and copious culinary options. Visit the Cu Chi tunnels, take a trip on the Mekong Delta and try your hand at crossing Saigonâs chaotic roads.
Nha Trang
âÂ
Take an adventure in the deep with Nha Trangâs world class diving or sample the local night life which runs late into the night.
Da Lat
âÂ
The mountainous town of Da Lat offers a completely different experience to that of its closest neighbours. Throw yourself off a cliff or abseil down a waterfall in the amazing canyoning experiences. Note that Da Lat has a much cooler climate that the rest of Vietnam.
