Mui Ne’s Red Sand Dunes

I’d seen pictures of the otherworldly landscape of the sand dunes in Mui Ne prior to arriving in Vietnam. It seemed odd that a town without much to offer in terms of attractions would be home to two massive sand dunes. The White Sand Dunes are located about an hour out of town, while the Red Sand Dunes are on the outskirts.

Both are typically accessed by the tours that run to both, but you can also rent a motorbike to get to both. Once I heard that foreigners can’t legally rent motorbikes, but many do, I decided against this option.

After being quoted a tour for $35 US per person, we politely declined and decided we could do it on our own. Sammi and I walked the 20 minutes from our hotel on the small two lane road into town and another 20 minutes or so from there up the hill to the Red Sand Dunes.

We must have had targets on our backs, as the local kids ran after us trying to sell us sleds for the sand dunes rather aggressively. When we said no, one kid started taking items from my backpack and waving them at me. Sammi gave him a look reserved for school groups on her tours at the zoo and he quickly handed it back.

The sand dunes were certainly impressive, as they go on and on as far as you can see until they hit the ocean. But they’re covered in trash from people less responsible. You can see marks from where the same sleds run down regularly with other parts of the dunes untouched.

I’m sure that sunrise and sunset are the best times of day to visit, as the light is best for photos, but we didn’t want to worry about walking back in the dark. Also be aware that the shops and restaurants across from the dunes will try to make you pay to park or will try to sell you just about anything. Politely turn them down, as these kids aren’t in school. The dunes are also very hot, so wear proper footwear.

From central Mui Ne, take Huynh Tan Phat east and take the next left on the major road. You’ll see the dunes straight ahead, where you can cross the street and walk up to the dunes on the left. If you want to slide down the dunes, bring your own cardboard box or piece of plastic instead of renting it from the kids.

Have you seen Mui Ne’s red sand dunes?