A typical stop on any north-south Vietnam trip, Mui Ne is a town where fierce winds meet rolling dunes, fishing remains a tradition, and adventure sports are the main tourist draw.
Despite its relationship with high-energy activities like kiteboarding and kitesurfing, the town is one of the more relaxing places to visit. Cafes provide a place to unwind while taking in a view, and ankle-deep streams offer another way to cool off in nature.
I’ve visited Mui Ne a couple of times over the years, each time as a way to break up the lengthy trip between southern and central Vietnam. And while its beaches don’t quite compare to those near Danang, the town is more than worthy of a stopover. I thoroughly enjoyed the coffee scene, exploring some ancient Cham towers, and watching those a bit braver than me glide through the wind above the South China Sea.
In this Mui Ne guide, I’ll go over some of the beach town’s top sights, including tips on where to grab food and coffee, what the beaches are like, and how to best explore the famous dunes. I also mention where to stay, how to get around, and some awesome day trips.
These are some of the best things to do in Mui Ne, Vietnam.
Explore the Sand Dunes
Unless you’re an avid kiteboarder, Mui Ne is best known for its two sprawling dunes that sit just outside of town. These are easily distinguished from one another, since one is known for its burnt-reddish color, while the other has lighter white sand hills.
I’d consider these to be nature with a heavy dose of tourism. And while Vietnam has a handful of dunes to see, some of which aren’t too far away, these are the most accessible.
Red Sand Dunes
Just north of the fishing village and accessible by public transport, the Red Sand Dunes (Đồi Cát Đỏ) are the most visited of the two. The area is actually not too big, so you can easily walk around it in a short time.
It’s popular to rent sand sleds and have a little go at cruising down the steeper parts of the hills here. But it’s not by any means a must. What should be a priority, however, is trekking to the highest point to see the spectacular views of the sea. If you have your own vehicle, then sunset can be pretty magical from here.
Getting There | Take the No.1 bus going east until you reach the entry point of the dunes. You’ll notice the red sandy hills and quite a few pop-up vendors and stalls at the bottom of them.
White Sand Dunes (Hoa Thang Sand Dunes)
Another 20 km up the road are the picturesque White Sand Dunes. They sit next to a freshwater lake that creates the feel of a mini oasis. They sort of remind me of the Te Paki Sand Dunes in New Zealand, but on a much smaller (and neglected) scale.
This whole area lacks shade, so the dunes are usually visited in the morning for sunrise. There are also several ATV rental companies here, since cruising on the soft sands is in pretty high demand. If you want a little adventure, it can be a pretty good time.
Getting There | If you have your own vehicle, you can easily reach the White Sand Dunes from Mui Ne. However, those without one usually end up joining a ‘Sand Dune Tour’ to reach them.
RED AND WHITE SAND DUNE TOUR
A typical group tour involves a sunrise pick-up for the White Sand Dunes, followed by a stop at the Red Sand Dunes, and usually a combination of the Mui Ne Fishing Village and a walk through the Fairy Stream. The price is reasonable, so it’s actually a nice alternative to motorbike rental.
Most accommodations are happy to help set this up, so you’ll be picked up directly from your hotel or hostel. However, if you’re looking to book something in advance, here are a few options worth looking into:
Tour 1 | Group Tour & Sunrise/Sunset Quad Bike Adventure
Tour 2 | 5-Hour Sunrise or Sunset Jeep Tour from Mui Ne Beach Town
Tour 3 | Mui Ne group tour sunrise or sunset quad bike adventure
See Mui Ne's Fishing Village
If you’re looking to experience a genuine Vietnamese fishing village, then Mui Ne is one of the better places to do it. The main attraction of Mui Ne Fishing Village (Làng chài Mũi Né) is an open-air market where the local fishermen congregate after a day out to sea.
This area is about as authentic as you’ll get.
Just keep in mind that when you visit here, you’ll see both the positives and negatives of the Vietnamese fishing culture. I’ll start with the negative because it’s really just one thing that won’t go unnoticed.
There’s trash everywhere. Not just a little, but piles of plastic lining the whole beach, ripped fishing nets floating in the shallows, and leftover food tossed off to the side. If seeing this will ruin your day, I suggest hanging out at a cafe and just taking in the views, or opting to skip out on the village altogether.
Now for the positives.
