Mui Ne
Found on Vietnam’s south-east coastline, Mui Ne has some of the most beautiful sands to be found anywhere in the world, and there’s plenty to go round. You’ll find around 10km of beach, so it’s easy to find a quiet spot for a siesta. Its position also makes it great for watersports, with some of the best surf to be found anywhere in Vietnam. And that’s before we get to tours of the region’s famous deserts!
Mui Ne has two deserts, very different in appearance. The red dunes are close to the main thoroughfare, whereas the larger white dunes are a short drive into the countryside. The smaller red sands offer fabulous sunsets and the opportunity for some sand-sledging, whereas the white dunes can be traversed via an ATV and give glorious views of a lake and surrounding hillsides.
The region was once a simple fishing village, but a row of shops, bars, and resorts have sprung up in recent years, making for a quaint hub alongside the village itself.
Looking for something different? Find waterways, mangroves, and greenery on our Mekong Delta tours, or history, notable landmarks, and monkeys via Ho Chi Minh City.
FAQs
What does the name Mui Ne mean?
Speaking to local people, you’ll find a few different takes on the origin of the name Mui Ne. The most widely-heard explanation stems from those working in the fishing industry. In bad weather, they would wear a hooded cape, or a ‘mui’, and do their best to hide (‘ne’) from the storms.
Is it safe to swim in Mui Ne?
Most of Mui Ne’s beaches are perfectly-safe for swimming. The hot climate makes for a warm sea for much of the year. However, the length of the coastline can result in rip tides and multiple currents, so pay attention to any signs and exercise caution if going out of your depth.
What is the history of Mui Ne?
Mui Ne was once part of the ancient Cham Kingdom, and the 8th century Cham Towers in the area are some of the oldest of their kind to be found in Vietnam. The area passed to the Nguyen Dynasty in the 17th century, but remained largely untouched until the 20th century when the city of Phan Tiet sprang up nearby.
The coastline of Mui Ne was little more than a fishing village until around 20 years ago, when some resorts and restaurants were introduced. Nowadays there’s a strip of shops, bars, restaurants, and resorts all backing onto the coastline