Vietnam Phan Thiet is all about it. Open left menu Mui Ne. White dunes and lotus lake

Mui Ne is a small fishing village on the southern coast of Vietnam. Its closest neighbor is the city of Phan Thiet.

I admit, at first glance I was not impressed by Mui Ne. In guidebooks, the resort of Mui Ne is described as a place with paradise beaches. In fact, due to soil erosion, the beaches here are more disappointing than charming. Some of them are filled with concrete, the rest are located close to a busy road, which means they are very popular. For a beach holiday in Vietnam, it is best to go to Phu Quoc Island.

Another feature of Mui Ne is that there are a lot of Russian tourists here.

Despite all of the above, as soon as I got to know Mui Ne better, I fell in love with this resort. In this article I will tell you why Mui Ne (Vietnam) is so remarkable and what attractions you can see here.

What to do in Mui Ne

Interactive map of Mui Ne attractions.

Hon Rom Beach and water attractions

What I liked most about Mui Ne was Hon Rom Beach. It is not the most popular among tourists, because it is a little remote, but it is calm and very beautiful. This is one of those places in Mui Ne that I recommend visiting if you want to take a break from the hustle and bustle.

Opposite the beach are rocks of bizarre shapes, which are covered with dense green vegetation during the rainy season, and yellowish grass during the dry season. From a distance, the mountain looks like a haystack, which is why the place was called “Hon Rom”, which means “straw island”.

Many people come to Mui Ne for surfing. The long stretch of sand and windy weather make Mui Ne an ideal destination for surfers. On the other hand, high waves make it inconvenient to swim, and children should not be allowed into the water at all. In Mui Ne, diving is not a good idea for exactly the same reason. For this entertainment, it is better to choose the beach in neighboring Phan Thiet.

Fishing village in Mui Ne harbor

Not without the original attraction of Mui Ne. Mui Ne Fishing Village is a great place to watch the lives of local fishermen and eat freshly caught seafood. I strongly recommend arriving in the village before 10 am. At this time, fishermen return with a catch of live crabs, scallops, rays and groupers, and you have every chance to witness this spectacle.

Blind bidding takes place at 7:30 am. When fishermen and wholesale seafood buyers trade blindly without seeing the goods. Sometimes you can hear cheers here if you manage to buy a rare fish, and sometimes vice versa.

On the southern outskirts of the village you can find a lot of colorful shells on the shore. Many tour operators organize excursions to this village from Mui Ne and Ho Chi Minh City. The fishing village is located very close to Mui Ne and, if you want to explore it on your own, you can easily get there by taxi, motorbike or bicycle.

If you are a photographer, then you will really love this picturesque place. Be sure to try the fresh seafood at the local market.

Where is: 7 km north of Mui Ne, see

Fairy Creek in Mui Ne

Mui Ne has a lot to offer. Take Fairy Creek in Vietnam. Not the Grand Canyon, of course, but also a very beautiful place.

Fairy Stream Mui Ne is a small red canyon in Mui Ne. It was named red because of the dramatic combination of red, orange, pink and white. Fairy Creek is located 18 km northeast of Phan Thiet. This is a water rift that is located next to the island of Hon Rom (the straw island already familiar to us). On one side there are white and red sand dunes, on the other there are coconut palms and flowers.

You can explore Fairy Creek on your own. You just need to go upstream of the river, at the end you will see a small waterfall. Afterwards you can turn around and head back. A round-trip walk through the canyon will take an hour to an hour and a half.

It is very hot to walk along the shore during the day. You can take off your shoes and wade through the water of the river flowing from Dinh Hint Tien Mountain. For the most part, the depth will reach your ankle and only in some places rise to your knee.

There are 2 “official” legends about Fairy Creek that are told by guides:

One says that previously only the wives and daughters of high-ranking officials were allowed to swim here;
Another is that fairies actually swam in the stream, and therefore it has healing powers.

There is a third legend. That the name of the stream is a lure for tourists. What to believe - choose for yourself.

Wear comfortable clothes and, if necessary, bring replacement shoes. Get wet here - just once or twice. Here you can ride an ostrich for 100,000 VND. Vietnamese children and teenagers will pester you with an offer to guard your shoes for a fee or to be your guide. If you are not going to use their services, it is better to refuse immediately, otherwise they will then demand money for walking next to the matchmaker.

For those more active, you can climb to the top of the sand dunes and rock formations. From there you will have a breathtaking view of the reddish waters of the river and bizarre stalagmites. Entry to Fairy Stream (Suoi Tien in Vietnamese) is free.

Don't be afraid to get hungry; you will see several food stalls along the way. And upstream there are bars and restaurants.

