If you’re new to solo traveling
Welcome! You are about to level up your life in ways you could have never imagined before. It is an exciting, nerve-wracking experience. Maybe you are solo traveling because you are trying to challenge yourself to something new, find freedom in traveling without a buddy, or just got put into a situation where you have to travel alone. Whatever the reason is, I’m glad you’re here. The further you look into solo traveling, you will see there is a supportive community of fellow travelers waiting to help you in your next journey.
My first solo trip
My first solo trip was in 2017 when I was 21 years old. I had an all-inclusive tour in Vietnam booked through a travel agency. My family in Vietnam helped me find a tour company to go with. The Sense of Indochina also known as Vietnam Tour has so many different tours available in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. I went to 13 different cities in 19 days and was surprised a company could offer a tour around the country with so many activities. I was so new to solo traveling. The company arranged a series of smaller tours ran by different companies they partner with throughout the country. I didn’t realize that until I was done with the first tour, which was in the Mekong Delta. They also arranged for transportation and some meals. It was really nice to not have to think about all of that. If you are a beginner solo traveler, I highly recommend an all-inclusive guided tour because there can be a lot of anxiety with going on a trip by yourself so having the trip planned out is a lot easier to deal with.
Why solo travel?
Solo traveling is a very empowering experience because it puts you in an unfamiliar environment and forces you to get out of your comfort zone. You tend to be more alert and aware of your surroundings because you are truly on your own. Have you ever felt like you were living life on auto-pilot? That doesn’t happen when you’re traveling by yourself. Traveling alone allows you to be really present in the moment and take in everything that is happening.
Should I go to Mui Ne?
Mui Ne is a coastal town in southern Vietnam known for its unique landscapes, beaches, and fishing harbor. There is a good mixture of adrenaline, cultural, and relaxation activities. It’s a decent-sized area for a beginner solo traveler to test the waters out and really explore the town. You won’t need more than 2 days in Mui Ne so if you can squeeze it into your itinerary, go for it!
1. Explore on a scooter
For about $6-8 dollars, you can rent a scooter and check out the town. This was by far one of the most exciting parts of my trip to Mui Ne. Renting a scooter is a convenient way to explore Mui Ne and its surrounding attractions independently. Scooter rentals are widely available and affordable, and they give you the freedom to customize your itinerary, spend as much time as you want at each location, and discover hidden gems along the way. However, make sure you have the necessary driving license and follow local traffic rules for a safe and enjoyable experience.
2. Ride in a Jeep up and down the hilly sand dunes
A thrilling activity is getting into a vehicle with random people and trusting that they bring you back safely. Book either a sunrise or sunset tour and catch the breathtaking views of the white and red sand dunes. It’s roughly an hour away, but the views are incredible. Once you are at the dunes, you can walk up the to the top or take an ATV ride to speed up the process. From there, you can try sand sliding down the dunes or just take in the views. Another exciting option is to hop into a Jeep and the driver will take you on a ride up and down the hills.
3. People watch at the fishing village
Stop by the fishing village to catch all the fisherman delivering their products to the local markets in Mui Ne. Mui Ne is a traditional fishing village, and visiting it offers a glimpse into the local way of life. You can observe fishermen bringing in their catches, repairing their boats, and preparing their nets. It’s a great opportunity to learn about the importance of fishing in the area and interact with the local community.
4. Walk through the fairy stream
The Fairy Stream is a small, shallow river that runs through a stunning landscape of sand dunes, limestone formations, and lush vegetation. Visitors can walk barefoot along the stream bed, enjoying the unique sensation of the cool water and soft sands against their feet. The vibrant colors of the rock formations, shaped by erosion, create a surreal and magical environment that gives the stream its name.
5. Get a massage and relax at the beach
Lastly, this activity in Mui Ne is a peaceful way to end your trip to this coastal town. Go get a massage and don’t even worry about breaking the budget with this activity! There is a highly rated massage spa called, Johnny Spa, where you can get a 90 minute hot stone massage for $20 USD! They offer different facial and body treatments as well. After that relaxing massage, ride your scooter to the beach. Listen to waves, watch the sunset and relax.
Where to Next?
If you went from the north to the south, perhaps Ho Chi Minh City is your next stop. If you’re following my itinerary, the next city to go to is my most favorite in the entire world, Dalat!
