Kitesurf at Mui Ne

Rang Beach, Ganh Beach and surrounding areas

  • Overview
  • Good to know
  • Getting there

Overview

Mui Ne, a ward of Phan Thiet City, is becoming a top destination, especially for the European winter, as the windiest season runs from November to March. The beaches which extend east and west of the Mui Ne Peninsula are a Vietnamese hot spot for kitesurfing. Thanks to kilometres of red and white dunes heating under the sun, the wind is sure to increase throughout the day as the wind is thermally accelerated. To the East of the peninsula, in Mui Ne, Ganh Beach offers a range of conditions to suit kiters of all abilities, from beginner to advanced with a generously spaced kiting area without overcrowding. In the morning, when the wind is lighter, water conditions go from flat to choppy. As the wind increases through the day, a stronger swell develops creating fun well-spaced waves for intermediate and above riders to enjoy. In Ham Tien, Rang Beach, commonly known as ‘Mui Ne Beach’ by tourists despite falling outside of Mui Ne, extends 2.5km west of the Mui Ne Peninsula and is home to the majority of kite schools. In the morning, when the wind is lighter, water conditions go from flat to choppy. As the wind increases through the day, a stronger swell and shore break can develop. For more advanced riders in search of waves, the surrounding beaches, Ganh Beach, and Sui Nuoc will provide more space away from other kiters. Larger waves will be found in these bays with an onshore to cross-onshore wind providing an added challenge. Mui Ne weather has a tropical monsoon climate with the rainy season falling between April and October and the dry season from November to March. This coastal town is also prone to drought due to its proximity to the Binh Thuan Desert, making it the driest region in Southeast Asia. The average temperature is about 27°C/80°F between November and April. Mui Ne also receives very little rain compared to other cities in Vietnam. When not kitesurfing, there’s plenty to do so it’s a location you can happily bring your non-kiting friends and family. Should you have a non-windy day, you’ll be able to visit the red dunes, formed by ancient iron mines; see the ivory white dunes and lotus flower-filled lake by ATV, go hiking along fairy stream or venture into Mui Ne’s fishing village. These are just a few options amongst many. When the evening comes, you’ll be able to choose from a variety of bars and restaurants to join in the fun. Mui Ne offers a variety of food from fresh Vietnamese food to Vegan, and if you would like to visit the next Town, Phan Thiet is only 20km away.

Good to know

VISAS: For most western countries, a maximum visa-exempt stay is 15 days. For more extended stays purchase VISA online before departure and present letter at immigration to receive visa stamp (30 days US$20). PRICES: CURRENCY: Vietnamese Dong - VND Beer: 20-40,000 VND (€0.75 - 1.50) Food: Lunch 40-200,000 VND (€1.50 - 7.50) Accommodation: €10 - €80 pp Kite Lessons: 6rs approx €300 Kite Gear rental: approx €30 per hour or €80 per day. LANGUAGE: Vietnamese INTERNET: Recommended to get Local SIM card from the official store. Networks Viettel and Vinaphone 3G coverage are good and widespread. Wi-Fi hotspots in bars and restaurants. TRAVEL ADVICE: This is a well-known area for backpackers travelling around Asia. TEMPERATURE: Water temperature between November and March is around 20-25°C/68-77°F. Therefore wetsuits are not needed. However good sun protection, rash west or a shortie will come in handy as it can get chilly if you stay in the water for the whole day.

Getting there

NEAREST TOWN: Phan Tiet NEAREST CITY: Phan Tiet NEAREST AIRPORT: Saigon Ho Chi Minh City [HCMC] Taxis are the fastest way to get to Mui Ne, taking around 4hours, and can be arranged from around €100 each way for a seven-seater taxi. These can be pre-booked through various providers. If you choose to travel around busses are a good option but will take you around 6 hours. You will have to take the taxi from the airport to the main backpacker tourist area in district 1 of Pham Ngu Lao. Avoid the fixed price taxis by turning left as you leave departures there you will find a metered taxi, which will be much cheaper. GETTING AROUND: The main beaches are within walking distance from most of the accommodations. If you’re going further you can choose from taxis, Motorbike taxis (Called Xe Om, literally translating as ‘Bike Hug’) or Motorbike hire.

  • Beach
  • Wind
  • Rules/Hazards

Beach

Mui Ne has a few different bays to kite from, and each offers something a little different. The sea conditions in Rang Beach during light wind times are very flat and get more choppy when the wind speed increases. In stronger winds, a shore break will form. The primary teaching and riding area sit within a bay with a sandy sea bed while the Northern end of the beach has suffered the effects of beach erosion. Reef shoes are therefore optional. Sun cream, sunglasses and covering up is advised. Ganh Beach, to the East of the Mui Ne Peninsula, receives the smoothest wind as it does not pass over any landmass directly before the kite zone. This beach is less sheltered than Rang Beach, so while it gets steadier wind, it will develop waves sooner. These are well-spaced waves with flat areas between making a spacious and fun playground for riders of mixed levels. On the windiest of days, this beach provides a larger swell than the Rang beach, and it becomes an excellent wave spot for more advanced riders. Those riding there should stay clear of the rocky headland of the peninsula and stay further up the bay. Suoi Nuoc is the next bay over from Ganh Beach and provides similar wave conditions. However, the on-shore to cross-onshore winds at this beach gives an added challenge making it better suited to more advanced riders. AMENITIES: Kite Schools, Gear Rental, Rescue boat/ jet skis, Beach Assistance, Gear Storage, Kite Shops, Kite/Gear Repair, Cafe/Bars, Accommodation.

Wind

Wind in Mui Ne is influenced by thermal winds in the afternoon and will often blow stronger than forecast during the dry season. Commonly, a rider may kite in the morning on a 12m and reduce their kite size to a 9m, or even a 7m, by the afternoon. November to March (Dry Season) is the windiest time to kitesurf here. The wind around these months ranges between 18-30 knots, with gusts up to 40 knots. Wind usually picks up around 10 am and keeps blowing until about 6 pm. There may be occasional no wind days during this season, but generally, you will not be disappointed. The wind direction is typically North Easterly to South Easterly (cross-on-shore). Recommended Kite sizes 12m-7m. April to October is counted as an offseason as the wind is not that reliable. Nevertheless, kitesurfing is still posible here. If you visit Mui Ne this time of year, you will have to bring your larger kites and foils. WIND DIRECTIONS: NE, SE WINDIEST MONTHS: High Season - January, February, March. Mid Season - April, October, November, December.

Rules/Hazards

The beach can generally get quite busy with kiters and tourists and other watersports participants. Be considerate of others and prioritise safety. Where possible, do not launch with people/buildings directly downwind of you. Secure kite thoroughly with sand if left unattended and roll lines up to maintain beach space. Avoid walking the beach with your kite in the sky in busy areas. Use caution in narrow areas of the beach. Launching can be difficult at high tide Follow standardised Rights of Way rules. Jellyfish can be found in Mui Ne’s warm waters, although none are high risk. Wearing a long rash vest and leggings will prevent stings if they are, on occasion more common. In stronger winds and high tides, shore breaks may exceed beginner level. *If you need kite related service like kite repairs, lessons or beach assistance it is recommended to choose resorts that provide these services. ** It is always recommended to seek additional knowledge about the spot from local kite school and qualified instructors.

Info

Rider Level:
beginner, intermediate, advanced
Discipline:
freeride, waveriding, foiling
Spot Type:
Choppy, Small wave (up to 1m), Medium wave (up to 2m), Open water, Beach
Launch area:
Sand
Tidal:
yes
Windiest Months:
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Nov, Dec

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