Where is Fairy Creek: Huynh Thuc Khang, Ham Tien, Phan Thiet – Mui Ne, see.

How to get there: If you travel as part of a tourist group, they will organize a transfer for you. If you are on your own, you can order a taxi for 80,000 dong, ride by bike or take bus No. 1 or No. 9 for 12,000 dong.

Red and white sand dunes

The red and white sand dunes in Mui Ne are one of the main attractions of the region and a real mini-desert in Vietnam. There are many tour operators in Mui Ne that offer day trips to the dunes, but you can easily visit them on your own.

White dunes consist of yellow and white sand. They are very reminiscent of the Sahara. These are the largest dunes in the region. Locals call them “Bau Trang”, which translates as “white lake”. Here you will find many stalls with food and drinks. They usually huddle near pine trees, where they can rest in the shade.

The dunes are located 26 km northeast of Mui Ne. On the way to the dunes, you will come across smaller formations of yellow and white sand, the main thing is not to confuse them with the main dunes.

There is another attraction near the white dunes - Lotus Lake. Here you can rent a boat, but swimming is strictly prohibited. The lake is deep - 22 meters, and it is very easy to get your feet entangled in the lotus stems.

Things to consider: It makes sense to come here when the lotus lake is in bloom; the rest of the time it is unremarkable. Lotuses bloom in Vietnam from early July to late September, the second wave of flowering is shorter and occurs in November.

The red dunes of Mui Ne are smaller and located closer to the resort - only 17 km. The sand here is red-brown with very beautiful shades that attract many photographers.

Best time to visit the dunes- is it morning or evening. During the day the sand gets very hot. Take plenty of water with you.

The dunes are a lot of fun to ride on an ATV. Here you can rent plastic sleds and ride down the dunes like a slide. The main thing is to find a good dune, because... sand constantly flows from place to place. It is best to roll off dry sand. Many people fly kites here.

The red dunes have a very beautiful sunset and many locals come here in the evening for a picnic. The red and white dunes of Mui Ne have never left anyone indifferent.

Cham Towers of Poshanu

A must-see item on the list of “things to see in Mui Ne” is the Po Shanu Cham Towers, conveniently located at the top of Ong Hoang Hill. The temple complex consists of three Cham towers built in the 8th century. Together with the Po Dam Towers and the My Son Nature Reserve, these ruins are among the attractions of the ancient kingdom of Champa. The main tower is 15 meters high, and the other two are 12 and 5 meters.

Archaeological excavations carried out in 1992 - 1995 allowed the discovery of several temples dating back to the 15th century. All of them were dedicated to Princess Po Shanu, Daughter of King Para Chanh.

If you explore the towers' past, you'll find a fortress used by French and South Vietnamese troops, as well as a memorial honoring the revolutionaries who launched an attack on the towers in 1947.

Thanks to its high location, it offers beautiful views of Phan Thiet and the coastline.

How to get there: You can get to the Cham Towers from Mui Ne by bike, taxi or even on foot. A beautiful stone sign with the inscription “Nhomdenthap Cham” will help you not to miss the towers.

Entrance to the temple complex will cost you 10,000 dong. If you come with your own bike, you will need to pay an additional 2,000 VND for parking.

Location: Ong Hoang Hill, Mui Ne, look

Mount Taku and Reclining Buddha Pagoda

The territory of Mount Taku occupies 250,000 square meters. lush rainforests, rare wildlife, limestone caves and ornate Buddhist shrines. Mount Taku is an hour's drive from Mui Ne. You can reach the top of the mountain with a 2-hour hike or a 10-minute cable car ride.

The first option is suitable for hardy hikers because you have to climb some steep stairs and then a winding path in the middle of the forest. At the end of the path, the Reclining Buddha awaits you. Along the way you will come across several small shrines and a restaurant. If you climb the mountain on your own, the entrance ticket to the temple complex will cost 15,000 VND for adults and 10,000 for children.

If you choose the cable car, you will need to pay 160,000 VND for the trip to the top of the mountain. This price includes the round-trip cable car, entrance ticket and electric car travel around the territory. The trip itself will take 6-10 minutes. Along the way, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of Thuan Nam Town, Ham Thuan An Sea and Ke Ga Lighthouse, as well as rice fields and dragon trees.

In itself, it is of little interest to foreigners, except for the colorful morning market and brightly painted fishermen’s boats. Nearby Phan Thiet also does not stand out in anything special. But between them stretches a 10-kilometer beach, for which everyone comes here to relax.

Some people call this resort Mui Ne, others Phan Thiet, but in fact we are not talking about settlements, but about the coastal zone between them. Further in the article the word “Mui Ne” is used in this meaning.

