Where is Mui Ne Sand Dunes

The destination is situated on the Southern coast of Vietnam, located in the charming coastal town of Mui Ne, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province. The exquisite Mui Ne Sand Dunes presents a splendid sight that is about 200 km away from Ho Chi Minh City. Serving as an oasis of shimmering sand, the dunes mesmerize with their vast expanse that extends as far as the eyes can behold.

What makes this destination unique

Within Vietnam, there are not many places where you can find sand dunes quite like those found in Mui Ne. These exemplary dunes have been gradually formed over centuries through sediment deposits propelled by the wind. Continuously shifting sand grants the dunes a picturesque appearance, showcasing an array of breathtaking patterns and shapes. One of the most remarkable features of these sand dunes is their diverse palette of colors, which is an exception to the standard, uniform beige hue found in most sand dunes. Shades of red, yellow, and white create a stunning and awe-inspiring vista, leaving visitors spellbound. 

Mui Ne Sand Dunes

Free oneself in the space of Mui Ne Sand Dunes

There are 2 main sand dunes in Mui Ne: the White Sand Dunes and the Red Sand Dunes. The Red Sand Dunes provide a striking contrast to the surrounding lush green trees, while the White Sand Dunes offer a pristine and peaceful setting with its crystal clear blue lake.

Mui Ne White Sand Dunes

The White Sand Dunes Mui Ne is also known as Bau Trang by the locals. According to their accounts, the dunes were once characteristically imbued with a vibrant golden hue. However, over time and exposure to the elements, the sand has transitioned to a pure, pristine shade of white. This transformation speaks to the enduring and mutable nature of the dunes, evoking a sense of awe and wonder at the transformative power of the natural world. The Bau Trang Sand dunes surround the freshwater lake of Bau Ba.

Mui Ne Sand Dunes

Sand boarding at Mui Ne White Sand Dunes

Mui Ne Red Sand Dunes

The Mui Ne Red Sand Dunes are smaller in size compared to the White Sand Dunes, but their beauty is unparalleled. The sand dunes are an incredible natural phenomenon, where the sand here is a vibrant shade of orange-red, creating a stunning contrast against the clear blue sky above. The sand's yellow-red hue is attributed to a historic iron mine, which has resulted in the presence of iron color in the sand under the daylight. 

Mui Ne Sand Dunes

Enjoy the tranquil amidst the Red Sand Dunes

How to get to Mui Ne Sand Dunes

First, you need to go from Ho Chi Minh City to Phan Thiet City, then transit to Mui Ne. The distance from the Phan Thiet City center to the White Sand Dunes Mui Ne is approximately 50 km and 25 km to the Red Sand Dune.

There are a couple of options available to travel to Phan Thiet City of Binh Thuan province:

Types of transport

How to travel

Cost per round

Plane

Since Binh Thuan currently has no airport, if you are traveling from the North or Central regions of Vietnam, you can fly to transit airports:
- Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City)

- Cam Ranh (Nha Trang)

- About 1,200,000 - 3,000,000 VND (51 - 128 USD)

- About 1,700,000 - 3,600,000 VND (73 - 153 USD)

Train

- Ho Chi Minh City - Phan Thiet

About 240,000 - 310,000 VND (10 - 13 USD)

Long bus

- Ho Chi Minh City - Phan Thiet

- Cam Ranh - Phan Thiet

- Vung Tau - Phan Thiet

- About 180,000 (8 USD)

- About 250,000 (11 USD)

- About 280,000 (12 USD)

 

Depending on the mode of transportation, the whole trip can take 4.5 - 6 hours from Ho Chi Minh City to Mui Ne Sand Dunes.

Best time to visit Mui Ne Sand Dunes

Mui Ne Sand Dunes

Beautiful senset view at Mui Ne Sand Dunes

We recommend visiting from September to March, particularly from December to February. During these months, the sand dunes are not only tranquil but also moderately chilly with a soothing winter breeze blowing in the air. From April to August, Phan Thiet experiences a typical tropical climate, with the sun's heat intensifying, and the weather becoming hotter.

