Mui Doi, the easternmost point on mainland Vietnam, has long been one of the “four great passes” that any trekking enthusiast aspires to conquer. More than just a physical challenge, the Mui Doi trekking journey is an opportunity to discover the untouched, majestic beauty of Khanh Hoa’s nature and welcome the first rays of sunrise on the S-shaped land. Let’s explore the interesting aspects and essential experiences for this memorable trip.
Mui Doi – Majestic Easternmost Point
Geographical Location and Special Significance
Mui Doi is located on Hon Gom peninsula, in Van Phong Bay, Van Thanh commune, Van Ninh district, Khanh Hoa province. It is about 80km north of Nha Trang city and about 35km south of Tuy Hoa city (Phu Yen). Before Mui Doi was identified, Mui Dai Lanh (Mui Dien) of Phu Yen was considered the easternmost point. However, with its special geographical location, Mui Doi greets the sunrise about 4 seconds earlier than Mui Dai Lanh, becoming the recognized easternmost point on the mainland.
Easternmost Point Marker – Symbol of Conquest
In 2005, Mui Doi was recognized as a national scenic spot. The granite marker on Mui Doi, installed in 2017, replacing the previous stainless steel marker, marks an important milestone in the conquest journey of young people.
Granite marker at Mui Doi, Vietnam's easternmost point
Today, trekking to conquer Mui Doi is not only a sport activity but also a symbol of exploration, overcoming personal limits, and conquering challenges. The feeling of touching the granite marker and watching the brilliant sunrise over the vast ocean is an unforgettable experience in everyone’s life.
Ideal Time to Trek Mui Doi
To have a complete Mui Doi trekking trip, choosing the right time is extremely important.
Dry Season (January – May)
This is the best time to trek Mui Doi. The weather is dry, with little rain, and the temperature is not too high, very suitable for outdoor activities. However, you still need to prepare full sun protection to protect your skin from the intense Central Vietnam sun.
Trekking group crossing white sand dunes in the journey to conquer Mui Doi
Rainy Season (June – December)
You should avoid trekking Mui Doi during this time because the weather is quite harsh. From June to August, the temperature can reach 39 degrees Celsius, making it difficult to move. From September to December, heavy rain can cause slippery conditions, dangerous for hikers.
Preparing for the Mui Doi Trek
To ensure safety and have the best experiences, you need to prepare carefully in terms of fitness, spirit, and equipment.
Transportation
To get to Mui Doi, you need to travel to Dam Mon. From other provinces and cities, you can get to Nha Trang or Tuy Hoa by bus or train, then move to Dam Mon by motorbike or taxi. If departing from Saigon, you can take a direct bus to Dam Mon.
From Dam Mon, you can choose to walk or take a boat to Mui Doi. However, most young people choose trekking to conquer and fully explore the beauty of this route.
Suggested 2-day 1-night Itinerary
A Mui Doi trekking trip usually lasts about 2 days and 1 night so you have enough time to explore, enjoy, and welcome the sunrise at the easternmost point.
Day 1: Dam Mon – Bai Rang
- Morning: Start trekking from Dam Mon, crossing challenging sand dunes.
- Noon: Arrive at the beach, rest and have lunch at a pre-arranged location.
- Afternoon: Continue trekking about 8km on sandy and steep rocky terrain, admiring the majestic natural scenery.
- Evening: Arrive at Bai Rang, swim, have dinner, and participate in group activities by the beach.
Day 2: Bai Rang – Mui Doi – Dam Mon
- Morning: Wake up early, trek from Bai Rang to Mui Doi to welcome the sunrise.
- Climb up the large rock using rope ladders and safety ropes to reach the easternmost point.
- Enjoy the brilliant sunrise moment over the vast ocean.
- Noon: Return to Dam Mon by boat or walk, ending the journey.
Group using ropes to climb over dangerous rocky cliffs to reach Mui Doi
Essential Items
- Clothing: Hiking boots or sports shoes with good grip, flip-flops, comfortable, sweat-wicking clothes, sun jacket, gloves, hat, sunglasses, raincoat.
- Tools: Backpack, flashlight, power bank, camera, plastic bags (for wet items), trekking poles (if needed).
- Medical: Sunscreen, motion sickness medicine (if needed), headache medicine, anti-diarrheal medicine, bandages, antiseptic, insect repellent.
- Food: Drinking water, snacks (candy, chocolate, dried fruit).
Health and Spirit Notes
Trekking to conquer Mui Doi is a journey that requires good physical strength and persistent spirit. You should exercise regularly before going to improve your health. In addition, be mentally prepared to face difficulties and challenges along the way.
Conquer Mui Doi – Conquer Yourself
Trekking to conquer Mui Doi is not only a trip to explore the beauty of nature but also a journey to conquer personal limits. Overcoming hot sand dunes and precarious rocky cliffs to reach the easternmost point, you will feel the power of will and the pride of successfully conquering a challenge.
Prepare your luggage carefully and set off to explore Mui Doi, the enchanting easternmost point of Vietnam!
References
- Essential Mui Doi extreme east trekking experience for beginners
- Extreme East Trekking: An experience to try once in a lifetime