Why will Mui Ne attract international tourists in 2026?

Located approximately 10 km from the center of Phan Thiet, Mui Ne attracts attention with its unique topography: a long stretch of coastline parallel to vast sand dunes. According to data from Booking.com, in the first half of 2026, Mui Ne was among the top 10 most searched destinations in Vietnam by international tourists, with a 20% growth compared to the same period the previous year.

Cham Pa imprints on the hillside

The journey to explore Mui Ne begins with the Poshanu Tower complex, a structure dating back to the 8th-9th centuries. Although not very large in scale, the skillful bricklaying techniques and exquisite relief carvings have helped this place retain its majestic appearance for thousands of years.

The ideal time to visit is early morning or late afternoon. When the sunlight bathes the old brickwork in golden light, the front courtyard is less crowded, making it perfect for sightseeing and taking photos. Entrance fees range from 15,000 to 20,000 VND.

From here, visitors continue up Ba Nai Hill to reach Lau Ong Hoang. Once a meeting place of the poet Han Mac Tu, this historical site now only has moss-covered walls remaining, but it boasts the most prime location to admire the panoramic view of Phan Thiet Bay. From 4 PM to 6 PM is when the sea breeze blows strongest. The setting sun makes the sea sparkle, creating a romantic scene characteristic of this region.

Jeep routes and popular check-in spots.

Jeep tours are a must-try "specialty" activity in Mui Ne. Brightly colored vehicles take visitors across diverse terrains: rocky beaches, sand dunes, and some of the most beautiful coastal roads in Vietnam.

A highlight of the trip is Ong Dia Rock Beach, notable for its panoramic views encompassing the entire horizon. The expansive space, unobstructed by tall buildings, is considered a "golden spot" for capturing artistic photographs, especially at sunrise and sunset.

Conquering the "mini desert" of Bau Trang

Located about 30 km from the city center, Bau Trang is likened to a mini-desert with its vast white sand dunes constantly changing shape with the wind. Here, visitors can experience the thrill of riding ATVs to conquer the highest sand peaks. Visitors can choose to ride ATVs up the hills. Each ATV ride lasts about 15-20 minutes and costs from 150,000 to 300,000 VND. When traveling on the sand, it is necessary to wear glasses and a face mask to protect against dust.

Enjoy hot pot with seafood – a "delicacy" of the sunny coastal region.

When visiting Mui Ne, tourists cannot miss the "Lau Tha" hot pot – a culinary masterpiece embodying the five elements. The dish is exquisitely presented in banana leaf wrappers, with the centerpiece being thinly filleted fresh anchovies, surrounded by shredded fried egg, pork belly, cucumber, and fresh vegetables. The highlight lies in the dipping sauce made from ripe bananas and the famous Phan Thiet fish sauce, creating an explosion of rich, sweet, salty, and spicy flavors.

Mr. Branavan Aruljothi, Country Director of Booking.com in Vietnam, believes that Mui Ne's inclusion in the list of global trending destinations in 2026 reflects a shift in how travelers choose their itineraries. Accordingly, the trend of moving away from familiar destinations in search of personalized experiences, connected with nature and featuring elements of discovery, is becoming increasingly evident. Destinations with unique landscapes, diverse activities, and rich local identity, such as Mui Ne, are becoming the preferred choice for both international and domestic tourists.

Text: Nhat Minh; Photos: Kei Truong, Nhat Minh