Mui Ne, Vietnam

Located in Southeast Vietnam, Mūi Né is a quiet, but popular beach town paradise. A part of the larger Phan Thiêt, Mūi Né boasts a long, white sand coastline and beautiful oceanfront views. Excellent waves make Mūi Né a prime spot for water sports like kitesurfing, sailing, and scuba diving.

Additionally, visitors should explore the local cuisine because a trip to Mūi Né wouldn’t be complete without sampling the seafood. As a part of Phan Thiêt’s resort community, Mūi Né has a well-developed tourist sector with gorgeous beachside accommodations.

Resort Community in Phan Thiêt

Often confused by travelers to be a city, Mūi Né is actually a ward of Phan Thiêt, the capital of the Bình Thuân Province. Part of the confusion may be due to the close proximity that Phan Thiêt has to Mūi Né, as the two destinations are about 16 minutes apart by car.

While Phan Thiêt is a true city, Mūi Né is more like a beach resort. The community around Mūi Né is smaller and the area has mostly been developed into resorts with a limited number of shops. With Mūi Né being located in Southern Vietnam, the majority of visitors will travel to the community from Ho Chi Minh City, which is 4.5-5 hours away by car.

There aren’t many reliable trains or planes to Mūi Né, so most travelers choose to go by private car or public bus. Travelers who do the journey by train should keep in mind that the railway will only take them to Phan Thiêt. From Phan Thiêt, a taxi can be arranged to travel the 6.6 miles (10.6 kilometers) to Mūi Né.

History

Once a part of the Kingdom of Champa, Mūi Né’s roots can be traced back through the centuries. At one point in time, the Cham people were widespread throughout Vietnam and parts of Cambodia. Although the Champa Empire no longer exists, traces of the past can still be found in Mūi Né in the forms of preserved relics and local culture.

In fact, Phan Thiêt’s most recognized landmark, the Cham Towers has been dated back to the 8^th century. Even today, the site has become a hotspot for tourists in Mūi Né. Furthermore, Cham culture continues to thrive in Mūi Né where modern-day festivals give tribute to the past. The unique blend between modern and ancient culture makes Mūi Né a fascinating destination.

While tourism in Mūi Né is not ancient, the area’s popularity can be accredited to a different type of historical event – a solar eclipse. In October 1995, there was a solar eclipse that could only be seen in the region around Mūi Né. Foreigners flocked to the local beaches and from there tourism in Mūi Né began to bloom.

In the last quarter of a century, Mūi Né has changed from being a local fishing spot to being an international vacation destination. Easily the most recognized area in Phan Thiêt, Mūi Né is a paradise for travelers looking to stay in quality beach resorts. Additionally, since the area is still developing, there are new additions made to the town every year for tourists to explore.

Fun Facts

• Approximately 25,000 people live in Mūi Né
• Nicknamed “the resort capital of Vietnam” because of its beauty and popularity
• Mūi Né is one of 18 wards in Phan Thiēt

Main Attractions

With activities throughout Mūi Né, along the coast, and in Phan Thiêt, visitors will have the opportunity to explore various attractions during their beach vacation. Popular activities in Mūi Né include the sand dunes, Fairy Stream, beaches, and water sports. With so many fun, unique things to do, you’ll be glad that you chose Mūi Né as your next vacation destination.

Sand Dunes

Mūi Né is not only famous for its beautiful beach resorts but also for its sand dunes. A great place to ride ATVs, sand surf, or simply enjoy the stellar panoramic views of the hills, tourists can’t get resist visiting these natural beauties. Technically, there are two types of sand dunes in Mūi Né – red and white.

Though the White Sand Dunes are not far from the Red Sand Dunes, not everyone visits both areas. The White Sand Dunes tend to be more popular amongst visitors because of their sheer size. However, to escape the crowds, tourists should consider visiting the Red Sand Dunes.

Fairy Stream

Visitors can also take a long, tranquil stroll and long the Fairy Stream. Along the way, you’ll pass several attractions including wildlife and unique cafes before reaching a small waterfall. Following the stream is easy because of the gentle grade, which makes the Fairy Stream an activity for travelers of any age.

