Mui Ne is a small, laid-back fishing village located on the southeast coast of Vietnam. Known for its beautiful sandy beaches, warm climate and fresh seafood, it's a popular destination for those seeking a relaxing beach vacation. The village lies along a 10km stretch of coastline and is surrounded by lush green mountains on one side and a picturesque fishing harbour on the other. Famous for its colourful fishing boats, visitors can witness the hustle and bustle of fisherman bringing in their morning catch. Mui Ne is also known for its sand dunes, which are a popular spot for sand-boarding enthusiasts.
The easiest way to get to Mui Ne is to fly into Phan Thiet Airport. From there, it's a short 30-minute drive to the village. Alternatively, buses and trains run from Ho Chi Minh City to Phan Thiet, and taxis can be hired for the last leg of the journey.
The best time to visit Mui Ne is between November and March when the weather is dry, sunny and comfortable. Avoid visiting during the rainy season (from June to October) when the weather can be unpredictable and the sea can become rough.
Mui Ne has a tropical climate with high temperatures year-round, averaging around 27°C. The dry season occurs between November and March, when the weather is most comfortable, and the wet season occurs between June and October. During this time, the weather can become unpredictable with thunderstorms and heavy rainfall.
Accommodation in Mui Ne ranges from budget-friendly hostels to luxury resorts. A budget hostel can cost as little as $5 per night, while a mid-range hotel or resort can cost between $30 and $100 per night. Luxury resorts are also available, with prices ranging from $200 to $500 per night or more.
The food in Mui Ne is very affordable, with plenty of restaurants and street vendors selling fresh seafood and local Vietnamese dishes. A simple meal at a local restaurant can cost between $2 and $5, while a mid-range restaurant can cost $10 to $20 per meal.
Mui Ne is generally considered a safe destination with low crime rates. Visitors should exercise caution when swimming in the sea, especially during the wet season when the sea can be rough. Women traveling alone should be cautious and take the necessary precautions, but violent crimes are rare. The LGBTQ community may face discrimination, and travelers should avoid public displays of affection.
Mui Ne has a population of approximately 25,000 people, the majority of whom are ethnic Vietnamese. The official language is Vietnamese, but English is spoken by many locals in the tourism industry. Buddhism is the predominant religion, and there is also a small Muslim community. The population is predominantly young, with a high number of families and retirees.
Popular tourist activities in Mui Ne include swimming, sunbathing, and water sports such as kite-surfing and windsurfing. The sand dunes are also a popular destination, and visitors can ride quad bikes or go sand-boarding. Other activities include visiting the nearby Fairy Stream or the Cham Towers, which are remnants of an ancient civilization.