Full Moon Village

Tucked away on a small country road outside of Mui Ne, the Full Moon Village has an intimate, serene feel. With just 17 stand-alone villas -- each with its own private entrance and garden -- and lush grounds with stone paths, the property looks like a miniature traditional Vietnamese village. Pitched terra-cotta tile roofs and the tops of thatched open pavilions peek out from behind the bamboo fences bordering each garden, which combined with dozens of towering palm trees lend the grounds an exotic tropical feel. Villas come in two different architectural styles: two-bedroom units are built in the traditional local style, with reclaimed wood decorated with intricate carvings, big windows with wooden frames, and brick accents. Three-bedroom villas have a simpler, more contemporary style, with white facades and white metal window and door frames. 

The road runs down the middle of the property, leaving the lobby, the restaurant, the lounge, and the water sports center on the beach side, and all 17 villas, the pool, and the poolside cafe across the street. This layout allows for a serene atmosphere around the villas and the pool, as the action centers around the water sports center and the restaurant during the day. On our way to breakfast we saw about a dozen people already in the water with their boogie boards, which guests can borrow free of charge during their stay. The few couples and families we saw at the pool seemed more interested in sunbathing book in hand or swimming than in drinking and chatting loudly, and kids looked more than happy to play quietly in the water. At night only a few tables were occupied at the main restaurant, and the lounge was empty except for a family with young kids.  

The hotel’s mellow vibe and somewhat remote location may not be for those who come to Mui Ne for its hopping bars and beachfront restaurants with live music, but the Full Moon Village is a great upscale pick for travelers seeking some R&R. Those looking to stay in the city center may find the gorgeous Cham Villas to be a good alternative. The hotel is located right in the thick of the action, but its lush gardens, pretty beach, and handful of villas allow for a serene atmosphere. In that same price range, Mia Resort Mui Ne is a beautiful boutique with 31 villas, chic beachy decor, an excellent restaurant, and a central location within walking distance of restaurants and bars. Those looking for something a little cheaper may want to consider the Coco Beach Resort, a friendly, laid-back property right on the beach.

Full Moon Village is located on a small country road off the main thoroughfare running parallel to the coast. There are a few other beachfront resorts nearby, but little else of general interest can be found within walking distance. The village of Mui Ne, home to a vast fishing fleet, a popular wet market, and a few seafood restaurants, is about a 15-minute drive away, as are the White Dunes. The Red Dunes can be found a 10-minute drive north of the hotel, while the famous Cham Towers are about a half-hour away by car. Ham Tien, known among visitors as the city center for its wide array of restaurants, bars, and shops, is also about a 30-minute drive from the hotel. The nearest airports are in Ho Chi Minh City and Dalat, each about a five-hour bus ride away. Private and group airport transfers can be arranged at front desk. The resort offers free shuttle service to its sister property in Mui Ne and to central Phan Thiet (the latter is a 25-minute drive).

The hotel has a total of 17 two- and three-bedroom villas, each with its own private garden complete with a hot tub or a whirlpool and an outdoor lounge under a thatched roof. Each villa has been individually decorated with unique touches such as lacquered accents and handmade wooden ornaments, but all have plenty of traditional local features, with red comforters with colorful flower designs, heavy wooden furniture, and terra-cotta finishes. Two-Bedroom Villas are particularly stunning, with large living rooms housed in beautiful wooden structures, intricate wood carvings, thatched roofs covered with terra-cotta tiles, shell inlays throughout, and colorful lanterns. Three-Bedroom Villas are for those who prefer something a little bit more contemporary. They’re housed in two-story brick-and-mortar bungalows, which makes them a little less aesthetically impressive but equally luxurious. All villas have fully stocked open kitchens with big fridges, stovetops, electric kettles, and pots and pans. 

Villas are comfortable and well-equipped, with standard amenities that include free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs with international channels (CNN, HBO, ESPN, Discovery, and Cartoon Network among others), iPod docks, safes, and DVD players. Daily turndown service is also standard, and consists of dimmed lights, lemongrass oil burners in rooms, and free bottled water by the bed. 

Though our room had some signs of water damage in one of the walls and the bathroom sink leaked a little bit, rooms are generally well maintained, and constant upkeep efforts keep the property looking tidy, clean, and upscale. The bathrooms are probably the only areas that need a little bit of attention in some rooms. Most are spacious and appealing, with wood and stone accents and either large jetted tubs or walk-in rain showers. But individual water heaters covered with bright orange tarps are somewhat unsightly (and mean hot water may be limited), and the tiles around some shower/tub combos could use an update. 

During low season, the property also offers the option of renting rooms in villas, sharing the living room, kitchen, and garden with the guests staying in the other room. 

The hotel offers direct access to a pleasant stretch of Suoi Nuoc, a sandy beach with a handful of loungers and a couple of umbrellas for guests only. During the winter and the spring, the wind can be strong, with big waves and sea conditions not suitable for swimming. While not the most pleasant spot for relaxing during that time of the year, the winds make it one of the best places in the area for practicing water sports. Jibes, opened by the first person to bring water sports to Phan Thiet, is the hotel’s own water sports center, offering catamaran rentals, lessons, and gear. 

Big and with a laid-back vibe, the pool is a good spot for those seeking some peace and quiet. There is a kiddy section and a whirlpool on one end, and a few mature palm trees provide shade over a spacious deck with a couple dozen cushioned loungers. The adjacent bar offers hot and cold drinks along with small bites and snacks in an open pavilion decorated with colorful lanterns and wooden furniture. A Vietnamese menu is also served for lunch and dinner here in peak season. The hotel’s main restaurant is located on the other side of the street, overlooking the beach and adjacent to reception. It serves a small breakfast spread (included in all rates) with Vietnamese and Western options, as well as decent regional and international cuisine for lunch and dinner. Room service is also available until dinnertime. In-room massages and salon services are available, but the hotel lacks a full spa.