Mui Ne on Vietnam’s southeastern coast, once little more than a fishing village, tops Booking.com’s 2026 must-visit destinations in the universe, drawing travelers to its “storybook” landscapes and red sand dunes.
The ranking is based on a survey of 30,000 adults from 33 countries and territories who plan to travel within the next 12 – 24 months.
Other destinations on the list include Bilbao (Spain), Barranquilla (Colombia), Philadelphia (USA), Guangzhou (China), Sal (Cape Verde), Manaus (Brazil), Münster (Germany), Kochi (India), and Port Douglas (Australia).
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Tourists enjoy swimming in the waters near the red sand dunes in Mui Ne. Photo by VnExpress/Viet Quoc |
According to Booking.com, around 40% of travelers surveyed said Mui Ne fits their preference for scenery and aligns with the “Romantasy Retreats” trend, offering landscapes worthy of a storybook.
Its landscapes include red and white sand dunes, fishing villages and the shallow Fairy Stream, perfect for wading barefoot.
Along its coast, visitors can enjoy seafood and observe daily life at the fishing ports.
Mui Ne’s eight-kilometer-long beach is a top spot for kitesurfing and windsurfing.
Peak season lasts from October to April, when beach sports clubs and training centers operate along the coast.
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Visitors capture photos amidst the Red Sand Dunes in Mui Ne. Photo by VnExpress/Viet Quoc |
National Geographic Traveler has previously named Mui Ne among Southeast Asia’s top water sports destinations, highlighting its dunes and coastal landscape.
Lonely Planet ranks Mui Ne fifth among Vietnam’s “10 Most Beautiful Natural Wonders”, while Google’s Year in Search 2025 placed it third among the country’s most-searched destinations.