A notable landmark for travelers, Mui Ne, positioned on a striking promontory within the city of Phan Thiet, plays a key role in the tourism of Binh Thuan province. The term “Mui” refers to a point of land jutting out into the ocean, whereas “Ne” indicates a location offering shelter from inclement weather. Acknowledging its scenic allure and capacity for tourism, Vietnam formally recognized Mui Ne as a national tourism zone in the year 2018. This destination is particularly celebrated for its expansive green beaches and stunning sand dunes.
The Best Time to Visit Mui Ne
Travelers can visit Mui Ne throughout the year, as each season unveils a distinct charm of this “sea paradise.” However, the period from April to August is often considered the most ideal time for a Mui Ne trip. During these months, the sea boasts clear blue waters and a refreshing coolness.
Subsequently, from August to December, Mui Ne becomes a haven for surfing enthusiasts and those who enjoy adventurous sports, thanks to favorable wind and wave conditions. It’s worth noting that December can bring occasional rain, so visitors during this time should pack accordingly.
Getting to Mui Ne
Traveling to Mui Ne from Ho Chi Minh City has become easily accessible through a range of transport methods, such as motorbikes, buses, and trains.
Adventurous travelers frequently opt for the scenic coastal route by motorbike. When departing from Ho Chi Minh City, one travel choice involves taking the Cat Lai ferry towards Long Thanh and subsequently proceeding to the town of Ba Ria. Venturing along the route towards Ho Tram via Loc An, travelers proceed along the scenic coastal road in the direction of Phan Thiet. The total distance spans approximately 230 km.
Alternatively, for those not traveling by motorbike, the Eastern Bus Station in Ho Chi Minh City offers bus tickets to Phan Thiet. The journey typically takes around 5 hours, with ticket prices averaging 130,000 VND per person, depending on the bus operator.
Furthermore, travelers can take the SPT1/SPT4 train departing from Saigon Railway Station in the morning. The cost of admission begins at 110,000 Vietnamese Dong for each individual.
For travelers journeying from Hanoi, options include taking a flight to Ho Chi Minh City followed by onward travel to Phan Thiet, or flying into Cam Ranh (near Nha Trang) and with a subsequent bus trip to Mui Ne, a distance spanning about 200 kilometers. A key development is the inauguration of the Dau Giay – Phan Thiet expressway on April 29, 2023, which has significantly cut down travel time from Ho Chi Minh City to approximately two hours by car.
Top Attractions in Mui Ne
Mui Ne is not merely an “entertainment paradise” with its long stretches of beautiful coastline; it also boasts numerous historical sites and the distinctive culture of the Cham Pa Kingdom. Here are ten of the most renowned destinations in Mui Ne, Phan Thiet:
Rom Island
Nestled in Long Son hamlet, within the Mui Ne ward of Phan Thiet City, lies Hon Rom, a petite mountain that has retained its untouched natural beauty. To fully appreciate the stunning natural displays of dawn and dusk, it’s advisable for visitors to plan their trip to Hon Rom for the early hours of the morning or the late afternoon. Furthermore, its tranquil ambiance makes it a perfect location for overnight camping, complete with bonfires under the stars. The collection of beaches at Hon Rom boasts calm waters, a sandy seabed free of rocks, and strikingly clear blue water. Should swimming be of interest to you, don’t hesitate to ask for directions to Hon Rom 1, Hon Rom 2, or Thuy Trang beach.
Red Sand Dunes
White Dunes and Lotus Lakes (Bau Trang và Bau Sen)
Nestled within the expansive white sand dunes are Bau Trang and Bau Sen, a duo of naturally formed freshwater lakes that create an unusual and picturesque environment. Moreover, those who visit Bau Trang during the summer months are treated to a breathtaking spectacle of countless lotus flowers blooming amidst the white sands. Indeed, the vast and untouched scenery of the White Dunes often earns them the comparison to Vietnam’s “mini Sahara Desert.” Consequently, visitors have the opportunity to rent off-road vehicles or Jeeps here, with a 20-minute ride around the White Dunes costing approximately 600,000 VND.
Ghenh Island
Also identified as Hon Lao, the generally untouched island of Hon Ghenh can be found roughly one kilometer offshore from Mui Ne. To reach Ghenh Island, you can hire a local fisherman’s boat (200,000 VND per boat for 10 people) or utilize the shuttle service provided by resorts and hotels. Early morning offers opportunities for fishing, followed by snorkeling to admire the coral reefs. Evenings present the best time to observe the vibrant twilight and sunset over the sea.
