Every visitor to Phan Thiet is always left with a lasting impression of Mui Ne, where you can savor the local cuisine, embrace the stunning natural settings, and fully immerse yourself in the rich cultures of the Chinese and Cham people. To experience all that Mui Ne has to offer, follow this comprehensive guide that will take you through the top attractions in this hidden gem.
7 Unique Mui Ne Attractions
Mui Ne Fishing Village: A Gateway to Coastal Life
Mui Ne fishing town is located approximately 23 kilometers north of Phan Thiet, the capital of Binh Thuan. You can easily spot the town by the hundreds of colorful coracles floating in the calm waters along the shore. More than 25,000 fishermen depend on this place for their livelihoods.
- Why it is special
The local seafood market is open every day from 5:00 until about 20:00 and is a must-visit for tourists. The market offers a memorable sight of hardworking fishermen hauling in their fresh catch of fish, shrimp, crab, squid, scallops, groupers, and stingrays after a long night of fishing. Their wives wake up early to sort and sell the catch to street food vendors and local restaurant owners.
After 9:00, the beach is deserted once again, except for a few women wearing conical hats who are selling the day’s leftover fish to arriving guests at around 10:00.
When the small fishing village was hit by the tourism wave, numerous food carts and outdoor eateries appeared along the beach. These establishments offer reasonably priced grilled seafood, along with traditional Vietnamese dishes like banh mi, pho bo (beef noodle soup), and banh xeo (pancake with pork, shrimp, and mung bean fillings).
- What to do
The local government has offered Kayak tours at the fishing village of Mui Ne since 2020. Every two to three-hour tour gives visitors the chance to examine the floating rafts that fishermen use to cultivate shrimp or fish. The kayak tour costs 42.81 USD per participant.
Watching the sunrise and sunset over the sea is another amazing experience that you shouldn’t miss when visiting Mui Ne Fishing Village. At these transitional times, the magnificent landscape takes on an incredibly alluring quality. As you observe the vast splendor of the natural world from a distance, you may also take in its serene ambiance.
Also, the chance to see local fishermen’s daily lives firsthand is one of the highlights of visiting Mui Ne Fishing Village. They can involve you in a variety of Mui Ne activities, such as net weaving, fixing fishing gear, or even taking a fishing trip out to sea. You can learn more about their traditional way of life and increase your admiration for their labors through these first-hand experiences.
In addition to visiting and experiencing local culture firsthand, specialties at Mui Ne Fishing Village make for an unforgettable visit. Do not miss trying the food that is served at the restaurant, taking in the view of the sea while dining, or asking the restaurant to prepare the seafood that you purchase.
The White Sand Dunes: “Little Sahara Desert”
About 30 kilometers from Mui Ne, White Sand Dunes, also known as Bau Trang, is a captivating natural wonder that captivates tourists with its awe-inspiring beauty and tranquil atmosphere.
- Why it is special
The unearthly beauty of the White Sand Dunes, which evokes a desert landscape within the beautiful Vietnamese coastal scenery, is one of its most alluring aspects.
These immaculate dunes stretch for miles, with their undulating slopes changing from bright white to gentle golden tones under the warm glow of the sun. The White Sand Dunes in Mui Ne evoke awe and wonder as the sunshine dances across the shimmering sands, which creates captivating shadows.
- What to do
Here, sandboarding is a hugely popular pastime that draws both residents and visitors. Using a board, participants in this thrilling sport slide down the dunes’ slopes. Your body weight, the moisture content of the sand, and the steepness of the dune all affect how quickly you descend. Sandboard rentals usually cost between 0.6 and 0.8 USD and provide 30 to 60 minutes of exciting sliding pleasure.
Driving off-road dune buggies in White Sand Dunes Mui Ne is also an exciting experience. People who are accustomed to riding motorcycles will quickly adjust to these cars. Instructions are included to guarantee that novices can operate the buggies safely.
For those seeking an exciting adventure, touring Mui Ne attractions on a quad bike is a thrilling experience. Mui Ne’s enormous dunes make it the perfect place to ride these strong, adaptable off-road vehicles. You may go across the sandy terrain, take in the breathtaking scenery, and feel the exhilaration of rushing over the dunes as you ride a quad bike.
