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One of my favorite places in Vietnam was Suôi Tiên or more commonly known as The Fairy Stream. Located just a few minutes from the center of the small resort town of Mui Ne, we had rented a motorbike for the day to get around. The varying hues of golden amber sand and the crisp, white limestone all surrounded by lush, green vegetation make this place a must-see.
At first glance, the water seemed dirty but it was actually quite clean - it down streams from the dunes giving it that argyle color. It was also very refreshing walking in the cool water especially on a hot and humid day at the end of April.
The stream is absent of any rocks or pebbles making the river sand soft and cozy for your bare feet. Somewhat of a hidden gem, we hardly crossed paths with anyone else - being so peaceful and serene it was a perfect way to spend part of the afternoon.
There aren't any shops or vendors along the river so make sure to bring lots of water. The only thing you need to do is to take in the surroundings and enjoy the scenery. Who knows you might even meet a fairy along the way!
READ MORE ON VIETNAM
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TRAVEL RESOURCES
- Verify visa requirements for Vietnam on the official website
- Book flights to Vietnam via Skyscanner
- Compare hotel prices in Vietnam on Booking.com & Agoda
- Check hostel prices on HostelWorld
- Stay connected using an Airalo E-sim for Vietnam
- Search for tours & excursions in Vietnam
- Shop for affordable travel insurance with SafetWing
- Save on conversion fees while traveling with Wise
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39 Responses
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Megan Indoe
I can actually visualize fairies living here! What a beautiful and unique looking place! I wish we were able to visit this area of Vietnam when we were there but time ran out for us! We have to go back and check this place out!
Lydia@Lifeuntraveled.com
Hi Megan! I have no idea why it’s called the Fairy Stream but the name is definitely befitting of the place. It’s really easy to find if ever you make it to Mui Ne.
Lydia@Lifeuntraveled.com
I always find that interesting also. Sometimes I read blogs and think to myself that I was there at the same time and maybe I actually crossed paths with this person. Mui Ne wasn’t our favorite place either. The weather was nice but we were very disappointed that there wasn’t really a beach and it seemed the whole town was built by Russians for Russians. I have nothing against Russians but I didn’t expect that at all!
Ami Bhat
Interesting name. I wonder when they come out to play – the fairies 🙂 Glad you found this hidden gem and shared it with us. It is fun reading about it.
Abby Castro
That is quite a wonderfully hidden gem. I’ve been reading up a lot about the must-see places in Vietnam and never encountered this. Thanks for sharing this experience with us!
Abigail of GlobalGirlTravels.com
Louiela
A beautiful place to spend one lazy afternoon.. The place seems sooo quiet,,, have you felt any fairies around? 🙂 In Philippines, we have this belief that whenever you have goosebumps there are some unseen creatures around 🙂
Neha Verma
Indeed it seems like a place out of this world. And yes, I too feel that lady is collecting the straws to remake something out of them.
Jennifer Morrow
How did it get the name Fairy Stream? There has got to be an interesting tale behind that name. What a beautiful and secluded spot to cool off.
Lydia@Lifeuntraveled.com
I did some research and couldn’t find anything explaining why it’s called the Fairy Stream. But the name is just so enchanting! 🙂
Thanh Nguyen
I’m Vietnamese and I can explain why such name is derived. In fact, Suối in Vietnamese means “river”. With my knowledge of English, there’s no word equivalent to translate “suối”. Because “river” (sông in Vietnamese) is normally bigger than “suối”. And “suối” is bigger than “stream”. The name derived from a Vietnamese mythology adage called “bồng lai tiên cảnh”. “Bồng lai” is a place where angels live. “Tiên cảnh” Tiên is “fairy”, Cảnh means “scenery”. Generation of locals find their mind and feeling for a while of course free of worrisome when they take a walk in this stream.
Lydia@Lifeuntraveled.com
That’s great – thanks for the explanation! The Fairy Stream is certainly worthy of its name. 🙂
Sonja Thomson
This looks really beautiful and interesting! How did you know about it? I missed it when I went to Vietnam!
Lydia@Lifeuntraveled.com
Hi Sonja! I had found some information online before we headed to Mui Ne. It was one of my favorite places in Vietnam so I’m really happy we went!
Lynne Sarao
How did you even find out about this place? It’s stunning! I”m sorry I missed it when I was in Vietnam. Oh well, I’ll just have to go back!
Crazy Dutch Abroad
This is a beautiful place in Vietnam, must be great to drive there with a motorbike. The colors of the sand and rocks are stunning. Wondering where the fairy story comes from. Thanks!
Gracie
That’s very interesting place to go to! It might not be the typical green-y place for fairies but the structures of the rocks and their colors is very beautiful. thanks for this, will definitely visit this when I go to Vietnam 🙂
Lydia@Lifeuntraveled.com
I don’t know why it’s called the Fairy Stream but I also thought it was very befitting for such a whimsical place! 🙂
Parenthood and Passports
I just love going on vacation and getting away from civilization for awhile. So often we end up visiting big cities and crowded attractions, that something like this hike would be a refreshing change of pace. Beautiful pictures!
Lydia@Lifeuntraveled.com
It was such an incredible place and we had it all to ourselves! 🙂
cewtypye
Everything about this entices my travel bug! I have to say this is now on my Must SEE bucket list!
Lydia@Lifeuntraveled.com
Woohoo – so glad you enjoyed it!! 🙂
MARINA
All photos are amazing, I’m thinking about traveling around Indonesia and Vietnam next year and I’ll definitely check this list again, since these are the experiences I’m looking for when traveling to new place… no souvenir places around, no crowded tourist places and load of wild nature 🙂
I love it! Thanks for sharing
Lydia@Lifeuntraveled.com
Hi Marina! So happy you added the Fairy Stream to your list of things to see in Vietnam. Hopefully it hasn’t gotten too crowded since I went 3 years ago. Enjoy!
Lydia@Lifeuntraveled.com
Hmmmm…..I really don’t know about camping. It’s not common in Vietnam but it would be a great place to see the sunset and sleep under the stars. I don’t remember there being any bugs but maybe it depends on the time of year.
Don’t know where we’re off to next but we plan on escaping the awful Canadian winter. 😉
Sheri
I love fairies and how awesome it would be to meet one 🙂 Your pictures are out of this world! Pinning this now!
Lydia@Lifeuntraveled.com
haha…..you never know! Thanks for pinning!
Natalie Tanner
What a beautiful place. We travel with our own personal geologist (hubby) and he would LOVE to see those limestone features!
Lydia@Lifeuntraveled.com
I’m sure he would be like a kid in a candy store! 😉
Sydney Fashion Hunter
I loved all things fairies as a little girl so how could I not check this out. I’m heading to Vietnam for the first time in May next year and am beyond excited. I’ll have to squeeze this into the itinerary somehow.
Lydia@Lifeuntraveled.com
If you go to Mui Ne, you’ll have time to go to the Fairy Stream. Enjoy Vietnam – it’s a great country!
Gina Panozzo
I didn’t know there was a place like a fairy stream! Did you get a chance to see a fairy or become one? 😉 It’s aptly named because of it looks magical.
Lydia@Lifeuntraveled.com
haha…..Didn’t see any fairies nor did I become one but it was such a magical place – so peaceful and stunning!
Lauren
How cool! I believe in fairies. 🙈
Lydia
Hi Lauren! Glad I made you believe in fairies…lol! 😉