The resort is popular among two categories of tourists: lovers of water sports and people from the CIS. The first come because of the waves and the constantly blowing wind: Mui Ne has excellent conditions for kitesurfing and windsurfing.

Tourists from the former USSR choose the resort because of the widespread use of the Russian language: almost every restaurant, store or travel agency has Russian-speaking employees, so knowledge of English is not necessary for a holiday in Mui Ne.

About Mui Ne

The resort's infrastructure is not very developed - everything you need is there, but, for example, there are no large supermarkets or shopping and entertainment centers. Hotels, restaurants, shops and travel agencies are located along the only road running from Mui Ne to Phan Thiet, parallel to the beach. Between the road and the shore there are reputable resorts with access to the sea, and across the road there are simpler hotels.

During the day, tourists spend time on the beach, and in the evenings in bars and restaurants with live music. Those who don’t need anything else will like it in Mui Ne. But with excursions, attractions and a cultural program at this resort it’s difficult: not that there is none at all, but compared to, for example, much less.

How to get to Mui Ne?

There is no airport in Mui Ne. The nearest is in Ho Chi Minh City, 200 km away. From Ho Chi Minh City Airport you can take a taxi to Mui Ne. A fair price is 2,200,000 dong ($100) per car, but initially they quote much more ABOUT a larger amount, so you need to bargain.

A bus ticket costs 150,000-220,000 VND, depending on the greed of the intermediaries. The easiest way to buy tickets is in the tourist area: on Pham Ngu Lao and Bui Vien streets.

When is the cheapest time to fly from Moscow to Ho Chi Minh City?

Intercity buses in Vietnam are comfortable, so the five-hour journey to Mui Ne will not be tiring. It is not recommended to travel to Mui Ne by train: the station is located 35 km from the resort.

Buy air tickets to Ho Chi Minh City

Beach holiday in Mui Ne

The high season in Mui Ne begins in November and lasts until April, then the rains begin. The beach at the resort is a ten-kilometer strip of sand, which is conventionally divided into separate parts to make it easier to navigate. Along the entire length of the beach there are different areas - clean or with natural debris, wide or narrow, with sand or with concrete slabs on the shore.

The coast of Mui Ne has two features: firstly, it is almost always windy and there are waves on the sea, so you need to stay in a resort with a swimming pool, in case the waves are too big. Secondly, the current washes sand from the shore, so there are places with exposed concrete slabs that were laid to protect the beach line from washing away.

In general, for inexperienced swimmers and swimming with a small child, you will have to find a suitable place along the shore, because... b ABOUT The majority of the beach is not very suitable for these categories of vacationers.

Best hotels in Mui Ne

Muine Bay Resort

The four-star resort was built near the village of Mui Ne. This is a quiet area with a calm atmosphere. The beach next to the hotel is shallow and great for small children. The lively main beach can be reached via a free shuttle.

Muine Bay Resort has a tropical garden with gazebos for spa treatments and a restaurant. There is a playground for children.

Pandanus Resort

The hotel is located some distance from the resort center, accessible by free shuttle. A free tour of the fishing village and a visit to the local attraction - the red stream - are also provided free of charge.

Pandanus Resort has a very large area planted with palm trees and exotic flowers. The paths from the hotel buildings lead to a private beach, where sun loungers are provided for vacationers. The beach is clean and well maintained. Guests can also swim in the hotel's swimming pool.

La Marina Hotel

This is a small boutique hotel, 2 star category. In the courtyard there is a swimming pool and a terrace, in the rooms there are designer furniture and paintings on the walls, outside the window there are palm trees and the sea. There is a restaurant on site, and a food market and several cafes are just steps away.

La Marina Hotel is located in the center of the resort area, near the main road. The shore near the hotel is not suitable for swimming, but the nearest beach is easy to walk to.

Bamboo Village Beach Resort & Spa

The resort is surrounded by greenery: the main building and cottages are surrounded by a flowering garden, each bungalow has a small courtyard with tropical plants, instead of concrete paths and asphalt areas there are lawns with fresh grass. A wonderful place to relax alone with nature.

Bamboo Village Beach Resort & Spa is located on the seashore, where guests have a terrace with sun loungers and umbrellas. The beach area near the hotel is one of the best on the entire coast of Mui Ne.

Little Muine Cottages Resort

A very pleasant hotel, with well-kept green areas and an equipped area on the beach. Located away from the noisy areas of the resort, on the outskirts of the tourist area. Around the hotel there is everything a visitor needs: shops, cafes, massage parlors, etc.

Little Muine Cottages Resort has an outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant, a gym, a massage room, a currency exchange office, and a tour desk. Each of the rooms has a small terrace with wicker furniture for evening gatherings in the fresh air.

