Coastal town Phan Thiet in central Vietnam beguiles visitors with its Mui Ne beach, rolling sand dunes, and museum depicting a 300-year-old fishing village. 

From Ho Chi Minh City, it takes about four hours to reach Phan Thiet, capital of Binh Thuan Province. A suggested destination for visitors after lunch is the European-styled RD Wine Castle in Ham Tien Ward. Covering an area of 12,000 square meters, it is one of Vietnam's largest wine cellars.

The facility is mainly inspired by the U.S.'s Napa Valley wine region and offers enthusiasts the chance to indulge in sublime chardonnay, Sauvignon, and Cabernet Sauvignon cultivars.

The next destination features the golden dunes of Quarter 5, Mui Ne Ward, originating from an ancient iron mine in operation for centuries. 

Visitors to this 'mini Sahara' can enjoy sandboarding, quad bike rides, and photography.

After returning from the sand dunes to the town's center for dinner, why not attend a "Legend of the Fishing Village" performance, a fusion between Kinh and Cham ethnic culture. 

The show, set in Phan Thiet during 1762, is performed at Lang Chai Theater at 360 Nguyen Thong Street. Tickets cost VND300,000 ($13) per person. 

The next morning, have a swim at Mui Ne Beach then depart for Bau Trang. This road, about 60 kilometers from Phan Thiet, is considered one of the most impressive coastal roads in Vietnam.

Mui Ne, one of the country's most popular vacation spots, is often referred to as "a seaside paradise". It is also known for offering many exciting water sports like windsurfing, surfing, jet-skiing, and kayaking.

Bau Trang, 60 km from the town's center, is a freshwater lake surrounded by tall sand dunes.

Along this road lies Bau Ba and Bau Ong lakes, separated by a single white dune. 

During lotus season, the lakes are vibrant with perch, snakehead, catfish and grass carp. The spot is also famous for wedding photography and check-ins among young people in Mui Ne. 

The final destination in the 48-hour journey is Lang Chai Xua (Old Fishing Village) Museum, covering ​​1,600 square meters and including 14 themed sections. The interactive space recreates Mui Ne Fishing Village, boasting a history of 300 years in making traditional fish sauce, considered the soul of Vietnamese cuisine. 

The museum introduces sea salt processing, depicts Phan Thiet old streets and fishing market, and offers a sea show in 3D. The entrance fee is VND100,000 per person. 

Photos by Ngo Tran Hai An, 
Minh Hieu/wikitravel, fishermen show