Cultural Explorations
Step beyond our resort and discover Mui Ne, a ward in Phan Thiet city, as a bona fide adventurer’s haven with historical vestiges of the past Champa Kingdom that ruled south-central Vietnam. Visit the centuries-old Phan Thiet city and its ‘Hamu Lithit’ community, named by the Cham people, where a quaint fishing harbour dotted with vibrant boats, bustling markets and iconic landmarks lies at its heart. Once an obscure backwater town known for fish sauce production and dragon fruit cultivation, it leapt on the global radar in 1995 due to a rare solar eclipse that could be viewed from the region around Mui Ne.
Our concierge will also be delighted to arrange half-day or full-day excursions to key attractions that cater to your interests.
White Sand Dunes
A 40-minute drive from Mui Ne, the white sandy dunes are known as Vietnam's mini Sahara. Bau Trang and Bau Sen are two freshwater lakes amidst the vast ivory sand hills. During summer, thousands of lotus blooms blanket Bau Trang lake and are a picturesque sight. Take a 20-minute stroll to the summit for stellar sunrise views, or choose to ride pillion on ATVs or a pick-up truck for a fee. For the fearless, you can ride a sled down the fine sandy slopes for a nominal fee.
Book a half-day Jeep tour in the early morning or evening covering Mui Ne's main attractions, including the white and red sand dunes, the Bau Trang lake, Fairy Stream and the Mui Ne fishing village.
Fish Sauce Museum
Phan Thiet city is said to be the birthplace of fish sauce, a hallmark of Vietnamese cooking tied to 300 years of history dating back to the Champa Kingdom reign. Opened in 2018, Làng Chài Xưa is Vietnam’s first museum where fish sauce stories are featured. Explore 14 different themed rooms that travel back to Phan Thiet’s origins through replicas of vernacular bamboo houses and ancient temples, with insights into the way of life by fish net making and learn an old method of using rice to discern the fish sauce quality.
Cham history buffs will be thrilled to learn the significance behind each heritage artefact that dates back three centuries, housed in the museum. Or check when the Fishermen Show performs inside the museum for a visual feat of contemporary dance performances that takes you through the history and culture of Phan Thiet’s fishing villages, recreated on the 4-storied stage. With comprehensive traditional displays and cultural treasures, or if you are on the hunt for quality fish sauce, Làng Chài Xưa is an engaging visit and educational experience.
Open daily: 9.00 am - 6.00 pm
Red Sand Dunes
A complete contrast to the white sand dunes, the red sand dunes are the smaller of the two unique geological sites and the best time to visit is during sunset when the dunes change hues. You can also opt to sand slide here with visitors renting sleds for a nominal fee. At the foot of the dunes, several traders serve local food and drinks, including coconut water, dumplings and tofu.
Ta Cu Mountain
Journey an hour and 15 minutes from Mui Ne to reach a lush emerald forest filled with wildlife and panoramic views at its summit. Visited by pilgrims and visitors all year round, Ta Cu Mountain is home to pagodas, towering Buddhist statues and the iconic white reclining Buddha statue - reputed to be Southeast Asia’s longest. Hiking enthusiasts can attempt a 7.2-kilometre round-trip trail within three hours with breaks. Or take an easy way up with a package that includes an admission fee, an electric car transfer to a round trip cable car ride.
Open daily: 8.00 am – 5.15 pm
Po Sah Inu Towers
A short drive from Phan Thiet city, the three towers of Po Sah Inu are remnants of the ancient Kingdom of Champa dating back to the 8th century and are designated as a national relic. The 15-metre high primary tower preserves a Linga-Yoni stone altar, while the two sub-towers worship the Fire deity and the buffalo deity, Nandin. Important religious rituals continue paying tribute to the past Cham culture, with the Kate festival as the main celebration annually.
Open daily: 6.45 am – 5.30 pm
Fairy Stream
Located next to the Hon Rom islet, visitors can wade barefoot in the small stream that stays at a shallow depth, with most levels not going beyond knee-deep. Pass unique cafés and possible wildlife sightings along the way before reaching a mini waterfall. Edging along one side of the stream, dramatic geological formations with striking hues of red, white, pink, orange and green captures your attention with lush vegetation of diverse trees, flowers and coconut palms carpeting the opposite side.
Thuy Tu Temple
This national relic is a cultural institution built in 1762 to worship the deity of Nam Hai (whale), where fishermen believe that whales save them from adverse weather and sea conditions. The temple maintains its original architectural features, stores many authentic artefacts from the Nguyen dynasty, and the burial and storage of skeletal whale remains over centuries, including the largest whale skeleton in Southeast Asia on display. Important ceremonies for five main rituals are held on the lunar calendar.
Open daily: 7.00 am – 5.00 pm
Ke Ga Lighthouse
Situated 30 kilometres south of Phan Thiet city, the Ke Ga cape charms visitors with its wild, majestic beauty and interesting rocky formations. Famous as Vietnam’s tallest and oldest lighthouse in Southeast Asia, the 65-metre octagonal landmark sits on a rocky promontory just off the Ke Ga cape coast. Built in 1897 by a French architect, the stone lighthouse’s beacon guides sea traffic up to a radius of 22 nautical miles. Take a boat to the island for a fee or walk over during low tide. Combine this excursion with a visit to Ta Cu Mountain for a full-day exploration!
Open daily: 5.00 am – 5.00 pm