The Best Things to do in Mui Ne Vietnam

Vietnam is not only beautiful, but it’s also a place full of surprises, and Mui Ne is no exception. This once tiny fishing village lies between the turquoise beaches that line Vietnam’s Eastern coast. It is only a few hours away from the bustling Ho Chi Minh City, but it feels like an entirely different world. There are many reasons to visit Mui Ne, and for us, it was for a little downtime, to learn to cook Vietnamese food and we liked it so much we came back for more!  Here are the best things to do in Mui Ne.

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED AND AFFILIATE LINKS MORE INFORMATION IN OUR DISCLAIMER

Mui Ne is a beach destination in Vietnam that has become popular in recent years for both tourists who want to chill out and relax by the pool and those travelers who desire a little more adventure. We’ve had stunning sunsets and surreal scenery here. Fabulous food and also a little culture. There’s a lot to do in Mui Ne, and to be honest one of the best things to do in Mui Ne, is nothing.  It’s good to be back in the land where a meal including drinks costs us US$4.50 and a beer is only US$0.70, where the place we sleep is US$16 compared to the USD $80 we’ve been paying in Tokyo.

Where to Stay in Mui Ne

There are some great places to stay in Mui Ne– here’s our pick of the luxury places to stay in Mui Ne, mid-range places to stay in Mui Ne, and budget accommodation in Mui Ne.

Cham Villas Boutique Luxury Resort, Mui Ne: The Cham Villas Boutique Luxury Resort while located in central Mui Ne, provides a quiet oasis perfect for. This gorgeous Mui Ne resort features six beachfront villas with direct views of the sea and 12 garden villas.  Each villa at this luxury Mui Ne resort is equipped with a private bathroom with a sunken bathtub and shower with a view of a small private garden, air-conditioning, cable flat TV, an in-room safe, a seating area, and free WiFi access. Enjoy both Vietnamese and international cuisine at the Cham Garden Restaurant and a relaxing dining experience at the Beach bar. The resort has an open-air spa, and both an indoor and outdoor pool. The Cham Villas Boutique Resort in Mui Ne is a fantastic place for a perfectly relaxing stay when in Mui Ne. Check rates and availability here.

Bamboo Village Beach Resort, Mui Ne: The Bamboo Village Beach Resort in Mui Ne is a lush green escape located right in the heart of Mui Ne. Each room at this mid-range resort in Mui Ne is equipped with a flat-screen TV, a desk, a private balcony, a private bathroom with shower and hairdryer, an in-room safe, a mini-bar, and air conditioning. The Mui Ne resort has a restaurant and a bar. There are also barbeque facilities, an exercise area, a garden, a karaoke, a sauna, a yoga room, and an outdoor swimming pool. Relax also at the Water Lily Spa, where they blend traditional and modern treatments. There are also laundry, a library, and a food delivery service. The Bamboo Village Beach Resort is an ideal place to stay for a mix of fun and relaxation when visiting Mui Ne. See rates and availability here.

Ananda Resort, Mui Ne: The Ananda Resort in Mui Ne is situated right in central Mui Ne. Available in all rooms are air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a balcony, a private open-roof bathroom, a desk, a mini-bar, and complimentary WiFi. Enjoy good food and a view at their restaurant and their bar. Barbeque facilities, a garden, an outdoor pool, a bowling alley, and water sports equipment rentals are also available. This excellent value resort also has a private beach. The Ananda Resort is a budget-friendly escape in busy Mui Ne. Read more reviews and check room rates and availability here.

The Best Things to Do in Mui Ne

Whether you want to relax, take in a little culture in Mui Ne, or take to the water there are lots of options for you here, here’s what you can do in Mui Ne and what you shouldn’t miss.

Visit the Market in Mui Ne

The chaotic early morning market at Mui Ne offers a fascinating glimpse into local Vietnamese fishermen’s lives and daily activities. They bring their catch every morning where their wives and families sort the catch and sell it to local traders, restaurant owners, street food vendors, and other local businesses.   It’s like a trading area straight out of Wall Street. Expect to see fishing nets full of seafood, buckets full of fish, shells everywhere, and lively conversation.  Expect also to see some fabulous options on fresh fruit and veg and scoop it all up!

