Last Updated on November 1, 2023

Sand dunes may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the wonderful landscapes of Vietnam, but the south of the region is actually a popular sandboarding spot where you can enjoy surfing on stunning red dunes.

Formerly a fishing village, the seaside town of Mui Ne has transformed into a touristy beach resort that offers a handy retreat from the madness of Ho Chi Minh City.

Mui Ne offers golden sand beaches with plenty of opportunities for relaxing, kitesurfing and hiking, and even ostrich riding, as well as two spectacular sets of red and white sand dunes and the surreal Fairy Stream (Suoi Tien).

If you are a digital nomad in Vietnam or backpacking through SE Asia make sure to add Mui Ne to your bucket list!

Mui Ne Red Dunes
Mui Ne Red Sand Dunes. Photo courtesy of Martin Fisch

Sandboarding at Mui Ne Sand Dunes

You can visit the dunes on your own or on a guided tour; Jeep tours are especially popular and less expensive than renting a motorcycle.

There are two main types of dunes to visit in Mui Ne: the red sand dunes, located 11 kilometers from the tourist center, and the white dunes to the north.

The red sand dunes is where sand sledding can be practiced, although the white dunes are the main tourist attraction. The most ideal time to visit is at sunset, when the sand turns an intense red color, creating a stunning effect.

For a complete experience, don’t miss a visit to the Fairy Stream: you can drop your shoes at the site and walk barefoot in the clean, shallow waters up to the waterfall and back. It’s a very charming and relaxing activity especially loved by kids. The walk is about 1 kilometer long and takes about 30 minutes to complete.

Sandboard Rentals

There is no official sandboard rental at the site, but don’t despair. As soon as you approach the dunes you’ll be surrounded by scores of women and kids trying to sell you plastic sleds and toboggans for sliding down the dunes.

Getting There

Jeep tours are a cost-effective option to visit both dunes at once. The trip normally takes half a day, either early in the morning for dawn or late in the afternoon for sunset. These also include a visit to Mui Ne’s fishing villages.

To reach Mui Ne from Ho Chi Minh City, you can take a bus or hire a car with a driver. The journey takes about 4 hours by bus or 3 hours by car. Alternatively, you can fly to Cam Ranh Airport and then take a taxi or hire a car to Mui Ne, which is about a 45-minute drive away.

Recommended Tours

Mui Ne White Dunes
Mui Ne white sand dunes. Photo courtesy of David Dubbert.

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Sandboarding in Asia


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