It’s an absolute spectacle seeing hundreds of colorful Vietnamese basket boats floating in the Mui Ne Fishing Harbour. They dot the water like spots on a cheetah, and when they come in with their haul for the day, small stalls and shaded umbrellas pop up to sell the leftovers.
There aren’t many tourist destinations with a sight like this, unless you go off the beaten track to coastal towns like Tuy Hoa.
Mui Ne Fishing Village sits at the base of a steep slope at the western end of the peninsula where Mui Ne Town is located. To make a day out of it, you can head into town to see a few sights like Mui Ne Rocky Cliffs (Gành đá Mũi Né), Linh Long Pagoda, Ba Vang Temple, Mui Ne Church, and Mui Ne Back Beach (Bãi Sau Mũi Né).
ENJOY A CUP OF COFFEE WITH A VIEW
On the road above the Mui Ne Fishing Village, there are dozens of restaurants and coffee shops with patio views of the harbour. It’s worth grabbing a drink and enjoying the views of the small fishing boats afloat on the East Sea. Here are a few recommended ones.
| Soho Coffee Mui Ne
| Cá Ơi Coffee & Tea
| ZOO Cafe & Bar
EXPLORE MUI NE’S COFFEE SCENE
There aren’t many destinations in Vietnam I can write about without mentioning the cafe scene. Coffee is just a massive part of the culture, and one of the many things I appreciate about the country.
Mui Ne has many of the things I’ve grown to love about that coffee scene. Most notably, quirky cafes, strong cups of iced coffee, and a distinct atmosphere that promotes slow-sipping. If you’ve spent time in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, I think you can picture this quite clearly. But instead of sitting on the street with the sounds of motorbikes zipping by, it’s sitting by the water with the sounds of waves crashing.
Here are some cafes worth checking out in Mui Ne:
Soho Coffee Mui Ne | Out of the three cafes I mentioned in the above section, this is the one that stood out the most to me. The views are immaculate, and the shop might just be the most “Instagrammable” place in all of Mui Ne. The prices are a bit high, but that’s expected just about anywhere with a view.
Chuyện Coffee Roasters | For those who take their coffee seriously, this might be the best bet. They do in-house roasting, have a varied bean selection, and do specialty coffees. The cafe has a very cozy, vibey atmosphere.
I Cafe Mui Ne | A delightful little cafe known for its smoothie bowls and sea views. They have a pretty extensive vegetarian menu, with some vegan options, for anyone with dietary restrictions looking for brunch to go with their coffee.
Tiệm Nhà Mình Coffee & Tea | The small coffee cart does good, cheap takeaway coffees and teas. It’s hard to beat if you want a quick grab-and-go coffee for the beach.
Mr. Ben’s Coffee & Restaurant | I ended up here because they have a nice breakfast selection. It gave me similar vibes to some of the surf cafes I frequented in Australia. The coffee is decent, and the owners are just really friendly people!
OTHER NOTABLE CAFES
Cá Ơi Coffee & Tea | For wonderful views and an extensive drink menu.
Galaxy Coffee | For cheap coffee and tasty Vietnamese pancakes.
Gin Coffee | For the shaded patio and claypot rice.
WANDER DOWN THE FAIRY STREAM
The Fairy Stream, or Suối Tiên, is a beautiful slice of nature right off the hustle and bustle of Mui Ne’s main road. While some pictures might wow you into thinking it’s some sort of mini Grand Canyon, it’s merely a quiet, shallow river that’s lovely to walk down and offers some nice photo spots.
It starts close to the main road, and after about 30 to 45 minutes of walking against the flow of water, you’ll reach a small waterfall at its end. There are a handful of shops along the way where you can grab a drink or some snacks, plus a few locals who charge to take pictures with their pet snake.
Overall, I enjoyed it here. The water is cool, the shallow riverbed was clean in most spots, and it felt like an actual escape from the tourism of the coast. Tours do come here, though, so I suggest going during off-peak hours like lunchtime.
Make sure to bring either water shoes or sandals that you don’t mind getting wet. There are areas with sharper rocks, and in high-traffic areas, the water can look murkier. I also suggest staying away after bouts of heavy rain, as it can cause trash to slide in and make the Fairy Stream a bit dirty.
Entrance | There’s no fee to enter the stream, but oftentimes the little connected zoo tries to charge you 50k VND without mentioning it’s only for the zoo entrance.
