Discover White Sand Dunes: Binh Thuan’s Mini Desert Spot

The White Sand Dunes of Mui Ne, in Binh Thuan, have vast expanses of soft white sand and calm freshwater lakes. This special place brings together natural beauty, adventure activities, and outstanding views of sunrise and sunset across the dunes.

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Introduction To White Sand Dunes

Roughly 60 km from Phan Thiet in Binh Thuan Province, the White Sand Dunes are a stunning natural wonder, dazzling visitors with their large expanse of pale sand with bright, shimmering highlights. The dunes roll like waves, frozen in time, leaving behind a surreal, desert-like environment right next to the coast. The color and brightness of the soft white sand under sunlight are beautiful, and the nearby lakes and sparse green vegetation provide an interesting contrast to the sand, making excellent opportunities for photography and nature-watching.

The White Sand Dunes are beautiful, but they also offer a variety of exciting things to do for travelers of all types. Visitors seeking adventure can try sand sledding or climb to the highest dunes for beautiful panoramic views, while those seeking solitude and peace can simply walk along the soft slopes of the gentle dunes and enjoy watching the sunlight shine and dance across the sand. The play of light is especially magical at sunrise and just before sunset when golden light stretches across the landscape and reflects in the flat, calm water of nearby lakes.

History Of White Sand Dunes

The initial condition of the White Sand Dunes was a natural subsided region where rain and groundwater converged over time into two large lakes, with White Sand Dunes being the most notable. With its coastal geography and strong winds created throughout the year, the wind constantly pushed the sand in the inland direction, which formed large layered dune formations from sand…, creating stunning white dunes, curving around the two lakes.

This natural response to geography created a combined and one-of-a-kind tranquil beauty of desert-like dunes, where freshwater lakes are rare along the coast. The combination of shifting sands, the lakes, and beautiful colors showcases the unique beauty of nature.

Unique Beauty Of White Sand Dunes

The White Sand Dunes, located in Hoa Thang commune in the Bac Binh district of Binh Thuan province, about 60 km north-east of Phan Thiet city, is known for smooth, endless stretches of white sand surrounding the freshwater lake Bàu Sen. The combination of these two natural features produces a rare and poetic landscape in the sunny and windy region.

The dunes present unique natural beauty due to two lakes of freshwater – Bau Ong and Bau Ba – nestled among the soft and shifting sands. When the sun shines, the sand sparkles like powdered gold, creating a wild yet enchanting view that contains all the atmosphere of a painting. On fine summer days (from May to August), adding pink lotus and water lilies enhances the scenic landscape with softer pink and purple tones, and better, cooler, and refreshing against the dry atmosphere of all other sand dunes.

5 Unforgettable Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss

The White Sand Dunes of Mui Ne not only offer tourists amazing sights but also a range of options for scenery, photo opportunities, or thrilling excursions on the sand. Each option allows tourists to enjoy and experience the dunes and lakes uniquely.

Take In The Spectacular Sand Dunes And Take Some Great Photos

The expanse of sand that is present at the White Sand Dunes creates an amazing, serene landscape for photography. The ideal timing for photographing dunes, pine clusters, and lakes occurs early in the morning from 5:00 AM to 9:00 AM or late afternoon from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Even with a number of tourists in the area, there is usually sufficient space to find a private location to snap scenic photos or portrait photos. Whether you love landscape photography or would simply like to document the moment, White Sand Dunes provides stunning images.

Sandboarding – An Exciting Activity You Must Try!

If you are visiting White Sand Dunes, sandboarding is a thrilling experience for visitors of all ages in Phan Thiet. You can rent a board for 20,000 VND and be shown how to start sandboarding. The first step is to climb to the top of the dunes to slide down. It’s an exhilarating experience with unexpected adrenaline rushes.

The experience can depend on the degree of slope of the dunes, the sand consistency, and even your weight or size, but it does feel like you are taking a slide on a natural and larger scale. Local vendors rent boards over the dunes so everyone can comfortably enjoy this great activity in a safe environment.

Rowing A Boat On The Lotus Lake

When it is lotus season, and the weather is nice, rowing a boat on the calm lake at White Sand Dunes is an experience that is pleasing for the eyes and the senses to see. When in a boat, you can move from one blooming flower to the next on the vast beds of white sand. The service can cost about 100,000 VND a person, and you will have an opportunity to enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of being closer to nature.

Enjoy Speed Rides Over The Dunes

An exciting way to appreciate rolling dunes is to take a jeep or motorbike around White Sand Dunes. Renting jeeps costs around 300,000 VND for 20 minutes for the smaller vehicle, while the larger vehicle costs around 800,000 VND for 30 minutes. Motorbikes are a cheaper option to go out on the dunes.

Riding over the dunes will have you creeping up to an exhilarating view of the vast landscape below you. With the ride, you will be able to take advantage of breathtaking panoramic views.

