How to get to the Mui Ne Sand Dunes during your Vietnam Tour
Mui Ne is a lovely fishing village on the south coast of Vietnam which boasts many dunes scattered across the region. However, two sets of giant dunes stand out among all others making Mui Ne a popular attraction on most visitors’ holiday plans in Vietnam. These white and red dunes are spectacular, to say the least, and are well worth experiencing. Whilst joining a tour is easier, many visitors like to try discovering them on their own as getting to the dunes is not too complex.
Image via Anantara Mui Ne Resort
Mode of travel to the Dunes
As you plan to visit the dunes which is one of the unique things to do in Miu Ne, you will discover the most comfortable way of arriving at the dunes would be by taxi, it will also be the most expensive. There are, however, other modes of visiting these dunes out of which one can pick the best option depending on the budget, length of your visit etc.
A tour using Jeeps – Old army jeeps are used for these tours around Mui Ne which are generally of four-hour duration covering both sets of dunes, the fairy stream which is a picturesque spot in Mui Ne and even the fishing village. Visitors can pick up the sunrise tour commencing at 5 am or the sunset tour commencing at 2 pm. While these tours cover what you intend to see, it is prudent to discuss the time allotted for each attraction in advance with your certified guides or have the tour booked through your hotel as done by guests at Anantara Mui Ne Resort.
By Bicycle – For those visitors wanting to stop by and enjoy the dunes for longer or explore the Fairy Stream and capture some images a bicycle ride is better and more economical. However, one must be fit for the ride of several hours up and down with the stretches with powerful winds on the coastal area and steep stretches in between which can amount to a lot of sweat and puffing.
Motorbike Ride – This mode of travel will be faster and a thrilling experience especially once you leave the town and get to the stretches of the path with enchanting scenery, and very little traffic, a straight road and not difficult to follow even for visitors. You can rent a motorbike of your choice, either manual which is less costly or fully automatic at a higher rate through your place of stay in Mui Ne. This option gives you time and ability to appreciate the scenery and cover most of what you want to see.
Getting there
Whilst many free tourist maps are available, the following directions are simpler and easy to follow. Proper signage is lacking in this region, hence if you plan to travel on your own, one wrong turn can make you lose your way.
Fairy Stream
This is a scenic site many people enjoy on their way to the Red Dunes. Take Vo Nguyen Giap Highway which is behind Mui Ne Beach and proceed until you get to a small bridge which is well before the fishing port. Park your bike and walk down the path, there will be eager youngsters to guide you. You continue the path until you reach the soft and muddy fairy stream. Admire the unusual formations of this stream and click a few images before you proceed.
Red Dunes
Proceed past the fishing port on the right to the large circle of traffic. Using the first exit to the right will make you see the Red Dunes to your left.
Take some time to appreciate the spectacular view of the huge dunes. Take your fill of it and watch the light playing on the red sand. You can also spend a while here be hydrated from the numerous refreshment stalls before moving towards the white dunes.
White Dunes
Proceed on the coastal road through the small town and some resorts until you arrive at the end of the coastal road. Turn left and continue up the hill, past the petrol pump on the right. Turn onto the first clay road on the right until you see the notice indicating White Dunes. You have arrived at the last bit, which may not look appealing, however, proceed until you spot the parking area with refreshment stalls and even some attractive pine trees.
Enjoy these awesome white dunes which are considered special by most visitors, to the fullest.
