Phan Thiet and Mui Ne – Sun Sand and Sauce in Vietnam

Phan Thiet and Mui Ne – Vietnam

Vietnam is like a treasure chest full of surprises! Each place has its charm. So, after a quick work trip to Hanoi, we jetted off to Nha Trang in the south.

Nha Trang? It’s a beach lover’s dream! Golden sands, clear waters, and parties that never end. Plus, history buffs will love it too with ancient spots like Po Nagar Cham Towers and Long Son Pagoda.

We stayed in the touristy part of town, and boy, did we luck out! Our hotel, the Panorama Hotel, had this massive rooftop pool that stretched to infinity. It was like swimming on top of the world! And the rooms? Oh, they were huge and modern, with balconies overlooking the ocean. Perfect for sipping a gin and tonic while watching the sunset.

But here’s the fun part: the local markets were right there. And let me tell you, it was a circus! Korean tourists were everywhere, fighting for dried mangoes like they were gold bars. I mean, I love mangoes, but that’s a detox disaster waiting to happen!

After a luxurious 10-day stay, which I so deserved we relocated approximately 2km north to the Hon Chong area, known for its expat-friendly atmosphere and proximity to the beach. This move afforded us a wider selection of reasonably priced dining options and increased opportunities for interaction with locals, including Russian expatriates seeking refuge from winter climates.

We secured a modest apartment, initially informed of its partial ocean view. However, upon drawing the curtains, we were pleasantly surprised by a spacious bay window offering a panoramic vista of the beach and Hon Chong promontory. This unexpected upgrade enhanced our daily beach outings, as the warm, pristine waters proved gentle on my knee.

We liked this area with its friendly environment access to good supermarkets sightseeing and of course the beach. My husband who has olive coloured skin is now a very dark brown putting my pale white to shame. Oh, I do go red first before I go back to white. No more skin cancers for me I guess which is good.

I embarked on several day trips, but the excursion to Da Lat stood out as exceptional. For a detailed account of this remarkable journey, please refer to my separate journal entry.
As my 90-day visa was about to expire, the thought of leaving this place hit me hard. I was living the life, pretty much one of the locals by now. I knew where to get the best eats when to jump in the ocean for the best swim, and which security guard would let me slide if I forgot my key. Yet, I couldn’t shake off the feeling that Vietnam still had a lot more to offer I hadn’t seen or done yet.

With driver and car booked, we headed south for a four-hour drive to the small fishing village of Phan Thiet. We stayed about 10km outside in a place called Mui Ne.
The drive was a journey through a canvas of contrasts, each scene a distinct stroke of nature’s brush. Emerald rice fields whispered tales of harvest, leading into lush forests where ancient trees cast dappled shadows, their leaves murmuring in the breeze.

Rubber plantations stretched in neat rows, their air tinged with the scent of latex, then against the fiery hues of dragon fruit plants standing sentinel under the sun’s gaze.
Amidst this natural beauty, hundreds of wind turbines rose like modern titans, their blades slicing through the air with graceful efficiency. These giants, standing in fields or perched atop hills, captured the essence of the wind, transforming it into energy as they spun in a silent, relentless dance.

Arriving in Mui Ne/Phan Thiet was a beautiful surprise. We were given an upgrade to a room that was directly above the ocean. It was a shame it was two flights of steps up and the poor hotel helper who carried our very heavy bags up nearly had heart failure.

Just so you’re aware, Mui Ne is not just a fishing village—it’s a picturesque retreat that seamlessly blends the allure of the sea with the mystery of the desert. Imagine a place where the shoreline is adorned with vibrant fishing boats, and a lively fish market offers the day’s freshest catch, showcasing the rich marine culture of Vietnam. This village isn’t just about its marine bounty; it’s equally celebrated for its striking sand dunes. The dunes, in shades of red and white, offer a stark, desert-like contrast to the azure sea, creating a unique landscape.

Mui Ne holds a special place in the culinary world as the birthplace of Fish Sauce, a staple in Vietnamese cuisine. A visit to the Fish Sauce Museum not only offers insights into this culinary tradition but also connects visitors with the heritage of Phan Thiet, the proud home of Fish Sauce.
Spending just five days in this breathtaking location felt insufficient, but with my visa expiring, I had to transition to the bustling city life of Saigon, now known as Ho Chi Minh. This shift marked another chapter in my adventure.