Wind, sand and sea: Mui Ne’s must-do list

Nestled on a sleepy coastline only four hours from Ho Chi Minh City, Mui Ne’s long, palm-fringed beaches entice all types of travellers. Culture enthusiasts explore fishing villages and Cham ruins, familes unwind with seafood feasts and beach days, and adventure junkies seek out sand dunes and high winds (Mui Ne is one of Asia’s top sites for kiteboarding.) An eclectic mix of Vietnamese and foreigners adds an international feel to the town’s chilled-out beach vibe. Here are seven must-do Mui Ne activites for a first-time visitor. 

1. Must-do list

Early morning at the fishing village

Mui Ne fishing village

Mui Ne fishing village is located on Huynh Thuc Khang Street. It is approximately 23 kilometers away from the city center, 1 kilometer from Mui Ne market, and 200 meters from Mui Ne bus station.

Mui Ne’s history as a fishing outpost is worth exploring. Just after dawn breaks, the market at the fishing village is in full swing. Boats bundle together and fishermen unload at speed, using crates, trolleys, and motorbikes. Fresh seafood glistens everywhere. Once the catch is on land, it’s time for cards and coffee. Women prepare fish, aerate tubs, and bargain with customers. Be sure to get there early and step out of the way.

A stroll through the Fairy Stream

fairy stream mui ne travel

Mui Ne’s Fairy Stream is a gentle, ankle-deep waterway that lines the edge of a dramatic red clay and limestone rock formations on one side and a lush green forest on the other. Take your shoes off and meander upstream. Be sure to stop off at one of the rest stops for a cool coconut and before your return.

Watching Coral – Hon Ghenh Island

Hon Ghenh Island is located approximately 1 kilometer from Mui Ne, Vietnam, and stands 30 meters above sea level, creating a world of wilderness and fascination. You can see the beautiful and captivating coral reefs lying beneath the surface. Surrounding the island are various sizes of rocky cliffs stacked on top of each other. To reach the top of the island, you have to overcome these rocky cliffs. When “hopping” on these cliffs, visitors need to be cautious, as some rocks near the water’s edge are sharp and can easily cut their feet.

You can experience the below fun activities:

  • Climbing to the top of the island: Standing atop Hon Ghenh, you can breathe in the fresh, invigorating air while enjoying the generous ocean breeze.
  • Watching the sunset: The best time to visit is in the afternoon, as you will be captivated by the stunning moment of twilight over the sea.
  • Fishing at Hon Ghenh: It is recommended to go in the morning and prepare your fishing rods and bait.

Blissful beach days

beach mui ne travel

Some days doing nothing is exactly what you need. Whether or not you’re staying at a beachfront hotel, many of the seaside properties in Mui Ne offer day passes. Grab a hammock in the garden or a lounger by the water, and unwind with the soothing sound of the waves and reggae beats in the background. Book a massage by the beach for complete relaxation.

Tip: Coco Beach, one of Mui Ne’s first resorts, is a favourite among locals and repeat tourists.

Kiteboarding lessons with the pros

kiteboarding schools in mui ne

If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, get out on the water and kiteboard. The wind is up in the late afternoon, but if you’re new to the sport, the wind is gentler in the morning. Drop into Flyboard Mui Ne or any of the other reputable kiteboarding schools for a starter lesson. You’ll learn to draw out the lines, air the kites, strap in, board up and glide.

Sunrise or sunset on the sand dunes

sand dunes mui ne travel

Set in a coastal desert, Mui Ne is known for its sand dunes — both red and white. Sunrise at the white sand dunes is worth the early effort. The 25km drive awakens the senses, with chirping crickets, a deep blue horizon, and salty sea air. As you climb the dunes, the sky turns to wispy pink and purple, the sun reveals the vast sandy hills and the ocean in the distance. For sunset, head to the red dunes just outside of town. Try sandboarding down one of the many glowing orange dunes as the sun drops past the horizon.

TIP: Renting a motorbike will give you the flexibility of exploring the surrounding areas filled with beaches, cafes, and resorts.

Seafood dinners by the sea wall 

seafood mui ne travel

There is no better place for dinner than one of Mui Ne’s many “bờ kè” seafood grills along the seaside wall. Bubbling tanks stock the freshest seafood and icy beer tempers the humidity. Pick your choice of seasoning and method of cooking to create the feast you want. Fresh oysters, lemongrass clams, garlic scallops, grilled prawns, crispy fish, and chili stuffed squid are all on the menu.

 

2. When is the best time to visit Mui Ne?

With a year-round tropical climate and being one of the driest locations in the country, Mui Ne offers an ideal holiday destination regardless of the season. However, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with certain weather patterns to prepare thoroughly for your trip. Here are some guidelines for Mui Ne weather:

  • April to August stands out as the prime time to visit this beach resort town, as the tranquil water and consistent wind conditions create the perfect setting for both relaxation and exciting activities such as windsurfing, Mui Ne kitesurfing, jet-skiing, and kayaking.
  • From September to the end of the year, Mui Ne experiences regular rainfall, causing the seawater to become less clear and tinged with red sediment due to the influx of red sand.