Take a cooking class in Mui Ne.

The Mui Ne Cooking School is fabulous.  You shouldn’t miss the opportunity to experience the richness and spice of Vietnamese cuisine while you are in Mui Ne. You will learn four popular Vietnamese dishes, such as Pho Bo and Ban Xeo. You will also learn from trained teachers the secrets of Vietnamese cuisine and how to eat like an authentic Vietnamese.  Some cooking classes also include a trip to the market to select some of the items that you’ll cook.  You can see what’s available while you’re in Mui Ne.

Rent a scooter or motorbike and explore Mui Ne independently

A bike is the best way for you to travel to Mui Ne. There are many hidden gems to discover. A Mui Ne bike rental costs anywhere from $8-12 per day. This area of the world can be chaotic with traffic, so be cautious. Bus drivers seem to be on an eternal mission to destroy everything in their path. Another piece of advice: Always wear your helmet, otherwise, you will be stopped by the police.   Rent a motorbike in Mui Ne here.

Visit the Fishing Village

It is a great place to capture photos of Vietnamese life. Although Mui Ne was once a small fishing village, and many still make a living from this traditional industry, heading to the original village is a great exploration. It is a beautiful and photogenic place to visit, so bring your camera and the village is best in the morning when fishermen return from the sea.  While many tour operators include the visit to the fishing village with their package, it is also possible to explore Mui Ne Fishing Village on your own (by bike or motorbike).

See the home of Fish Sauce in Mui Ne

Phan Thiet and Mui Ne are famous for being the home of fish sauce factories in Vietnam (there are also some on the island of Phu Quoc).  You’ll find several factories here in Phan Thiet.  And you’ll likely smell them before you see them.   Strike that.  You will smell them before you see them.  For an ingredient that adds a huge depth of flavor to Vietnamese food, it is particularly stinky!  You can actually visit the old fishing village 3D museum in Mui Ne.  It’s located at the Mui Ne Deli restaurant and there are interactive exhibits here, that detail the 300-year history of Phan Thiet and Mui, including the traditional fish sauce industry.  This is the only museum in Mui Ne.

• Address of Old Fishing Village 3D Museum: 360 Nguyễn Thông, Phú Hài, Hàm Thuận Bắc, Bình Thuận 800000, Vietnam
• Cost to enter Old Fishing Village 3D Museum: 100,000 VND
• Opening hours of Old Fishing Village 3D Museum:  Open daily from 9 am to 6 pm

Go to Ke Ga Cape and Lighthouse near Mui Ne

 The Ke Ga Cape is located just over an hour away from Phan Thiet and this location is near Mui Ne. It has a wild and majestic beauty that charms its visitors. You can see where it is on our interactive map of things to do in Mui Ne.  You can take a boat out to the island on which the lighthouse is built and you’ll find many unusual shapes of rocks on the island, arranged into impressive blocks. This place is known for its exotic rocky beaches and the oldest and tallest lighthouse in Vietnam, Ke Ga Lighthouse. A round-trip ticket can be purchased for 50,000 VND ($2,18) to take you on a boat to the island, ask around the beach area once you get there.  If you’ve rented a motorbike in Mui Ne, then this is the best way to get there.

Kitesurf in Mui Ne

The wind conditions in Mui Ne make it perfect for kitesurfing for about 70% of the year and kitesurfing and windsurfing are among the most popular Mui Ne watersports activities. You can try both, as Mui Ne is one of SE Asia’s top places to practice both sports. Added to that, the kitesurf schools in Mui Ne have pretty competitive prices for all levels.  The best time to visit Mui Ne to kitesurf is from November to March. The sky is clear, and there are strong winds. This results in favorable temperatures as well as ideal wave conditions. You can expect to pay US$50-60 for an hour of instruction.

