Heading to Mui Ne or Phan Thiet for a holiday of sun, sea and surf? To break up your stay with something different, take a day to explore the peaceful environment surrounding Bau Trang lake, about 30km from Mui Ne and some 65km from Phan Thiet, in Hoa Thang Commune, Bac Binh District in Binh Thuan Province.

What makes it magical? Well, given that Vietnam is mostly a tropical and subtropical region, this desert-like landscape is hardly what you’d expect to find here. With its beautiful bodies of water, it feels like an oasis within a small desert.

‘Bau Trang’ means white lake, referring to the light-coloured dunes surrounding it. It’s also referred to as Bach Ho, Bau Cat or Bau Sen because of the lotus flowers that bloom here in season (in Vietnamese, ‘hoa sen’ means lotus in flower). This flower is both the symbol of Buddhism and the national flower of Vietnam.

Bau Trang was once one massive lake. Sandbanks and dunes have since divided the body of water into two, known as the small lake (Bau Ong) and the big lake (Bau Ba). Bau Ong is small and long and Bau Ba is wide and deep. In addition, various smaller ponds are dotted between the dunes. As you can imagine, the region has a rich ecosystem with various grasses, insects, fish and birds.

For a respite in unique nature, head to this surreal desert terrain, marked by undulating sand dunes and shimmering waters. Its mirror-like aquatic surfaces and stretches of soothing sand shapes make for a poetic scene that’s sure to inspire nature lovers and thrill adventure-seekers alike.

Visit during summer to see the spectacular, dreamy sight of soft-pink lotus flowers spread across the surface of the sparkling waters. Couples should rent a boat to glide through the pretty water lilies - a romantic experience of note. Unsurprisingly, many couples come here to take pictures to celebrate their engagement or marriage.

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Things to do

Got energy (and strong legs)? Summit the dunes by foot. The views from the top are a photographer’s dream. If this seems like too much physical effort, no worries. Most visitors prefer to go for the more adrenaline-filled option: renting a four-wheeled motorcycle (quad bike). This is an action-packed way to conquer the dunes and admire the views. Another way to coast down the slopes is on a sandboard or sand sled - fun for all ages.

Keen on fishing? Rent a boat to while away a few hours and see if you can get a catch. Freshwater fish in the lakes include grass carp, catfish and snakehead.

Top tips:

• Avoid going in the middle of the day when the sun is fierce. Be sure to take a hat and sunscreen.

• Instead, go for sunrise or sunset. The gorgeous light reflecting off the dunes and waters ensures fantastic photo opportunities.

• Renting a quad bike? Listen carefully to your guide’s instructions. There’s a lot of power in those ATVs (all-terrain vehicles), and the sandy terrain can be tricky. Pay attention during your test drive, which is usually begun on flat terrain.

• Going in summer to see the lotus flowers? Do keep an eye on the weather forecast as you may experience downpours during July and August.

• Take snacks and refreshments. This natural area isn’t developed, so you won’t find places to eat or drink at the lake. There’s a pine forest on the southern end of the lake. It’s ideal for sitting under the shade to enjoy a picnic.

• Short on time in the region? Book a jeep tour that takes you to the main sites, including the red dunes, Bau Trang’s white dunes and Fairy Stream. Dune bashing on a jeep is an unforgettable, thrilling experience.