Mui Ne resort hotels on the map

A selection of good hotels in the resort of Muine

Where to eat in Mui Ne?

There are many restaurants and cafes in Mui Ne. The vast majority of them are simple establishments with a simple interior. The most common dishes are Vietnamese and Russian cuisine, as well as seafood. Places to visit for dinner:

Surfing Bird's WOK. The establishment's menu has only three items (with variations in taste), but they are prepared excellently: noodles 45,000-55,000 VND, fried rice 40,000-50,000 VND, curry soup 55,000-70,000 VND. The highlight of the establishment is a variety of homemade lemonades.
Dong Vui Square. Seafood lovers come here to dine every evening. The choice of dishes is huge. Average cost: seafood 90,000-150,000 dong, noodles 40,000-45,000 dong.
East-West. Restaurant of Russian and Vietnamese cuisine. The food is delicious and the service is friendly. Main courses 55,000-65,000 VND, soups 60,000 VND, salads 40,000-75,000 VND.
YANA Coffee&Food. The famous Vietnamese Pho noodles are worth trying here. It costs 30,000-40,000 dong here. Other soups – 40,000-50,000 VND, fried rice – 30,000 VND.

Sights of Mui Ne

Dunes

Sand dunes are the main attraction of the resort. They are, of course, smaller in size than the dunes in the Sahara, but they look impressive. The sand dunes vary in color: there are red and white. They are located not far from each other, near the village of Mui Ne.

Pros and cons of holidays in Mui Ne

Minuses: few attractions; there is no airport, so you have to get there by bus; inconvenient layout – the resort is stretched along one street; It’s not easy to get to the beach from the second line, because... the first line is densely built up and the passages to the sea are blocked.

pros: spreading palm trees and lush greenery on the first line of the beach; calm atmosphere and silence in the evenings (except for a few popular restaurants); delicious and inexpensive seafood dishes; You can do without English - Russian-speaking staff are often found.

We are talking about two of the most popular resorts in Vietnam - Mui Ne and Phan Thiet. What are they good about and what are the disadvantages of resorts? Here are reviews from tourists and prices for holidays in 2019.

Perhaps no resort has received such conflicting reviews from tourists as the Vietnamese Mui Ne (Phan Thiet). Some mercilessly scold it, others admire it and gladly recommend it for a visit. Let's try to understand the reasons for such mixed assessments.

Phan Thiet and Mui Ne:

Reviews of holidays in Mui Ne and Phan Thiet for 2018

Mui Ne and Phan Thiet are often identified with each other, although these are different settlements located next door. Phan Thiet is a provincial town with active street traffic and other joys of city life, and Mui Ne is a quiet fishing village. Most often, tourists call Mui Ne a multi-kilometer beach area with hotels and restaurants, stretching from Phan Thiet to the village.

The busiest area of the resort is Ham Tien with Nguyen Dinh Chu street, on both sides of which there are hotels and restaurants, mainly on the first line. The beaches are equipped with umbrellas and sun loungers. The sand strip is wide, with fine white sand, but closer to the fishing village it narrows; by the way, hotels are cheaper there, but the beaches are worse.

The disadvantages of Mui Ne and Phan Thiet, according to reviews from tourists who vacationed there in 2018, include difficulties with the road: you need to fly to Ho Chi Minh City, and from there it takes several more hours to get there by bus or taxi. But the main displeasure of some tourists was the sea. In Mui Ne, winds blow most of the time, high waves rise in the sea, and swimming becomes extreme. It’s better to go to the beach in the morning; after lunch, the excitement only intensifies. The sea becomes relatively calm only in spring.

For kite lovers, Mui Ne is a real haven; there are several good schools on the coast where beginners can undergo training and gain the necessary skills. In the evenings, the main entertainment for tourists is walking, shopping in souvenir shops and dinner on the seashore - seafood is excellent here. If you get bored with a beach holiday, you can go on a tour of the surrounding area or go to Ho Chi Minh City or Dalat.

By the way, tourists who do not speak English will find it easy here - almost all signs and menus are in Russian, and the service staff is also often Russian-speaking. The second undoubted advantage of Mui Ne and Phan Thiet, according to reviews from tourists, is the affordable cost of vacation, although, when compared with Nha Trang, the prices here are slightly higher.

(Photo © n0r / flickr.com / License CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Weather in Mui Ne and Phan Thiet

The warm climate of Mui Ne allows you to relax here all year round, without fear of cold snaps and heavy rains. A natural belt of sand dunes has formed around Mui Ne, which create a special microclimate and protect the area from heavy rainfall. Even dangerous storms with floods bypass these places.

