Lotus lake. Lotus lake and white dunes Where are the White Dunes? Map
Holidays in the south of Vietnam will be different from the noisy and active Nha Trang. Still, Phan Thiet / Mui Ne is a calmer resort.
Probably, many people associate Mui Ne with fishermen and a fishing village, but Phan Thiet with white and red dunes. As promised in this article, I will tell you about the dunes, the red canyon and the lotus lake.
The closest to Mui Ne of the above are red dunes, start just outside the fishing village (on the main road). For a quick search, use Google-maps with the query Red Sand Dunes. These are sandy hills, the height of which reaches 50 meters. The very name of the dunes beckons to look at their color with your own eyes. Moreover, the red dunes are only 5 minutes drive from Mui Ne.
The dunes are actually not that red, but at certain times of the day they can acquire a bright and saturated color. For example, at dawn or sunset, but at this time, many tourists come to see them. During the day, the dunes are quite orange.
Local kids (beginning businessmen) will offer you to ride in the mountains on a "sleigh". In fact, it looks more like a piece of linoleum. The guys who tried were satisfied, but we were in the wrong clothes
The Red Dunes can also be reached by city bus number 1, taxi or bike.
Then we went to the White Dunes, which are located 30-35 km from Mui Ne. On the way to them we stopped at. Its dimensions are, of course, very modest, and if it were not for the banner on the road, we would have easily passed it.
Most of all, the rock inscriptions on the canyon, written in a great and powerful language, narrated about the intellectual development of individuals, surprised me the most. I don’t like it when people take and spoil something, and even in a foreign country. All this is wrong.
The Red Canyon stretches towards the coast for 2 kilometers, and theoretically, along its bottom one could reach the very coast.
The stop near the canyon was only 10-15 minutes. This time is enough to go down to the bottom of the canyon and take some photos. By the way, there is a slight similarity between the canyon and Fairy Creek, the only difference is the lack of water. So you should make a stop at this place. The canyon is really red.
What struck me the most white dunes. A good paved road has recently been made to the dunes. Previously, you had to drive on a dirt road, which was very inconvenient and tiring.
Having paid 10,000 dong per person for entry, a breathtaking picture opened before us: blue sky, white sand and the feeling that you are somewhere in the desert. The white dunes are somewhat reminiscent of huge snowdrifts. Walking along the dunes, I remembered my trip on a jeep safari in Dubai.
The White Dunes, compared to the Red Dunes, are really big. The length of these dunes exceeds 10 kilometers. Along the entire length, you can see sand figures that are completely different in shape and height, which were formed with the help of the wind. Next to the dunes is Lotus lake. Its dimensions are small, and in January we did not find it in its full beauty. It is best to come to see lotuses early in the morning, during the day the flowers close.
ATV rides are organized along the dunes.
Due to the remoteness of the White Dunes from the city, many tourists simply do not get here. I saw that they organize excursions here. You can get to the White Dunes on your own by taxi. The fare in both directions will be about 500,000 - 700,000 dong (22-30 dollars). At the same time, you and the taxi driver will be able to discuss your route, or rather show on the map or name the places you want to visit.
White dunes and lotus lake are one of the main attractions of Mui Ne. These two attractions are located next to each other, but still quite far from the village of Mui Ne. The main attraction, I would still call the White Dunes. And since Lotus Lake is located in the same place, it is definitely worth a visit. The Red Canyon is on the way to the White Dunes. And if you are still going on this trip, then the canyon is also worthy of no less attention.
Where are the White Dunes located? Map
The White Dunes are located about 30 kilometers from Mui Ne.
You can get to them on an asphalt road throughout its entire length of very good quality. And interestingly, the road is almost always empty. Most often along the way you can meet tourists just like you. Locals pass much less frequently.
Road to the White Dunes
Directly in front of the White Dunes themselves, you will have to drive a small, unpaved section of the road. But he is so rolled that he will not cause problems.
Unpaved section of the road to the White Dunes There are very beautiful landscapes. To be honest, I liked some of the views much more than the White Dunes themselves. The road also goes along the sea, past beautiful and deserted beaches. It seemed to me that the quality of these beaches is much higher than in Mui Ne itself. The water is blue and the waves are much smaller than in the village.
Also, you can buy an excursion to the White Dunes. It will certainly be more expensive than an independent trip, but for those who are afraid of 60 kilometers on a motorbike, this is a great alternative.
When is the best time to go to the White Dunes?
Of course, the White Dunes will be magnificent at sunset. But, if you arrived on a motorbike, it is worth considering that you will have to drive 30 kilometers back in pitch darkness. It is best to hit the road early in the morning. You can avoid the scorching sun on the way there. Be sure to lubricate all open places with sunscreen with the maximum degree of protection. Why? When you ride a motorbike, the heat is almost not felt, you are blown by a pleasant wind. And only by stopping, you can understand how badly you are burned. And the skin burns in the most unexpected places. For example, legs, forearms, neck.
