12 Best Things To Do in the Coastal Town of Mui Ne

1. Watch the Sunrise at the White Sand Dunes

The white sand dune in Mui Ne is one of the most visited places in Vietnam. Located about 30km from the main strip in Mui Ne, visitors book a jeep tour either for sunrise or sunset. Though the white dunes tend to be busier during the sunrise, we still recommend it over sunset as you get more time exploring without being too hot. You can try sandboarding or enjoy the fine sand with lots of great photo opportunities. 

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There are many tour companies in Mui Ne offering tours including red and white dunes, fairy stream, and fishing village starting at 25 USD per person. 

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Here are some of the most popular Jeep tours you can book.

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You must note that most of the jeep tours do not take you directly to the dunes. They will park at the entrance and you will have to walk to the dunes yourself. This can be quite challenging and time-consuming, especially if you want to reach the top of the dunes for sunrise. 

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If you don’t mind driving around 30 minutes on a bike, especially in the dark, we recommend heading there yourself. If not, book a private tour. Doing this will allow you to take your time and appreciate the dunes.

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Tip: If you want to have the optimum experience on the dunes, we recommend renting an ATV by the entrance. 

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2. Sand Boarding on the Red Sand Dunes

Apart from the white dunes, you also have to check the red sand dunes which are more convenient to get to from the main town. And unlike the white dunes, the red sand dunes are smaller in size and are more accessible to discover on foot. 

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Most jeep tours in Mui Ne stop here so it can get busy but we recommend getting there for sunset. If you are feeling adventurous, try out sandboarding. There are many local women on the dunes where you can rent a board for cheap. A board shouldn’t cost you more than 1 USD for a 30 minute rent. 

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3. Taste Phan Thiet’s Specialty Food

Look for the women selling food across the streets from the red sand dunes and try the Banh Bot Loc. This specialty food of central Vietnam has a soft and chewy crust filled with shrimp and pork. It is also served with sweet and sour fish sauce that blends perfectly with the chewy taste of the crust and the salty taste of the filling. One box of this snack costs around 1 USD.

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4. Stroll at the Mui Ne Fairy Stream

Mui Ne Fairy Stream is a winding shallow stream that is famous for its dramatic landscape of reds, oranges, and pinks. The stream also has this gooey sand texture that flows through bamboo forest and is bordered by red and white sand dunes.

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Depending on the season, the stream can get as high as your ankles, which is why it is recommended to walk barefoot. There is an entrance fee of around 1 USD to visit which is included if you book any of the jeep tours. 

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If you are heading on your own, you will need to pay less than 1 USD to park your motorbike at the entrance. This also includes the fee to keep your shoes at the front.

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Tip: To avoid the midday heat and crowds from Jeep tours, go early in the morning or near sunset.

5. Visit the Mui Ne Fishing Market 

Get a chance to witness the colorful boats coming back into the shore after a night catch. This fishing village offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of the local Vietnamese fishermen. Apart from that, you can enjoy the expansive coastline with hundreds of colorful boats in the sparkling blue water. 

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Tip: The best time to visit is early in the morning or around sunset. This is a great time for photographers to get the best lighting and the market is at its liveliest. 

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In the morning, you will see fishermen bringing their catch while women wait by the shore to sort and sell the seafood. You can expect to see buckets full of fish, shells, and crustaceans everywhere. This is also where local restaurant owners, street food vendors, and residents come and buy their fresh seafood as the prices are reasonably cheaper. It is also quite interesting to see all the haggling and exchanging by the locals. 

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6. Have Breakfast at Sunset on the Beach 

Sunset by the Beach is a cozy boho-style cafe that offers a stunning view of the sea. We dined here for breakfast, and we recommend getting the Vietnamese pancake. They serve a variety of drinks and are a great place to enjoy a cocktail or a cup of coffee while watching the sunset.

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5. Watch the Sunset at Ong Dia Rock Beach

End your day watching the sunset at the Ong Dia Rock Beach. Plenty of locals and visitors head by this beach to enjoy swimming and surfing towards the sunset. There is plenty of space to lay down by the beach and have a picnic. 

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Other than that, you can easily grab a plastic chair by the boulevard where food trucks and street vendors are. We recommend trying out the coconut ice cream or Kem Dua for around 1 USD for 3-scoop ice cream. You can also order different kinds of flavored ice cream.

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8. Try Kite Surfing

If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try kitesurfing? As the kitesurfing capital, there are many resorts and shops offering lessons. You can find them along the Hamtien beach strip but we recommend learning with C2Sky Kitesurfing. It is one of the top-rated kitesurfing schools in Mui Ne and you can book with them directly at the shop or online. 

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‍Tip: You can also head to Ong Dia Rock beachfront where you will find locals offering kitesurfing and surfing lessons.