The White Sand Dunes Mui Ne is a breathtaking natural spectacle that is bound to leave you in awe, especially during sunrise and sunset. The pure white dunes look even more stunning as the sun paints the sky with vivid hues. The changing colors provide a picturesque setting for taking breathtaking photographs or simply admiring the beauty of nature.
The Ta Cu Mountain: Spiritual Destination
Vietnam’s Ta Cu Mountain, a highly recognized natural feature, is renowned for its spiritual significance and is home to the Linh Son Truong Tho Pagoda, which is surrounded by lush vegetation.
- Why it is special
A famous monk from Central Vietnam named Tran Huu Duc set off on a solo expedition in 1872. He walked through forests, mountains, and rough terrain to get to a quiet place to practice spirituality atop Ta Cu Mountain. Other hikers in the forest found the monk’s meditation cave after a span of seven years.
The mountain’s 649 meters above sea level and beautiful weather make it among the most ideal Mui Ne tourist attractions. Encompassing more than 250,000 square meters, the region is home to a variety of natural communities, such as forests, mountains, and maritime settings.
- What to do
The cable car is one of Ta Cu Mountain’s highlights. Visitors are provided with a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside on this exciting and picturesque excursion. Ascending will reward you with a breathtaking view that extends in all directions. A captivating sight unfolds before you as the verdant forests, meandering paths, and untamed landscapes come to life.
To fully experience Ta Cu Mountain, it is recommended to visit the impressive temple complex, which features the popular Linh Son Truong Tho Pagoda. The pagoda is situated in a serene natural environment and offers a glimpse into the area’s rich spiritual heritage and cultural importance.
Moreover, the statue of the reclining Buddha attracts tourists to the temple complex with its regal and tranquil demeanor. The statue shows the Buddha in a serene and enlightened condition, standing for calmness and harmony. Admirers will truly appreciate the superb craftsmanship and intricate details involved in creating this statue.
> You may be interested in: Top Natural Places for Hikes in Vietnam
The Co Thach Beach: Seven-Color Stone Beach
Co Thach Beach, well-known for its seven-colored stones, is one of the most beautiful Mui Ne attractions. It is unaffected by tourism yet provides a tranquil and beautiful haven for those looking to unwind.
- Why it is special
This pristine place showcased its serene character by remaining undiscovered until travel agencies found it. Co Thach is unique not because of its size but rather because of its amazing assortment of bright stones. Despite their common perception as dead, these stones elicit thought and raise concerns about their possible soulfulness.
When the sun shines, Co Thach Beach shimmers in all seven rainbow hues, producing a striking scene that blends well with the surrounding landscape. The beach is lined with stones that shimmer like an iridescent carpet, enticing guests to gather mementos for their travels.
For those seeking adventure and a love of the natural world, the beach’s daybreak view of towering rocks against a clear blue sky is a surprising gift.
- What to do
In the vicinity of Co Thach Beach, the 64-meter-tall Chua Hang Pagoda, also called Grotto Pagoda, is encircled by a plethora of grottos. This spiritual oasis, with its historic charm, embodies Vietnam’s rich historical and cultural heritage and is still there despite recent restoration attempts. Residents take great care in protecting these architectural gems for upcoming generations.
Meanwhile, Co Thach attracts early bird photographers and tourists hoping to see the distinctive sunrise scene in March, when the rocks are covered in dark green mosses. With brilliant shades of navy blue, sky blue, green, and pink, the beach becomes a mystical place that uplifts the spirit. The beach is even more mesmerizing at dusk, when sunlight paints the horizon, enveloping admirers in the breathtaking display.
Champa Traits: Mui Ne Attractions of Worship
One of the most significant and valuable cultural relics of the Champa Kingdom is the Poshanu Towers, which are around 7 kilometers northeast of Phan Thiet.
- Why it is special
The temple is especially noteworthy since it is a site of worship for the Whale God and contains the largest whale skeleton in Southeast Asia, which is 65 tons heavy and 22 meters long. According to the lunar calendar, significant rituals are performed in the temple annually on favorable days.
Apart from the Kinh people, the Cham people make up a significant portion of Maine’s population. This has created a fascinating Champa cultural “kingdom” with some historic Champa architecture.
It would be a mistake not to mention the Po Shanu Cham Towers, which are one of the most significant cultural establishments from the former Champa kingdom. Perched atop Ong Hoang hill, the complex is made up of three historic worship structures that date back to the eighth century.
