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Published: March 8th 2010
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Muine is a coastal beach town about four hours north of Saigon. It has become a popular spot for kitesurfing, which I had done in the Philippines, with its strong winds, sadly there wasn't much wind when I was there so no kitesurfing was to be done. Resorts dot the beach side, I stayed a little bit further along at a budget place.
When I arrived I first explored the beach front for a while and walked towards where the locals lived further along. The beach didn't impress all that much, quite a bit of trash could be seen. I also noticed a lot of dead animals as I approached the fishing village, one decomposing dog that was particularly rotten, but sort of cool to see in that state. I took photos for a while and then viewed an amazing sunset. I headed back to the guesthouse and met a few other travelers staying there.
The next day I decided to rent a motorbike for the day and then set out for a journey to the Muine sand dunes, which were around thirty clicks away. Riding a motorbike in Vietnam is really the ultimate way to travel, and Saigon
this was not, meaning I wouldn't have to deal with chaos in the streets. It was a particularly hot day, the sun beat down without reprieve. I rode shirtless and although I put on sunscreen I still got a mild burn by the end of the day. I reached the white sand dunes by midday, probably not the best time to be there but I guess on the other hand I was the only one there at the time, making for a better experience. A small lake sat beside the dunes, somewhat like an oasis. The dunes were like a mini desert where one would not expect ti find such a thing. Muine is headed towards desertification and the strong gusts it receives for most of the year speeds up that process.
I parked my bike and headed towards the sands. I young kid asked me if I wanted to "rent" a slideto go down a dune and I couldn't resist saying no. We headed into the dunes and I found a good sliding area, didn't go very fast but what the hell. I tipped the kid and when he unappretiatingly asked for more, I got annoyed and sent
him away with his slide. I then took off and traveled the rest of the dunes, the sand burning my feet whenever they touched.
Soon after I was on the road again and my next stop happend to be a secluded beach I found along the way. I swam for about an hour and gazed at the unspoiled scenery. No garbage to be found here thankfully.
As I headed back I stopped at the red sand dunes, which were smaller and closer to town but were quite original to look at. Another kid jumped on my bike and said he'd watch it if I payed him, a shrewd businessman in the making. I told him I was broke and stole the bike from a local and then sent him on his way.
Back at the guesthouse in the evening, I went out to eat with the other travelers I had previously met and then we went to a sheesha place for a few hours. I guess the sun did a number on me cuz I was wiped and passed out quickly when we got in.
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