What to Pack for Kitesurfing and Surfing in Mui Ne

Most kite-and-surf packing lists are written by people who bring half a suitcase they never open. We teach on Sandunes beach in Mui Ne every season and see what actually gets used. Here is the list, with the reason for each item — and what to leave at home.

The short version

• Do not bring gear for lessons: kite, board, harness, wetsuit, helmet and vest are included.
• Sun protection matters most: a long-sleeve rash vest, sunscreen, a cap, sunglasses on a strap.
• Documents: travel insurance that explicitly covers kitesurfing and surfing, and the right licence if you plan to ride a motorbike.

What to wear in the water

A long-sleeve rash vest is item number one. The water is 26–28 °C, so no wetsuit — but the sun near the equator burns you within an hour on the water. Bring two, so one can dry.

Board shorts or a swimsuit that stays put. You will fall in a lot. A one-piece or sporty set works better than string bikinis.

A shorty wetsuit is optional — useful on long windy kite sessions. The school has them.

Water shoes are optional too. Our spot has a sandy bottom with no rocks or reef; most people ride barefoot.

Sun protection

• Water-resistant SPF 50 for face and body, reapplied every couple of hours.
• A zinc stick for nose, lips and ears — they burn first.
• A cap with a strap for the beach.
• Sunglasses on a leash — otherwise the sea keeps them.

Documents and money

Insurance that names kitesurfing and surfing. Standard travel policies often exclude them — check the wording.

Motorbike licence. Vietnam requires your national plastic licence plus an International Driving Permit under the 1968 Vienna Convention; the 1949 Geneva permit is not valid here. A1 covers bikes up to 125 cc; above that you need category A. Without the right licence you face a fine and the bike is impounded, and insurance will not pay out after an accident. More on our motorbike rental page.

Some cash. Markets and small cafés take Vietnamese dong only.

First-aid basics

Waterproof plasters and antiseptic, after-sun, ear drops if you are prone to swimmer's ear, and any personal medication — with an English prescription if it needs one.

Leave at home

• Kite, board, harness, helmet and vest for lessons — included, and sized by your instructor.
• A full wetsuit — the water is warm all year.
• Lots of shoes — flip-flops and one pair of trainers is plenty.

Bringing your own gear?

Store it at the station between sessions instead of carrying it to your room — daily to yearly plans, with a compressor and fresh-water rinse: gear storage. Or skip the baggage fees: rent, or buy a used school kite here, with photos and the serial number. With boards and kite bags, book the 7-seat airport transfer — everything fits in the back.