White-sand beaches stretch along Vietnam's southeastern coast, where wind sports thrive near towering sand dunes. Local fishing boats dot the shoreline, and fresh seafood fills beachfront eateries.
Mui Ne lies four hours from Ho Chi Minh City on Vietnam's southern coast. You can walk through red canyons along the Fairy Stream, watch fishing boats unload their catch at dawn, or ride quad bikes across white sand dunes. The strong coastal winds draw kitesurfers year-round, while beachfront restaurants serve grilled fish for less than $5 on plastic chairs in the sand.
Getting to Mui Ne
You can reach Mui Ne from Ho Chi Minh City by train or bus. The train takes about 4 hours to Phan Thiet station, followed by a short taxi ride to Mui Ne. Buses run every hour from 7am to 7pm and take 5-6 hours, with most services dropping passengers directly at their hotels. Train tickets cost around $16, while bus tickets range from $6-10.
Weather and Timing Your Visit
Mui Ne stays dry year-round due to its microclimate. The temperature averages 27°C (80°F), with consistent winds between November and March. Kitesurfers and windsurfers come from across Asia during these months. Hotel prices rise by 30-50% from December to April during peak season.
The Sand Dunes
You'll find the white sand dunes 25km from central Mui Ne. These sandy hills stretch for several kilometers, creating an unexpected desert landscape next to the ocean. Quad bike rentals cost $20-30 per hour, or you can climb the dunes on foot for sunrise views. The red sand dunes, 15km from town, turn deep orange during sunset - a popular spot for sandboarding.
Fairy Stream Walk
The Fairy Stream cuts through limestone and clay formations, creating a small canyon with red and white walls. Walk barefoot through the ankle-deep water past bamboo forests and rock formations. The stream runs for about 1km before reaching a small waterfall. Local vendors sell coconuts ($1) and cold drinks ($0.50-1) along the path.
Food and Markets
Visit the fish market at 5am to see fishing boats return with their catch. Local restaurants along the beach cook fresh seafood including red snapper ($3-5), clams ($2), and mussels ($2-3). In the evening, many restaurants place plastic chairs and tables directly on the sand for dinner under the stars.
Water Activities
Strong winds make Mui Ne suitable for kitesurfing about 70% of the year. Several kitesurfing schools operate along the beach, with two-hour beginner lessons costing $50-70. Wind conditions are calmer in the morning, making it better for learning. Experienced kitesurfers can rent equipment for $30-40 per day.
Where to Stay
The main strip runs for 10 kilometers along Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street. Hostels cost $5-10 per night, mid-range hotels $30-50, and luxury resorts start at $100. Most accommodations include pools and beach access. Stay in the northern end near the fishing village for a quieter atmosphere, or between kilometers 4-8 for easy access to restaurants and bars.
