Mui Ne in Binh Thuan province, on Vietnam’s south central coast, has been officially recognized as a national tourism area.

Sailing at Mui Ne beach (Photo: plo.vn)

This recognition requires Binh Thuan to promote investment in tourism infrastructure to meet national standards and harmonize economic development with natural preservation. 

The recognition of Mui Ne as a national tourism area creates strong momentum for tourism development in Binh Thuan province, according to Nguyen Lan Ngoc, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.

Under the Mui Ne tourism area development master plan approved by the Prime Minister, Mui Ne aims to become a top tourist destination in Asia-Pacific. This would open up huge opportunities for Binh Thuan province.  

“The recognition of Mui Ne as a national tourism area will induce investors to create signature products for different market segments, especially the high-end segment. They will help us restructure tourism in Mui Ne,” Ngoc said.

The Mui Ne national tourism area stretches from Phu Hai ward in Phan Thiet city, to Hoa Phu commune in Tuy Phong district, spanning 14,760 hectares with a core zone of 1,000 hectares.

According to Nguyen Van Khoa, Chairman of the Binh Thuan Tourism Association, green growth and environmental protection are important considerations. Travel companies operate sea tours that are integrated with exploration of the local culture. One great example of that model is Mui Ne Bay Resort, a secluded resort with a magnificent white sand beach on beautiful Mui Ne Bay facing Hon Lao Island. From its decorations to its food, the resort reflects the local Cham culture. 

Mr. Khoa said, “The decorations of Mui Ne Bay Resort feature the Hindu deity Shiva dancing with a ribbon. This rouses the curiosity of visitors about the local culture. The resort serves a wide variety of local specialties: bánh căn (savory mini-pancakes), bánh xèo (sizzling pancakes), and Cham salads with their unique herbs and spices.” 

Binh Thuan province cooperates with adjacent localities to operate a trans-provincial tour from Mui Ne beach to the Da Lat flower gardens in Lam Dong province to Ben Thanh market in Ho Chi Minh City.

Nguyen Duc Hoa, Vice Chairman of the Binh Thuan provincial People’s Committee, said Binh Thuan’s investment promotion effort has resulted in a great capital inflow from major corporations: FLC, Novaland, TTC, and Hung Thinh, with each project worth at least US$430 million and covering 1,000 hectares.

“We will attract further investment in beach sports, amusement parks, marinas, shopping malls, and international exhibition and convention centers. We will focus on every detail of the planning to make these places appealing to visitors,” according to Hoa. 

Binh Thuan province hopes to welcome 9 million tourists by 2025, 1.5 million of them from abroad. Officials hope that by 2025 the tourism sector will be generating US$1 billion in revenue and 24,000 jobs.