To the north of Ho Chi Minh City, at a distance of two hundred kilometers, is the city of Phan Thiet (the center of Bin Thuan Province). The road along the coast of the South China Sea, leading from it in a northeastern direction, rises to a hill with tampa towers at the top and then goes down to Mui Ne - a crescent-shaped bay bordered by beautiful sandy beaches. Not so long ago, in this place there was only a coconut grove with several fishing huts along the beaches, but there have been serious changes here in the last little less than twenty years, and today it is decorated with a fifteen-kilometer resort strip with restaurants, bars, hotels sparkling like pearls in the shade of palm trees trees along the main street - Nguyen Dinh Hieu.
When it comes to plans for a vacation in some tropical corner, recently, very often, the choice has fallen on Vietnam. Mui Ne Beach, the area between Phan Thiet and the fishing village of Mui Ne, is considered one of the country's most popular resorts, yielding quite a bit to Nha Trang. Having a well-developed infrastructure, it is especially loved by vacationers from European countries (Germany, Austria) and Russia.
The etymology of its name is interesting. In the past, when fishermen fell into storms, they waited for them at the cape (in Mui in Vietnamese). The second part of the word “not” means “to hide” (to hide). Hence the name “mune”.
Vietnam began to develop as a major tourism center since the 1990s, with the support of significant public and private investment, especially in coastal areas. Ten cities are the main destinations on the tourist map of the country: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Haiphong, Danang, Can Tho, Hue, Dalat, Vung Tau, Nha Trang and Phan Thiet / Mui Ne, which recently very often referred to as the resort capital of Vietnam.
Thanks to strong breeze winds from November to March, Mui Ne is well known and popular among fans of kitesurfing and windsurfing. The picturesque combination of mountain landscapes and beautiful beaches, as well as the famous landmarks of Tampa culture attract both local tourists and foreign travelers. Ka Na Beach, stretching for several kilometers of blue-blue sky and turquoise sea surface, bright sun and golden sand, famous for fantastic coral reefs, is two hours drive from Mui Ne. Vietnam in this part of the country offers amazing snorkeling opportunities .
It is also called the desert of golden sand thanks to the orange dunes, which serve as a source of inspiration for many photo artists for many years. Flying sand dunes, located ten kilometers from the main resort area, near the fishing village, are named so because of the influence of the wind they tend to constantly change shapes and colors (reddish, white, pink, whitish-gray, reddish-gray etc).
Suoy Tien or “Fairy Stream” is a shallow river with a small waterfall flowing along a sandy canyon that resembles a mini version of the Grand Canyon through a bamboo grove. In the vicinity you can see many local representatives of flora and fauna (birds, crabs, fish, frogs, exotic plants). Next to the “Fairy Creek” is a fish sauce factory (“Nook Nam”), which Phan Thiet / Mui Ne is famous for.
Vietnam in this area has a lot to offer for lovers of good cuisine. An incredible abundance of fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs, fish and seafood, from which wonderful dishes are prepared, including from the Nook Nou, in the local restaurants surrounding each resort complex.
The restaurant Java, which is located on Nguyen Dinh Hieu on a hill just above Phan Thiet, recently appeared an interesting innovation. Deaf children create beautiful sand paintings. There is also a handmade fabric shop with traditional tam motifs on site. A tailor works in the store, who immediately turns materials into beautiful clothes at very competitive prices.
However, in many restaurants there are shops offering exotic gifts and souvenirs: jewelry, local fabrics, handbags and other crocodile leather accessories, ceramics, beachwear.
There are a number of excellent markets in the area. In Phan Thiet, the central market is considered the largest in the province. Here you can buy many traditional products, fresh fruits, coconut sweets, dried seafood, sand paintings. Do not refuse to visit the market and the fishing harbor in the village of Mui Ne, located in the north of the bay.
On the hill of Ong Hoang, you can see the complex of Champa towers built in the eighth century. Every year, on the first of October (on the first day of July according to the amp calendar), a traditional festival is held on the territory of the complex, during which residents give thanks to their ancestors and pray for good luck and good harvests throughout the country, not only in Mui Ne.
Vietnam is undoubtedly a very beautiful country, inviting travelers of all categories: nature lovers, beach lovers, and those interested in ancient cultures. Most of them, visiting the country for the first time, are surprised at the amazing untouched landscapes, ancient history and diverse culture, unique historical monuments, temples and museums. From travels they bring unforgettable impressions and promise themselves to return to this peaceful and beautiful land. And if the question arises of what else Vietnam can surprise travelers with, Muine (reviews of which are always filled with joyful and emotional delights) will be the most correct answer!