Bau Trang, Trinh Nu sand dunes

In dry and rainy seasons, the water in the lake is always stable though other lakes around may be dry or flooded. "Since my childhood I have never seen Bau Trang run out of water," Mr Sau, a 72 year-old local man said. It is said that one factor ensuring the stable water levels of the lake is its underground river to the sea. Thanks to that underground stream, water from the lake doesn't run straight into the sea, thereby emptying the lake.

To render the lake more enchanting, fields of lotus bloom all year round on the lake. On coming here you should not forget to hire a small boat to discover the lake. You will lose yourself in the world of lotus and reeds, listen to the dally conversations of local people and watch them pick lotus and net fish.

From the boat you can see yellow sand dunes far off. Bau Trang is not only a beautiful sight but also an important source of fresh water for local residents in Hoa Thang commune and the two neighboring communes of Bac Binh district- Every year this lake supplies tons of lotus. Lotus seeds are used to cook sweet soup or make jam during the Tet holidays. The lotus rootstock is eaten raw.

A lover of photography from Sai Gon has come here to build a motel for tourists near Bau Trang and Doi Trinh Nu. Mr Pham Van An, a 63 year-old man, built this motel last year. Occasionally he comes here to stay and to take photos. "I often stay here on my own but I never feel bored" he adds. He often strolls about to discover beautiful landscapes, which evoke in him new and powerful emotions. One of the enchantments to him is the coc da tree which is situated at the c side of Doi Trinh Nu, when pas through Bau Trang. He calls it t Love tree because many couples come here to contemplate the stunning scenery and pray. Mai newlyweds also come here to take wedding photos.

The coc da tree has no leaves but some tender buds. This is an indispensable feature of photographic studies of Bau Tr. and Doi Trinh Nu. An says: "It grows in a prime position and) an eye-catching shape. The tree together with sand dunes, makes wonderful background for pictures "One local person said that the tree is over 50 years old," he adds.

An loves this area because of it fresh air and unspoilt landscapes "Unlike the spoiled yellow sand dunes in Mul Ne, Doi Trinh Nu is still pristine and untouched".

Source Travellive