The average annual temperature in Mui Ne is +30°C with a slight “winter” drop to +25...+27°C. The warmest sea in summer is +27...+29°С, in winter it cools down to +24°С. The hottest months are May and April, the coldest months are . Nevertheless, many prefer to come.

The rains begin in June and continue until October, then dry and clear weather sets in. However, in Mui Ne and Phan Thiet, even in the low season, showers do not last long - usually in the afternoon and evening, the relative humidity remains at 79%.

According to tourist reviews about the weather in Mui Ne and Phan Thiet, in December - January, due to strong winds, it can be a little cool in the evenings, so jeans and windbreakers will be very useful. High waves rise on the sea. Read more about it - we talk about the weather in each month.

Holiday prices in Mui Ne and Phan Thiet in 2019

Of course, kitesurfers will get the most out of their holiday in Mui Ne, but non-sporting tourists also have something to do. There are many massage parlors (spas) here, treatments cost from 15 to 30 dollars.

Gastronomic pleasures await gourmets: in the cafe you can order grilled fish, mussels, scallops, oysters, lobsters, as well as local exotics - crocodile or snake dishes. The best seafood is prepared in restaurants in the Boke area. The fresh catch is placed in the aquarium, and the guest orders what he wants. According to reviews, prices in Mui Ne and Phan Thiet are quite affordable - you can have lunch for only 5 dollars, dinner for 15 (in establishments for locals it will be even cheaper). A large glass of freshly squeezed juice costs just over $1.

(Photo © Tri Nguyen | P h o t o g r a p h y / flickr.com / Licensed CC BY 2.0)

In the vicinity of Mui Ne there are unique attractions that you can visit with a tour or on your own. Briefly, the top most interesting places look like this:

White and Red Dunes. These are the main attractions of Mui Ne and a favorite place for photo sessions for newlyweds. The Red Dunes are easily accessible by renting a scooter, the White Dunes are located a little further. The Red Stream flows next to the Red Dunes - due to the admixture of clay, the water in it is colored red. Not far from the White Dunes there are hot springs and a very beautiful lake with lotuses.
Cham towers. These towers are the surviving part of an ancient temple complex from the 8th century. Entrance fee is 10 thousand dong, or 50 cents. The towers look especially impressive in the evening when the lights turn on.
Ke Ga Lighthouse. A granite creation by a French architect and a very popular local landmark. The lighthouse is located on an island near Phan Thiet. To climb to the observation deck, you will have to show physical endurance and climb 182 steps inside the tower. There is an entrance fee - about 90 cents, and you also need to pay for the crossing to the island. According to reviews from tourists, in the winter of 2018, the area where the lighthouse is located was called a collapse zone and visitors were no longer allowed inside. Let's hope this is temporary.
Mount Taku. Located 30 km from Mui Ne. At the top there is a statue of the Reclining Buddha, the largest in the country. Its length is 49 meters, height - 11 m. You can climb the mountain by cable car or walk along a path through the tropical forest past temples and other buildings of the monks. The cost of visiting with a cable car costs 160 thousand VND (7 dollars).

(Photo © ruben i / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY 2.0)

Hotel prices in 2019

On a note. If you are at a resort during the Vietnamese New Year, keep in mind that hotel prices rise dramatically and there are usually no rooms available - they are booked by the Vietnamese almost six months in advance. We encountered this when we lived in Nha Trang in the winter of 2016 - we had to leave for Ho Chi Minh City, since during Tet the hotel we lived in was overcrowded, and others cost 2-3 times higher than the regular price. Tet is celebrated in late January or early February.

How to book a hotel? You can find a convenient accommodation option for yourself on the well-known service Roomguru.ru - the site compares prices of a variety of booking systems and finds the best one.

In general, Mui Ne and Phan Thiet are a good alternative and (though you don’t need to wait for the service corresponding to Turkish resorts), a place for an inexpensive and relaxing holiday, where the main entertainment is walks, beach joys, gatherings in cafes and unobtrusive shopping. Nightlife lovers and divers have nothing to do here - there is no nightlife, and due to constant waves, the water is often mixed with sand, cloudy and opaque.

According to reviews from tourists, they are characterized by high waves and winds, so during this period you should not plan a vacation with children, but it is better to postpone it to March-April or November. At this time, the temperatures are the most comfortable, the sea is very warm, and the waves are small.

Kite lovers can go at any time of the year, because winds in Mui Ne are a common occurrence, but the best waves are here from November to March. Those who want to save on cost can safely go during the low season: prices in hotels and restaurants are reduced, and climatic conditions allow you to relax comfortably.

Compare Mui Ne and Phan Thiet with - so you can choose the best place to relax.

