Surfing Tips for Mui Ne & Phan Thiet, Vietnam: A Complete Guide for Water Sports Enthusiasts
Picture this: endless stretches of golden sand, coconut palms swaying in the salty breeze, and the sound of waves harmonizing with the whoosh of kiteboards slicing through turquoise water. Welcome to Mui Ne and Phan Thiet, Vietnam’s dynamic coastal duo where the ocean is your playground. Whether you’re here to kite surf like a pro, windsurfing or foiling, this sunny slice of Vietnam is the right place for you.
Let’s dive in—no wetsuit required!
Why Mui Ne & Phan Thiet? (Spoiler: It’s All About the Vibe… and the Wind!)
First things first: Mui Ne isn’t your typical surf town. Forget icy waters or crowded lineups—here, the South China Sea stays bathwater-warm year-round, and the vibe is chill. But the real magic? The wind. Thanks to its quirky geography (think sand dunes spilling into the ocean), Mui Ne gets a double shot of reliable gusts from November to March. It’s like Mother Nature cranked up a fan just for surfers. Meanwhile, Phan Thiet, the bustling little city next door, adds a dash of culture with its buzzing markets, fish sauce factories (yes, that’s a thing), and seafood feasts. Together, they’re the perfect tag team – and you should check them out!
Kite Surfing
Mui Ne is the kite surfing capital of Vietnam, and for good reason. The shallow, flat waters of Mui Ne Bay are like a giant, forgiving practice pool for newbies, while the stronger winds near Hon Rom Beach let seasoned riders show off their big-air tricks.
Where to learn: Schools like Kitenam Kite Surf or Windchimes Kite School will have you flying (literally) in no time. Prefer to DIY? Check our listings on BoardCircle because we got your back!
Pro tip: Stick to the afternoons—the wind loves to party here between 12 PM and 5 PM.
Windsurfing
Mui Ne’s wide-open beaches, like Ham Tien, are perfect for Windsurfing. Plus, the vibe here is low-key. You’ll share the water with fishing boats and grinning locals, all while mastering that carve.
Grab a board: Swing by Jibes Beach Club for rentals or join a sunset session with the friendly crew at Mui Ne Surf School.
Surfing & Foiling: For the Wave Whisperers
Okay, let’s get real—Mui Ne isn’t Hawaii. But don’t pack away your surfboard just yet! During the rainy season (May–October), gentle swells roll into spots like Rang Beach. For something wilder, head to Ke Ga Lighthouse, where the waves get a little sassier (and the lighthouse views are Insta gold).
Now, let’s talk foiling. If you haven’t tried it yet, Mui Ne’s calm morning waters are the place to start. Local schools are starting to offer foil rentals, so quickly head to our search page to see what they got!
When to Visit: Follow the Wind (and the Fun)
November–March: The main event. Kite surfers and windsurfers flock here for strong, steady winds. The beaches hum with energy, and the post-surf parties are legendary.
April–October: The “secret season.” Crowds thin out, the sea turns glassy for foiling, and you might luck into a cheeky surf session. Plus, hotel deals? Yes, please.
Local Secrets
Morning vs. Afternoon: Mornings are for lazy swims, foiling, or sipping ca phe sua da (Vietnamese iced coffee) on the sand. Afternoons? That’s when the wind cranks up. Plan accordingly!
Jellyfish Alert: They’re rare, but keep an eye out in shallow areas. Sting remedy? Locals swear by vinegar or… uh… urine.
Stay Beachside: Book a stay along Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street—the main drag where you can roll out of bed and onto your board. From hippie bungalows at Mui Ne Backpackers Village to luxe digs at Anantara, there’s something for every budget.
Eat Like a Local: After working up an appetite, hit the Boke seafood grills (try the garlic butter squid) or wander into Phan Thiet for banh canh (thick noodle soup) at a street stall.
When You’re Not Surfing…
Sand Dunes ATV Adventures: Channel your inner Mad Max at the White Sand Dunes or the Red Sand Dunes.
Phan Thiet Pit Stops: Visit the Po Sah Inu Cham Towers for a history fix or look for souvenirs at the Phan Thiet Market.
Final Words: Ready to Ride?
Mui Ne and Phan Thiet aren’t just stops on a journey—they’re experiences of coastal Vietnam. The team of BoardCircle highly recommends them and wishes you great time and lots of fun there!
P.S. Loved this guide? Share it with your surf squad or drop a comment below with your own Mui Ne stories. And if you spot a dude on a foil board waving wildly… that might just be me. 🌊✨