There are three schools here

• C2Sky
• Source Kiteboarding
• Jibe’s Beach Club

Rent a Sail Boat, or learn to Sail in Mui Ne

Sailing is another exciting activity you can do in Mui Me. You can learn to sail a boat in just a few days. It is much cheaper than in other parts of the world here. The sailing center here is Vietnam’s first sail training center and, of course, professional instructors are also available.  Want to try sailing in Vietnam?  Here you go!

Like Watersports?  Mui Ne is a fabulous place to come to in Vietnam.  You can try your hand at Stand up paddleboarding, or take a surf lesson in Mui Ne

Check out the Beach in Mui Ne

Mui Ne is well-known for its beautiful, serene, palm tree-lined beaches. It is easy to find your little piece of paradise. The problem is that the whole area is right next to the ocean, and much of the sand has eroded away into the ocean.

You’ll find a quiet spot south of town, right next to Ong Dia Cape. This beach is ideal for swimming because of its calm waters. Kiteboarding is very popular in the area north of there, near Mia Resort. The beach is clean and wide, making it a great place to relax and watch the beautiful kites fly across the ocean. You’ll notice that the beach disappears as you travel north towards Ham Tien. Stone walls block the rough surf.

Chill out at your hotel pool in Mui Ne

Vietnam generally provides excellent facilities at a very affordable price and Mui Ne is no exception. You will find stunning rooms and breathtaking views in the hotels in this area. And it makes chilling out here really, really easy.  We’ve been back several times, once after months in Russia, Mongolia, and China, and then again for another break.  Here are some of the best hotels with pools in Mui Ne.

Mui Ne is a great place to visit in Vietnam for a vacation. Make sure you take at least one afternoon to relax. You can take advantage of the beach or resort’s pool to lay out, swim, and enjoy a coconut and a cocktail!

Check out this great guide of where you should stay in Mui Ne, whatever your budget.

Take a night street food tour

Have you ever tried authentic Vietnamese street food? This is something you must try. The food scene in Mui Ne is fantastic, considering its small size. You’ll be able to enjoy delicious food, meet the locals, and witness the nightlife in Mui Ne.  The night street food tour here in Mui Ne is run by the Mui Ne cooking school and it’s fabulous!  Reserve your place on it here.

Walk along the Fairy Stream and see the Red Canyon

The small town of Mui Ne in Vietnam is well-known for its sand dunes. However, it is also home to the Fairy Stream, a creek colored by limestone and clay particles.  It’s more of a walkway than a stream, and it winds its way through bamboo forests, boulders, and the dunes behind Mui Ne. It is reminiscent of the Grand Canyon in (extreme) miniature.  It’s best to walk along barefoot, as the stream is mostly ankle-deep, but it does get to knee-deep in places.  Keep in mind that the entrance fee for adults is 15,000 VND, and for children is 7,000 VND. Tickets are sold at the entrance to the stream at a ticket booth and your ticket will be checked twice on your walk.

You can easily visit this independently, if you’ve rented a bike it’s easy to get to, or you can walk, but if you’re visiting the sand dunes of Mui Ne, then a visit to the fairy stream is included, check it out here.

Visit the Po Shanu Cham Towers at Mui Ne

These crumbling towers are a remnant of centuries-old Vietnamese culture. They have been around since the 9th Century and are still used for religious purposes today, there are echoes here in Mui of the temples at Angkor Wat, but they’re distant echoes, there’s also a little similar to the My Son ruins near Hoi An. There are just two pointed towers here now and there’s not much known about them.  You can easily rent a motorbike to visit both the towers and Ta Ku Mountain, which are located about 6 km from town.

