On April 8, 2026, Booking.com, the world's largest travel booking platform, announced its "Top 10 Trending Destinations for 2026" (Travel Predictions Report). In this tenth edition of the report, Vietnam's beach resort Mui Ne was chosen among the world's top 10. Being named alongside notable areas around the world such as Bilbao in Spain and Kochi in India reflects Mui Ne's rapidly growing international recognition.
Why Mui Ne was chosen
Booking.com's report is compiled from search and booking data worldwide, along with a survey of thousands of travelers. This year's theme is "The Era of You" — as personalized travel experiences grow in importance, Mui Ne was rated as a quintessential destination.
The main reasons cited for its selection are the following three points.
- Otherworldly scenery:The vast sand dunes, described as "surreal," are unlike anything else in Southeast Asia
- A hub for marine sports:Rising in fame as one of the world's premier kitesurfing spots
- A highly personalizable travel experience:You can freely combine adventure, resort stays, and cultural experiences
Mui Ne is highly popular within Vietnam as well, steadily raising its profile — ranking ninth in domestic search rankings among Vietnamese travelers and third in Google's 2025 travel search rankings.
Mui Ne's tourism appeal: a resort area with three draws in one
Mui Ne is a beach resort in Binh Thuan Province in southern Vietnam. It is about 200 km from Ho Chi Minh City, roughly a four-hour drive. As a rare area that combines all three of "sand dunes," "marine sports," and "beach resort," it draws travelers from around the world.
Red and White Sand Dunes — a desert-like spectacle
Mui Ne's most famous sight is its sand dunes. There are two — the Red Sand Dunes and the White Sand Dunes — each offering a different landscape. Visit at sunrise or sunset, when the dunes glow gold and make for magical photos. Sledding down the dunes on a sand toboggan is also popular.
Kitesurfing — one of Asia's premier water-sports paradises
With its strong seasonal winds and wide beaches, Mui Ne is known worldwide as a mecca for kitesurfing. Conditions are best from November to March, when kitesurfers gather from all over the world. Schools for beginners are plentiful, and even first-timers can learn the basics in three to five days of lessons. Marine sports such as windsurfing are popular too.
Van Thuy Tu Temple — a mystical shrine honoring whale bones
A sight unique to the fishing town of Mui Ne is "Van Thuy Tu (Vạn Thủy Tú)." Thousands of whale skeletons are preserved and enshrined here, offering a chance to learn about the culture in which Vietnamese fishermen have worshipped whales as guardian deities. With few tourists, it is a valuable place to encounter local faith and culture.
Resort street — 53 resorts along an 8 km coastline
Along 8 km of Mui Ne's Nguyen Dinh Chieu street, 53 resort facilities line up. They range from economical guesthouses to luxury boutique resorts, with about 600 properties and 18,000 rooms available. You can choose lodging to match your budget and travel style.
Fish Sauce Museum & seafood dining
Mui Ne is also known as a source of Vietnam's highest-quality nuoc mam (fish sauce). Visit the Fish Sauce Museum, which introduces the local fishing culture, to learn about the production process and history. There are also many local restaurants serving fresh seafood landed at the fishing port, where you can enjoy lobster, crab, shrimp and more at low prices.
With tourism thriving across Vietnam, attention on Mui Ne is growing too. As for Vietnam's overall visitor numbers in the first quarter of 2026,Vietnam Q1 2026 record tourist numbers.
Access and travel tips for Japanese travelers
Mui Ne is commonly reached via Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat International Airport). From Japan, direct flights to Ho Chi Minh operate from Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and other cities.
| Mode of transport | Time required | Approximate fare | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus (sleeper bus) | About 4-5 hours | 200,000-300,000 VND | Cheap and convenient. Overnight services available |
| Train (to Phan Thiet station) | About 3.5-4 hours | 300,000-500,000 VND | Comfortable. Take a taxi from the station to Mui Ne |
| Rental car / charter | About 3.5-4 hours | 2,000,000-3,000,000 VND | High flexibility, convenient for group travel |
Best season and travel advice
- Dry season (November-April):Clear skies continue — the best season for kitesurfing
- Rainy season (May-October):The greenery is beautiful but there is more rain. Resort rates are cheaper at off-season prices
- What to bring:Sunscreen is a must. On the dunes, bare feet are recommended over sandals (bring sandals in case the sand is hot)
- Local currency:Dong (VND). Can be withdrawn at ATMs at the airport and in the city
If you combine your trip to Mui Ne, a route that goes on to Da Nang via Ho Chi Minh is also popular.Latest travel information on Da Nang and Phu Quocis worth a look too. For a fine hotel experience in Vietnam, seeNews on the opening of Fairmont Hanoi.
Mui Ne, chosen among Booking.com's "Top 10 Trending Destinations." Now, while the world is watching, is the best time to plan your trip. The latest information on travel in Vietnam isVietnam Giftupdated regularly here.
