White Sand Dunes Bau Trang
Vietnam's 'Little Sahara' offers surreal white gypsum dunes, breathtaking sunrises, and thrilling ATV rides.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Epic sunrise views
White Sand Dunes Bau Trang
Best Time
Epic sunrise views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Vietnam's 'Little Sahara' offers surreal white gypsum dunes, breathtaking sunrises, and thrilling ATV rides.
"It's a very different setting from the Red Dunes nearby. Hard to get a taxi back."
🚗 Arrange Return Transport
Taxis can be hard to find post-visit. Ask your driver to wait or book a tour for peace of mind.
💰 ATV Rides are Pricey
While fun, ATV and jeep rides are an extra cost. Consider walking for a budget-friendly experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vast White Sand Dunes
Bau Trang, Mui Ne, Vietnam
Experience a surreal desert landscape with endless white gypsum sand dunes stretching towards the sea.
Sunrise Over the Dunes
Bau Trang, Mui Ne, Vietnam
Witness a breathtaking sunrise painting the white sands in hues of orange and pink.
ATV and Jeep Adventures
Bau Trang, Mui Ne, Vietnam
Thrill-seekers can rent ATVs or jeeps for an exhilarating ride across the sandy terrain.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for Desert Bliss
Transportation & ATV Adventures
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Arrange Return Transport
Taxis can be hard to find post-visit. Ask your driver to wait or book a tour for peace of mind.
💰 ATV Rides are Pricey
While fun, ATV and jeep rides are an extra cost. Consider walking for a budget-friendly experience.
☀️ Bring a Hat & Sunscreen
The sun can be intense. Protect yourself and stay comfortable while exploring the dunes.
📸 Perfect for Desert Photos
Capture unique desert-themed shots without leaving Asia. Ideal for photographers!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Arrange Return Transport
Taxis can be hard to find post-visit. Ask your driver to wait or book a tour for peace of mind.
💰 ATV Rides are Pricey
While fun, ATV and jeep rides are an extra cost. Consider walking for a budget-friendly experience.
☀️ Bring a Hat & Sunscreen
The sun can be intense. Protect yourself and stay comfortable while exploring the dunes.
📸 Perfect for Desert Photos
Capture unique desert-themed shots without leaving Asia. Ideal for photographers!
🌬️ Windy Conditions Expected
Expect wind, especially in the afternoons. It adds to the desert atmosphere!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the White Sand Dunes a unique and visually stunning experience, often comparing it to a desert landscape. While some find it less touristy than other spots, others note it can still be crowded, especially during peak times. The ATV rides are popular but costly, and many recommend walking the dunes for a more peaceful and budget-friendly exploration.
"It is indeed less touristy. You can walk to the top of the dunes. Nice view of the sea and nearby windturbines"
allPhoto Paul
""Less Touristy" is was not, but it was a really good experience. We drove there on a stormy afternoon and the feeling was something like a mix of Arrakis, Tatooine and Mad Max with the quads, jeeps and random characters running around. A very different setting from the Red Dunes nearby. Hard to get a taxi back so make sure they wait for you while you are hiding from the sandworms/empire/Immortan Joe."
Stefan Gimeson
"Go here if you want to be left atop a dune with hundreds of other people with nothing to do but try to hide away from everybody’s pathetic photo shoots while you wait for an atv. Maybe it’s worth seeing if you’ve never seen a sand dune before but don’t bother visiting during sunrise or sunset because you won’t find peace here. You can also ride an inhumanely treated camel or ostrich here if that’s what you’re into."
Ted Oplen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common ways to reach Bau Trang White Sand Dunes from Mui Ne are by taxi, motorbike, or as part of a tour. Many visitors opt for a private car or motorbike rental for flexibility. Some tours include transportation and activities like ATV rides.
Finding a taxi for your return journey can be challenging, especially during peak times. It's highly recommended to arrange for your taxi to wait for you or to book a tour that includes round-trip transportation.
Yes, renting a motorbike is a popular option for independent travelers. It offers the freedom to explore at your own pace and stop at scenic spots along the way. Ensure you are comfortable riding in Vietnam.
Absolutely! Many tour operators in Mui Ne offer day trips to the White Sand Dunes, often combined with other attractions like the Red Sand Dunes and Fairy Stream. These tours typically include transportation and sometimes ATV rides.
For photography, consider hiring a private car or motorbike to allow for stops at various viewpoints and to capture the changing light. Early morning or late afternoon light is ideal for dramatic shots.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There isn't a formal entrance fee for the White Sand Dunes themselves, but you will likely pay for parking if you arrive by motorbike or car. The main costs are associated with activities like ATV rides or jeep tours.
