At this point in our trip, we were traveling with 6 people. Even though we all enjoy backpacking, we decided to treat ourselves. Instead of staying in a hostel (which honestly would be more expensive anyway), we decided to park ourselves in a hotel in the beach town of Mui Ne.
Mui Ne does not claim to have the nicest beaches in Vietnam. In fact, the actual beach area is too windy and crowded with windsurfers to go swimming or sunbathe. Mui Ne is basically a long strip of town bordering a beach. It probably is 2 km inland, but 5-10 km long. (Note: these estimates are not based in fact). Our hotel was near the bus stop, which was far from the "center" of this town. Luckily for us, our area had all we really need.
Mui Ne was one of the most fun parts of my trip, primarily because of the people. Honestly, it was also one of the laziest parts of my trip. My highlights included getting a massage, drinking a lot of smoothies, and eating too many kebabs. Across from our hotel was a DELICIOUS kebab place...where we probably ate 4 meals in 2 days. Our hotel had a pool with lounge chairs. We could walk into the ocean from the pool patio. We had 3 people to a room, a private balcony, and a pool: a backpacker's version of luxury.
On our last night together, we decided to pull out the selfie stick. We were waiting for our night bus to come at 1:00 am. A little sleep deprived and having seen too much sun, we had some selfie stick shenanigans.
One valuable lesson that I learned in Vietnam was that Canada, France, the UK, and the USA all have different versions of one of my favorite drinking games: Asshole. I introduced my rules, as well as the 2 grabbing rule (when the only card you have left is a 2, you can hold it up and others will snatch it). As a result, my 2 will never be the same. The Brits got to it.
On a 1 am night bus, we left Mui Ne and split up our group. Four of us continued on to Nha Trang. Nha Trang is another beach city famous for Russians, drinking and beauty. Valerie, Maria, and I had about 12 hours in this town because we sandwiched it in between 2 night buses. We spent half the day on the beach and the other half looking for Buddha. Here is the big white Buddha of Nha Trang...my only photo of that city.
Mui Ne does not claim to have the nicest beaches in Vietnam. In fact, the actual beach area is too windy and crowded with windsurfers to go swimming or sunbathe. Mui Ne is basically a long strip of town bordering a beach. It probably is 2 km inland, but 5-10 km long. (Note: these estimates are not based in fact). Our hotel was near the bus stop, which was far from the "center" of this town. Luckily for us, our area had all we really need. Mui Ne was one of the most fun parts of my trip, primarily because of the people. Honestly, it was also one of the laziest parts of my trip. My highlights included getting a massage, drinking a lot of smoothies, and eating too many kebabs. Across from our hotel was a DELICIOUS kebab place...where we probably ate 4 meals in 2 days. Our hotel had a pool with lounge chairs. We could walk into the ocean from the pool patio. We had 3 people to a room, a private balcony, and a pool: a backpacker's version of luxury.
Mui Ne is a paradise for water sports. At least, that's what I hear. I was too busy being lazy to try any of these fun sports. Walking along the beach, however, it was impressive to see the kite surfers.
The biggest tourist attraction in Mui Ne is the sand dunes. A short taxi ride away there are huge looming sand dunes. We went for sunset.
They also have the option for "sand sledding." Old women and children wait outside of taxis with plastic sleds to rent out. They all offer the same rate and swarm you until you say yes. We agreed to one sled. It sounds more fun than it is.
Mui Ne was a lazy vacation at its finest. Relaxing beaches and good company, what more could I have asked for?
On our last night together, we decided to pull out the selfie stick. We were waiting for our night bus to come at 1:00 am. A little sleep deprived and having seen too much sun, we had some selfie stick shenanigans. One valuable lesson that I learned in Vietnam was that Canada, France, the UK, and the USA all have different versions of one of my favorite drinking games: Asshole. I introduced my rules, as well as the 2 grabbing rule (when the only card you have left is a 2, you can hold it up and others will snatch it). As a result, my 2 will never be the same. The Brits got to it.
So much fun and beauty- thanks for sharing xoxoxxo
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