Mui Ne, a coastal destination about 200km from Ho Chi Minh City, has been named the world’s leading emerging travel hotspot for 2026 by Booking.com.

Sunset in Mui Ne.

The ranking is part of Booking.com’s annual Travel Predictions report, based on accommodation data, traveller insights and feedback.

The platform forecasts that Mui Ne in Lam Dong province will be at the centre of global travel trends next year as visitors increasingly seek personalised and meaningful journeys that reflect their own style and identity.

Once a quiet fishing village, Mui Ne has transformed into one of Vietnam’s premier beach destinations while still retaining its rustic charm.

The area is renowned for its soft golden sands, soothing sea breeze and abundant sunshine. Its consistent climate makes it an ideal hub for kitesurfing and windsurfing, drawing sports enthusiasts from around the world.

The region’s scenery is equally captivating. Iconic red and white sand dunes create a dreamlike desert-by-the-sea landscape, especially stunning at sunrise and sunset.

Nearby, the serene Tien (Fairy) Stream invites travellers to wander between sculpted rock formations glowing in vibrant colours, offering a setting that feels straight out of a storybook.

Along the coast, small family-run eateries serve freshly caught seafood such as grilled scallops, lemongrass-steamed clams and fish cakes. Meanwhile, bustling fishing ports give visitors a glimpse into traditional coastal life and the rhythms of the local community.

Mui Ne is also home to ancient Cham towers, peaceful local markets and traditional fishing hamlets that allow travellers to immerse themselves in the cultural richness of south-central Vietnam.

According to Booking.com, "2026 is the year to travel your way: Ditching the cookie-cutter itineraries and defining your personal style. While 2025 saw travellers throw the vacation rulebook out of the window, next year, it’s all about authentically embracing yourself through travel.

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