Vietnam is located in South East Asia on the same peninsula as Thailand with mainland China to the north. Cambodia and Laos border to the west and the South China Sea and the Philippines to the east. As one of the fastest developing countries in South East Asia, there are many new hotels, restaurants and nightclubs in the main cities, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, to attract tourists. The majority of the country’s 86 million population and 16 million motorbikes are based in these cities. Outside of the cities, the landscape is characterised by the interior mountains which account for 75%, jungles and Mekong Delta – home to the paddy fields that it sustains. The coastline stretches for over 2000 miles with beautiful white sand beaches where many beach resorts have developed to accommodate the increasing number of visitors.

Mui Ne Resort

For windsurfing and kitesurfing we recommend the resort of Mui Ne, located on the Bay of Phan Thiet, 220km east of Sai Gon, in the South east of Vietnam. This former fishing village has grown over the last 10 years into the foremost windsurfing and kitesurfing destination in Vietname. However it still maintains a laid back, surf vibe without the party crowds and pushy street vendors found in other more developed resorts. Set along a 10km stretch of the coastal road, the main hotels are situated directly on the beach with restaurants, bars and souvenir shops mostly on the other side of the road. Good quality hotels sit next to more budget accommodation. The whole resort is characterised by the beautiful white sand beaches lined with palm trees swaying in the breeze and huge sand dunes stretching for miles. Now billed as the windsurfing and kitesurfing capital of Vietnam, there are excellent sailing conditions that attract an increasing number of visitors from all around the world. 2011 sees the PWA tour arrive in Mui Ne for the first time in March on the first leg of the Series.

See   for video and commentary of the action.

Climate

Vietnam has a tropical climate but this varies depending on the seasons and region. In the north the weather is more temperate with its cooler, ‘dry’ season from November to April.

The coastline south of Nha Trang  is tropical with hot and humid all year – especially February to May. The best weather is found in the ‘dry’ season from September to April.

Mui Ne offers some of the finest weather conditions with the lowest annual rainfall in Vietnam. Temperatures rarely fall under 25°C and are usually above 30°C.

Sailing Spot & Conditions

Mui Ne Bay or, more accurately, the Bay of Phan Thiet is awide bay with land peninsular extending to the north. Here local fisherman still operate. At the southern end of the bay is where the hotels and centres are based and the main sailing area.

The wind conditions are some of the most reliable for a long haul destinations over 220 days of 12 knots plus and if you like very strong and challenging conditions it is perfect as the wind can gust up to 40 knots when the wind comes in from the north east. The main season is November to April which sees the strong wind. Shorebreak can also be more than moderate. The wind builds through the morning so first thing is better to get for those wishing to take it a bit easier. Waves are best September to December. Wind is mainly side / side onshore.

Main Season: Wind blowing from early morning - expected around 9am - dusk.

November Wind 70 - 80 %  from NE, 12knots up to 30 knots  
                  sunny 28-35 C, water 25-28 C, wind chop to small wave (1- 3m )..

December Wind 80 - 90 %  from NE, 12knots up to 40 knots  
                  sunny 25 -30C, water 22-26 C, wind chop to small wave (1- 3m ).

January     Wind 90 - 100 %  from NE,12knots up to 40 knots   
                   sunny 25-30 C, water 22-26 C, wind chop to small wave (1- 3m ).

February   Wind 80 - 95%  from NE, 12knots up to 35 knots 
                  sunny 28-35 C, water 25-28 C, condition flat to chop.

March        Wind 70 - 85 %  from NE, 12knots up to 30 knots   
                  sunny 28-35 C, water 25-28 C, condition flat to chop.

April          Wind 60 - 70 %  from NE, 12knots up to 30 knots
                  sunny 28-35 C, water 25-28 C, condition chop to small wave (1- 3m )..

May           Wind 60 - 70 %  from NE, 12knots up to 30 knots
                  sunny 28-35 C, water 25-28 C, condition chop to small wave (1- 3m ).

Rain Season: Wind usually picks up late morning /around 12-1pm

June          Wind 40 - 50 %  from SW, 12knots up to 30 knots
                  Rain 28-35 C, water 25-28 C , condition  chop to small wave (1- 3m ).

July           Wind 50 - 60 %  from SW, 12knots up to 30 knots b
                  Rain 28-35 C, water 25-28 Cm  condition chop to small wave (1- 3m ).

August      This is the best month of for wind and sun in the summer.

                  2009 = 20 days , 2008 = 22 days , 2007 = 18 days

                  Wind 60 - 70 %  from SW, 12knots up to 30 knots
                       Some rain 28-35 C, water 25-28 C,  condition flat to chop.

September Wind 60 - 70 %  from SW, 12knots up to 30 knots
                   Some rain 28-35 C, water 25-28 C,  condition flat to chop.

October      Wind 65 - 75%  from SW, 12knots up to 30 knots  
                   sunny 28-35 C, water 25-28 C, condition chop to small wave (1- 3m ).

For more info see Kiteworld's excellent article on Mui Ne, Vietnam below:

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