RELAX BY THE BEACH
Despite being a popular beach resort town, Mui Ne doesn’t really have that typical Southeast Asian tropical getaway feel. And that’s probably because the coastline here isn’t all white sand beaches and turquoise waters.
The wind gets intense in this area of Vietnam, which lends for some spectacular kite sports, but not the greatest underwater scene. I’ve already talked about the trash a bit, so you’ll have to take that into account too.
With that being said, there are still some beaches absolutely worth visiting. These usually belong to a resort or line the shores of businesses that tend to look after them.
Here are the beaches that might catch your eye:
Mui Ne Beach & Malibu Beach | These two beaches run along the coastline between the backside of the fishing village and Hòn Rơm. They are below the red dunes and fine sand, but like most places here, they can be either clean or riddled with garbage. It’s a popular kitesurfing area, so the wind plays a big part in that. However, it feels like some people just dump stuff. In the clean areas, though, it’s very pretty.
Mango Beach & Hanna Beach | These two beach bar/restaurant venues are in the same area. They are west of the fishing village and are usually kept pretty clean.
There are some fun activities for kids, but sadly, some of these involve a makeshift petting zoo. This zone includes an entry fee with a free drink, which is only really worth it if you spend the whole day. Sunsets are nice, though.
Pineapple Mũi Né area | Starting at a bar called Pineapple Mũi Né and heading west a little bit is a zone known for its beach bars/clubs. I prefer this area to the previous one I mentioned, because you get a similar experience from the beach part, but with no entry fee.
It’s mostly a place to come for drinks and food, to spend a relaxing day, or to watch the dramatic sunset.
Ham Tien Beach (Bãi Biển Hàm Tiến) | The previous area is essentially where Pineapple starts, and then all the way down the shoreline with rows of venues and resorts until it reaches Ham Tien Beach. This beach is very popular for kitesurfing and windsurfing, and a fair bit cleaner in the public areas than the previously mentioned ones.
The water, like everywhere in Mũi Né, can get a bit rough. But it’s one of the better spots for swimming and has soft yellow sand.
Ong Dia Rock Beach (Bãi đá Ông Địa) | Also known as Tu Lam Beach (Bãi biển Tu Lam), the small beach is squished between Sunset Point and a manmade stone jetty walkway that seems like it was built with natural disasters in mind. This is quite a beautiful area, especially if you want to grab a coconut water and chill out.
There are some food and drink spots, bodyboards and surfboards for rent, and plenty of picture opportunities. I’d stay away from entering the water near the jetty and all the fishing boats parked along it.
Sunset Slope (Dốc hoàng hôn) | A popular slope heading down to a wild beach. People gather for sunset, but it isn’t really a place to come and relax for the day. If you end up at the Cham towers (which I’ll get to later), then the view won’t feel so special.
BEACHES IN PHAN THIET
A handful of beaches run along the main coast of Phan Thiet. They are similar to Ham Tien Beach in that they are public, more open than the beach bar areas, and have similar sand. Some patches disappear at high tide and can be hit-or-miss for trash. The overall vibe is more Vietnamese than foreign, and if you have a motorbike, you can pick a spot that works for you.
Three beaches make up the main stretch.
- Phan Thiet Beach (Bãi biển Phan Thiết)
- Duong Hill Beach (Đồi Dương Beach)
- Thuong Chanh Beach (Bãi biển Thương Chánh)
ADVENTURE SPORTS GALORE
If you’re interested in coastal wind sports, then you’re in luck, because it’s one of the best things to do in Mui Ne. It gets extremely windy in this part of Vietnam, and windsurfing and kiteboarding have been the local sports of choice for quite some time now.
There are dozens of schools along the main stretch that give lessons and/or have rentals for kite, wind, and regular surf equipment. I’ll share a few of the popular places here, but really, you should go in and talk to the instructors before committing to any one place. Like any action sport, you have your dangers to go along with the excitement.
KITEBOARDING / WINDSURFING / SURFING IN MUI NE
Peak Season | December to February (Best Conditions), November & March-April (Beginner-Friendly Conditions)
Low Season | May to October (Unpredictable Conditions)
Local Surf Spots | Mui Ne Main Beach, Harbour Wall, Malibu, Turtle Island, Phan Rang
Popular Surf Schools | C2Sky KiteSurfing, Surfpoint Vietnam, Mui Ne Kitesurf School
If the wind sports aren’t quite your speed, you can always rent a surfboard and hit the waves or pop on a jet ski for some motorized fun. Rentals for these are at most major beaches, along with some of the popular surf schools.