Mui Ne Fishing Village
Located approximately 3 km from the town center, the entrance to Mui Ne fishing village showcases hundreds of brightly colored fishing boats anchored. Not far away, a small market exudes a peaceful rhythm of life. Although the fishing village stretches only about 100 meters along the coast, it provides visitors with the clearest sense of the local fishermen’s lives. Arriving at the fishing village early in the morning allows you to purchase fresh seafood directly from the boats as they dock.
Duc Thanh School
Dedicated patriotic intellectuals founded the school in 1907. They aimed to back the Duy Tan movement in Central Vietnam. It’s worth mentioning that Duc Thanh School also served as an educational setting for President Ho Chi Minh before he departed for Saigon. Today, the Duc Thanh School area still preserves almost intact relics from nearly a century ago.
Fairy Stream Nui Ne
Tourists often refer to Fairy Stream in Mui Ne as a “fairyland.” This small stream lies adjacent to Rom Island. Alongside the stream are natural red and white limestone formations with numerous strange shapes sculpted by the erosion of time.
Van Thuy Tu Palace
Situated on Ngu Ong Street, Van Thuy Tu Palace is an ancient relic (dating back to 1762) with a venerable and solemn beauty. Furthermore, it represents the deep-seated tradition of whale veneration among the fishing communities of Binh Thuan. A significant feature of Dinh Van Thuy Tu is that it contains the largest whale skeleton found in both Vietnam and Southeast Asia.
Mui Ne Bay
This bay is great for swimming and outdoor fun. Beautiful beaches with long white sand are along Mui Ne Bay. If you want quieter beaches, you can rent a boat to Hon Lao Island. This island is not crowded and is near Mui Ne Bay.
Wine Castle
Mui Ne has interesting buildings like European castles. Mui Ne Wine Castle is one of them.This castle has over 20,000 good wine bottles. It is one of the two biggest wine cellars in Vietnam. You can take fancy photos like in Europe. You can also taste good wines here.
Cau Island
If you prefer quiet nature over busy entertainment, Cu Lao Cau is perfect for relaxing. Spend time on this small island. It’s away from the noisy city. You will only see the blue sea and big rocky cliffs. Take nice pictures of the nature. Enjoy the fresh local food.
Ta Cu Mountain
Ta Cu Mountain is great for nature lovers. It also gives you deep spiritual feelings. You must visit this mountain when you are in Mui Ne or Binh Thuan. It has big forests and fresh air. You can hike up the steep path (about 2-3 hours). Or, you can take a cable car to save time. The cable car ride lets you see the wide view of nature from above. If you hike, bring snacks, water, and comfortable shoes.
Ta Cu Pagoda
Ta Cu Pagoda, also known as Linh Son Truong Tho Pagoda, is located on Ta Cu Mountain. A monk named Thich Huu Duc built this pagoda around 1870-1880. This was during the Nguyen Dynasty. The pagoda is about 457 meters high, in a green old forest. One of the special highlights of this pagoda is the 49-meter-long reclining Buddha statue – one of the largest reclining Buddha statues in Vietnam, intricately and solemnly carved. When you visit, wear modest clothes that cover you well.
The Unique Fish Sauce Museum
The Ancient Fishing Village Fish Sauce Museum stands as Vietnam’s pioneering and currently sole museum dedicated to fish sauce. This cultural institution vividly recreates 300 years of Phan Thiet’s fishing village history. Specifically, the exhibits span from the Cham Pa era and the Nguyen Dynasty, progressing through the French colonial period and the decades of the 1940s to 1960s. For those interested in visiting, the entrance fee for adults is 100,000 VND, while children under one meter in height can enter without charge.
Poshanu Cham Towers
These towers are 7 km northeast of Phan Thiet. They are old remnants. These towers are the remaining relics of the ancient Cham Pa Kingdom.
The towers show the Hoa Lai style. This art style was common in old Cham Pa. If visitors have more time, they can see other places. These are Hon Ba island. They can also see Ke Ga Lighthouse. Ta Cu Mountain is another place. Co Thach rocky beach is also nearby. Don’t forget Hang Pagoda. Ganh Son, Cu Lao and Phu Quy Island is also an option.
From sweeping dunes and picturesque beaches to architectural works imbued with local culture, Mui Ne offers more than just a relaxing seaside experience. It serves as a gateway for you to explore a rich historical and cultural heritage. With its enchanting beauty and memorable experiences, Mui Ne truly stands as an unmissable destination for those who cherish the connection between humanity and nature.