(Photo © tesKing / flickr.com / License CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Introductory image source: © isyaya / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

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Northeast of Phan Thiet, behind the scenic coastal road that climbs the hill to the ancient Cham Tower, lies a long sandy beach washed by the waters of Mui Ne Bay. Having been a quiet and endangered fishing village 15-20 years ago, today the beach and town of Mui Ne have turned into a popular developing resort, where lovers of the warm sea, bright sun and fair wind flock. Moreover, there are so many Russian speakers among them that you can increasingly hear the village being called by its native name - simply “Muinovka”.

Choosing between the Red Sea (or rather the Egyptian Dahab) and the South China Sea (in the right corner of the ring is the village of Mui Ne!), domestic kite and windsurfers are increasingly inclined to favor the latter. Despite the fact that fishermen still live in the east of the beach, the majority of the population of Mui Ne are tourists, whom, however, the locals do not like - the guests of the village are too aggressive in “seizing” the territory. And all because the prices here are very affordable, seafood is plentiful, people are allowed into the country without a visa, and the climate allows you to ride almost all year round.

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How to get to Mui Ne

Mui Ne is a small resort village on the shores of the South China Sea. There is no airport either in the town itself or in neighboring Phan Thiet, and you can only get here from Russia by air. The route runs through the two closest airports - in Ho Chi Minh City and Nha Trang. Both of them accept flights from many large cities - Yekaterinburg, Krasnodar, Novosibirsk, Krasnoyarsk, Omsk and others. Most routes with two connections are in Guangzhou, Wuhan, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha, Hanoi and Shanghai.

China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Emirates, Etihad Airways and others fly from Domodedovo, Vnukovo and Sheremetyevo to Vietnam. The only direct route Moscow - Ho Chi Minh City without transfers is from Aeroflot; flights are not daily. Prices start from 675 USD in both directions, travel time is about 10 hours. The cheapest flights are offered by Chinese and Arab carriers - from 600 USD, the journey takes from 15 hours to 1.5 days. Prices on the page are as of September 2018.

You can get from the Northern capital by planes of Aeroflot, Es Seven, Turkish Airlines, Emirates and other companies. Ticket prices start from 1000 USD; the journey will take about 20 hours. The fastest route from Emirates is 19 hours, the flight will cost 752 USD.

From airport to city

Ho Chi Minh City's Tan Son Nhat air gate is half an hour's drive from the bus station from which intercity slipbuses depart. It’s easier and faster to go by taxi - about 200,000 VND. Transportation is carried out by the Futa Bus Line company (office site in English). Flights to Mui Ne run 15 times a day, the journey will take another 4-6 hours, the fare costs 110,000-140,000 VND.

Search for flights to Ho Chi Minh City (closest airport to Mui Ne)

Transport

The territory of Mui Ne is quite small, but to move around it it is better to use public transport - it takes a long time to walk from one end of the village to the other. One bus runs through the entire resort and further to Phan Thiet. The stops are located on the main and only street along which almost all hotels are located. Ticket price - 13,000 VND.

To travel to attractions, it is better to take a taxi. Travel is inexpensive - a standard trip will cost VND 170,000. Although many cars are equipped with meters, it is worth agreeing on the price in advance. Taxis can be ordered by phone or stopped on the street. Most of the cars are new, with air conditioning and other amenities. Motorcycle taxis are widespread in Mui Ne. The fare is even lower - 10,000 VND per km during the day, 15,000-20,000 VND per km at night. This may not always be convenient, but it is faster than by car. For those who are afraid of driving at high speed, it is better to tell the driver about this - he will drive slower.

There should be no problems with communication - in Mui Ne many speak English and even Russian.

It is convenient to explore the resort and its surroundings by bicycle - the roads are not bad, the terrain is flat. You can rent transport at many hotels or rental offices opposite them. Prices are moderate - about 60,000 VND per day.

Rent a Car

Only experienced drivers should rent a car in Mui Ne - the road situation is tense, many locals do not follow the rules, so driving here is quite dangerous. In a small resort village there is nowhere to go, if you don’t plan long trips, you can get by with buses and taxis. However, those who come for a long time and do not want to sit in one place should rent a car and go to neighboring regions.

There are no serious traffic jams in Mui Ne itself; in larger cities, traffic congestion is not uncommon. Many hotels and restaurants have free parking; parking near attractions is paid, but the price is purely symbolic - from 5,000 VND.

To rent a car, you will need a Vietnamese driver's license. Tourists can also get it, but it will take about a week to complete the paperwork.

The choice of rental offices is greater in large cities; it is better to rent a car in Ho Chi Minh City or Nha Trang. Only small local firms operate in Mui Ne. Prices for renting an economy class car per day range from VND 550,000 to VND 1,100,000.

