1. Paoay Sand Dunes, Ilocos Norte, Philippines

While the Philippines is world-famous for its white-sand beaches, Ilocos Norte puts a twist on the white-sand experience with its sprawling sand dunes. Spanning hundreds of square kilometers across Ilocos Norte, these sand dunes are a favorite of adventurous tourists who want to feel the rush!

There are two popular destinations in Ilocos Norte for those looking for sand dune adventures. One is the La Paz Sand Dunes, which is located in the capital city of Laoag, while the other is the Paoay Sand Dunes in the nearby municipality of Paoay.

No matter which one you visit, you can expect a thrilling experience only Ilocos Norte could offer! Once you get to the sand dunes, you go on board a 4×4 vehicle with a professional driver, the uneven terrain of the dunes being an amusement park for the vehicle. In the middle of the ride, many tourists also try their hand at sandboarding, which is exactly what you think it is–riding down the sandy cliffs like you would ride the ocean’s waves!

When you visit Ilocos Norte, make sure you add these sand dunes to your itinerary. They provide a unique experience you won’t find anywhere else!

The La Paz Sand Dunes are already within Laoag City, and you can get there within 10-15 minutes from the city proper. Meanwhile, the Paoay Sand Dunes are a half-hour trip if you’re coming from Laoag.

2. Red Sand Dunes, Mui Ne, Vietnam

The nature here bestows wonderful scenery in these sand dunes. Mui Ne Red Sand Dunes is located in the North of Mui Ne Village, about 20 km from Phan Thiet City. Without outstanding scenery like White Sand Dunes, Red Sand Dunes fascinates tourists with its convenient resorts and beautiful beach view. The scenery here is painted with a red-pink color under the influence of monsoon seasons all year round. These sand dunes appeal to both domestic and international tourists.

Hiking in these sand dunes will make you imagine enormous deserts in the Middle East or Africa. Somewhere around this area, there are children enjoying such entertainment as sand sliding, while photographers are trying to record splendid moments of Nature. Experiencing in Red Sand Dunes is one of the unforgettable memories in Mui Ne.

From these sand dunes, an amazing scene will appear in front of your eyes. Flurries will throw the top layer of sand and create various and unique shapes. By dint of this, Red Sand Dunes becomes more beautiful. Coming to Red Sand Dunes, tourists have a chance to admire this “natural wonder” which changes day by day and hour by hour in the harmony with beautiful sunlight. Red Sand Dunes in Mui Ne are so special. The color of sand changes constantly from yellow to white, pink and red, depending on the sunlight.

In the spring, a race is held for the contestants to show their tenacity, will, and human strength. If you don’t like running, you can participate in motor racing or golf at luxurious 5-star resorts.

3. White Sand Dunes, Mui Ne, Vietnam

In Mui Ne, there are not only Red Sand Dunes that attract tourists but also beautiful White Sand Dunes, stretching from Binh Thuan to Ninh Thuan. White Sand Dunes are the second-to-none place in Vietnam. These sand dunes are formed by ancient iron mines existing for hundreds of years.

One of the most attractive Mui Ne travel services is riding a Jeep to conquer these sand dunes. This is one of the sports games not to be missed when coming to White Sand Dunes. If you just want a gentle experience then cycling along the sand dunes, sightseeing and taking some pictures is a great idea.

4. Gumuk Pasir, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Just 30 kilometers from downtown Yogyakarta, Gumuk Pasir is a unique desert in Parangkusumo, Bantul, Yogyakarta. The gray sand dunes form a wavy pattern on the sand surface due to the site’s strong winds. What makes it more beautiful is the array of colors it reflects during sunrise and sunset. Gumuk Pasir is also the home of a natural laboratory for geological research.

5. Ban Nam Phu Sand Dune, Chumphon, Thailand

Thailand’s Chumphon is a great beach destination. Besides the beach, however, you’ll find yourself surrounded by sand dunes in different sizes and shapes. You’ll know you’re in the right place especially when you come across a sign that read, “The most prominent sand dune in Thailand.” However, the dunes here are not pure sand but mixed with vines, shrubs and grass. In addition, in order not to lose the beauty of the dunes, stone steps are available for tourists to walk on.

According to vietnamtimes.org.vn