Mui Ne

Twenty years ago, Mui Ne was not much more than a deserted road running along an equally deserted beach. Now there's a 15-km (9-mile) stretch of resorts, restaurants, and souvenir shops. Mui Ne town itself doesn't draw the crowds, but you may want to stop and capture the astoundingly large fishing fleet parked by the shore. The coastal stretch as a whole is a perfect reprieve from the buzz of Ho Chi Minh City or the chilly weather in nearby Da Lat. For those traveling north of Ho Chi Minh, it's the first major stop and therefore the first taste of life outside the city. For those traveling south, it's often the last fix of sun, sea, and sand. Visitors usually hole up in luxurious resorts, boutique hotels, backpacking dorms, and even camping spots. The increasing popularity of Mui Ne has seen a miniboom in food and beverage options, and there are now plenty of respectable Western dining spots, as well as the popular local seafood and barbecue. In recent years, Mui Ne has also become an international destination for kitesurfers, who converge during the windy season from November to April.