Red Canyon, Mui Ne
red canyon About two-thirds of the way through is Red Canyon. If you get carried away with the trip, then you can easily slip through it. We discovered the Red Canyon only on the second attempt to reach the White Dunes. The Red Canyon at first glance seems completely unattractive, but it is worth stopping and taking a walk to it. As you approach the sea, it becomes higher and beautiful views open up.
White Dunes, Mui Ne
There is a gate at the entrance to the White Dunes. Entrance to the territory is paid, but the fee is rather symbolic, about 15,000 dong per person. You can safely leave the motorbike, they will definitely look after it. So here they are White Dunes. The view is simply mesmerizing, these are such dunes of snow-white sand. White sand, blue sky, you really feel like in the desert. It is very cool to climb to the very top, impressive views open from above. During the day, the sand is very, very hot, so barefoot is better and not trying to walk on the sand, although shoes get in the way. Despite the heat and hot sand, it is worth climbing to the very top. Also, the Vietnamese offer to ride ATVs on the dunes. But since we had just done 30 kilometers on a motorbike and the same amount still had to go back, this idea did not seem attractive to us.
There is also a small cafe where you can take a break from the road and drink cool drinks. The word cafe is probably too much for this place. More precisely, this is a canopy with tables under it. And a fridge with water and beer. The place is filled with almost only Vietnamese. There is such a friend sitting near the establishment, who entertains himself as best he can.
Little libertine Lotus Lake, Mui Ne
lotus lake But the Lotus Lake, unfortunately, did not impress us at all. There were no lotuses on the big lake. Although the lake itself is certainly very beautiful. Two swamps nearby were with lotuses. But either it’s not the season, or the lotuses look like that ... But they were just dry leaves, and sprouts above the water.
Dry lotuses on the lake It was possible to capture only one blossoming lotus flower. Perhaps, at the right time, the lake would look fresher and more beautiful.
Our review of the White Dunes
I think the White Dunes are a must see. Firstly, this is a good motorcycle adventure, a lot of great views along the way. The opportunity to drive through non-tourist places and see how ordinary people live.
Cowshed on the way to the white dunes and lotuses 
Something strange is growing in the fields 
Great view, not much inferior to the White Dunes The White Dunes themselves are beautiful and really worth seeing. Perhaps you will be able to catch the Lotus Lake at the right time, then this will also be an attractive sight. On the way, be sure to stop at the Red Canyon. By itself, it is far enough to go to it on purpose, but on the way to the White Dunes, you should not miss the opportunity to stop at the Red Canyon.
The white dunes are considered to be the most beautiful natural attraction of the Phan Thiet area. This piece of the North African desert in the middle of the tropics is located 30 kilometers northeast of Mui Ne.
The sand dunes are spread over more than 10 kilometers in colors ranging from pure white to golden and deep amber. And a little further south of Mui Ne you can see the red dunes.
In the middle of the dunes are three lakes - Bauong (Mr. Lake), Bauba (Lady's Lake) and Bausoai (Mango Lake). The lakes are quite deep, but along the shallow banks they are densely overgrown with lotuses. Therefore, all three reservoirs also have a common name - "Lotus Lake". Once, near these lakes, there was a temple dedicated to the goddess Thien Ya Ana of Cham, which has not survived to this day. It was destroyed and swallowed up by the sands.
For Phan Thiet, the dunes serve as a kind of natural stabilizer. Thanks to the belt of sand dunes around the city, the climate here is more favorable - without strong winds and waves, with a very gentle rainy season.
These places are considered the best for photo sessions, especially in the early morning or at sunset. In addition to contemplating fantastic views and taking pictures, people come here for outdoor activities - traveling in jeeps to the lakes, as if through a desert. "Snow fun" is also offered - skiing from the dunes on a cardboard likeness of a sleigh. A small pine grove south of the lakes will save those who decide to linger for evening photos from the heat. Tourists are generally advised here to beware of heat strokes due to intense reflections from lakes and sand.
Lotus Lake (Bau Trang) located about 25 km from the famous Vietnamese resort among the white dunes. This is an unusually beautiful and romantic place, which we recommend that you definitely visit.
Its entire surface is covered with exquisite noble lotuses. And you can get to this beauty through a real desert of fine white sand under the scorching rays of the hot Vietnamese sun.
Local residents will be able to walk, but tourists who are not accustomed to the tropics, so as not to torment them much, are invited to rent ATVs. This is the most convenient way to get around in the dunes. And the motorbikes beloved by the Vietnamese are powerless here.
Actually, this attraction consists of several small lakes. On those where the bottom is shallower, lotuses grow. In Vietnamese, they are called "kaisen" and are the national symbol of this country.
What can be seen on the lake?
The best time to visit the Lotus Lake is summer, i.e. during the low season. Since November, i.e. on the eve of the high season, the second wave of flowering begins, but it is not as stormy and spectacular as from July to September.
Lotuses bloom almost all summer, and each individual flower blooms and fades within three days, but there are so many of these flowers that one gets the impression of a rich, constantly blooming carpet that covered the lake.
