Being caught in a tourist trap can be an uncomfortable and disappointing experience, leaving you feeling like you’ve wasted both your time and money.
I usually go out of my way to avoid tourist traps, but there have been times when I’ve unintentionally stumbled into one. One experience that stands out in my memory was the sand dune adventure in Mui Ne, southern Vietnam—a trip that promised so much more than it delivered.
Mui Ne is a quiet, picturesque town on Vietnam’s southern coast, well-known among backpackers for its laid-back vibe and the infamous iHome Backpackers Resort. My stay at the resort was fantastic—full of good times and great company—but the main reason most travelers visit this town is for the nearby sand dunes, which are touted as a must-see attraction. To truly experience them, you need to join a tour, and while there are options to book through local companies or platforms like GetYourGuide, the convenience of booking directly through the hostel made the most sense to me. They offered both sunrise and sunset tours, and I chose the sunrise option, as it was recommended for the cooler temperatures and the chance to see the dunes bathed in the soft morning light.
We were picked up in the early morning, just before dawn, and driven in a jeep for about 30 to 40 minutes outside of town. Our first stop was the white sand dunes, a sight I had been eagerly anticipating. However, upon arrival, we were unexpectedly asked to pay extra for ATV rides to reach the top of the dunes. This came as a surprise, as we had already paid for the tour, and no one had mentioned these additional charges. When we inquired about hiking to the top instead, the guides were quick to discourage us, claiming it would take hours and that we’d miss the sunrise. Feeling frustrated and cornered, we all reluctantly opted for the ATV ride, which turned out to be disappointingly short and underwhelming.
When we finally reached the top, any hopes of a beautiful, quiet and calm sunrise were gone, as we found ourselves surrounded by hundreds of other tourists. The atmosphere was anything but peaceful—people were loudly chatting, hustling for the best photo spots, and the pure beauty of the dunes was overshadowed by the chaotic scene.
As soon as the sun rose, we were asked to pay yet again—this time to slide down the dunes or ride back down on the ATVs. With the long walk looming ahead of us and no other options, we reluctantly paid for another ride. The experience felt increasingly inauthentic and disappointing. The magic of the dunes, which I had so eagerly anticipated, was lost in the commercialization of the entire excursion.
Our next stop was the red sand dunes, where we awkwardly stood around, trying to take in the beauty of the landscape, but the rushed and disorganized nature of the tour made it difficult to fully appreciate the environment. The dunes themselves were indeed stunning, with their deep, warm hues, but the experience felt empty, and I couldn’t shake the vibe of being herded through a series of staged attractions. After a brief stop at a local fishing village—a quick, hurried visit that felt more like an obligation than a meaningful experience—we were all exhausted and ready to return to the hostel. However, there was still one more stop on the itinerary: a small waterfall. By this point, I was so drained and disappointed that I opted to skip the guided walk and instead found a hammock at the entrance where I could doze off for a bit. The rest of the group returned soon after, and we headed back to the hostel, feeling unfulfilled by the long and disappointing excursion.
While I have deep respect for the locals who run these tours—it’s their livelihood, after all—tourist traps are an inevitable part of travel, especially in destinations that cater heavily to foreign visitors. However, they’re not all bad. I’ve had genuinely lovely experiences at other tourist spots that, despite being crowded, still managed to offer something special. The key, I’ve learned, is to research and prioritize activities that truly interest you and align with your travel style. If you come across something that seems like it might be a tourist trap, weigh the pros and cons and consider leaving it off your itinerary if it doesn’t resonate with you.
Looking back, I’m glad I visited Mui Ne—it’s a unique place with its own charm—but if I had known what to expect from the sand dunes tour, I might have chosen to spend my time exploring other parts of Vietnam instead. Travel is full of surprises, and sometimes, even the less-than-perfect experiences are part of the journey, teaching us valuable lessons along the way. So, embrace the unexpected, learn from each moment, and keep an open mind as you explore the world. Happy travels!
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