A Retreat to Mui Ne!
So you’re traveling down south and are looking for a quick escape from the stickiness of the Mekong Delta and/or the Ho Chi Minh City hustle & bustle. We’ve got just the spot for you! Just a half-day bus trip away is the beautiful coastal town of Mui Ne. Famous for its iconic fishing village (and all the deliciousness that comes along with that), cool landscapes and laid back atmosphere, this tropical corner of Southern Vietnam is exactly what you may be looking for! Whether you want to spend a week or a day and a half in Mui Ne, there’s plenty to keep you busy for the duration! Here are some of our top things to do in Mui Ne:
Explore the Strip
Mui Ne is a relatively small town. Most of the resorts and attractions are found along one main road (Nguyen Dinh Chieu), so visitors can generally get away without ever taking a taxi anywhere. Either hit the streets on foot, rent a bicycle or a motorbike (read up on our motorbike post before you do that!) and start your explorations from there. Loaded with cool little shops, delicious restaurants, great accommodation spots and beautiful strips of beach, a walk along the main drag is a great way to first get acquainted with the area.
Getting Outdoors
Mui Ne is famous for a number of outdoor attractions. Depending on where your interests lie, you may want to do one, two or all of these following options.
Beach It!
Most upscale hotels and resorts have beach rights, so you can walk out your back door and stroll out into the paradise settings. If you’re looking to get a bit more isolated, rent a motorbike and drive out past the dunes (don’t worry, we’ll get there) where some more secluded beaches are found. Regardless of where you’re beachin’ it, soaking in the rays is definitely a top thing to do in Mui Ne!
The Dunes
Mui Ne is famous for its Red and White Sand Dunes… and there’s no surprise where the name comes from. The red dunes are smaller than the white sand dunes, but they are easier to access (closer to town) and are quite popular amongst locals as well. Rent a plastic “sled” and cruise your way down the dunes, stroll around the desert-like setting or do your best to catch a sunrise/sunset from the area- simply stunning. The White Dunes are a bit farther out but are well worth the trip- visitors can bike their way around these dunes for an adrenaline fueled adventure!
The Fairy Spring
Located right near Mui Ne Beach, the Fairy Springs are another cool stop that you shouldn’t miss while touring the area. Rock/sand formations wrap around flowing water creating an other-worldly type atmosphere. Travelers can walk up the stream and soak in the peaceful surroundings which make for a fun couple-hour visit. While it may sound like a “tourist-trap”, ask anyone who has visited and they’ll tell you these springs are totally worth the trek out!
A Bit More Active…
If you’re looking to really get your outdoor fill, Mui Ne is also world-famous for its Kite Surfing. If you’re a pro, then bring along your board or rent one from the shore and hit all the best spots in the area. Haven’t tried it before? There are plenty of shops offering rentals and lessons for the first-timer looking to have an unforgettable experience in Mui Ne!
The FOOD!
As mentioned before, Mui Ne is famous for its fishing village. At the end of the main strip is one of the most iconic Mui Ne photos of the bay wrapping around the land, filled with traditional fishing vessels. Where there’s a fishing village, theres seafood… and a visit to Mui Ne is incomplete without taking advantage of the delicious and super-fresh seafood offered here. Saddle up to any popular seafood eatery for potentially the most delicious seafood feast you’ll ever have… it’s amazing!
When your time runs out, the bus back to Ho Chi Minh (or onwards to other destinations like Nha Trang) is always running! Just the quick retreat you were looking for!
