A Backpacker’s Guide To Mui Ne, Vietnam

Mui Ne was a place in Vietnam I hadn’t really considered going to until I got there. And I was pleasantly surprised! From quadbiking to sand surfing, to feasting on fresh seafood by the beach, this breezy town is one for the Vietnam bucket list.

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Mui Ne Travel Video

Chapters

When To Visit Mui Ne

How to Get Around Mui Ne

The Best Things To Do In Mui Ne

Where To Stay In Mui Ne

Best Places To Eat In Mui Ne

The Best Bars In Mui Ne

Mui Ne Travel Video

When To Visit Mui Ne

The best time to visit Mui Ne is from November to April, during the dry season. During these months, the weather is sunny with minimal rainfall, and the wind conditions are ideal for kitesurfing and windsurfing. The temperature hovers around 25–30°C, making it perfect for beach days and exploring the sand dunes.

Avoid visiting from May to October as it’s the rainy season. While the rains are usually short, they can disrupt outdoor activities and muddy the famous sand dunes.

How To Get To Mui Ne, Vietnam

Mui Ne is a small coastal town in southeastern Vietnam, and while it doesn’t have its own airport or train station, it’s well-connected to major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Da Lat.

1. From Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Ho Chi Minh City is the most common starting point for travelers heading to Mui Ne.

By Bus

Companies like Phuong Trang (Futa Bus) or Sinh Tourist offer comfortable sleeper buses with reclining seats. Most buses leave from the Pham Ngu Lao area (District 1). Buses drop you off along Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, the main strip in Mui Ne.

Duration: 4–5 hours

Cost: 200,000–300,000 VND (£6–£10)

Book a Bus via 12Go

By Private Car or Taxi

This is a good option if you’re traveling in a group or want a more flexible schedule.

Duration: 4–5 hours

Cost: Around 2,000,000 VND (£65+)

By Train (via Phan Thiet)

Take a train from Saigon Railway Station to Phan Thiet Station. From Phan Thiet, grab a taxi or local bus to Mui Ne. Taxis cost around 250,000 VND (£8), while local buses are cheaper but less convenient.

Duration: 3.5–4 hours (train), plus a 30-minute transfer to Mui Ne

Cost: 150,000–300,000 VND (£5–£10)

Book a Train via 12Go

2. From Da Lat

For backpackers coming from Vietnam’s highlands, Da Lat is another common jumping-off point.

By Bus

Sleeper buses like Phuong Trang (Futa Bus) offer direct routes. Departure and arrival points are centrally located in both Da Lat and Mui Ne.

Duration: 5–6 hours

Cost: 250,000–350,000 VND (£8–£12)

Book a Bus via 12Go

By Motorbike

The journey is scenic but challenging, with winding mountain roads and coastal views. Only recommended for experienced riders.

Duration: 7–8 hours

3. From Nha Trang

If you’re traveling along Vietnam’s coastline, you can easily head south from Nha Trang to Mui Ne.

By Bus

Several sleeper bus companies operate this route, dropping you off along Mui Ne’s main strip.

Duration: 6–7 hours

Cost: 300,000–400,000 VND (£10–£14)

Book a Bus via 12Go

By Train (via Phan Thiet)

Similar to the Ho Chi Minh City route, you’ll need to transfer at Phan Thiet and continue to Mui Ne by taxi or bus.

Book a Train via 12Go

How to Get Around Mui Ne

Mui Ne is a small town, so getting around is fairly straightforward. Here are the best options:

1. Motorbike Rental

Cost: 100,000–150,000 VND/day (£3–£5)

Renting a motorbike is the most convenient way to explore Mui Ne’s main attractions, like the sand dunes, the Fairy Stream, and the fishing village. Most hotels, hostels, and rental shops along Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street.

2. Bicycle Rental

Cost: 50,000–70,000 VND/day (£1.50–£2.50)

For a slower-paced adventure, bicycles are great for exploring the coastal road or visiting nearby beaches.

3. Taxi or Grab

Cost: From 30,000 VND (£1) for short rides; longer trips like the sand dunes might cost 200,000–300,000 VND (£6–£10).