• Address of Po Shanu Cham Towers: Phú Hài, Thành phố Phan Thiết, Bình Thuận, Vietnam
• Cost to enter Po Shanu Cham Towers: 15,000 VND/adult and 7,000 VND/child. 3,000 VND for bike parking. 5,000 VND motorbike parking.
• Opening hours of Po Shanu Cham Towers:  Open daily from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm – closes 11:30 -1 pm

Visit Ta Cu Mountain

Ta Cu Mountain, which boasts Vietnam’s longest Buddha statue, is a popular tourist attraction and a place of pilgrimage for local Buddhists. Although it is possible to climb the mountain at 2,100 feet on foot, most tourists opt for the cable car. This takes passengers to Linh Son Trong Pagoda during a six-minute ride that offers overhead views of rice fields and dragonfruit plantations.  A roundtrip ticket for the cable car to the pagodas or Buddha statues high up in the mountains costs approximately $4 per person.  If you have a motorbike you can visit here independently, or combine a visit to that of the Cham Towers on this tour.

• Address of Ta Cu Mountain: 18 Nguyễn Văn Linh, TT. Thuận Nam, Hàm Thuận Nam, Bình Thuận, Vietnam
• Cost to enter Ta Cu Mountain: 15,000 VND/adult and 7,000 VND/child. 3,000 VND for bike parking. 5,000 VND motorbike parking.
• Opening hours of Ta Cu Mountain:  Open daily from 6:45 am to 5:30 pm

Go to the Forgotten Land Sand Sculpture Park

The Forgotten Land Sand Sculpture Park is a must-see tourist spot in Mui Ne, Phan Thiet City. It’s the first sand sculpture park in Vietnam and you’ll be amazed by the unique and amazing sand sculptures here.

• Address of Forgotten Land Sand Sculpture Park: Nguyen Thong Street, Phu Hai Ward, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province.
• Cost to enter Forgotten Land Sand Sculpture Park: VND 100,000/adult, VND 70,000/child
• Opening hours of Forgotten Land Sand Sculpture Park:  From 8:00 a.m to 6:00 p.m

Visit the White Sand Dunes in Mui Ne – best for sunrise

The White Sand Dunes at Mui Ne, which are one of the few existing desert areas in Southeast Asia, add to Vietnam’s diverse natural landscape, they are about 45 minutes drive from Mui Ne and are usually visited on a tour. The dunes are most often visited at sunset or sunrise. The surrounding pine forest and freshwater lakes add visual drama and make this beautiful location a perfect place for those who love taking pictures. You can take a jeep tour or motorbike to reach the White Sand Dunes of Mui Ne.  You can see the options for tours to the Mui Ne White Sand Dunes here.

Visit the Red Sand Dunes at Sunset in Mui Ne

Mui Ne’s Red Sand Dunes are another great spot to capture a stunning sunset. These dunes have a rusty red/brown color and are beautiful at sunset. It is a bit crowded because of the close proximity. Also, most tours end here. This means that people will spend more time loitering about than usual. However, this shouldn’t discourage you; you will still be able to find a lovely spot to enjoy the sunset over the rolling hills.  You can easily take a bus or jeep on sunrise and sunset tours. These tours can be arranged at the hotel reception for as low as USD$5.00.  Alternatively, if you’ve rented a motorbike, then they’re easy to get to on that too.

See all the sights of Mui Ne in a Jeep

Tourists will find Mui Ne a beautiful place with outstanding sandy beaches, a lot of sunshine, and several high-end resorts on the coast. There are several interesting places to visit here, such as the white dune and Ta Cu Mountain, the fishing village, and the red dunes. Each location is separated by a reasonable distance, so booking a Mui Ne jeep trip is a great idea to help you save time, money, effort, and money.

Map of Things to do in Mui Ne, Vietnam

You can also see our Mui Ne things to do map here.

Where is Mui Ne?

Mui Ne is a beach resort town in Phan Thiet. It is located about 4 hours away from Ho Chi Minh City. Mui Ne is located approximately 220 kilometers south of Saigon, in the south-central Binh Thuan province.  The names Phan Thiet, Ham Tien, Mui Ne, and Mui Ne beach are all used interchangeably to refer to the same area by visitors, however, they are distinctly different.

Phan Thiet is the city, of 400,000 residents, and it covers about a 60-kilometer stretch of coastline. The area of the coast from Phuy Thuy along to Hon Rom to the east is generally known as Mui Ne.
The main areas of Mui Ne / Phan Thiet are:

• Ham Tien (often called Mui Ne)
• Rang Beach (often called Mui Ne Beach).
• The area from the east of Phu Thuy right along to the peninsular is generally known as Mui Ne.

