Departure: Daily
Start tour: Sai Gon
(or Da Nang)
Return from: Phan
Thiet
Northeast
of Phan Thiet the coastal road climbs over the slope of a Cham-Tower-topped
hill and descends onto the long, sandy crescent of Mui Ne Bay. The formerly
little-inhabited beach south of the fishing village of Mui Ne proper has seen
some serious development in the last 15 years. Now it's a 15-km long strip of
resorts that line up like pearls on Nguyen Dinh Chieu street, shaded by coconut
palms. The main resort strip lies between the addresses of 2 and 90 Nguyen Dinh
Chieu.
Given the choice, nature would
move the sand around, much to the dismay of some developers. Beach sand tends
to migrate southward, leaving some (but not all) spots above 90 Nguyen Dinh
Chieu with just a concrete breakwater rather than sandy beach. Accommodations
at higher addresses tend to be smaller and less expensive, somewhat removed
from the main tourist section and more mixed in more with local life. If a
sandy beach is important to you, some research is called for before booking in
that area.
 |
A
few bargain hotels have popped up on the inland side of the road, across from
the beach-side resorts. If you stay on the inland side, you will need to pass
though one of the resorts to reach the beach, which might or might not result
in some hassle from the guards. The resorts jealously guard their lounge chairs
and palapas, though the beach itself is open to everyone. If all else fails,
you can always access a nice sandy stretch of beach via the Wax Bar at 68
Nguyen Dinh Chieu.
Day 01:
Saigon (or Danang) -Muine
Transfer to Muine The scenic 200km drive north on
Highway One passes through the bustling city of Bien Hoa before cutting through
dense rubber plantations. Closer to Phan Thiet the terrain changes to arid
semi-desert with cactus plants and strange looking dragon fruit trees. Arrive
in Muine and check into resort. The rest of day is free to relax by the pool or
on the sandy beach. Overnight in Muine.
Day 02:
Muine (B)
At
leisure to enjoy the prime beach of Muine. Overnight in Muine.
Day 03:
Muine (B)
A
full day at leisure in the resort or on the beach. For the more active, golf is
available nearby. Overnight inMuine.
Day 04:
Muine Phanthiet - Saigon (B)
At
leisure Transfer back to HCM city. The trip concludes or join other trips
