10 of the world's most breathtaking sand dunes

It’s official. Dune: Part Two is the hottest film of 2024 (so far), earning more than $182.5 million (£141 million) globally in the first weekend of its release. For those fans wishing they could follow in Paul Atreides’ (Timothée Chalamet) footsteps and enter the world of Arrakis, we’ve got the next best thing.

Here are some of the best – and perhaps most unexpected – places to see sand dunes around the world, from vast desert landscapes to mighty solitude formations. 

Sitting in the lesser-visited northeastern state of Maranhão, Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is known for its sparkling white sandscape. The rolling dunes ripple across the majority of the park’s 1,550 sq km, and during certain times of year, natural rainwater pools can be found tucked between the waves of sand. These blue lagoons contrast with the bright dunes to create a dramatic landscape – even more spectacular when seen from a birds-eye view (as pictured). There's also a variety of ways for adventure-loving travellers to see this natural phenomenon, from skydiving and lagoon swimming to scenic hikes and 4x4 tours.

Perhaps unexpectedly, the highest dune in Europe can be found in South West France. The Dune of Pilat in Arcachon Bay receives more than 2 million visitors every year, with a temporary staircase installed during the high season for easier access up to the 110-metre summit. Those who want to can opt for the more challenging hike up the sand – you'll be rewarded for your efforts with views across the 3km-long dune, across the bay and out to the ocean – which looks even more picturesque if you make it for sunrise. After returning to the bottom of the dune, visit Plage de la Corniche for a safe place to swim in the Atlantic's waters. 

The clue is in the name. Great Sand Dunes National Park within the Colorado Rockies is home to North America’s tallest dunes – a spectacular centrepiece within a landscape made up of wetlands, forests and lakes. Star Dune and Hidden Dune can both be found in the park and reach more than 225-metres high from base to summit. The latter gets its name from being difficult to reach, whereas Star Dune is much more accessible from visitor areas and is often climbed. Sandboarding is also a popular activity here, and visitors often cool off in the current of Medano Creek which flows at the base of the dunes

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Namibia might be home to some of the most stunning sand dunes in the world. In a country full of exceptional landscapes, the fiery orange dunes of Sossusvlei are high up on the list of its most breathtaking. Located at the southern end of the Namib Desert, its largest dune is comically known as 'Big Daddy', reaching a height of 323 metres. It’s possible to climb to the top, with views of Deadvlei clay pan (known for its drowned camel thorn trees) and the surrounding dunes from its peak. But for much less effort, you can take an incredible hot air balloon ride over the desert, gazing down at the epic dunescape below. 

Being home to the largest sand desert on Earth, it’s no surprise that Saudi Arabia has its fair share of dune systems. One of our favourite places to experience epic sands in the Kingdom is surrounding the UNESCO-listed Al-Asfar Lake, located in the Eastern Province. Known as Yellow Lake due to the sand that reflects from its shallow waters, the surrounding dunes provide a comfortable seat for a spot of birdwarching around this natural oasis. If you want to stay longer, you can even set up camp on the sands for a couple of days. Although it's not the easiest place to reach, the journey to Al-Asfar is even more thrilling when driving across the dunes in 4WD. We recommend travelling with a knowledgeable guide.

Vietnam isn’t best-known for its coastal attractions, but Mũi Né in recent years has transformed from a quiet fishing village to a popular region for travellers. Why? Because of its two sets of giant sand dune systems. The White Sand Dunes (doi cat trang) and the Red Sand Dunes (doi hong). The Red Dunes are more easily accessible but the smaller of the two, while the White Sand Dunes are around 24km away from Mũi Né. Ever-changing in their shape and size due to the coastal winds, many visitors like to explore the dunes either by jeep, quadbike or sandboard. We say go for sunrise to skip the crowds!

Altyn-Emel National Park in southeastern Kazakhstan has a range of unusual geology, from rainbow mountains to vast steppes. But one of its most sought-after landscapes is Aigaikum – better known as the Singing Sand Dunes. Reaching up to 3km in length and 150m high, these mighty hills get their name from the sound created when the grains of sand rub together – either in strong winds or when sliding from the top to bottom. It’s often compared to the tune produced by an organ.

Australia is home to a variety of dunefields, but if we had to pick one, it would be Munga-Thirri (Simpson Desert). Spilling into three Australian States – Northern Territory, South Australia and Queensland – this rolling sand landscape is officially the world’s largest dune desert at 180,000 sq km. Although extremely remote and only discovered by Europeans in the mid-1800s, it’s Aboriginal history spans back much further, and there's also wildlife that can survive its vicious heat, including 150 species of bird and reptiles such as sand goannas and central bearded dragons. From the Northern Territory, organised tours leave from Alice Springs to visit the fringes of the desert, or you can pick up a Desert Park Pass for permission to make your own way into the Outback.

Situated in the Gansu Province in northeastern China are the Ming Sha Shan (Singing Sand Dunes). Much like the dunes in Kazakhstan, they get their name from the exceptional sound created when the sand particles rub together. Just a few kilometres from Dunhuang, the sand dunes are popular with visitors wanting experience the striking location by either hiking up the giant sand mounds or even boarding down them. At the base of the dunes is the beautiful crescent-shaped lake (Yueya Quan), creating a peaceful oasis in this harsh desert landscape. 

After a three-hour drive from Muscat you’ll arrive in Wahiba Sands, a vast golden desert where dunes can reach up to 100 metres in height. With the sands constantly moving in the winds, there are no permanent roads, just shifting trails set by visitors to the many luxury camps or by Bedouin tribes, who have lived in this scorching landscape for centuries. Many of the camps have Bedouin influence, or for a more authentic experience, there’s also the opportunity to stay in black-wool tent.

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