Travelers should also remember to bring their camera because the Fairy Stream is Mūi Né’s photo hotspot. One side of the stream edges dramatic geological formations that come to life with strong hues of red, white, pink, orange, and green. On the other side, lush vegetation is a diverse mix of trees, flowers, and coconut palms.

Visitors are allowed to wade through the stream and, a majority of the time, the water stays at a shallow depth with most levels not going beyond knee-deep. The walk from the entrance of the Fairy Stream to the waterfall is about 1 hour.

Beaches of Mūi Né

The coastline of Mūi Né extends for over 9 miles (15 kilometers), so there are plenty of opportunities for visitors to spend a day on the sand, under the sun, and in the surf. For the most part, Mūi Né’s beaches are divided into two parts. In the north, most of the sandy spots are used for fishing and markets while in the south, the beaches are devoted to resorts, restaurants, and shops.

Mūi Né Beach, often mistaken as Rang Beach, is the community’s closest spot on the sand. Located right in front of the main town, Mūi Né Beach is often busy with visitors who are enjoying the scene, food, and activities. Like most of the beaches in the area, Mūi Né has various accommodation, dining, shopping, and activity options.

Rang Beach is actually a 14-minute drive from Mūi Né and it is a part of the Ham Tiên Ward, which is between Phan Thiêt and Mūi Né. Often confused to be Mūi Né Beach, Rang Beach is extremely popular amongst foreign visitors. A mix of resorts, a fishing village, and nature, Rang Beach is well-known for its calm, clear waters.

One of the quieter beaches in northern Mūi Né is called Suoi Nuoc. Designed to be more exclusive, resorts in Suoi Nuoc often have their own private section of sand. Even though public access to Suoi Nuoc is limited, the beaches come highly rated because of their resorts and coastal views.

In addition to places like Suoi Nuoc, there are beaches all along the coast. Visitors can stick to Mūi Né, visit Phan Thiêt, or travel further down the coastal highway to explore other sandy spots.

Fun in the Waves

Aside from resorts, Mūi Né is famous for its windy weather. While wind may seem like a downside, the ocean breezes in Mūi Né are actually beneficial because of it makes the waves a prime location for water sports. All along the coast, beaches are dotted with surfers, paragliders, kite surfers, snorkelers, and scuba divers.

Local tour companies are the best way to safely partake in various water sports. Guides can also help direct you to the best spots depending on your chosen activity.

Discover more beachside bliss with the top things to do in Mui Ne.

Accommodation

Booking.com

Hotels and lodging:

• Read about the best hotels in Phan Thiet (and Mui Ne).
• Read about the cheap hotels in Phan Thiet (and Mui Ne).
• Read about the top 5-star hotels in Mui Ne.
• Read about the best beach resorts in Mui Ne.

Swanky resorts are what Mūi Né does best, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t other options too. From the hefty price tags to affordable rates, Mūi Né has plenty of accommodation styles to fit any traveler’s budget. Many places in Mūi Né will also negotiate on time or length of stay so that travelers can book a weekend getaway or month-long staycation.

Premier Resorts – The majority of Mūi Né’s prime beach real estate has been claimed by 5-star resorts. With all-inclusive packages and luxury amenities, resorts remain a popular option for guests who want the ultimate beach vacation experience. Most of the top resorts are spread along the coast around Mūi Né and the neighboring ward, Ham Tiên.

Resorts with the highest ratings include the Sailing Club Resort, Serenity by the Sea, Anantara, and the Sunsea Resort.

Mid-Range Delights – Understandably, not every traveler can afford or wants to stay at a resort. In Mūi Né, there are a few quality mid-range options too. The Sunrise Village is a guest house with affordable prices and enough space to fit large families. For backpackers, the Mūi Né Hills is very affordable and operates as a hostel with both private and shared dorm rooms.

Long Term Stays – For travelers who want to stay awhile without breaking the bank, short-term guest house or apartment rentals are the best options. Entire houses may also pop up on the rental market for traveling families. Depending on what you choose to rent, most rental prices range from $120 US dollars to $250 US dollars per month.

