8 Best Things To Do in Mui Ne, Vietnam

1. Go Kite Surfing

Kitesurfing is a big deal in Mui Ne. Locals enjoy the wind and waves, as well as travelers from all over the world. It’s earnt itself such a good reputation as a top kitesurfing location that many kitesurfing competitions are held here now. If you’re a kiteboarder yourself, then there are loads of kitesurfing shops along the shoreline where you can rent equipment.

Not a kitesurfer? Windsurfing and paddleboarding are also very popular sports in Mui Ne!

2. Visit the Red and White Sand Dunes

Mui Ne’s main claim to fame is its incredible sand dunes that lie not too far from the ocean. Nowhere in the world do desert-like landscapes exist so close to the ocean and beaches! Visiting this piece of the desert gives a whole different perspective on the usually humid and luscious landscapes of Vietnam.

There are two areas to visit. The first is the white sand dunes, which are the bigger of the two areas and famous as a quad biking hotspot. There is the option to book a sunrise or sunset tour, which will take you to watch the beautiful colors of the sun hit the sand of the dunes. 

After the white sand dunes, most tours will take you on to the stunning red sand dunes. This small piece of rusty red desert is perfect for sand sledding! Have a go at zipping your way down through the dunes, feeling the wind in your hair, and enjoying this unique piece of nature in Mui Ne – a top thing to do!

3. Fairy Spring

There may not be fairies here, but you will discover a beautiful stream sandwiched by a red canyon and a green forest. Walk through the stream of water and admire the various colors of the space-like landscape, with its reds, browns, yellows, oranges, and pinks. Additionally, the wind and rain, over time, have created interesting rock formations, creating the effect of stalactites in the sand.

You can leave your walking shoes at home, as you’re going to walk through the water.

5. Po Shanu Cham Towers

These three ancient worship towers sit regally atop Ong Huan Hill (Mr. Heaven Hill). Built in the late 8th century, they are an incredible example of Cham architecture and are well worth visiting as a thing to do in Mui Ne. There are also the ruins of an old fort on the site, which is a beautiful place to stand, take in some history, and look out over the ocean. 

4. Fish Market at Sunrise

Get up at sunrise and take the motorbike to the fish market in Phan Thiet. Here hundreds of fishermen bring their fresh catch onto the beach first thing in the morning. From here, they throw it to their wives and mothers who wait on the shoreline, ready to then sell the fish, shouting and bargaining with customers.

This is an incredibly atmospheric experience and a great insight into the lives of the local fisherman and their families.

6. Rent a Bike

Don’t fancy renting a motorbike while in Mui Ne? A great alternative is to rent a bicycle! Because everything is located fairly close together in Mui Ne, it’s easy to cycle from place to place. This is a great way to also get a little bit out of town and see a bit more of the beautiful coastline and fishing villages.

It’s best to avoid the main roads, as these are always busy with cars and motorbikes. Instead, choose the many backroads that snake away from the town. Note that if you want to go further distances, such as to Po Shanu Cham Towers, it’s a much better idea to rent a motorbike.

7. Sunset at the Beach

In the daytime, the beaches are crowded with kitesurfers. However, the evening is a different story! Arrive at the beach in the late afternoon, as the kitesurfers leave, and watch the beautiful sunset over the calm, glistening ocean and the 10km long stretch of white sand.

Choose a spot anywhere on the 10 km stretch of white sand or, alternatively, head to ‘Source Kiteboarding & Lodge’, a kitesurfing school that has an incredible rooftop bar! This is the perfect thing to do in Mui Ne to end your busy day of adventure. 

8. Ta Cu Mountain

Just a 1-hour drive away, 30 km to the west of Mui Ne, is the majestic Ta Cu Mountain. At the top lies a gigantic, reclining, white Buddha. Soar through the sky on the mountain cable car or go on a jungle hike up to the top if you have more time. This is a great thing to do in Mui Ne if you have a spare day and want to see some awesome views over this luscious green area of Vietnam.

Don’t have time to go to Ta Cu Mountain? 

Close to the white sand dunes is Linh Long Tu temple, a peaceful, spiritual area with lovely green gardens and a large reclining Buddha at the top of the steps. This is well worth visiting to absorb the atmosphere of this beautiful place of worship and to learn a little about spiritual practices in Vietnam. Don’t forget to take off your shoes before entering the temple.

Where to Eat in Mui Ne

We lined up our favorite restaurants ordered by yummy(♥️) rating:

Things to Know Before Visiting Mui Ne

• Mui Ne is very popular with Russian people, particularly as they are fantastic kite surfers. You can even order your food in the Russian language, as many of the Mui Ne locals speak both Russian and English.
• Be careful when renting a motorbike. The police often organize a week full of ‘controls’ where you have to pay an amount of money (a bribe) to drive through. This is because, technically, it is illegal to ride a motorbike in Vietnam without a license. In most areas of Vietnam, this isn’t usually a problem, but in Mui Ne, the police are a bit more strict. 

How to Get to Mui Ne

Mui Ne is located in the south of Vietnam. You can travel very easily there from Ho Chi Minh City. From Ho Chi Minh City, it’s a 5-hour bus ride or 3,5 hours on the train. 

By Train

The train doesn’t stop in Mui Ne; it stops at either Binh Thuan, which is 40 km away by taxi, or Phan Tiet, which is much closer to Mui Ne. 

By Bus

From Ho Chi Minh City, the buses leave at 7 am, 7:30 am, 8 am, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm, 3 pm, 6 pm, and 7 pm. If you’re coming from the North of Vietnam, check out our 3-week Vietnam Route Itinerary for more transport options. 

Where to Stay in Mui Ne

Mui Ne is a resort paradise. Lots of beautiful places to stay with pools are available for a very reasonable price. However, if you’re more on a backpacker budget, it is also home to many budget guesthouses, hotels, and hostels. 

Our favorite hotels in Mui Ne 😴

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Mui Ne Hills Budget Hotel

Mui Ne

Delight Hotel

Mui Ne

Bliss Hotel

Mui Ne

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Mui Ne

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