EXPLORE THE FOOD SCENE
No matter where you are in Vietnam, you’re bound to find decent food.
However, as a town that runs on tourism for most of the year, Mui Ne can be hit-or-miss when it comes to quality restaurants. This isn’t to say there aren’t amazing eateries around. But it’s similar to other popular beach resort towns in Southeast Asia like Phuket in Thailand or Nha Trang up north, where some places opt for quantity over quality menus that aim on pleasing the Western crowds.
I did run into a few restaurants like this, but also managed to have some mouthwatering local cuisine as well. And since a large fishing village is in town, you can expect some decent fresh seafood.
Here are some restaurants I think are worth visiting in Mui Ne:
Big Chill International Food Court | This is a small food court with a handful of different stalls serving international cuisine. They have great vegan and vegetarian options, which aren’t always easy to come by in Vietnam, and all the owners were quite friendly.
Mr. Ben’s Coffee & Restaurant | I covered this in the cafe section already, but if you’re looking for home-cooked breakfast dishes, it’s a good shout.
Cơm Niêu Vivu Food Mũi Né | The name translates to Vivu Food Mui Ne Clay Pot Rice, so you can expect some decent clay pot rice. They have a large selection of fish dishes too, and the portions are on the larger side. It can get crowded, which also means wait times can get long.
Bánh Canh Chả Cá Hủ Tiếu – Giồ Hco | This is a hole-in-the-wall restaurant located between the previously mentioned Vivu Restaurant and the Fairy Stream. They make super authentic and wonderfully tasting soups with a couple of noodle choices, including pho. It’s cheap; the owners are extremely friendly, even though they don’t speak English, and it’s one of the few places I ate at multiple nights.
Quán Bi Bo | A famous seafood restaurant in Mui Ne that is beloved by most. The prices are a bit high, but there are decent views and pretty solid grilled seafood. The razor clam is very popular here, as are the tiger prawn, grilled lobster, and scallop platter.
OTHER POPULAR RESTAURANTS
- Boke Mr. Crab | For seafood
- Swiss House Bar & Restaurant | For Western food and atmosphere
- Ham Tien Market | For fresh fruit and the proper Vietnamese market experience
- Khue 259 Pho Ga Bo | For decent pho
- Banh Mi 309 | For cheap, tasty banh mi
VISIT THE CHAM TOWERS
West of Mui Ne, near the city of Phan Thiet, are the stunning Po Sa Inu Cham Towers. The 9th-century historical towers are relics of the Champa Kingdom, a former maritime civilization that ruled over lands in central and southern Vietnam, along with neighboring Southeast Asian areas.
This exact site, also known as Phu Hai, was built in the Hòa Lai architectural style and features intricately stacked red bricks and high archways. There are three main towers here, conveniently named Tower A, B, and C. All of which represent different deities from Hinduism, as the Champa Kingdom and Hinduism were deeply intertwined.
The altars in Tower A symbolize Shiva, with the other two dedicated to the fire god Agni and the sacred bull Nandi.
This was one of my first visits to anything related to the Champa Kingdom, and I found the history behind the civilization quite interesting. There was even a small dance performance going on while I was there. Supposedly, the religious Kate Festival is celebrated annually at the Po Sa Inu Cham Towers, too.
When you’re finished taking in views of the carved brick towers, you can head further uphill. The property is also home to a Victory Statue for a 1947 battle and Ong Hoang Castle (Lầu Ông Hoàng). The former French palace is no more than ruins now, but there is a neat abandoned bunker next to it and some fantastic panoramas of Sunset Beach (Dốc hoàng hôn) below.
The rugged Vietnamese coastline past Phan Thiet and towards Mui Ne can also be seen in the distance.
Entry Price | 15k VND
Getting There | Bus No.1, which travels along Nguyễn Đình Chiểu Road, will take you to the cross street for the Cham towers. The exact stop is Phu Hai, but it’s best to let the driver know and ask them to stop when you’re nearby. The price each way should be no more than 20k VND. Grab is also available for a reasonable price.
HEAD OUT ON A DAY TRIP
Mui Ne, like most tourist-friendly places around Vietnam, is just a hop, skip, and jump away from some pretty cool things. This makes it an ideal base for day-tripping along the southern coast and to some of the nearby mountains.