Communication and Wi-Fi

Mobile communications in Mui Ne are quite cheap; upon arrival, it is better to immediately get a SIM card from a Vietnamese operator - this will help you save a lot on calls home. There are three main companies in the country - Vinaphone, Viettel and Mobifone. Their tariffs are almost the same; coverage in large cities and resort areas is consistently good for all three. A call to Russia will cost approximately 3600-5000 VND per minute, SMS is even less - 200 VND. There are no special tourist tariff plans, but they are not required. Packages are sold at many retail outlets, and the balance is topped up there. Prices range from 70,000 to 130,000 VND.

There is no roaming within the country, the tariff plan can be purchased in Ho Chi Minh City or Nha Trang, the same prices will apply in Mui Ne.

Wireless Internet access points are equipped in most hotels and public catering establishments. But the quality of the connection sometimes leaves much to be desired. In this case, it is better to buy a traffic package from your local mobile operator. The prices are the same - from 70,000 VND for 600 MB to 200,000 VND for 3000 MB.

Mui Ne beaches

Mui Ne is one large beach along which a resort village stretches. The sea and the shore are not equally clean and suitable for swimming everywhere. In the east behind the cape the waves are strongest and this is one of the best places for kite and windsurfing. It is inconvenient to swim there with children - strong winds and very muddy water.

In the central part of the resort, where inexpensive middle-class hotels are concentrated, the strip of shore reserved for the beach is quite narrow. They don't pay much attention to cleanliness, so it can be dirty, especially closer to the fishing village.

The coastline in the western part of the resort, closer to Phan Thiet, looks a little better. The most expensive hotels are located here, the owners of which keep their beaches clean and tidy. Umbrellas and sunbeds are installed everywhere; they belong to the hotels, and only guests can use them, but for free. But anyone can swim in clean and clear water and stretch out on the sand. Thanks to the breakwaters, the sea here is calmer than in other parts of the resort. This is the best place in Mui Ne for families with children. The entrance to the water is gentle along the entire coast; to get to the depths, you need to move far from the shore. But due to the waves, swimming with kids in the center of Mui Ne can be quite dangerous.

Kite and surfing

There is absolutely no diving or snorkeling in Mui Ne, but there is something more interesting: when there is heavy rain in Nha Trang or Hoi An, there are only waves. But which waves are the most correct, strong, extended, on which you can not only learn, but also practice professional tricks. The best time for surfing is from August to December, for windsurfing - from late October to late April. At the same time, the winds blow steadily from 11:00 until almost sunset, in some places the waves rise to 4 m and higher. The best place for surfing and kiting is the western part of the resort. In the eastern part there are breakwaters everywhere.

The surrounding waters of Mui Ne do not contain any “sneaky spots” in the form of underwater rocks or shallows, so skiing here is as safe as possible. However, during the peak season, kiters take to the water, up to 300 muscular bodies at a time, so you need to keep your eyes peeled. It is also worth paying special attention to ordinary swimmers - these bipeds frolicking in the water create a separate problem for the keen surfer.

You can rent equipment in many stores and hotels, and ask an instructor there. His services will cost a lot: from 1,350,000 VND for the first lesson (the second and subsequent ones will cost less - from 1,050,000 VND). A lesson lasts on average 2-3 hours. Sports equipment is available for rent at any school - from 140,000 VND per hour for a surfboard.

Mui Ne Hotels

Regardless of the cost of living, all Mui Ne hotels are located on the first coastline, a 5-minute walk from the sea. The price difference speaks not only about the range of options, but also about the quality of the hotel beach. Cheap options should be looked for closer to Cape Mui Ne, and expensive and fashionable ones - closer to Phan Thiet.

The most common type of accommodation in the village is resort hotels; most of them include breakfast in the price, free parking and Wi-Fi. For those who do not want to swim in the sea, many, even the cheapest ones, have swimming pools with sun loungers and umbrellas. The cost of rooms in hotels without stars and with 1* starts from 300,000 VND, cheaper only in shared rooms of hostels - from 50,000 VND per bed.

You can stay in a 2-3* hotel in the central part of the resort for 400,000-3,000,000 VND. In the west there are many higher class hotels - 4-5*. The price range is quite large - from 1,000,000 VND to 6,000,000 VND. There are also several guest houses and villas - from VND 200,000 for a double room to VND 5,000,000 for a cottage for 11 people.

What to bring

The main street is full of shops and souvenir shops. Their prices are low and the range is decent. Most often, edible gifts are taken away from the Vietnamese resort - Mui Ne is famous for fish delicacies and seafood.

