The travel platform Booking.com has named Mui Ne among its trending destinations for 2026 thanks to its "surreal" landscapes, peaceful pace of life, and status as a "paradise" for water sports.
According to the 10th annual Travel Predictions report published on April 8th, Booking.com predicts that 2026 will be "The Era of You," as travelers shift from asking "where to go" to "what suits me." In this trend, Mui Ne is recognized as one of the top 10 outstanding global destinations, thanks to its ability to offer highly personalized experiences, from relaxation to exploration.
A view of Mui Ne beach. Photo: Lu Duy Tuong
The list is compiled based on search data, bookings, and surveys of tens of thousands of travelers across multiple markets. The preferred destinations are those that offer unique natural landscapes, authentic experiences, and opportunities for discovery.
Branavan Aruljothi, Country Director of Booking.com in Vietnam, said that Mui Ne's inclusion on the list reflects the growing demand for personalized travel.
"When travel becomes a way of self-expression, Mui Ne offers a diverse ecosystem of experiences, allowing tourists to design their itineraries according to their own preferences," he said, adding that it is a destination suitable for the new travel trend.
Bau Trang Mui Ne features sand dunes that stretch like a desert. Photo: Hong Ha.
Not only does Mui Ne attract international tourists, but it is also among the top 10 most searched domestic destinations by Vietnamese travelers, ranking 9th, up one place compared to the previous year.
The appeal of this destination stems from the combination of adventure sports, striking landscapes such as sand dunes, and high-end beach resort services. In terms of accommodation, tourists tend to choose apartments, guesthouses, and serviced apartments in addition to traditional hotels.
National Geographic magazine once noted that Mui Ne has transformed from a fishing village into one of Southeast Asia's leading marine sports centers. Its long beaches, stable winds, and unique topography make it a favorite destination for kitesurfing and other water sports enthusiasts.
This destination began to gain widespread recognition in 1995, when a total solar eclipse attracted thousands of tourists. Since then, Mui Ne has developed rapidly with a series of beachfront resorts.
Currently, Mui Ne National Tourist Area has over 600 accommodation establishments with nearly 18,000 rooms, concentrated along the "golden land" strip of the coast. Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street alone, stretching 8 km, boasts 53 resorts, forming one of the most vibrant resort routes in the country.
The Anam Mui Ne resort on Nguyen Dinh Chieu street. Photo: Booking.
Beyond its scenic beauty, Mui Ne is also attractive for its local cultural experiences, such as fishing villages, seafood markets, and the Van Thuy Tu historical site – home to thousands of whale skeletons preserved over centuries.
In the 2026 ranking, Mui Ne stood alongside many international destinations such as Bilbao, Philadelphia, and Guangzhou. Its inclusion on the list demonstrates the growing appeal of Vietnamese tourism on the world map, especially in the context of the increasing trend towards personalized experiences.
Previously, in Google's Year in Search 2025 list for tourism, Mui Ne ranked 3rd in the top 10 most searched destinations, after Da Lat and An Giang.
With its unique landscapes, fishing village culture, and opportunities for adventurous sports, Mui Ne deserves to be the leading destination for personalized, exploratory, and adventurous travel in 2026.