If you find yourself here for more than a couple of days, then I suggest heading out of town to see some of this stuff!
Typical day trip destinations from Mui Ne:
Tà Cú Mountain | About an hour south and a bit inland is this rugged mountain. It’s best known for its serene mountaintop temple, large sleeping Buddha, and beautiful panoramas. You can opt to hike up to the temple or take a scenic cable car up for some wild views.
Phan Thiet | I’ve mentioned Mui Ne’s neighbor a few times already. It’s a nice place to explore a more local beach vibe, eat some pretty great food, and see the bustling Phan Thiết Market. It also has one of the more unique temples around. Van Thuy Tu Temple, better known as the Whale Temple, has a large skeleton of a whale, which doubles as a shrine.
Kê Gà Cape | Home to some breathtaking rock formations and a small island with an iconic lighthouse, Kê Gà Cape is a fun little adventure. The lighthouse itself was built by the French and is one of the oldest and tallest lighthouses in the country. If you come at low tide, then the beach is a very pretty place to wander along.
You can join a group tour that covers most of these destinations, and usually the nearby Cham towers, in a half-day. When I first came to Mui Ne, this wasn’t that big, but on my most recent visit, it seemed like most of the accommodations had started adding this to their list of typical tours.
If you’re not up for a lengthier motorbike ride to the mountain or cape, then it’s a nice alternative. I’d ask your hotel or hostel about this tour when you arrive in Mui Ne, as it’s usually more budget-friendly that way.
But if you want to book in advance, you can check out this ‘Ta Cu Mountain Half-Day Private Tour with Local Guide’ or this ‘Ta Cu Mountain, Lying Buddha, Phan Thiet City, Cham Tower Tour.’
GETTING AROUND MUI NE
While you’re never far from several restaurants or the beach wherever you stay, Mui Ne is not the easiest to navigate without a vehicle. But you can manage by using a combination of Grab, the local bus (No. 1), and tours.
Motorbike and bicycle rentals are also prevalent, which will make exploring everything between Phan Thiet and the dunes much easier. Just make sure to wear a helmet on motorbikes, because the police are known for stopping people breaking driving laws in this part of Vietnam.
For those of you arriving by bus, you’ll most likely be dropped off along the main road called Nguyễn Đình Chiểu. Companies often ask where your accommodation is and get as close as possible. If they don’t, you can always hail the main No.1 bus if it’s daytime.
This bus route goes between Phan Thiet and just past the Red Dunes. While it’s supposed to go pretty often, I’ve found you might have to wait a bit for it. This is a great option for those looking to get to the dunes or Cham towers by public transport. The prices seem up to the bus driver, but are usually around 20k Dong.
WHERE TO STAY IN MUI NE
There are a ton of accommodations to choose from in Mui Ne, from basic hostels and guesthouses up to luxury resorts. These are spread out pretty far from the Phan Thiet area, all the way past the Red Dunes. The further out you go from the main stretch, the quieter you can expect the area to be.
Here are a few recommendations:
iHome Backpacker Resort & Hoang Nga | The hostel scene isn’t nearly as big as when I first visited Mui Ne, but these are two decent options. iHome Backpacker Resort is catered to those looking to socialize, party, and enjoy a larger seafront property. Hoang Nga is more of a relaxed guesthouse vibe, with a friendly family, fewer beds per dorm, and quiet double rooms.
Hung Phuc Mui Ne Hotel | This was the most recent hotel my partner and I stayed at, and we really enjoyed it. The rooms are budget-friendly and immaculately clean; the family that runs it is nice and super helpful, and there’s a small store attached for snacks and drinks.
I Hostel Muine – A Little White Homestay By The Sea | Another budget guesthouse with a range of double rooms. One of the lovely cafes I mentioned above is part of the property.
Serenity by the Sea & Mi Nhon Em Hotel Muine | Two fantastic midrange hotels that are right next to the sea and have pools and similar courtyard layouts.
Red Sands Mui Ne | A high-end boutique hotel with an absolutely gorgeous property. It’s closer to the dunes, which are generally a quieter area than the main stretch of Mui Ne.
Bamboo Village Beach Resort & The Anam Mui Ne | Two luxury seaside resorts near Ong Dia Rock Beach. You can expect great service, clean beaches, and relaxing spa facilities at both.
For more Mui Ne accommodations, check here.
