Visit Mui Ne & Phan Thiet, Vietnam

Only four hours from Ho Chi Minh City, on glorious unspoiled stretches of sand are the small coastal villages of Mui Ne and Phan Thiet. These are also some of the driest places in Vietnam, as illustrated by the sand dunes here, baking hot in the midday sun.

Mui Ne receives sun for almost the entire year making it ideal as a beach break from the humidity of Ho Chi Minh City or the Delta. A range of charming small properties and luxury boutique hotels line the white-sand peninsula offering accommodation to suit a variety of budgets.

Phan Thiet is traditionally renowned for the production of fish sauce used in local cuisine. It's also the gateway to the idyllic Mui Ne Peninsula, which stretches out into the South China Sea and is notable for its small fishing villages, palm shaded lanes and stunning red sand dunes. The peninsula is easily explored on foot or by bicycle (these can be hired locally). Alternatively, you may just want to relax on the beach. The area also has a superb new 18 hole golf course.