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9. Take Sailing & Surfing Lessons

Apart from kitesurfing, Mui Ne is also an ideal place to visit for sailing and surfing due to its many benefits. The town is located in a prime location that offers great wind and wave conditions for both activities, as well as stunningly beautiful beaches. 

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Tip: Book these highly rated classes in Mui Ne: sailing lessons and surf with a local. 

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10. Have a Drink at Pineapple Mui Ne

Pineapple Mui Ne by the beach is another great place to watch the sunset. It has a very relaxed atmosphere that is both inviting and cozy. Bean bags line the beachfront with palm trees, providing a comfortable spot to lounge as you gaze out at the sea and marvel at the sight of the setting sun. They serve cocktails, food as well as shisha.

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11. Try Fresh Seafood

Being located on the coast, fresh seafood is abundant in Mui Ne. In fact, it is even harder to get bad seafood in town. From the many great selections of restaurants, here are some of the best places to eat seafood in Mui Ne. 

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For casual dining, head to Boke Mr Crab located along Nguyen Dinnh Chieu street. They have a huge selection of fresh seafood which you can pick personally from the aquariums in front of the restaurant. The restaurant can get quite busy at night but the atmosphere is lively with views overlooking the sea.

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For a variety of food options other than seafood, head to the Pit Stop Food Court. It has great selections of food joints including Vietnamese, Mexican, Italian, and German cuisine. This food court also has a great vibe, especially towards the sunset. It is located directly by the sea and you can hear the waves crashing as you dine. 

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Dong Vui Food Court is another food court you can visit. It serves a wide range of international cuisines as well as a selection of local craft beers on tap.

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12. Discover the Coastal Town on a Motorbike

The best way to see more of Mui Ne, apart from the tourist destinations, is to rent a motorbike. This will allow you to explore more of the coastal town from driving to the small alleys to discovering empty beaches. Besides that, most of the roads in Mui Ne are paved and traffic is light. You just have to be careful on the road and make sure you follow the rules as Mui Ne is well known for traffic police stopping tourists. 

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Best Time to Visit Mui Ne

Mui Ne enjoys some of the best year-round weather with hot temperatures best for beach getaways and gets very little rainfall. 

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In general, if you want to enjoy just relaxing by the beach then visit from December to April. You can expect clear skies and sunny weather during this time. 

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It can get very hot during the hottest months of April and May. If you are visiting to enjoy the water activities, then you should visit in November and March. During these months, you can experience bigger waves, perfect for surfing and kitesurfing. 

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Read: Best Time to Visit Vietnam

How Many Days should you Stay in Mui Ne

You can decide on how many days to spend in Mui Ne depending on what you want to see and do. You will need a day to visit the main tourist attractions such as the dunes, fairy stream, and fishing market.

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If you want to have more time in between to relax and enjoy the beach and water activities, then we recommend spending at least 2 to 3 days in Mui Ne. 

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How to get to Mui Ne

The best way to reach Mui Ne is to take a bus. There are many bus companies offering direct routes to Mui Ne, especially if you are coming from Ho Chi Minh City or Dalat. 

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From Dalat, the ride takes about 4 hours, and a ticket costs around 7 USD while it takes about 5 hours from Ho Chi Minh City, for around 6 USD. 

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Book your bus to Mui Ne

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‍Tip: Tell the driver's assistant your hotel and ask them to drop you off at the address so you can avoid paying extra for transport.

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Where to Stay in Mui Ne

Most of the accommodations in Mui Ne are located in Ham Tien along Nguyen Dinh Chieu road. This is a great area to stay in as there are plenty of restaurants and shops nearby. It is also along the coast so most of the places to stay are within walking distance to the beach. 

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We recommend staying at the Minhon Hotel, located just towards the end of Ham Tien, closer to the fishing village. The hotel is only a few meters from the main street, which makes it quiet. We loved how cozy it is, with rooms surrounding the pool and restaurant area. Find all accommodations in Mui Ne here. 

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Mid-Range

MiNhon Hotel

High-End

Sailing Club Resort

How to Get Around in Mui Ne

If you are staying around the main beach town, you can easily discover the rows of restaurants and shops on foot. Another great alternative for discovering nearby places is to rent a bicycle. You can easily find rentals everywhere in Mui Ne and most accommodations often rent them for free. 

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However, the best way to discover the neighboring areas is to rent a motorbike. This will give you the flexibility and convenience to go anywhere you want. A normal rate for a day costs around 7 USD. Again, be careful on the road and avoid driving if you have no license as you might have to pay huge fines. 

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Rent your motorbike here

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Mui Ne is the perfect destination for anyone looking to explore Vietnam's stunning coastline. This beautiful coastal town offers an array of activities and attractions that make it a great place to visit. From its breathtaking beaches and mountain ranges, to its vibrant nightlife and shopping opportunities, Mui Ne has something for everyone! 

We hope this list of the 12 best things to do has helped you plan your trip to Mui Ne.

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Let us know in the comments which one are you looking forward to trying the most? We would like to hear from you!