Phan Thiet and Mui Ne: an affordable beach holiday with wind and dunes

Mui Ne is a former fishing village that became a long resort strip on the Binh Thuan coast in southern Vietnam. Since 1999 it has been part of the city of Phan Thiet, so the names are often used together. According to Wikivoyage, the resort is about 220 km northeast of Ho Chi Minh City. If you are choosing between the resorts of the country, compare it with Nha Trang and Phu Quoc.

What the resort looks like

The resort zone stretches 15 km along Nguyen Dinh Chieu street, where a row of hotels stands in the shade of coconut palms. The main stretch is called Ham Tien. The sand on the shore moves with the seasons, so in some places the beach can be narrow. Choose a hotel with a proven access to the water.

What to do

• Dunes. The sand dunes and sunsets are known across the country.
• Kitesurfing and windsurfing. The coast is famous for its wind, so it is a popular place for schools.
• The fishing village and markets. To see local life, it is worth coming in the morning.
• Inexpensive cafes and hotels. Compared with Nha Trang and Phu Quoc it is easier to find budget options.

Getting there

Most tourists come by "open tour" bus from Ho Chi Minh City, Da Lat or Nha Trang. Buses from Ho Chi Minh City usually leave in the morning and arrive in Ham Tien around noon. Phan Thiet to the west serves as the transport hub of the region. There are also transfers and taxis, but check the terms in advance.

Who it suits

1. Fans of wind and kites.
2. People who want an inexpensive holiday with simple infrastructure.
3. Travelers going around Vietnam with several stops who want a couple of days by the sea.

What to keep in mind

• The wind can badly spoil swimming in some areas.
• The distances between hotels and venues are large, so it is convenient to rent a scooter or order a taxi.
• Take out travel insurance for a trip around the country.

Fares are in the HotTrip flight search.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Mui Ne?

About 220 km northeast of Ho Chi Minh City, in Binh Thuan province.

Is Mui Ne good for swimming?

Yes, but because of the wind the quality of the beach depends on the section and the time of year.

How do I get there from Ho Chi Minh City?

By bus or taxi. The trip takes several hours.

How is Mui Ne different from Nha Trang?

It is quieter and cheaper here, but with fewer city entertainments.

What should I bring?

Sunscreen, a hat, water and shoes for walking on the dunes.

Cover: photo by Ngoc Nguyen on Pexels