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Explore Mũi Né – Vietnam’s Hidden Gem
Welcome to my article on “explore Mui Ne, Vietnam’s hidden Gem”. Tucked along Vietnam’s south-central coast, Mũi Né is a coastal town that offers far more than just sandy beaches. With its fishing village, stunning white and red sand dunes, and fabulous seafood cuisine, Mũi Né looks set to become a must-visit destination if you are seeking both natural beauty and local culture.
Brief Insights on Mui Ne
Mũi Né, located in Bình Thuận Province, is a coastal town about 2.5–3 hours from Ho Chi Minh City. Once a quiet fishing village, it has since transformed into a popular destination for beach lovers. Notably, the Red and White Sand Dunes resemble mini deserts and stand out as major highlights. Additionally, the nearby Mũi Né Fishing Village offers an authentic glimpse into local life, where fishermen, seafood vendors, and colorful basket boats create a vibrant scene. Thanks to its sunny, dry climate, Mũi Né is also ideal for wind and kite surfing, particularly from November to April. Beyond outdoor activities, visitors can further explore local markets, Cham heritage sites, and enjoy fresh seafood along with the region’s famous fish sauce. Moreover, the town offers a wide range of accommodations, from budget stays to luxury resorts, catering to every type of traveller.
Trip Itineraries
My trip began with a 1hr 45m Vietnam Airlines flight from Singapore to Ho Chi Minh City, followed by a night in District 1. The next morning, a private driver took me to Mũi Né via the new 99km Dau Giay–Phan Thiet Expressway, with travel time about 2.5 – 3 hours. The mid-sized luxurious SUV ride cost 1.5 million VND (~S$74) one-way. Pleased with the service, I booked the same company – Mui Ni Private Car for the return. I then spent two more nights in HCMC enjoying my favourite local dishes before flying home.
Mui Ne Fishing Village
I began the day with a 5am 20min Grab ride from my hotel in Phan Thiet to Mũi Né Fishing Village. At sunrise, fishermen return from sea, and their round basket boats (thúng chai) line the shore, bringing the lively, scenic coast to life. In the right season, hundreds of painted wooden fishing boats anchor would be just offshore. The boats are mainly blue, red, and yellow – symbolising luck and good fortune.When you see the fishermen working so hard to bring the catch, its almost a crime to bargain.Seafood at Mui Ne Fishing Village is generally sold by the basin, basket or weght. The prices vary by the size and type of seafood.One of the fishermen’s wives hawking her fares. If you live in Mui Ne, this is definitely the place for the freshest seafood, also cheapest.Expect to pay around 100,000 VND (S$5) for a basin of smaller seafood like shrimp, crabs, and squid. Premium items like lobster can range from 400,000 to 800,000 VND (S$19.80-$39.70) or more per basin.The fish are tuna or mackerel, commonly seen in Southeast Asian markets, especially around coastal areas like Mũi Né. Most likely, they are juvenile skipjack tuna.About 200,000 VND (S$10) for this basin of mantis shrimps(can you spot a peacock shrimp among the heap).What makes this scene so compelling isn’t just its visual appeal, but its authenticity. The scent of the sea mingles with the scent of freshly caught fish, and vendors selling their haul right at the beach. For photographers, this is golden hour perfection. For travellers, it’s a genuine slice of Mui Ne coastal life.Mui Né Fishing Village may seem messy to visitors because it’s a working beach, not a tourist spot. Boats unload fresh catch daily, and seafood is sorted and sold directly on the sand. With no proper drainage or waste system, fish remains and packaging often pile up. Vendors operate in makeshift setups, prioritizing work over cleanliness—this is a place of livelihood, not display.
Beachside Seafood Dining
No trip to Mũi Né would be complete without indulging in its famed seafood. After a day of exploring dunes and villages, it’s time to unwind at one of the many beachfront restaurants. There, the catch of the day is typically displayed live in fish tanks or on ice. Simply choose what you like, and the kitchen will cook it to order. Moreover, the fresh sea breeze and ocean views add to the laid-back, satisfying dining experience.Grilled scallops with scallion oil, garlic-steamed clams, tamarind crab, and salt-roasted prawns are just a few local specialties you’ll encounter. Pair your meal with a cold beer, as you dine with waves crashing by just meters away.
White Sand Dunes
Just a short drive away, the landscape transforms dramatically. First, head to the White Sand Dunes, also known as Bàu Trắng. These vast, rolling hills of fine white sand are often compared to a miniature Sahara. Rent an ATV or try sand sledding — both are popular ways to enjoy the terrain. The sunrise here is spectacular, with soft pastel hues casting long shadows across the dunes.The White Sand Dunes are located about 25–30 km northeast of Mũi Né town, roughly an hour drive from Phan Thiet.ATV rides at the White Sand Dunes of Mũi Né are thrilling and popular, but they come with real risks because of lax regulations and the unpredictable terrain.The ATV operators do not require licenses or provide safety briefings. Helmets are often optional or not provided. Dunes have sudden drops, blind spots, and soft sand pockets. Several injuries (including broken limbs and spinal trauma) have occurred. In extreme cases, tourists have been seriously hurt or hospitalised.
Red Sand Dunes
After The White Sand Dunes, we proceeded to the Red Sand Dunes, about 20min drive away. It is one of the most iconic natural attractions in the area, offering a stunning landscape that looks like something out of a desert postcard. No entrance fee here nor any ATV rides. Just acres of red sands to test your leg muscles as you climb the slopes.Though smaller in scale, their warm, rust-colored sands create a completely different atmosphere. As the sun sets, the dunes glow in brilliant amber tones, making it a favourite spot for sunset photography. Families and locals often come here in the late afternoon to slide down the slopes or simply enjoy the breeze.
Free and Easy Activities to Enjoy in Mui Ne
On the way to the White Sand Dunes, jeep drivers stop along the DT716 route for Instagrammable shots with the East Sea and Mũi Né Wind Farm in the background.Perfect spot, perfect weather perfect lighting, with the East Sea as the background. In the far distance, about 420km away, is the Spratly Islands, a zone of territorial disputes in the South China Sea.Ancient Fishing Village Project is a project to preserve the culture of traditional craft villages in Phan Thiet, invested by Seagull Company Limited since 2016. The entire project includes a traditional fish sauce factory, a space to preserve fishing village culture, a fish sauce museum, a show recreating the culture of the Fishing Village Legend, and a project to promote local clean specialties.The clean local specialties sold at Lang Chai Xua are the highest quality, most delicious products selected from local craft villages. I bought a pair of Red Anchovy Fish Sauce Protein Level 60N @420,000VND (S$20.80)You might like a quick hop to Bãi biển Tu Lam, a picturesque, seaside spot with a sandy beach & promontory, plus quaint, bowl-shaped boats. You will like the mobile snack truck offering some comfort and beautiful focal point at this beach.Just a short 10-minute walk away, and only steps from the Cay Bang Restaurant, is Cafe Kem Teen. There, I enjoyed a refreshing coconut ice cream, which was delightfully served alongside a cup of chilled coconut water. Additionally, the café offered a lovely view of the sea, making the experience even more enjoyable.The beach was just a 3-minute walk from our hotel. In the distance, the Mũi Né Wind Farm Phase 2 could be seen in operation. Notably, it has a 40 MW installed capacity, powered by eight GE turbines rated at 5 MW each. Moreover, these GE Cypress turbines feature rotor diameters of 158 meters, making them the largest in any onshore wind project in Asia.Traditionally, Mũi Né versions are simpler- plain rice-flour cakes or ones topped with a bit of egg. However, in recent years, more elaborate variations have emerged, featuring toppings like shrimp, squid, or minced pork.
Accommodation
The Vipol Mui Ne Hotel and Spa is a modern 22-storey, 4-star hotel featuring 126 rooms and suites. Each room comes with a private balcony offering either sea or city views, depending on the type. Conveniently, it’s just a 3-minute walk from Hàm Tiến Beach and about a 2.5-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City. As a result, guests consistently rate its location as “excellent”, making it a top choice for both leisure and business travellers.Phan Thiet offers panoramic coastal views and is known for its gorgeous beaches, vibrant seafood culture, and laid-back vibe. As the capital of Bình Thuận Province, it sits next to the more touristy Mũi Né, with many visitors using the names interchangeably.
Conclusion
Mũi Né blends rustic charm with stunning sand dunes, offering a mix of culture, adventure, and great food. Whether you’re a photographer, a foodie, or seeking coastal peace, Mũi Né welcomes you with open arms and salty breezes. So, until your next adventure, stay safe and let your lens capture the beauty of the journey. Do check out my other travel adventures here.
Jensen Chua Photography holds all the rights to the pictures used in the article. The opinion expressed is factual, objective, and that of the author.
