Mui Ne is a coastal resort town in Binh Thuan Province, Vietnam, located on an arm of the South China Sea. The town is close to the city of Phan Thiet. Tourism has transformed Mui Ne into a resort destination since 1995, when many visited to view the total solar eclipse of October 24, 1995.
Mui Ne Beach is a popular tropical beach. Strong sea breezes make it very popular for kitesurfing and windsurfing.
The tourist season is from December to May. The average temperature is 27C, and the climate is hot and dry for most of the year.
The way
East of Phan Thiet the road passes through Dragon fruit plantations, finally climbing over the slope of a Cham-Tower-topped hill and descending onto the long, sandy crescent of Mui Ne Bay. The formerly scarcely inhabited beach south of the fishing village of Mui Ne proper has seen some serious development in the last 15 years, leading to a 15km long strip of resorts that line up like pearls on the shady street lined with coconut palms. Addresses are frequently specified by giving the distance from Phan Thiet in kilometers.
Open Tour buses between Ho Chi Minh City and Nha Trang have a regular lunch-stop in Mui Ne. Furthermore, public buses from both destinations service the place. You can also take the train to or from Ho Chi Minh City to Phan Thiet which is a short taxi ride from Mui Ne. Once you are on the train you can upgrade if there is room. Look around.
There are dozens of small travel agencies to sell you airline, rail, or open tour bus tickets. Be sure to shop around since some unscrupulous agents will often overcharge the unwary buyer, Tam Hanh Travel (88 Nguyen Dinh Chieu) in particular is a good one to avoid for any services other than set fare bus tickets.
Tourist attractions
Po Shanu tower is a derelict remainder of the ancient Cham culture that was built in the 8th century.
Fish Sauce Plants, where the famous nuoc mam is produced. Big jars harbor the concoction that, after months in the blazing sun, is sold all over Vietnam to add some spice to the food.
The famous Sand Dune. Xe Om Driver will not stop to offer you to get you there, and it is a nice place for views and short walks.
Mui Ne market and fishing harbor. Don't miss out on an excursion to this quiet little village. Just off the main road there is a small but colorful market. If you take your transport just down to the water, you will reach the fishing harbor. Walking along the beach, you'll pass by fishermen sorting out their catch, ship-wharfs and, at the southern end of town, a section where clams have been ridded of their shells for many years, so the sand on the beach is by now substituted with littered shells.
Wind and kite surfing is offered by several outfitters and hotels.
The Fairy Stream is a little river that winds its way through bamboo forests, boulders and the dunes behind the village, in parts resembling a miniature version of the grand canyon. You can walk up via the sandy hills overlooking the oasis-like valley and return by wading in the waters.