The White Sand Dunes are generally accessible at any time, as it's a natural landscape. However, for the best experience and safety, visiting during daylight hours is recommended. Sunrise and sunset are popular times.
ATV and jeep rides can be quite pricey, with costs varying depending on the duration and type of vehicle. It's advisable to inquire about prices beforehand and negotiate if possible.
While entry is free, be aware of potential parking fees. The primary expenses will be for optional activities like ATV rides, jeep tours, or camel/ostrich rides.
Yes, you can absolutely explore the White Sand Dunes on foot without paying for any rides. Walking allows you to appreciate the scale and tranquility of the landscape at your own pace.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hours – sunrise and sunset – offer the most dramatic lighting for photography at the White Sand Dunes. The soft light creates beautiful shadows and highlights on the sand.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the dunes. Consider a polarizing filter to enhance the sky and reduce glare. Protect your gear from sand.
Beyond the dunes, look for the small lakes (Bau Trang means 'White Lake') that can reflect the sky, creating stunning mirror-like effects. The contrast between the sand, water, and distant wind turbines is also photogenic.
Visiting very early in the morning, especially for sunrise, or on a weekday can significantly reduce the number of people. You can also try to find higher vantage points on the dunes to frame your shots.
The crests of the larger dunes offer panoramic views. The areas around the lakes can provide interesting foreground elements. Many people also capture action shots with ATVs.
🎫 🚗 Onsite Experience
The main activities include riding ATVs or jeeps across the dunes, sandboarding (though less common here than at Red Dunes), and taking photos. You can also walk to the top of the dunes for views.
Yes, it's definitely possible and recommended to walk up the dunes. It's a good way to experience the sand and get a sense of the scale without the cost of a ride.
Wear comfortable, light clothing. Closed-toe shoes are recommended as the sand can get hot, though many people go barefoot. Bring a hat and sunglasses for sun protection.
There are usually some basic facilities available near the parking areas, including restrooms and small stalls selling drinks and snacks. However, options can be limited, so it's wise to bring your own water.
The White Sand Dunes (Bau Trang) are characterized by their vast, pure white gypsum sand and are often described as having a more surreal, desert-like appearance. The Red Sand Dunes are closer to Mui Ne, have a reddish hue, and are typically more crowded with vendors and sandboarding activities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Bring plenty of snacks and water, as facilities can be basic. The novelty of a 'desert' experience in Vietnam is often a big hit with children. If you opt for a jeep ride, ensure it's a family-friendly tour that accommodates younger passengers. The visual spectacle of the dunes is captivating for all ages.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
Beyond the dunes themselves, look for the reflective lakes that create mirror-like effects and the distant wind turbines that add a modern element to the landscape. Renting an ATV or jeep can provide dynamic action shots, but don't underestimate the power of a simple walk to find secluded spots and capture the serene beauty. Remember to protect your gear from the fine sand.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save money on transport, consider renting a motorbike if you're comfortable riding. This gives you flexibility and is generally cheaper than taxis or organized tours. Pack your own water and snacks to avoid inflated prices at the limited stalls. Visiting on a weekday can also help avoid weekend price hikes or crowds.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Geology of Bau Trang
The formation of these dunes is a result of wind erosion and deposition over millennia, shaping the soft gypsum into undulating waves. The presence of small, shallow lakes, or 'bau' in Vietnamese, within the dune fields adds another layer of beauty, reflecting the sky and creating picturesque scenes. These lakes are particularly noticeable after rainfall, transforming parts of the desert into temporary oases.
Visitors often remark on the surreal feeling of being in a desert landscape so far from traditional desert regions. The contrast between the stark white sand, the blue sky, and the occasional patches of green vegetation creates a visually stunning panorama. It's a testament to the diverse and unexpected natural beauty Vietnam holds beyond its coastlines and mountains.
Experiencing the Dunes: Activities and Advice
For those seeking a more tranquil experience or traveling on a budget, walking the dunes is highly recommended. It allows for a more intimate connection with the environment, enabling you to appreciate the textures of the sand and the quiet solitude. Climbing to the top of the larger dunes provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the sea and nearby wind turbines. Sunrise and sunset are particularly magical times for exploration, offering soft, golden light that enhances the beauty of the dunes and minimizes crowds.
When planning your visit, remember that the dunes can be windy, and the sun is intense. Bringing a hat, sunglasses, and plenty of water is essential. While some vendors offer sandboarding, it's less common and less effective here compared to the Red Sand Dunes. The focus at Bau Trang is more on the scenic beauty and the thrill of off-road exploration.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit