Flanked by vibrant red stone formations and verdant bamboo groves, the Fairy Stream is a demure natural wonder. The water, dyed red by natural sediments, is no more than knee deep, and usually barely passes the ankles, making for a picture-perfect place to cool your feet. Along the way, you’ll not only find plenty of photo opportunities, but several food stalls where you can stop to enjoy a bit to eat in this beautiful setting.

The Po Sah Inu Cham Towers were built at the height of the Cham empire in the 8th and 9th centuries. Originally built to worship Shiva, they temples have also been used to worship princess Po Sah Inu and Nandin, Shiva’s holy mount. Over the centuries, much of the original complex was destroyed, leaving behind only 3 towers. These, however, and the only remnants of the Cham empire in the region, offering visitors an excellent opportunity to admire the refined brick architecture and traditional Cham symbols, including the yoni and ligma. Throughout the year, the towers are used by local villagers to hold traditional Cham ceremonies.

The Red Sand Dunes are located just a few kilometers from the center of Mui Ne, making them easily accessible. They are situated between Mui Ne beach and the White Sand Dunes, and are a popular stop for visitors exploring the area. As the name suggests, the Red Sand Dunes are characterized by their reddish-orange color, which makes them distinct from the White Sand Dunes. The sand gets its red hue from the iron-rich soil in the area. The dunes are smaller and more compact compared to the White Sand Dunes, but they offer a charming, picturesque landscape that’s perfect for photography, especially at sunrise or sunset when the light adds a warm glow to the red sands.

Covering 250,000 square meters of mountain forest, Ta Cu Mountain Park is a sanctuary for wildlife crowned by a Buddhist pagoda. Those of strong body can opt for the 2-hour hike up the mountain, which is made a bit more comfortable thanks to the smaller shrines and a restaurant position on the way. The more mindful will likely want to enjoy the panoramic views offered by a ride in the cable car, though this comes at an extra fee. Once you reach the mountain’s peak , you’ll pass the three entrance pillars to reach the Linh Son Truong Tho Pagoda. Home to several prayer halls, the central attraction is the 19th century reclining Buddha - the largest Nirvana Shakyamuni style in Southeast Asia. Nearby are the 7-meter-tall “Three Buddha Postures” statues, each of which depicts a different Buddha.

Believe that whales protect fisherman from perils at sea, the locals built the Van Thuy Tu Temple in 1762 in honor of Ca Ong (Lord Whale). The largest and oldest ‘whale temple’ in the region, the remains of over 500 whales are preserved within, including a 22-meter-long specimen that’s believed to be the largest in South East Asia. Displayed alongside these century-old skeletons are traditional fishing boats, conical hats, and authentic artifacts from the 18th century including written decrees by 24 former kings, terracotta statues, and incense table, lacquered boards, and an beautiful bronze bell. While the entrance fee includes a guided tour of the temple, if you’re lucky, your visit will coincide with the Spring Festival, Whale Worshipping Festival, or Peace Prayer Ceremony when locals come to pray for smooth sailing, good weather, and a bountiful fishing harvest in an activity-filled day.

The White Sand Dunes (also called Bau Trang) are vast stretches of white, powdery sand that create an almost desert-like landscape. They are located about 25 kilometers northeast of Mui Ne, and they’re one of the largest sand dunes in Vietnam. The dunes themselves are quite stunning and stretch over a large area, offering breathtaking views, especially at sunrise or sunset when the light hits the sand, creating beautiful colors and shadows.