Mui Ne may not enjoy the same name recognition as Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, or Hanoi, but it offers windswept beaches, surreal dunes, and a unique charm that sets it apart. This town has transformed from a quiet fishing village in southern Vietnam to one of the country’s most surprising getaways. Sure, it offers beachfront resorts and fresh seafood, but what sets it apart from the rest of Southeast Asia is how diverse its landscapes are. In just a single trip, you can feel like you’ve stepped into the Sahara Desert, wandered through an American canyon, and explored forgotten European villas, all while staying firmly on Vietnamese soil.
Mui Ne lets you travel the world without leaving the country.
1. The White Sand Dunes – Vietnam’s Own Sahara
The White Sand Dunes (Bàu Trắng) are a dramatic stretch of fine, pale sand that rises and falls like ocean waves. It’s not what you’d expect in tropical Vietnam, but here it is, resembling the Sahara Desert in beauty and size.
Rent an ATV or buggy for an adrenaline-pumping ride or climb the dunes on foot for that iconic desert photo. For a dreamy twist, a lotus lake sits nearby, offering a surreal view you’d never associate with the word “desert.”
The Red Dunes can be found further south in Mui Ne Village, about 25 kilometers from Phan Thiet City. These dunes are smaller than the White Sand Dunes but are more accessible, making them a popular spot for tourists. Activities here include sandboarding and photography, especially during the late afternoon when the sunlight enhances the red hues of the sand.
Pro Tip: Visit at sunrise or just before sunset for the best lighting and fewer crowds. And yes, it gets hot, so bring water and sunscreen.
2. The Fairy Stream – A Walk Through Vietnam’s Antelope Canyon
Imagine walking barefoot in a warm, shallow stream surrounded by strange rock formations in shades of red, orange, and white. Welcome to the Fairy Stream (Suối Tiên) – a gentle hike that feels like Arizona’s Antelope Canyon, but tropical and uniquely Vietnamese.
The stream is only ankle-deep, and the soft sand underfoot adds a relaxing, playful vibe to the walk. As you wander past coral-colored cliffs and bamboo groves, the landscape shifts dramatically, keeping you mesmerized around every bend.
Don’t miss: A small waterfall at the end of the trail. It’s not massive but adds a lovely finish to the walk.
3. Abandoned French Villas – Mui Ne’s European Past
Tucked between the coastlines of Mui Ne and neighboring Phan Thiet, you’ll find abandoned French colonial villas. These ruins were once luxurious retreats for colonial elites. Today, they stand in quiet defiance of time, overtaken by moss, vines, and salty sea air.
Despite crumbling windows and broken tiles, you can still imagine old-world elegance. If you’ve ever dreamed of stumbling upon a forgotten mansion in rural France, this might be the next best thing, just with a tropical breeze and the distant crash of Vietnamese waves.
Note: Be respectful, some ruins are on private property or partially gated off. Stick to publicly accessible areas and avoid going in alone.
Where Is Mui Ne and How Do You Get There?
Mui Ne is located in Bình Thuận Province, about 220 kilometers east of Ho Chi Minh City. It sits along Vietnam’s southeast coast and is part of the larger city of Phan Thiet.
Getting There:
By Train: Take a train from Saigon Railway Station to Phan Thiet Station (4–5 hours), then grab a taxi or Grab car to Mui Ne (30 mins).
By Bus/Sleeper Van: Book through Futa Bus, Sinh Tourist, or Hanh Cafe. Rides take 4–6 hours, depending on traffic.
By Private Car: Ideal for groups or comfort-focused travelers. Travel time is about 4 hours from HCMC.
Insider Tip:
The name “Mui Ne” often refers to the larger Ham Tien area, where most beach resorts and attractions are located, not just the old fishing village. Double-check your hotel’s actual location when booking.
Best Time to Visit Mui Ne
November to April is dry, sunny, and windy, perfect for beach days and desert-like exploration.
May to October brings occasional rain, but fewer tourists and lush scenery.
If you’re craving a destination that’s part beach break, part adventure, and part surreal daydream, Mui Ne delivers. It’s a place where you can take dune selfies that look like Morocco, hike a canyon trail that’s giving Arizona, and wander colonial ruins straight out of Europe, all in one small stretch of coastal Vietnam.
Sometimes, the most unexpected places are the ones that feel the most like everywhere else.
1 Comment
This is so true—Mui Ne sounds like a hidden gem with amazing variety all in one place! Love the photos!