Mui Yen Cape, situated in Hoa Thang Commune within Bac Binh District of Binh Thuan Province, is 4 kilometers away from the Bau Trang sand dune. Unlike the lively Bau Trang with lots of tourists and colorful Jeeps, Muy Yen Cape remains untamed, with limited tourism amenities.
The pathway, meandering through white sand dunes, guides visitors to Mui Yen, where hills reach out to the Hoa Thang Sea. With its gentle landscape, Mui Yen is an ideal coastal camping spot for wanderers who seek to embrace unspoiled nature.
On the road trip from Ho Chi Minh City to Mui Yen, visitors can witness lush dragon fruit orchards.
In late August, a group of travelers from Ho Chi Minh City set off on a weekend camping trip to Mui Yen. They traveled about 240 kilometers, mainly using the Ho Chi Minh City - Dau Giay - Phan Thiet Expressway. Opting for a leisurely pace, they took their time, enjoying the picturesque views en route.
A fishing village in Hoa Thang Commune, more than 30 kilometers away from Mui Yen.
The group's initial stop, 11 kilometers from Dau Giay Town in Dong Nai Province, included a breakfast halt at an eatery. After an hour of driving on the expressway, the group stopped for lunch at a seaside restaurant in Phan Thiet.
On their way to Mui Yen, they stopped by a seafood place in Hoa Thang of Bac Ninh District, where they purchased fresh seafood for their evening beachside camp. With no accommodation within 15 - 20 kilometers of Mui Yen, visitors need to bring their own essentials before setting up camp.
After passing through Bau Trang, the group turned onto a road about 3 kilometers long, characterized by sandy inclines, crushed gravel, and rock, leading to Mui Yen.
Xuan Tien, a member of the group, mentioned the road’s challenging nature, recommending sturdy vehicles such as two-wheel drive.
After a 7-hour journey from Ho Chi Minh City, the group reached Mui Yen at 3 p.m. and began setting up camp. During the final days of August, Mui Yen experienced sunny days with strong winds and often evening rain.
Those who don't like sudden downpours are advised to visit during the drier months between November and March, when the weather remains dry consistently. This period also offers the chance to enjoy both sunrise and sunset views at Mui Yen.
Due to its pristine state, this location sees limited overnight camping activity. Even on weekends, only 3 to 4 small groups set up tents on this coastal area. These groups come by car and bring their own camping equipment.
Tien's group quickly found a flat, raised spot to set up their tents. Although there were no trees for shade, the higher location protected them from the sun's rays, thanks to the sea breeze. Tien emphasized the importance of positioning the tent with the wind's direction, ensuring it stays steady amid varying weather conditions.
Apart from individual sleeping tents, a larger communal tent occupied the center of the camp for dining and shared activities.
The sleeping tents were set up on a flat grassy area, and any sharp rocks were removed to avoid damaging the tents. Campers had the option of choosing self-expanding tents to streamline the setup.
The group prepared thoroughly for their trip by bringing everything they needed. They brought a folding table, cooking utensils such as pots, pans, and a kettle, a hanging rack, rechargeable lamps, charging stations, chairs, and 80 liters of water and food.
Since there were not many facilities available, personal hygiene took place outdoors. Some visitors brought a portable shower tent and a faucet if they had enough space. Alternatively, they could clean themselves with damp towels.
Camping here requires being self-sufficient in a remote area, so group visits, especially involving men, are recommended. It is suggested to minimize valuable items and position tents closely to enable mutual support in any situation.
The group of seven brought 10 kilograms of charcoal for their two-day camping. Prior campers had set up a basic kitchen with rocks and a central space for charcoal, with dry alcohol used as a fire starter. That night, the group had pre-marinated pork and local sourced seafood, along with fruits and snacks for dinner.
While cooking, a sudden heavy downpour surprised the group. They quickly brought their food in the shared tent. They struggled with strong winds and relentless rain for half an hour. At times, Tien needed to use his back as a support to prevent the wind from toppling the tent. Gradually, the rain lessened, with occasional showers, until the sky cleared at around 10 p.m.
After the rain, the group gathered around the fire to cook, stargaze, and enjoy singing. The clear night sky revealed a constellation of stars, a sight rarely visible amid the light pollution in urban areas.
Trung, a member of the team, said: "This is my first time to experience camping by the coast in heavy rain and strong winds. Thanks to our careful preparation, the rain did not disrupt us much. We even sang in the rain with the sound of waves in the background. The natural harmony was amazing."
Night temperatures by the sea dropped to 22-24 degrees Celsius, accompanied by stronger breezes. Visitors are advised to bring jackets, compact blankets, and air mattresses. Tents should be securely zipped during the night.
Following a restful night by the shore, the most exciting moment was witnessing the sunrise. However, due to the previous night's rain, the sunrise was not clear. Still, everyone savored the morning with coffee, music, and contemplation of the sea from the point of the campsite's highest cliff.
Next to the campsite are two beaches with foamy white waves. Before leaving, a few people in the group took the chance to swim in a beachside cave.
The beach has rough reefs and strong waves, so caution is needed when venturing far from the shore. Despite that, visitors can enjoy the picturesque view of the sunny scenery and verdant hills.
Around 10 a.m., the group started taking down the camp. All waste was collected and put in a big bag, destined for Phan Thiet City's public trash bins along the route.
"Exiting the campground was more difficult and risky than coming in because of the gravel, crushed stone, and sandy slopes," Tien said.
Maneuvering the vehicle uphill demanded backward driving and focused steering for approximately 10-15 minutes to ensure a safe ascent.
Two days were enough for a good camping experience in Mui Yen Cape. Although this unspoiled destination may lack comforts, it is an ideal spot for those seeking respite from urban bustle to harmonize with nature.
For those desiring a longer adventure, an additional day can be spent exploring Phan Thiet City or Mui Ne Town before starting the camping trip in Mui Yen.
