Mui Ne: One of the Top 6 Affordable Destinations for an Autumn Getaway

The other five destinations are Cartagena in Colombia, Valencia in Spain, Pigeon Forge in the U.S., and Blackpool in the U.K.

“A popular spot with both backpackers and those seeking a luxury vacation on a budget, it’s also a highly recommended destination for kitesurfing,” the agency wrote.

With ideal wind conditions between October and March and tropical weather all year round, Mui Ne is the place for “a sun-drenched fall adventure break.”

Mui Ne, situated 12 km from Phan Thiet, the capital of Binh Thuan Province on the south-central coast, offers a hot air balloon ride over sand dunes. Photo: Vietnam.travel

Mui Ne, situated 12 km from Phan Thiet, the capital of Binh Thuan Province on the south-central coast, offers a hot air balloon ride over sand dunes.

With the cheaper costs in Vietnam, other affordable beach activities include kayaking, jet skiing, and surfing, Booking said.

With a night’s stay costing VND220,000 (US$9), iHome Backpacker Resort is worth considering, it said.

The hostel is near the popular Ham Tien Beach and Rang Market.

With the cheaper costs in Vietnam, other affordable beach activities include kayaking, jet skiing, and surfing, Booking said. Photo: Vietnam.travel

The list is based on reviews of travelers booking rooms at more than 28 million accommodation establishments in 155 countries and territories on Booking.com, with criteria including hotel room, flight and transportation prices, and food.

Mui Ne is one of the most popular beach destinations in Vietnam among both adventure travelers looking for outdoor sports and regular tourists seeking a peaceful atmosphere.

Nestled on a sleepy coastline only four hours from Ho Chi Minh City, Mui Ne’s long, palm-fringed beaches entice all travelers. Culture enthusiasts explore fishing villages and Cham ruins, families unwind with seafood feasts and beach days, and adventure junkies seek out dunes and high winds (Mui Ne is one of Asia’s top sites for kiteboarding.)

Mui Ne’s history as a fishing outpost is worth exploring. Just after dawn breaks, the market at the fishing village is in full swing. Boats bundle together and fishermen unload at speed, using crates, trolleys, and motorbikes. Fresh seafood glistens everywhere. Once the catch lands, it’s time for cards and coffee. Women prepare fish, aerate tubs, and bargain with customers. Be sure to get there early and step out of the way.

Mui Ne’s Fairy Stream is a gentle, ankle-deep waterway that lines the edge of dramatic red clay and limestone rock formations on one side and a lush green forest on the other. Photo: Vietnam.travel

Mui Ne’s Fairy Stream is a gentle, ankle-deep waterway that lines the edge of dramatic red clay and limestone rock formations on one side and a lush green forest on the other. Take your shoes off and meander upstream. Be sure to stop off at one of the rest stops for a cool coconut before your return.

Some days doing nothing is exactly what you need. Whether or not you’re staying at a beachfront hotel, many seaside properties in Mui Ne offer day passes. Grab a hammock in the garden or a lounger by the water, and unwind with the soothing sound of the waves and reggae beats in the background. Book a massage by the beach for complete relaxation.

A lot of excellent foods you can try in Mui Ne. Photo: Vietnam.travel

Set in a coastal desert, Mui Ne is known for its sand dunes — both red and white. Sunrise at the white sand dunes is worth the early effort. The 25km drive awakens the senses, with chirping crickets, a deep blue horizon, and salty sea air. As you climb the dunes, the sky turns to wispy pink and purple, the sun reveals the vast sandy hills and the ocean in the distance. For sunset, head to the red dunes just outside of town. Try sandboarding down one of the many glowing orange dunes as the sun drops past the horizon.

There is no better place for dinner than one of Mui Ne’s many ‘bo ke’ seafood grills along the seaside wall. Bubbling tanks stock the freshest seafood and icy beer tempers the humidity. Pick your choice of seasoning and method of cooking to create the feast you want. Fresh oysters, lemongrass clams, garlic scallops, grilled prawns, crispy fish, and chili-stuffed squid are all on the menu.