Mui Ne is a perfect holiday destination situated in the southeast of Vietnam. The most common jumping-off point when you're headed to Mui Ne is Ho Chi Minh City. It only takes a four-hour bus ride from HCM to this paradise.
Places to See (Day Tour)
The tour kicks off at sunrise so you should jump start at 4 AM. In my case, I stayed at Long Son Beach and from there the van left at exactly 4AM for the White Sand Dunes where a crowd of tourists anticipates the magnificent sunrise. Although I'm not a morning person and I just had less than 2 hours of sleep on a 'real bed' (after I traveled on a night bus), I truly enjoyed the trip to the sand dunes. The scenic landscapes in rich orange hues seemed to stimulate my lethargic mood. The car windows were rolled down and the wind surged like it was drowning me.
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| 5 Destinations: 1 Day | Vietnam |
1st stop: White Sand Dunes
The throng of tourists seemed like ants against the overwhelming vastness of the sand dunes. As we arrived, a couple of tour guides or staff greeted us with some sort of offers for going up the sand dunes. For us to see the sunrise, we had to reach the highest point of the desert. Going up is no easy task. The best option was to take the ATV ride. Hiking is an option but we would have missed the sunrise if we took that option.
There were two options for the ATV ride, each bearing a different price tag.
Option 1: Take the ATV ride to and fro the highest point of the desert - 500,000 VND / 21USD / 1100PHP good for two
Option 2: Take a ride to and fro + get to drive the ATV - 1M VND / 43USD /2200 PHP good for two
To spice up the experience, I tried the sand sledding which was totally invigorating. An old couple was offering a sand sled for 30,000VND. I thought my facemask could prevent the sand to get in my face but I was wrong. There was sand all over me!
After about 45 minutes of strolling and gliding on the sand, the ATV guy picked us up and drove us down the desert.
It's just sad to note that most people come there just to drop by or to see the place and not really to buy. Most tourists there are travelling from far places and buying fresh goods wouldn't be an ideal thing to do.
This stop was rather quick. I was actually imagining of dining in one of the restaurants there and enjoying a sumptuous seafood buffet but we had to hasten for the next destination.
The idea of walking barefoot and walking across the stream really delighted me. This is my favorite part of the itinerary. Though it was scorching hot and the streets could have burnt our soles if we walked longer, I (with my friends) left my sandals in our van and crossed the street, walked down to the entrance of the stream, barefoot!
At the main entrance of the stream, there were makeshift shops selling fruits, refreshment, and souvenirs. Entrance fee is at 30,000VND.
The stream seemed unending with its rich orangey colors. The best experience was the squishy feeling of the tangerine mud against my feet. I enjoyed every bit of it! The trail ended with a mini waterfall. Yes, it was literally small unlike the gigantic ones I've seen in the Philippines.
Don't worry, if you forgot to grab a drink at the start of the walk, there are restaurants and cafes alongside the stream so you could take a break anytime. The trail is really easy and safe. The only thing you have to be prepared of is the heat of the sun.
This stop is the nearest to our resort and we made it back to the resort just in time for lunch.
Finally, I'd like to add one more place in the itinerary although this wasn't really part of the tour package. Even though I just stayed there for less than a day, I definitely recommend this not-so-typical beach resort with the coolest island vibe.
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| Sand Dunes | Mui Ne |
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| ATV ride | Mui Ne |
There were two options for the ATV ride, each bearing a different price tag.
Option 1: Take the ATV ride to and fro the highest point of the desert - 500,000 VND / 21USD / 1100PHP good for two
Option 2: Take a ride to and fro + get to drive the ATV - 1M VND / 43USD /2200 PHP good for two
To spice up the experience, I tried the sand sledding which was totally invigorating. An old couple was offering a sand sled for 30,000VND. I thought my facemask could prevent the sand to get in my face but I was wrong. There was sand all over me!
After about 45 minutes of strolling and gliding on the sand, the ATV guy picked us up and drove us down the desert.
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| the smiles in between struggles |
2nd stop: Fishing Village
From the White Sand Dunes, we travelled about 30 minutes to the Fishing Village. If you're a fan of fresh seafood, this is the right place for you. This place is basically a marketplace of seafood situated on the beach. This is where you meet local vendors and fishermen. |
| Fish Village | Mui Ne |
It's just sad to note that most people come there just to drop by or to see the place and not really to buy. Most tourists there are travelling from far places and buying fresh goods wouldn't be an ideal thing to do.
This stop was rather quick. I was actually imagining of dining in one of the restaurants there and enjoying a sumptuous seafood buffet but we had to hasten for the next destination.
 |
| Fish Village | Mui Ne |
3rd stop: Fairy Stream
The idea of walking barefoot and walking across the stream really delighted me. This is my favorite part of the itinerary. Though it was scorching hot and the streets could have burnt our soles if we walked longer, I (with my friends) left my sandals in our van and crossed the street, walked down to the entrance of the stream, barefoot!At the main entrance of the stream, there were makeshift shops selling fruits, refreshment, and souvenirs. Entrance fee is at 30,000VND.
Don't worry, if you forgot to grab a drink at the start of the walk, there are restaurants and cafes alongside the stream so you could take a break anytime. The trail is really easy and safe. The only thing you have to be prepared of is the heat of the sun.
I took my best travel photos here!
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| Fairy Stream | Mui Ne |
4th stop: Red Sand Dunes
The heat of the sun felt like it was on full blast. We couldn't stand the heat for more than 10 minutes. We had to hurry up as it was unbearable to walk on the desert. It was around 10:30 AM and we couldn't withstand the scorching heat of the sun. We took a few photos and stayed at a refreshment area just along the road. |
| the scorching hot Red Sand Dunes | Mui Ne |
This stop is the nearest to our resort and we made it back to the resort just in time for lunch.
Finally, I'd like to add one more place in the itinerary although this wasn't really part of the tour package. Even though I just stayed there for less than a day, I definitely recommend this not-so-typical beach resort with the coolest island vibe.
5th stop: Long Son Mui Ne Beach - Campground Resort
Definitely a must-visit! I always travel on a budget and looking around some cheap hotels in travel websites has become more of a habit for me. My friend, who travelled with me, found this resort online. Honestly, we booked this place because of the price and its high ratings and not for its features or ammenities - and it didn't disappoint! The vibe and the service, not to mention its affordability, made this resort a top-rated one.
Till our next laag*!
*wander, saunter
BEACH
BLOGGER
FISHING VILLAGE
LONGSON BEACH
MUI NE
RED SAND DUNES
SAND DUNES
TRAVELER
VIETNAM
WHITE SAND DUNES
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