If you are planning to witness the breathtaking beauty of Mui Ne sand dunes, we recommend visiting between 5 to 8 am. During this time, you can enjoy the cool weather, avoid the scorching hot sand, and admire the picturesque sunrise. 

What to do at Mui Ne Sand Dunes

Visitors to Mui Ne Sand Dunes always find themselves captivated by the myriad of activities the area has to offer. Join the New Asia Tours as we explore the exhilarating experiences waiting for you:

  • Riding terrain vehicles such as jeeps, quad bikes, cars, or motorbikes provides an incredible opportunity to discover the region. The sand dunes are constantly shifting, and embarking on a terrain vehicle ride allows you to witness their ever-changing nature in a unique way. 

For the rental price, you can enjoy twenty minutes of pure adrenaline rush using a quad bike for just 650,000 VND (about $28) per two people. Alternatively, you could book a Mui Ne sand dunes jeep tour to explore the flying sand dune landscape for 600,000 VND (about $26) per six people per ride. 

mui ne sand dunes

Riding a quad bike (ATV) in Mui Ne Sand Dunes

  • Sand boarding: This destination also offers an ideal setting for indulging in sandboarding, with its steep gradients and velvety-smooth terrain. This thrilling activity is perfect for individuals of any age or proficiency. The price for experiencing sand sliding here is 20,000 VND (about 0,85 USD) per mat for 2 slides.

  • Enjoy the scenery, sunset, or sunrise in Mui Ne sand dunes: The space exudes a sense of profundity and is sure to captivate you with its unspoiled charm. With the stunning backdrop of endless rolling sand dunes, take some time to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the present moment.

  • Camping: Camping on the sand dunes gives you the opportunity to witness stunning sunrises, sunsets, and stargazing. You can enjoy a unique and adventurous experience by exploring the sand dunes during the day and experiencing the cool breeze at night. 

  • Boating in Bau Ba Lake: The lake itself is a peaceful oasis amidst the White Sand Dunes. Boating, kayaking, or swimming on the lake is also a great way to escape the heat and enjoy some cool breezes. In the summer, lotus flowers cover the surface of the lake, creating an incredibly poetic and beautiful landscape.

Travel Tips for Visiting Mui Ne Sand Dunes 

mui ne sand dunes

There is so much fun at Mui Ne sand dunes

With its unique terrain and climate, we have put together some useful tips for you: 

  • The weather can be quite hot and dry, so to avoid sunburn, be sure to apply sunscreen and bring protective clothing and footwear. Do not forget to stay hydrated with plenty of mineral water. 

  • If you plan on going boating on the lake of Bau Ba, it is imperative that you prioritize your safety through proper precautions such as wearing a life jacket and taking all necessary measures. 

  • If you are thinking of camping or organizing a picnic, be sure to bring all the necessary equipment and food supplies, as there are not many services or shops in the sandy hills. This is especially important when participating in physically demanding activities, so be sure to bring plenty of refreshing drinks.

mui ne sand dunes

Kayaking in Bau Ba Lake next to the White Sand Dunes

Besides the astounding sand dunes, Mui Ne town has so much more to explore such as its serene beaches of Rang Beach, Hon Rom, and Hon Ghenh; the enchanting red-orange Fairy Spring stream; and the charming coastal fishing village on Huynh Thuc Khang street.

Mui Ne is truly an exciting and fascinating destination, isn't it? With this complete travel guide to Mui Ne Sand Dunes, we hope you will fully enjoy your journey to this intriguing land.  If you require any further information about Vietnam package tours or any other destinations on your travel itinerary, allow New Asia Tours to be your trusted travel companion. Our team is always ready to provide professional and attractive recommendations to enhance your travel experience. Do not hesitate to reach out to us for any queries or assistance.