Location
Most of Mui Ne’s appeal comes from the 12 kilometres of beach that run from nearby Phan Thiet all the way to Mui Ne proper, where the area’s original fishing village still remains. Down at the harbour, early risers can see an army of brightly coloured fishing boats bobbing up and down with the tide, while beachgoers are free to soak up the sun anywhere along Mui Ne’s main strip.
Characteristics
Unlike Nha Trang, its neighbour to the northeast, Mui Ne moves at a much slower pace: you won’t find bustling nightlife or many beachfront parties here, but for travellers seeking a more relaxed escape, this is just the spot.
A sleepy stretch of the southern coast, Mui Ne has evolved from once-barren shoreline to increasingly sophisticated seaside retreat over the years, catering mostly to visitors who come for the surf, sun and mellow atmosphere.
The town’s most popular stretch of coast, Ham Tien, is now mostly divvied up between resorts and eateries. While there’s minimal public beach access nowadays, a handful of bars and restaurants will let you layout during the day. If you’re up for a bit of activity, Mui Ne is also the place to try kitesurfing, its most popular water sport, as well as other oceanic activities such as paddleboarding and windsurfing.
Beyond the sea, the area also holds its fair share of unusual landscapes. Mere kilometres from the coast, a couple of sand dunes, one red and one white, are positioned like deserts in the middle of a seaside oasis. The red sand dunes are most accessible; however, the white sand dunes, roughly 30 kilometres away, are a more impressive sight. Whichever you decide to visit, be sure to try your hand at sand-sledging while you’re there. The freshwater Fairy Springs is also home to a series of strange natural formations, carved out of the sand by wind, rain and a gently running stream.
When it comes to cuisine, travellers won’t find a host of options in Mui Ne; however, the local seafood is well worth a try. Vendors set up camp every night along the seaside at a series of stalls with the catch of the day on offer. Cheap local restaurants also offer tasty, affordable Vietnamese dishes by the beach, while a handful of western restaurants can also be found along the Mui Ne stretch.