Traditional taxis are available, but Grab (the local ride-hailing app) is often cheaper and more reliable.

Download the Grab App

4. Xe Om (Motorbike Taxi)

Cost: 20,000–50,000 VND for short distances (£0.50–£2).

Hop on the back of a motorbike taxi for a quick and cheap way to get around. You can flag them down on the street or book through Grab.

5. Local Bus

Cost: 15,000–20,000 VND (£0.50)

Local buses run along the main strip and are a super budget-friendly option for getting from one end of Mui Ne to the other.

6. Walking

If you’re staying along Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, many restaurants, shops, and beaches are within walking distance. This is an easy way to explore Mui Ne’s relaxed vibe at your own pace.

The Best Things To Do In Mui Ne, Vietnam

1. Explore the Sand Dunes

The sand dunes in Mui Ne are a must-see in Vietnam. The White Sand Dunes are about 30 kilometers from town and are best visited at sunrise when the light is soft, and the heat hasn’t kicked in. You can rent an ATV to explore or just walk up to the top for incredible views.

The Red Sand Dunes are closer to town and smaller, but they’re ideal for sunset. You can try sandboarding here which is really fun, however try and avoid people offering to push you down as they will then make you pay them after.

2. Walk the Fairy Stream

The Fairy Stream is a peaceful and slightly surreal spot where you can wade through warm, shallow water surrounded by vibrant red and white rock formations. It’s a short walk and doesn’t take much effort, but the scenery makes it memorable. There’s even a small waterfall at the end of the stream, which feels like a little reward for making it to the finish.

3. Watch a Sunrise or Sunset

Mui Ne has some of the most beautiful skies you’ll find in Vietnam. Watching the sunrise at the White Sand Dunes is unforgettable, especially with the vast desert-like landscape around you. If you’re more into sunsets, the fishing village or Red Sand Dunes are great spots. Sitting by the water or dunes as the sky changes colour is a simple but perfect way to end the day.

4. Visit the Fishing Village

The fishing village is one of the most authentic spots in Mui Ne. Early in the morning, the beach is a hive of activity with locals sorting their fresh catches and colorful boats bobbing in the bay. It’s a great way to see the daily life of the community and soak up the atmosphere. You can also grab some fresh seafood here - it doesn’t get any fresher than this.

5. Try Kitesurfing

Mui Ne is one of the best places in Asia to learn kitesurfing thanks to its strong and steady winds. Even if you’ve never done it before, there are plenty of schools offering lessons for beginners. It’s challenging but really rewarding once you get the hang of it. Even just watching the pros out on the water is impressive if you’re not up for trying it yourself.

6. Eat Fresh Seafood

Seafood is a highlight in Mui Ne, and the beachfront restaurants serve up some amazing dishes. Grilled prawns, clams in lemongrass, fresh crab - you name it, they’ve got it. Prices are reasonable, and the quality is top-notch. Whether you’re splurging on a seafood feast or just grabbing something simple, it’s a must while you’re here.

7. Relax on the Beaches

Mui Ne’s beaches are great for unwinding. The main stretch is lively, with plenty of places to grab a drink or snack, while the quieter Suoi Nuoc Beach offers a more laid-back vibe. Either way, it’s a good place to spend an afternoon reading, swimming, or just taking it easy.

8. Visit the Po Shanu Cham Towers

For a bit of culture and history, visit the Po Shanu Cham Towers. These ancient Hindu structures date back to the Champa Kingdom and are perched on a hill overlooking the coast. It’s a peaceful spot with great views, and it gives a glimpse into the area’s fascinating past.

9. Take a Guided Jeep Tour

If you want to pack a lot into one morning or evening, a guided jeep tour is the way to go and this is what I chose to do! Most tours start with a sunrise visit to the White Sand Dunes, followed by stops at the Red Sand Dunes, the Fairy Stream, and the Fishing Village. It’s a great way to hit all the highlights without worrying about transport or navigation. The jeeps are usually shared, so it’s also a fun way to meet other people. I joined one on my first day in Mui Ne, and it was such an easy and stress-free way to get my bearings and see everything.

Watch the Mui Ne Travel Video here!