When the flowering period passes, the water is simply completely covered with lotus leaves. Among them, the Vietnamese collect fruits with seeds of this beautiful plant, which can be eaten.
During the lotus blooming period, you can rent a small boat to ride on the lake and inhale the delicate aroma of these flowers. This type of entertainment is extremely popular among tourists.
Picking a lotus on your own is a difficult task. But right there on the shore, local merchants will offer you whole wreaths of these flowers, claiming that they bring good luck to their owner, which is quite likely.
Nearby, local tattoo artists offer tourists to tattoo special drawings in the form of a blooming lotus on their bodies, which bring a person great love and a happy life.
It is worth noting that in all Buddhist countries, including Vietnam, the lotus is considered a sacred flower, revered by the religious community and protected by the state. It is a symbol of purity, wisdom and spirituality.
The white dunes surrounding the lake change color depending on the time of day and lighting. This is a very beautiful, simply fabulous sight that can be observed during sunrise or sunset.
As the sun rises, the lotus blooms and the dunes surrounding the lake take on a golden hue, by evening they slowly close and sink into the water, and the sand becomes reddish-golden in color. Many tourists record all this on a video camera.
You can go through the White Dunes to get to the lake only for a fee. Your path lies through a small recreation center, where you can have a bite to eat at a local cafe offering European and Vietnamese cuisine on the way.
How much does the ticket cost?
Parking near the dunes - 5000 VND or $ 0.22.
Ticket to the lake - 10,000 VND or $0.44.
ATV rental for half an hour - 200,000 VND or $8.81.
How to get here?
It is necessary from Phan Thiet to go northeast along the coast past the Red Canyon. As a transport, they choose a taxi, a rented car or everyone's favorite local motorbike. There are signs on the roads where the White Dunes are located.
Near the dunes you will find a place where you can rent quad bikes, which will take you directly to the lake. Here is a fairly simple route to one of the most beautiful places in Vietnam.
Going to the lake, be sure to ask the locals if the lotus season has come, otherwise you simply won’t see all this splendor. Although you will still like to visit here.
Be sure to wear clothing that protects your skin from direct sunlight, otherwise you will definitely get sunburn. And don't forget to bring sunglasses and cream with you from the hotel.
The Vietnamese are very fond of the lotus and often use its petals when brewing tea. It gives an extraordinary aroma and unique taste to this traditional drink. Try this tea for yourself.
Mui Ne and Phan Thiet are one of the most popular holiday resorts in Vietnam. There was a separate article about these towns. Be sure to read it so as not to make a fatal mistake when choosing a place to stay in Vietnam:
And this article is about what to see in the vicinity of Mui Ne (Phan Thiet), if fate wanted to bring you to the south of Vietnam.
I already wrote about, which are literally five kilometers from the resort, and today an article about another attraction of Vietnam - the White Dunes of Mui Ne. They differ from the red sand, are much further from Mui Ne, but, in my opinion, are much more spectacular.
White dunes are hills of white sand about 70-80 meters high and about 10 km in area. They are located far from the resort area of Phan Thiet (35 km), so they are not as popular as the red dunes.
If you have already decided to get out into the desert, then it is better to spend an extra two hours and go not only to the red, but also to the white sands. There are almost no people there, and the area of sand formations is quite large. It seems that you are in the Sahara, and not in the south of Vietnam.
You have to climb on your haunches with the help of legs and arms From the parking lot of the bike to the White Dunes, you need to walk about 10-15 minutes.
On the way we admire the Lotus Lake
You can rent a quad bike and drive on the hills on it.
I really liked the White Dunes of Phan Thiet. I have long wanted to see the desert again, and the wish finally came true in Vietnam. I'm lying on the sand, bastard:
It is important to know:
1. If you go to the White Dunes in the place where the signs on the road lead (from the south of the sandy massif), then the entrance there is paid - 20,000 dong for two. You can park your bike there.
2. During the day, the sand is hot, it is better to cover the body. Long pants and an off-the-shoulder T-shirt are more suitable than a swimsuit.
3. Be sure to take a hat, sunscreen, glasses and a bottle of water.
White dunes of Mui Ne, how to get there?
Type in White Sand Dunes Muine in Google, you will immediately be given the location. The white dunes are located 35 km from the center of Mui Ne. You need to go towards the fishing village and further north along the coast.
There is no public transport, but you can buy a tour in the resort area. The most convenient way to get there is by bike. The round trip takes just over an hour. First we go along the highway along the sea
Road to the White Dunes along the coast If you are in Mui Ne for kitesurfing, you can take a kite with you. Somewhere in the middle of the way to the white dunes, you can go to the beach, where many ride
Part of the way (a couple of kilometers) will need to drive along the sand along the Lotus Lake.
Dry streams to the right and left 
On the way we pass the cemetery 
Part of the road runs along the sand along the Lotus Lake 
Near the Lotus Lake, locals live in a hut made of planks 
Life of poor Vietnamese In the next article I will talk about the resort of Mui Ne and Phan Thiet in the south of Vietnam. Finally, a video where I am in a strange headdress, but without sunstroke. Please be understanding :)