Ham Tien is where the main tourist and visitor action is and it has all the kite surfing, spas, beach bars, shops, places to eat, and places to stay. There’s not much sand here, so don’t expect a sandy beach. Ham Tien is where the Mui Ne Fairy Stream is, it’s one of the most popular things to see and do in Mui Ne.

Further to the east along the coast is the coastal fishing village of Mui Ne. And then around the peninsular is the village of Hon Rom – which is small and local and doesn’t have tourist facilities. Mui Ne is where the red sand dunes of Mui Ne are located – they’re on a hill between Mui and Hon Rom. If you’re looking for the white sand dunes, then they’re 23 kilometers north of Mui Ne.

How to get to Mui Ne

There is no airport in Mu Ne, but, fortunately, there are other options to get to this incredible paradise. You can travel from Ho Chi Minh to Mui Ne by bus, train, or individual transfer (taxi). The Ho Chi Minh-Mui Ne bus journey takes 5-7,5 hours and costs $6-10. The train journey takes 3 hours 44 minutes and costs $16-18. Transfers from Ho Chi Minh and Mui Ne will cost $80. The trip takes approximately 5 hours.

The quickest way to get to Mui Ne from Ho Chi Minh is to take a taxi or private transfer. It takes about 3 hours and 20 minutes to drive to Mui Ne from Ho Chi Minh and you can book a car from Ho Chi Minh to Mui Ne here.

The easiest way to get from Ho Chi Minh to Mui Ne is to take a private transfer or taxi, you can check the prices of taxis from Ho Chi Minh to Mui Ne here.

The cheapest way to get to Mui Ne from Ho Chi Minh is to take a bus, – reserve your seats here.

Our detailed guide to all the different options on how to get to Mui Ne is here.

How to get around Mui Ne

These are the best ways to get around Mui Ne:

Grab

Horror stories about taxi drivers who charge outrageous rates and give customers the run-around are not uncommon. This is no longer an issue for Vietnam, but always confirm a rate before you get in a taxi, or make sure the meter is on. Grab is all you need to manage your city-based transportation needs. Grab eliminates the need for you to worry about finding a taxi to take you around Vietnam.

Rent a motorbike

You can rent a motorcycle at your hotel. The rental cost is approximately 120,000 VND (5 US$) per day – or you can book online here and collect locally.  You should be careful on the roads and slow down. Because there isn’t much traffic, you will be able to drive in the Mui Ne area. When renting a car or bicycle, it is essential to have your international driving license. Local police frequently stop tourists from Western countries.  Always wear a helmet. And have adequate travel insurance.  If you’re already traveling and need insurance, then World Nomads are one of the few companies that provide cover to those who have already started their trip and you can get a quote here.

Take a tour of Mui Ne

Taking a tour is always a great way to know a new place. It will allow you to visit the most popular spots of Mui Nee accompanied by a group of people who will make the whole experience unforgettable. Here’s a great selection of tours around Mui Ne.

Walk

Walking is a great exercise, but if you are on vacation, it gives you the chance to immerse yourself in the location’s daily life, and Mui Ne isn’t an exception. You can walk from one end of Mui Ne to the other along Nguyen Dinh Chieu (Nguyen Dinh Chieu), and it would only take just over an hour. Bear in mind that it’s hot though!

Travel Tips for Exploring Vietnam

Final Words on the Best Things to do in Mui Ne

Mui Ne is a paradise, so it’s no surprise that most people easily lose track of time while they are here. Mui Ne is a great place to relax, ride bikes along the coast, enjoy incredible afternoons at the pool, and eat fresh seafood while listening to the waves. This fabulously relaxed destination has grown to now provide resorts and guest houses of all kinds over the years; there are different options in Mui Ne that fit any budget and guarantee an unforgettable break.

We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using our affiliate links. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

ASocialNomad is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, and amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.