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Often described as "Mars on Earth" or a "million-year-old fossilized coral reef," Hang Rai is not only an ideal destination for adventure seekers but also an endless source of inspiration for photographers. Nguyen Minh Hien, a tour guide and photographer in Vinh Hy, shared his heartfelt thoughts about this unique place.
Hang Rai is located within the Nui Chua National Park marine reserve, in Thai An village, Vinh Hai commune, Ninh Hai district, about 35 km from Phan Rang. Visitors can travel along Provincial Road 702 – a beautiful coastal road connecting Vinh Hy and Binh Tien. From Ho Chi Minh City, you can take a bus or train to Phan Rang, then rent a motorbike or car to continue your journey. For travel enthusiasts, this coastal route is an experience not to be missed.
The pristine beauty of Hang Rai makes it an ideal destination for those who love exploration and photography.
A glorious sunrise over Hang Rai.
“At Hang Rai, I will always vividly remember the feeling of waiting at 5 a.m. to immerse myself in the sunrise peeking over the sea in the distance. At that moment, I felt completely absorbed by the natural scenery, forgetting all the worries in my life,” Minh Hien shared.
For photography enthusiasts, Hang Rai in the early morning is truly a paradise. The calm sea reflects the magical colors of the sky, while millions-of-years-old fossilized coral reef rocks are revealed in the early morning light, creating an unforgettable, enchanting scene.
A mystical sunrise at Hang Rai, where the first light of day blends with the vast ocean.
"Mars on Earth" and the breathtaking beauty of fossilized coral reefs.
It's no coincidence that Hang Rai is compared to the surface of Mars. Minh Hien explains that during the dry season, when the sea is calm and the water doesn't overflow the coral reefs, their surfaces become barren, revealing undulating, sharp-edged formations with unique colors. This gives the place the appearance of an extraterrestrial landscape. But that's not all; Hang Rai also boasts another special natural wonder: a "waterfall in the sea."
Where land, sky, and sea meet, creating a romantic atmosphere every early morning.
This waterfall is actually the effect of ocean waves crashing over coral layers and cascading down like a white stream. This sight isn't always visible, depending on the tides and weather conditions. "To admire the waterfall in the sea, visitors need a bit of luck and to closely monitor the tides," Mr. Hien shared. Especially in March, the area is covered in a vibrant green carpet of moss, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene.
The moment a waterfall falls over the sea, a rare natural wonder at Hang Rai.
A journey to explore Hang Rai – things you can't miss.
As a photographer, Minh Hien is always looking for unique angles to showcase the beauty of Hang Rai to the travel-loving community. Besides photography, visitors can also choose to trek to fully appreciate the beauty of the fossilized coral reef landscape or participate in various underwater activities.
"Every early morning, Hang Rai offers a peaceful and romantic scene, but when the waves crash against the cliffs, it becomes majestic and full of life," Hien describes. No matter when you visit, Hang Rai always has surprises in store for tourists.
Hang Rai is beautiful all year round, and each season has its own unique charm.
According to Minh Hien, Hang Rai is beautiful all year round, with each season having its own unique charm. However, if you want to see the vibrant green moss, March is the surest time. To admire the most beautiful moss, visitors should come in the morning, before the sun rises too high and the moss's green color is still at its most brilliant. If you want to see the "waterfall on the sea," you need to monitor the tide schedule and the timing of the rising and falling water levels.
To see the moss at its most beautiful, visitors should come in the morning, when the sun is not too high and the moss's green color is still vibrant.
Lush green moss grows abundantly at Hang Rai in March, creating a verdant carpet amidst the sea.
Important notes when exploring Hang Rai.
Due to the predominantly rocky and sharp surface of the fossilized coral reefs, Minh Hien advises visitors to choose appropriate clothing and footwear for easy movement. "The coral is very sharp and the moss is slippery, so when engrossed in taking photos or admiring the scenery, everyone needs to be especially careful to avoid danger," he reminded. Additionally, on days with rough seas, large waves can crash against the rocks very strongly, so visitors should follow the management's instructions to ensure safety.
Visit Hang Rai to experience the magical beauty of nature.
Hang Rai is not only a beautiful destination but also a place where visitors can immerse themselves in nature, experience the magical moments of the earth and sky, and create unforgettable memories. Whether you are a photography enthusiast, a travel lover, or simply looking for peace amidst nature, Hang Rai will certainly not disappoint you.
