White Sand Dunes
My favorite attraction in Mui Ne is the White Sand Dunes, referred to by the locals as Bang Trang or White Lake. This desert is massive, and some part is sprinkled with pine trees. Bring water to keep yourself hydrated, but you can also purchase soft drinks and water here. Best to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon as the sand can get extremely hot.
Red Sand Dunes
The Mui Ne Red Sand Dunes is smaller compared to the White Sand Dunes, but it is equally charming especially at sunset. It is easily accessible as it is located just along the highway. I find it nice to just walk around here, at the highest point you can actually see the blue sea nearby. Eateries and stores are sprinkled along the road fronting the sand dunes. You can buy cold drinks here to avoid being hydrated.
Fairy Springs
Another interesting place to visit in Mui Ne, which is usually part of the typical Mui Ne half day tour is the Fairy Stream. This soft red creek is made possible by the limestone and clay particles from the rock formations that fringes its bank. Remove your shoes or sandals and walk along the ankle-deep water that leads to a small waterfall.
Mui Ne Fishing Village
It is one of my favorite spot in Mui Ne as visitors can witness local life and buy fresh seafood. The village is located far east-end of the beach and the best time to visit is early in the morning when fishermen just returned from the sea. You’ll most likely see those hauling fishes, scallops, stingrays and live crabs from their boat while their wives greet them and sell their catch. You can buy fresh seafood here and cook it in your homestay. It’s quite cheap compared to the ones being sold in eateries by the beach.
Po Shanu Cham Towers
Po Shanu Cham Towers is a temple made up of red bricks crowning a small hill between Mui Ne and Phan Thiet, built to worship the Hindi deity Shiva. There are two surviving tall towers and a smaller building. Also check out the building here where you can find handcrafted souvenirs, colorful textiles, impressive portraits of the locals, etc.
Address: Ong Hoang Hill, Mui Ne, Phan Thiet
Ta Cu Mountain
There are two pagodas on top of the mountain here, namely, Linh Son Long Doan and Linh Son Truong Tho, which are surrounded by a dense forest. Visitors can ride a cable car to take you to the view point with great views of the surrounding village. There’s a gigantic, white reclining Buddha measuring around 59 meter long and 18 meter high. Souvenirs are also available here and I found a store selling cheap local textiles and handcrafted polo and clothes.
Address: Km 8 Nguyen Thong Street, Phu Hai Ward, Ham Tien/Mui Ne, Phan Thiet, Vietnam
Ke Ga Lighthouse
About an hour away from Phan Thiet is a beautiful beach with a lighthouse known as Ke Ga Lighthouse. This lonely sentinel standing on a rocky promontory is said to be built sometime in the 1800’s.
Dragon Fruit Farm
Binh Thuan Province where Phan Thiet and Mui Ne is located is largely known for its dragon fruits. During the dragon fruit season, the highway is speckled with dragon fruit vendors.