Ladies will appreciate pearl products, as well as crocodile leather bags, shoes and belts. These are not the cheapest souvenirs, but the quality is beyond doubt. For clothes, it is better to visit neighboring Phan Thiet - supermarkets sell dresses and T-shirts made from natural fabrics at affordable prices. For the famous Vietnamese silk, it is also worth going to larger cities, for example, to Dalat. The choice in Mui Ne stores is very small. Traditional Vietnamese costumes can be bought at the market or ordered individually tailored in a studio. Other popular gifts from Mui Ne include coconut oil and snake venom ointments, which are great for bruises and sprains. Oils are available in any store, but for cream it is better to go to the pharmacy.

Souvenir shops are located near the main attractions - on Mount Taku and near the Chap Tap Poshanu towers. They sell funny little things and handmade jewelry, magnets and keychains.

Mui Ne cuisine and restaurants

The choice of catering establishments in Mui Ne is quite large. Even those who do not like Vietnamese cuisine will find something to enjoy. The town is full of restaurants serving American, French, Italian and Indian cuisine. There are also Russian eateries here, the menu of which will seem familiar and familiar at home. However, it is still worth trying local dishes - most of those who have visited Vietnam at least once leave rave reviews about them. In addition, there are few places where you can try grilled shark or crocodile soup for lunch.

Another advantage of Vietnamese restaurants is low prices. Dinner at a French or Italian establishment will cost more due to imported products. However, seafood delicacies and exotic dishes also cost a lot.

Most cafes and restaurants are located along Mui Ne's only street. There are quite respectable establishments, standard cafes and simple eateries. As well as traditional Vietnamese “phoshnits” - canteens that serve classic “pho” soup. The latter can be very tasty and cheap, but it’s somehow scary to go into them - compliance with sanitary and epidemiological standards and the quality of the products are questionable.

Food prices at the resort are very reasonable. A full, no-frills meal in a mid-range restaurant costs VND 300,000. You can have breakfast or a snack in a cafe for 150,000-200,000 VND. Those who decide to try shark barbecue for dinner at an expensive restaurant need to be prepared to shell out at least VND 1,000,000 for two.

Entertainment and attractions

The distinctive features of the Vietnamese resort are excellent beaches, a good climate and a good selection of restaurants. However, there are also several attractions that are definitely worth seeing.

There are few interesting places near Mui Ne from a historical point of view. The main one is the Chamov Tap Poshanu towers. In the past, the majestic temple of the god Shiva, today is the ruins of an ancient shrine, which has remained in this state for the last 300 years. Despite this, the Vietnamese still bring gifts to the foot of the towers and pray for good luck or a good catch. If you're lucky, you can not only touch antiquity, but also witness a religious event or a national festival. The temple complex stands on a hill, offering a beautiful view of the resort village and neighboring Phan Thiet.

On the way to the towers you can stop by a bright oriental-style temple. It is visible from the road, so it is impossible to miss.

60 km from Mui Ne there is another religious attraction - the statue of the reclining Buddha on Mount Taku. Nowadays a cable car leads there; previously, pilgrims and a few tourists were forced to climb on foot. This is the largest monument in Vietnam, and Buddhists can be found here quite often.

In a sense, a unique attraction is a fishing village on the outskirts of Mui Ne. Once upon a time, the entire village lived from this craft, until tourism began to develop here. Now, to look at the life of fishermen, you need to go to a small village in the east of the resort. There is an observation deck from which you can watch a rather interesting sight - dozens of blue and greenish boats plying the surface of the sea not far from the shore. It looks especially unusual in the rays of the setting sun. If desired, local residents will help organize fishing trips and grill freshly caught fish.

Among the natural beauties in the vicinity of Mui Ne, red and white dunes, lotus lake (impressive when they are in bloom), Fairy Stream and Red Canyon deserve attention. The latter is especially beautiful closer to the sea, and in the deserts you can ride ATVs or sleds.

3 things to do in Mui Ne

Stand on the board and catch a wave.
Learn to cook crocodile meat on coals and cook turtle soup.
Go fishing and catch a squid.

Weather in Mui Ne

The climate of Mui Ne is tropical, there is no cold, the winter season differs from the summer season only in the amount of precipitation. This is one of the sunniest corners of Vietnam; the air and water temperatures allow swimming all year round.

The best time for kite and windsurfing is from November to March. In other months there is also wind and strong waves, but they are unstable. It is better for beginners to go out to sea in the morning; only experienced athletes can cope with the elements in the afternoon. Those who do not plan to conquer the wave should choose the end of spring or beginning of autumn for their vacation. In summer there are rains here quite often, but they are short-lived and hardly interfere with rest.