Muine Phan Thiet Travel Guide
General Information
Mui Ne – Phan Thiet is one of the most popular coastal destinations in southern Vietnam. Following the 2025 administrative reorganization, Phan Thiet (formerly the capital of Binh Thuan Province) is now part of the expanded Lam Dong Province while retaining its seaside character and tourism infrastructure. Located on the South Central Coast, Phan Thiet sits about 200 km (≈4 hours by road) north of Ho Chi Minh City. The area is endowed with beautiful landscapes, spectacular sand dunes, and abundant aquatic resources. Besides tourism, fishing and fish-sauce production remain key local industries. You’ll find international and local restaurants, luxury beach resorts, budget guesthouses, and plenty of water sports.
About 20–25 km northeast of Phan Thiet city center, Mui Ne is a fishing village turned beach hub with long white-sand shores lined by coconut trees — perfect for a relaxing Vietnam beach holiday. While resort density is lower than Nha Trang, there’s a wide range of hotels, guesthouses, and bungalows with private beaches.
Beyond beaches, Mui Ne is ideal for golf holidays in Vietnam. Standing around 80 meters above sea level, Sea Links Golf & Country Club overlooks the turquoise sea, meets international standards, and has hosted many national and international tournaments.
Mui Ne Weather
You can visit Mui Ne year-round. The climate is sunnier and generally less stormy than central coastal hubs like Hue and Da Nang.
Best time: the dry season from November to April (clearest skies typically December–March). From May to October, expect hotter midday temperatures, higher humidity and short downpours; seas can be choppier at times. (Bonus for watersports: wind/kitesurfing conditions are often best November–March.)
- Weather in Mui Ne
Getting to Mui Ne – Phan Thiet
By road
The most popular way to reach Phan Thiet is by car/bus.
- From / to Ho Chi Minh City: ~204 km. Duration: about 4 hours
- From / to Vung Tau: ~146 km. Duration: about 3 hours
- From / to Da Lat: ~175 km. Duration: about 3 hours
- From / to Nha Trang: ~245 km. Duration: about 5 hours
- From / to Buon Ma Thuot: ~320 km. Duration: about 8 hours
By train
There are trains from other cities to Phan Thiet, stopping at Phan Thiet Station or Binh Thuan (Muong Man) Station.
- Ho Chi Minh City → Phan Thiet: ~3 hours 45 minutes
- Nha Trang → Binh Thuan: ~4 – 5 hours
- Hanoi → Binh Thuan: ~28 – 30 hours
- Da Nang → Binh Thuan: ~13.5 – 16 hours
Getting around Mui Ne – Phan Thiet
Mui Ne is about 20–25 km from Phan Thiet city center; typical transfer time is 25–35 minutes depending on traffic and exact start/end points.
You can travel by bicycle, motorcycle, taxi or car. Bicycles are great for nearby fishing villages and the morning fish market — an authentic slice of local life.
Recommended taxi agencies include Mai Linh Taxi, Quoc Te Taxi, Mui Ne Taxi and Sun Phan Thiet Taxi.
If you prefer comfort and fixed pricing, consider booking a private car in Vietnam through a travel agency.
Where to Stay in Mui Ne – Phan Thiet
- Anantara Mui Ne Resort
We have some recommendations for your stay in Mui Ne:
- Anantara Mui Ne Resort
Address: 12A Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, Ham Tien Ward, Mui Ne Beach
- Victoria Phan Thiet Beach Resort & Spa
Address: Km 9, Nguyen Thong Street, Phu Hai Ward, Mui Ne
- Pandanus Resort
Address: Block 5, Mui Ne
- The Cliff Resort & Residences
Address: Zone 5, Phu Hai Ward, Mui Ne
What to See in Mui Ne – Phan Thiet
1. Downtown Phan Thiet
- Po Shanu Cham Tower
Duc Thanh School
Founded by patriotic scholars in 1907 in response to the Duy Tan movement, this is where President Ho Chi Minh once taught. Many antiques from over a century ago are preserved.
