Chances are you haven’t heard of Mui Ne, but that’s part of its charm. Home to one of Vietnam’s most family-friendly resorts, this under the radar destination is the perfect choice for savvy holidaymakers.
Around three hours’ drive east of Ho Chi Minh City (also known as Saigon) and 20 minutes’ from the city of Phan in the country’s south, the resort town has gorgeous beaches and offers an authentic glimpse into traditional life in Vietnam.
Read on to discover the best of Mui Ne for families, including where to stay with kids and the region’s must-do activities.
Top five things to do in Mui Ne, Vietnam
1. Feast on fresh seafood from the local fishermen
Rise early to see fishermen unloading their morning catch at the bustling harbourfront markets, before they settle in for a game of cards. The area is known for its basket-like round fishing boats, called Thung Chai, which became popular in a bid to avoid taxes on boats. Feast on grilled prawns, fish, clams, lobsters and crabs they’ve hauled in on the terrace of a seafood restaurant.
2. Make the most of Mui Ne's beautiful beaches
Go for a dip at the palm-tree lined beach, or engage in a more active pursuit like kite boarding, wind surfing or jet-skiing.
3. Visit the ancient ruins of Po Sah Inu Towers
Just a few kilometres west of Mui Ne on Bai Nai Hill, the ruins known as Po Sah Inu Towers have been compared to Cambodia’s famous Angkor Wat. Built by the Cham people in the 8th century, the relics are a legacy of the Kingdom of Champa, an ancient Indochinese culture that was once prominent throughout the region.
4. Experience the famous red and white sand dunes
Mui Ne is also known for its red and white sand dunes — one of the few desert landscapes in Asia — which are a popular place to go sandboarding and quad biking. You can book tours to visit the dunes, Fairy Stream and Red Canyon.
5. Paddle in the Fairy Stream and find a hidden waterfall
See the pretty Fairy Stream, which winds its way through the impressive clay and limestone rock formations in an area known as the Red Canyon. Take your shoes off and wade through the ankle-deep water until you reach the small waterfall at the end, before returning and grabbing a drink and a snack from one of the vendors who have set up shop there.
Where to stay in Mui Ne, Vietnam
With an awesome water park with racing slides coming out of the side of a sailing ship, a huge tiered pool, lazy rivers, playgrounds and ziplines, Centara Mirage Resort Mui Ne is the ultimate family-friendly resort.
Built into the hillside, the beachfront property has 984 rooms, including pool access rooms, one and two-bedroom pool villas and two and three-bedroom residences, set amidst tropical gardens, with a theme of ‘Explorer’s Playground’.
Dine at Jack Sparrow’s Cocina tuk tuk food truck or Long John Silver’s Cocina, sip a cocktail at the Fantasia Pool Bar or watch the sunset while listening to Spanish acoustic music at the El Salon Bar. You can also dine on local and western dishes at the buffet-style Mundo Restaurant, and Thai cuisine at Centara’s signature Suan Bua Restaurant.
There’s also a café on the ground floor of the Observation Tower, while guests staying in higher room categories have the opportunity to convene in the Familia Lounge, which offers breakfast and snacks throughout the day.
The whole family can get into the fun at the Ezone and bowling alley, before indulging in a spot of karaoke. Plus there’s Spa Cenvaree, where you can indulge in Thai massages, foot massages, body scrubs, wraps, masks, facials and nail treatments.
Plan your trip to Mui Ne, Vietnam
How to get there
VietJet Air, Vietnam Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines are among the carriers who fly from Australia to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). From there you can catch a train to Phat Thiet and take a taxi to your resort.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Mui Ne is during the dry season, from November to April. During the monsoon season, from May to November, you can expect tropical showers each afternoon. But it’s also cheaper to travel at this time of year, and look at it as a chance for some downtime chilling out in your room or villa.
Visa requirements
Australian passport holders need to apply for an eVisa online before travelling to Vietnam. It allows for a stay of up to 90 days and is valid for multiple entries. Entry and exit conditions can change, so always triple-check your travel plans.
Opening image: Vietnamese lady with Ao Dai Vietnam traditional dress
Produced in partnership with Centara Hotels & Resorts
