Vietnam isn’t the first place that comes to mind when talking about sand dunes. That’s because sand dunes are often associated with the Middle East. But be prepared to be thoroughly surprised.
Table of Contents
Does Vietnam Have Sand Dunes?
Yes, it turns out Vietnam does have sand dunes. It always comes as a surprise to many travellers, but it shouldn’t, because Vietnam has a diverse landscape, and vast sand dunes are a stunning feature of it. You’ll find the most famous sand dunes near the town of Mui Ne in southern Vietnam. Not only does Mui Ne have sand dunes, but there are also two types: the Red Sand Dunes and the White Sand Dunes.
Mui Ne Sand Dunes
These are among the most remarkable features of Mui Ne. Set against the stunning tropical coastline, these sand dunes are one of the reasons why Mui Ne attracts so many visitors. Essentially, Mui Ne offers the best of both worlds: the coastal charm of a tropical destination and a glimpse of the desert.
Red Sand Dunes:
These sand dunes have the most striking reddish-brown colour that really pops during sunrise and sunset. From the town, it’s only a short drive to the Red Sand Dunes. If you stay at Anantara Mui Ne Resort, you can get to the dunes within 20 minutes. What gives these dunes their red colour? Iron deposits. These sprawling dunes make you feel as though you’ve travelled to Mars – they have this otherworldly feel. Although they are big enough in their own right, they’re not as large as the White Sand Dunes. But they remain one of the most popular things to do in Mui Ne.
What kind of activities can you enjoy here? Is it only for sightseeing? Absolutely not! The Red Sand Dunes are an adventure playground. Sledding is a popular activity. Local children fashion makeshift sleds from whatever they can find and slide down the slopes. The inclines are not very steep, meaning anyone can enjoy some sledding here. Plus, the ever-shifting undulations of the sand are often a photographer’s favourite feature of the dunes. The contrast between the striking blue of the ocean and the red of the sand creates the most remarkable scene.
White Sand Dunes:
The White Sand Dunes are located a bit farther than the red ones – it’s about 25 kilometres from the town. They are much larger than their red counterparts. If you’ve ever been to the Sahara Desert, the White Sand Dunes will remind you of your time there. Those with more energy than they know what to do with should definitely make a trip to the White Sand Dunes – you’ll find plenty to do here. You can rent an ATV and ride the rolling dunes at great speed. If you’re the type to seek tranquillity and solitude wherever you are, you can take a walk along the ridges and marvel at the pristine, windswept white sands.
While the White Sand Dunes are like the Sahara Desert in many ways, there are two freshwater lakes here – the last thing you’d expect to find in a desert-like region. The larger of the two is called Bau Sen, meaning Lotus Lake. During the summer months, the lake blooms with lotus flowers, adding a stunning splash of colour to the otherwise white background.
This is also a great spot to see the sunrise and sunset. Early in the morning, when the sun rises over the horizon, the sprawling white dunes come alive with a soft yellow glow. In the evening, the setting sun casts its golden orange over the dunes, turning them into an ethereal landscape of warm hues and long shadows.
So, should you visit the White Sand Dunes and the Red Sand Dunes of Mui Ne? Absolutely, it shouldn’t even be a question. Take your camera because you’ll find some great photo ops. Don’t forget to lather up with some good sunscreen – the sun can be pretty harsh.
Best Time to Visit
Visit when the weather is a bit cooler. Early in the morning, in time for the sunrise, and late in the afternoon, when the sun sets, are the best times to visit. As for the time of year, the best time to visit is from April to August. These months bring clear skies and endless sunlight. You can visit during the wetter months too, but the terrain becomes a bit damp.
Apart from this, if you are interested to know more about Desserts you can serve in your restaurant then visit our Recipes category.