Ride And Take Pictures With Camels

Camel riding has become an interesting and memorable activity to do around White Sand Dunes in the last few years. Camels are well cared for and can provide you with good photo opportunities, while the experience itself is simply riding over the dunes. This service allows you to experience riding a camel while exploring the surrounding area. As a traveler, it provided a memorable moment while also taking fun pictures.

Entrance Fee

Some additional activities and rentals cost extra, so knowing the prices beforehand is a good idea when planning your visit.

Activity	Price (VND)	Notes
Entrance Fee	15,000 – 20,000 / person	Basic entry only
Sandboarding Rental	20,000 – 30,000 / board	Unlimited time
ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle)	300,000 – 600,000 / vehicle	Depending on vehicle size, ~20 min ride
Paddle Boat on Lotus Lake	~50,000 / person	Ride in the middle of the lake for photos
Camel Ride	100,000 / person/round	–
Mui Ne Jeep Tour	500,000 – 700,000 / vehicle	Full tour of 4-5 points, including White Sand Dunes

Best Time To Visit White Sand Dunes

The White Sand Dunes can be visited year-round, but summer is the most delightful time to visit. In the summer, the lotus is in full bloom across the various lakes, adding a bright, colorful scene, while making the dunes look even more breathtaking.

The ideal months to visit Phan Thiet are between April and August, with April and May being the prime months to visit because of the blooming lotus. For the most magical, peak experience, visit in the early mornings or late afternoons. Between the hours of 5:00 to 9:00 AM and 4:00 to 6:00 PM, the sand is cooler and softer, with light in its softest forms, and it is a good time for taking pictures here!

How To Get To White Sand Dunes

Travelers have various convenient options available for reaching White Sand Dunes in Mui Ne, depending on their personal preference and choice of transportation. If travelers do not have a vehicle to drive there, they can make arrangements with a local motorbike or Jeep rental service, as many offer services to pick travelers up from their hotel and continue directly to the dunes. Some of the Jeep services provide complimentary entrance tickets.

If one prefers to drive or rent a car, there are two main route options to select from in Phan Thiet City.

The first route is to travel along National Highway 1A to Luong Son town, and upon reaching Luong Son, perform a right turn at the old Luong Son junction for approximately 18 km, which will lead you to White Sand Dunes.
The second route goes first along Vo Nguyen Giap street and then Xuan Thuy street toward Hon Rom, and then past Mui Ne Market along the coast for 12 km into the White Sand Dunes area.

Things To Know Before Traveling To White Sand Dunes

To fully appreciate your visit to the White Sands Dunes, here are some tips and a local perspective that can keep your experience safe and enjoyable. Being prepared is necessary for being able to adjust to the unique weather and an entirely different experience – the beautiful dunes and their lakes.

It is always best to know what the prices are beforehand regarding rentals, such as jeep rides, excursions on Lotus Lake, or sandboarding the dunes, as your rental could end up being more than you expected.
Do not forget that sunscreen, a hat with a wide brim, sunglasses, and lightweight clothing (in season) all provide for sun safety.

Take Some Great Photos in the White sand dune

As there are not many places around to purchase food and drink, keep in mind to bring some water and a couple of snacks.
If you plan to rent a motorbike, jeep, or sandboard, it helps to have planned, so there is not too much of a wait for these rentals.
If you want to fit in a bit more adventure, consider heading to the neighboring attraction, Red Sand Dunes, while also taking in the sights.
Be sure to follow your surroundings and all regulations while enjoying a beautiful day at the dunes.

FAQs About White Sand Dunes

The White Sand Dunes is a beautiful Natural area that draws visitors from near and far, and it can be helpful to have this information before your visit.

1. Is there food and drink available at the dunes?

There are small local places and food stalls around the main entry point to the dunes, but you may want to bring water and snacks, especially if you plan to spend several hours in the dunes. Some tours will include snacks and drinks.

2. Is it safe to walk around the dunes alone?

The dunes are usually safe, but it’s best to travel in groups or with a guide if you are unfamiliar. Carry plenty of water, a hat, sunscreen, and something to protect your eyes from the sun. It isn’t a good idea to attempt to climb some of the dunes that are vertical or steep without proper footwear.

3. Is it possible to camp overnight at the White Sand Dunes?

If so, you should check the regulations for local camping, but there are designated camping locations. Bring your own camping gear and food. Also, it may be cold at night, so ensure you have warm clothes.

Final Thoughts: Is White Sand Dunes Worth Visiting?

The White Sand Dunes provide a truly memorable balance of adventure and natural beauty, making them a must-see on any visit to Mui Ne. You can find your own moment of serenity and wonder within their expansive views, glowing, soft sands, and tranquil lakes. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can go sand sledding or climb the dune itself. Photographers relish photographing all the shifting colors at sunrise and sunset. If you want to completely soak in the beauty of the White Sand Dunes, plan your visit with Seni World.

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