Anticipation is one of the most enjoyable aspects of travel, and nothing can take it away from you. It is a great time to fantasize about the future trips now. Is not it thrilling to research for the list of the places you want to go?
To fuel your dreams you might need some inspiration, and we are happy to assist with that, since Mũi Né and its surroundings have a lot to offer!
Mũi Né Harbor
Hundreds of picturesque colorful fishing boats anchor in the harbor. Between October and April the harbor bustles with activity, as the fishermen return from sea at dawn with the haul of crabs, scallops, groupers, and stingrays. The families of the fishermen separate the fresh catch either to sell at market or to send to one of the local fish sauce factories. Vendors are also selling live seafood in oxygenated basins along on the beach and even directly on the road.
While a dry dock with huge fishing boats sits to one side of the harbor, round Vietnamese boats (thung chai) line the beach. The thung chai, or “basket boat” became popular in the French colonial era. Many local fishermen could not afford the new boat tax, so they came up with a brilliant idea. The fishermen weaved their own “basket” boats, and as those were not considered to be "real" boats, they could fish tax-free. Traditionally, these boats were made of bamboo rods, coated with resin. Nowadays the boats are more often made of plastic, which is way cheaper and makes boats more practical. Basket boats are mostly used to place and collect nets or to get from shallow water to larger fishing boats further away from the shore in the sea. The harbor is a perfect spot to enjoy a spectacular sunset. Or two =) At night, flashing red and green lights of anchored boats twinkle in the dark, resembling some kind of surreal disco-party on the water.
Fairy Stream
Fairy Stream is famous for tectonic natural combination of water and sand, which creates a fascinating scenic beauty. The spring is a rare source of freshwater in the area. Interestingly, it originates from the desert. There is a giant water "bag" beneath the hot sand hills. The water bag “leaks” and flows outwards, forming the spring. The name "Fairy Stream" therefore comes from the local people believing the spring to be somewhat magical.
The stream is about ankle-deep with rare knee-deep parts, and visitors take off their shoes to follow barefoot right along the creek-bed. The soft orange dirt is surprisingly enjoyable to walk through. The water itself also seems to be orange because of the color of the sand. Multiple stalactites formed from sand have become as hard as stone with the time. Eroded by the weather, winding its way through bamboo forests, boulders, and the dunes, these stalactites turned out to be of an interesting and hypnotizing beauty. The combination of white limestone cliffs and orange sand creates a spectacular rocky wall of the two colors. The pitted rock formations in various shapes and sizes make the stream look truly unique.
We have already wrote about the Fairy Stream, so you can find some additional interesting facts in our Blog.
Red and White sand dunes
Sand dunes in Mũi Né are formed by fine sediment transported landward by a combination of high winds rushing to and from the sea, and waves. Waves transport sand onshore, and the wind carries it away from the beach, and forms the dunes. Plants roots and stems are helping to anchor the shifting sand. Sand dunes form a natural barrier to coastal storms and beach erosion and provide home for some fauna and flora.
Red Sand Dunes stretch along the sand strip of Binh Thuan. Depending on where the light shines on, the dunes transform in colors: not only do they appear to be yellow and red, but also white, gray and pink. The visitors can walk on the sand and admire the beauty of nature. If you want some more action, try sliding down the dunes on a plastic board available for rent. In spring, a running race is held in Red Sand Dunes. Hundreds of young people run in the sand hills to test their willpower and strength.
White Sand Dunes were shaped by the old iron mines that had been around for centuries. Some people call the area "Bau Trang" (White Lake), since there are several lakes nearby: Bau Ong (Gentleman Lake), Bau Ba (Lady Lake), Bau Xoai (Mango Lake) and Bau Sen (Lotus Lake). The Lotus Lake is the most popular with tourists. It is a small and chilled oasis with countless blooming pink lotuses, making the beautiful sand dunes even more vibrant. You can hire a quad bike or pay for a jeep ride or just take your time, walk around and enjoy the views of long rolling hills of untouched sand.
Red Canyon
Red Canyon is located to the north of the resort area, on the way to the White Dunes. The canyon with its dense sand bright red walls and vivid green sprouts growing through them makes up a Mars-resembling landscape. It stretches to the sea shore for about two kilometers.
These atmospheric attractions around Mũi Né deserve to make it anyone's To-Visit-List, don't they? And since making a plan is not just a pleasure, but also a first step towards implementation, we look forward seeing you around soon!