Van Thuy Tu Temple
On Ngu Ong (Whale) Street, the temple venerates Ca Ong (Lord Whale). The whale skeleton here is about 22 m long and 65 tons — among the largest in Viet Nam and Southeast Asia. The annual “Cau Ngu” festival prays for fair weather and good fishing.
Po Shanu Cham Tower
On Ong Hoang (Mr. Heaven) Hill, about 6 km west of Mui Ne; a remnant of ancient Cham kingdoms, built in the Hoa Lai style (9th century).
2. Landscapes around Mui Ne
- Rang Beach
Rang Beach
About 15 km north of the city center; famed for long coconut groves. Summer is busiest with sunbathers and seafood lovers.
Rom Island (Hon Rom)
Turquoise water, blue skies and a tranquil vibe. Great for sunrise/sunset views or a beach campfire. Beaches include Hon Rom 1 and Hon Rom 2.
Ghenh Island (Hon Ghenh)
Roughly 1 km off Mui Ne; still largely untouched. Arrange a shuttle via your hotel or hire a local fishing boat.
Red Sand Dune
Just a couple of kilometers from central Mui Ne, glowing at sunset; try sand-slope rides. If you can’t make the white dunes, this is a good alternative.
- White Sand Dune
White Sand Dune (Bau Trang)
About 24 km north of the Red Sand Dune; stretches along the coast for nearly 20 km. Brilliant white sand and a blue lake at the entrance make stunning photos. Sand-boarding is a must.
Fairy Stream (Suoi Tien)
A photogenic stream near Hon Rom with red and white natural “sand-cliff” formations.
Fishing Village
About 3 km north of Mui Ne; viewpoint over hundreds of colorful boats and a lively early-morning market.
3. Other Tourist Sites
- Ke Ga Lighthouse
Hon Ba Island
A small island ~70 km southeast of Phan Thiet, shaped like a turtle lifting its head from the sea.
Ke Ga Lighthouse
About 30 km from Phan Thiet; one of Viet Nam’s tallest and oldest lighthouses — climb for sweeping coastal views.
Mount Ta Cu Pagoda
Also known as Linh Son Truong Tho (built in 1879), at 457 m above sea level. Hike ~1,000 steps or take a 15-minute cable car. The 49-m reclining Buddha is a highlight.
Co Thach Beach
In Tuy Phong District, Binh Thanh Commune; famous for its seven-color stone bank shaped by tides. Nearby Co Thach (Hang) Pagoda sits ~64 m above sea level and was listed a national cultural-historical relic in 1993.
What to Eat in Mui Ne – Phan Thiet
1. Grilled rice paper with shrimp taste (Banh trang cuon mam ruoc)
- Banh trang cuon mam ruoc
This dish is made from rice paper, ground meat, green onions, eggs, mam ruoc (shrimp paste) and herbs/vegetables, rolled and grilled. Usually sold in the evening.
Where to try:
- Crossroads of Tran Hung Dao & Thu Khoa Huan (near Hoa Thao Coffee)
- Tam Bien Street (near Tieng Xua Café)
2. Can cake (Banh Can)
- Banh can
Made from rice batter with toppings like eggs, spring onions and seafood (shrimp, squid, etc.). Dip in a savory fish sauce (some places serve a peanut-broth style dip).
Where to try:
- Xu’s Banh Can — Ngu Ong Street (near Phan Thiet fishing port) • 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
- Banh Can Phan Thiet — 168 Thu Khoa Huan Street, Phan Thiet City • 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm
3. Seafood Salad
- Raw herring salad
A must-try coastal style: fresh fish mixed with herbs, served with rice paper and a special dip.
Where to try: Vietnam Home Restaurant — 125 Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, Mui Ne
If you want to dive deeper into the culinary world of this coastal city, check out our detailed guide on Phan Thiet food.
This cluster article highlights even more local dishes, street food experiences, and insider tips to make your food journey unforgettable.