Dining

As a community built on the backbone of fishing, it is safe to assume that Mūi Né’s main culinary ingredient is seafood. Many of the traditional Vietnamese dishes served are seafood-based with the local fish sauce being a favorite. However, Mūi Né has a lot more than seafood, and thanks to the international community, restaurants serve plates with flavors from all over the world.

Choi Oi – Run by a family that also owns and operates the Mūi Né Cooking School, Choi Oi is raved for being the best homecooked Vietnamese food in town. Serving local staples, one of the highest-rated dishes is the Vietnamese pho. For vegetarians and vegans, there is even a meat-free version of the pho, so that no one is left out of experiencing culinary perfection.

Mia – Serving more traditionally American food, Mia is well-known for its tasty menu of burgers, salads, and bread. Open all day, visitors can also order smoothie bowls and open-faced sandwiches as a tasty option for breakfast or lunch.

Gino’s Pizza – For a little comfort, Gino’s has the best pizza in Mūi Né. On the menu are a variety of pizzas, which are all baked fresh in the oven. Affordable prices and a friendly owner keep Gino’s Pizza at the top of the list of restaurants in Mūi Né.

Dong Vui Food Court – With a little bit of everything at an affordable price, the Dong Vui Food Court is the place to go to eat, drink, and be happy. Filled with various stalls, the food court serves local, international, and specialty dishes on a daily basis.

Seafood Markets – Travelers who have the chance to cook for themselves should consider taking a trip to Mūi Né’s or Ham Tiên’s Fish Market. The market in Mūi Né is located in the northern part of town and it is the place where fishermen go to sell their daily catch. Affordable and fresh, a market is a favorite place amongst locals for grocery shopping.

Special Events

Aside from the day-to-day activities, Mūi Né is famous for its special events and festivals. Falling in line with the rest of Vietnam, popular holidays that are celebrated in Mūi Né include Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, and Trung Thu, which is the country’s Mid-Autumn Festival.

One festival that is special to the region around Mūi Né is called Nghinh Ong, which celebrates the ocean and whales. Traced back to ancient times when the Cham people worshipped the ocean, the Nghinh Ong Festival is a time for locals to celebrate and pray for happiness, good fortune, and health.

Held during the 8^th lunar month (depending on the year it could be August, September, or October), the Nghinh Ong Festival is a time when Mūi Né will be packed with locals and tourists eager to join in on the celebration.

Transportation

Depending on where you’re going, most people will walk, bike, or hire a taxi to get around Mūi Né. The downtown area of Mūi Né can easily be navigated by walking because everything is close together. With most restaurants, hotels, and shops lined up with the ocean, it is also easy to navigate without getting lost.

Those who want to explore more of the coast or head to Phan Thiêt should rent a bike or hire a taxi. Both options of transportation are very affordable and simple to use. There are bicycle and motorbike rentals available for reasonable daily rates. Additionally, many hotels and hostels may offer to help make transportation arrangements for their guests.

Weather

Throughout the year, the climate in Mūi Né tends to stay hot and windy, which makes it a popular destination no matter the season. However, peak tourist times in Mūi Né always fall around the summer and winter holidays. Locals are more common in the summertime as children have a break from school.

Foreigners in Mūi Né tend to visit during the end of the year when their home is in the heart of a cold winter. Escaping the cold is even better since Mūi Né’s climate is always temperate. Finally, visitors can expect the beaches to be packed during the end of the year holidays like Christmas and New Year’s, which is when foreigners are eager to travel.

Once an ancient kingdom, Mūi Né has transformed through the centuries to become a fishing village and now, resort powerhouse. A staple of tourism in Southeast Vietnam, Mūi Né is an enchanting coastline where visitors can feel their stress melt away. Developed to be luxurious, Mūi Né is now Phan Thiêt’s most famous ward and a place that guarantees your trip to Vietnam will be unforgettable.

Activities near Mui Ne

Hot Springs:

• Mui Ne Hot Springs Center (8km)

Landmarks:

• Fairy Stream (4km)
• Red Sand Dunes (17km)
• White Sand Dunes (27km)

Towns:

• Ho Chi Minh City (216km)
• Nha Trang (219km)
• Phan Thiet (10km)
• Vung Tau (175km)

Transportation:

• Reunification Express Train to Hanoi or HCMC

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