- What to do
The ethnic Cham people are known for their cultural festivals, such as the Damp Building Festival and Abstinence Ceremony.
If you want to learn more about Champa culture, you should visit these events, which are among the most popular Mui Ne attractions. The Po Shanu Cham Towers offer a great view of Mui Ne and the surrounding beaches. It takes just 15 minutes to get there from the town, and you can explore the unique Cham tower for a small fee of 0.4 USD.
Hon Ghenh Island: Stunning Hidden Oasis
About one kilometer from Mui Ne, Hon Ghenh Island stands 30 meters above sea level and offers visitors a glimpse into a fascinating and wild environment. It is a unique and stunning destination in Vietnam, which was recently discovered and remains unspoiled.
- Why it is special
Located less than a kilometer away from Mui Ne, Ghenh Island, also known as Lao Island or Lau Island, is an offshore island that, when viewed from the mainland, looks like a giant sea turtle swimming in crystal clear water. When you visit Ghenh Island, you will be amazed at how well the environment has been preserved and conserved.
The island boasts crystal-clear waters that display vibrant coral floors. Though a modest temple was constructed by local fishermen to honor Nam Hai God, the island is uninhabited and does not offer any travel services. Ghenh Island’s pristine scenery, with its rocky topography, natural plants, and variety of bird species, makes it a one-of-a-kind and highly alluring travel destination.
Various-sized rock cascades across the island produce a captivating image of jumbled patterns amid brilliant white foam formations. This natural marvel is referred to locally as “Hon Ghenh” or “the island of rock rapids.”
- What to do
Travelers swarm to Ghenh Island to take in its unspoiled charm, which appeals to even the pickiest travelers. At the top of the island, you can see the magnificent sky blending into the azure sea, listen to the tranquil sounds of waves breaking, and feel the refreshing sea wind awakening your senses.
Visitors highly praise the gorgeous view of Ghenh Island in the afternoon. The golden rays of the setting sun cast a captivating show on the sky and sea. The seagulls soaring home against the colorful horizon make the sight more beautiful, creating a vibrant, organic painting that lifts your spirits and relieves life’s pressures.
Fishing fans can find sea cucumbers, also called sea leeches, on rocky coastlines in the morning. Despite their appearance, they’re in high demand by upscale eateries for their flavor and nutrition.
Lang Chai Xua Fish Sauce Museum: Preserving Culinary Heritage
Situated in the center of Phu Quoc Island, the Lang Chai Xua Fish Sauce Museum provides visitors with an in-depth understanding of the rich cultural value and history of traditional fish sauce manufacture.
- Why it is special
The Lang Chai Xua Fish Sauce Museum is the first and only museum in Vietnam that is dedicated to fish sauce. It is organized into 14 distinct areas that realistically recreate the 300-year history of Phan Thiet, an ancient fishing village.
The museum covers the Champa era, the Nguyen dynasty, the French colonial period, and the 1940s–1960s. Visitors can explore the historic village of Phan Thiet and engage in role-playing activities such as salt field laborers and fishermen hurling nets. It offers a unique experience that goes beyond just viewing items on display.
- What to do
A documentary featuring fascinating and unexpected facts about the 300-year history of Phan Thiet and Vietnamese fish sauce is being shown in a theater.
Tourists can rent clothing to change historic fishermen into nostalgic and distinctive photo albums set in historic buildings with a glittering three-dimensional ocean.
Take a visual tour of fishing, salt-making, and traditional fish sauce brewing, where guests can see the equipment and processes in clear detail. Expert craftspeople create a variety of delectable fish sauces that provide a taste of the region’s real flavors.
On the 4-floor water stage and the enormous 22-meter whale skeleton, actors and residents of the fishing hamlet and Cham village took part in telling the legend of Ca Ong (Lord Whale), who helps the fishermen at sea with magnificent dance, singing, and swinging sequences.
Final Thoughts
Sand dunes, water sports, and gorgeous beaches combine to make Mui Ne the perfect combination of excitement and leisure. An additional feature of the trip is its varied gastronomic scene, which includes local cuisine and fresh fish. No matter what kind of budget, Mui Ne attractions greet travelers with warm hospitality and lifelong memories.
