Mui Ne is Phan Thiet’s most prominent coastal resort town, spanning 15 kilometres of sandy beaches that are lined with an array of dining and shopping venues as well as luxurious beachfront resorts. Great for experiencing the daily lives of the local population, the northern end of Mui Ne Bay is home to a traditional fishing village which also offers a picturesque view of the coastline lined with swaying palm trees and colourful fishing boats moored on the water.
Visiting the fishing harbour at dawn is a must-do as you’ll see local fishermen sorting out hundreds of fresh seafood such as crabs, scallops, groupers, and stingrays. While it remains relatively authentic, the growing numbers of visitors to Mui Ne Fishing Village has resulted in a number of gift shops and affordable seafood restaurants.
Mui Ne is also surrounded by unique natural formations, verdant mountains, and remnants of the ancient Champa Kingdom. The iconic Red and White Sand Dunes both offer a fun-filled day of riding ATVs and sliding down the slopes on plastic sleds while Fairy Stream is a photography hotspot thanks to its dramatic landscape of white and red sand dunes, verdant trees, blossoming flowers, and coconut palms. Another must-visit in Mui Ne is Linh Son Truong Tho Pagoda atop Ta Cu Mountain, which houses Vietnam’s largest statue of a reclining Buddha.
The southern area of Mui Ne Beach is dedicated to swanky retail outlets selling quality beachwear, clothes, local handicrafts, and jewellery. There are also plenty of kitesurfing schools offering short courses and equipment rentals. Thanks to its rock-free waters, Mui Ne Beach is ideal for a day of swimming, kitesurfing, kayaking, and surfing. The best time to enjoy these activities are between the months of November and March, when skies are sunny with strong winds, resulting in optimum temperatures and wave conditions.
When it comes to dining in Mui Ne, you can find a diverse range of beachfront restaurants serving authentic Asian fare, regional specialities, and fresh seafood from the East Sea. If you’re craving something from back home, there are plenty of expat-owned and resort restaurants that offer familiar regional dishes from around the world.
Nightlife in Mui Ne is fairly relaxed compared to Nha Trang or Ho Chi Minh, comprising a handful of hotel bars, late-night restaurants, and hippy lounges set along the beach. Most of these venues have been operating for decades, hosting vibrant parties, cultural nights, movie screenings, bonfires, dance performances, and guest DJs from all across Vietnam and Europe.
