When I first started planning our family trip to Mui Ne, I wasn’t really sure what to expect if im being honest with you. It’s a coastal town known for its beaches and vibrant culture, but I needed more than a quick overview. With kids in tow, it’s not just about finding a nice beach anymore, it’s now about making sure there’s plenty to do, eat, and explore for everyone. One thing I quickly realized is that finding a good base, like a family-friendly Mui Ne hotel, goes a long way toward having a smooth experience. And once we arrived, the magic of Mui Ne truly came to life.
Our first stop on my itinerary were the famous sand dunes. If you’ve never taken your kids to a place full of endless red and white sand, you’re in for a treat. The White Sand Dunes are reallyc cool, but with children, it’s the Red Sand Dunes where all the action happens. We rented a sled from one of the locals and spent hours taking turns sliding down the dunes. The kids were covered head to toe in sand, laughing uncontrollably, and to be honest I don’t remember the last time I had that much fun myself.
After an exhausting morning at the dunes, we found it easy to slow things down. There’s something about this town that encourages you to take it all in stride. We went for a walk along the Fairy Stream, a shallow, winding waterway surrounded by the red and white cliffs. The kids splashed through the cool water while we marveled at the natural formations. It was a nice moment on the trip where I felt like time stood still, a simple walk that made us feel very present in the moment.
Meals were great on the trip. Traveling with kids means you’re always keeping an eye out for places that cater to their tastes, and by that, I mean places where fries or chicken nuggets can coexist with exotic dishes you want to try as a parent. Mui Ne is known for its seafood, and most restaurants here serve it fresh off the boat. Grilled prawns and fried calamari were big hits at our table, but we also found plenty of noodle soups, rice dishes, and kid-friendly options at the local eateries. Watching the sunset over the water while enjoying a nice meal together was something I hope the kids will remember when they’re older, and if they don’t, lucky for them I took plenty of pictures!
For the more actively inclined, kite surfing is a sport Mui Ne is famous for, but we kept it sensible by signing the kids up for a short lesson for beginners. They didn’t quite master it, but they had a good time trying. Meanwhile, I cooled off in the shade nearby, sipping on a fresh coconut and cheering them on.
Another great little spot to check out in Mui Ne is the fishing village. This isn’t a typical tourist attraction, but it turned out to be one of the most memorable parts of our trip. Early in the morning, we wandered along the beach as fishermen brought in their catch of the day. The sight of colorful fishing boats dotting the horizon was almost as fascinating for the kids as watching the crabs scuttle in the sand beneath their feet.
