Although most tourists make it to HCMC in the country ’ s south , Vietnam ’ s southern coastline is often overlooked , which is a huge shame . As a refreshing flipside to sultry Saigon , the region offers endless white-sand beaches , idyllic offshore islands , picturesque fishing villages , and chic seaside resorts . Add any ( or all ) of these to your holiday or honeymoon for a dose of sea air and the perfect Vietnam escape .
MUI NE
The charming fishing village of Mui Ne is fast becoming a popular beach destination with locals and tourists alike . Around four hours east of HCMC ( soon to be two hours when the new expressway opens ), Mui Ne is famous for its beautiful beaches and the stunning red and white sand dunes nearby . A handful of luxury resorts and shopping strips are also popping up along the beachfront , drawing a new crowd to this beautiful escape .
Mui Ne is also Vietnam ’ s adrenaline capital , attracting surfers ( August – December ) and kite-surfing enthusiasts ( October-April ).
See & do in Mui Ne
• Sled over a sand dune . The white sand dunes ( doi cat trang ), resembling a miniature version of the Sahara , can be explored on foot , by sled / sledge , or on the back of an ATV . Visit at sunrise when the morning rays create a breathtaking and highly photogenic vista .
• See the red dunes ( doi hong ) at sunset when they take on a beautiful rusty red / brown hue . Or see it all on a hot air balloon ride over the region .
• Trek Tà Cú ( also called Takou ) Mountain , home to a ginormous bright-white reclining Buddha said to be the longest in Southeast Asia . Around an hour ’ s drive from Mui Ne , you can brave the jungle path up or take the cable car to the summit for awesome views .
• One for the foodies and history-buffs . Head to Làng Chài Xua , the fish sauce museum , for a window into the area ’ s origin story .
• Try your hand at kite-surfing . There are plenty of schools and hire shops located along the beachfronts .
[ Top ] Spilling through the palms to the sea , The Anam Mui Ne offers a new way to experience the region ’ s charms . [ Below ] Indochine elegance meets modern luxury at The Anam Mui Ne , sister property to The Anam Cam Ranh .
STAY : THE ANAM MUI NE
The gold-dipped shores of Mui Né Beach are home to a gorgeous new resort that evokes the romance of a bygone era . Opened in January 2023 , The Anam Mui Ne blends Indochine stylings with modern luxuries and tropical sustainability : think warm teak furnishings , custom antique-style tiling , and 100 + original oil paintings by Vietnamese artists . Flowing through the palms to the East Sea , this ultra-elegant property gives major nostalgia vibes . Relax into one of 127 beautifully appointed rooms and suites ( each with a clawfoot bath ), and swan around the two excellent restaurants , atmospheric Saigon Bar , signature Anam spa , and two swimming pools . If you ’ re in the market for a little extra indulgence , be sure to book a Private Pool Suite — an elegant private haven where you can sink into heavenly Irish cotton bed linens and step out to your own terrace and pool . The resort ’ s delightful boutique showcases local designers ( perfect for souvenir-shopping ) and you can take home new skills with a Vietnamese cooking class . As Vietnam ’ s only Small Luxury Hotels of the World ™ affiliate , you ’ re assured a special stay in this authentic and indulgent retreat that ’ s ideal for exploring the best of Mui Né .
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