Nestled at the foot of Nui Chua National Park, Hang Rai emerges as a unique watercolor painting, where the pristine wilderness of the mountains and forests intertwines with the powerful force of the ocean.
Video showcasing the hidden beauty of Hang Rai Cave - Nui Chua National Park:
A journey to "wonderland"
Hang Rai is located south of Vinh Hy Bay, in Vinh Hai commune. To reach it, visitors will travel along some of the most beautiful coastal roads in Central Vietnam, with majestic mountains on one side and the deep blue sea on the other. Located about 35 km from Phan Rang - Thap Cham city, Hang Rai is an unmissable stop for nature lovers and explorers .
The name "Hang Rai" (Otter Cave) also carries interesting and simple stories. According to the accounts of long-time locals, this name originated from the fact that in the past, this place was home to many otters. If lucky, at dawn or dusk, visitors can still spot playful otters walking in groups searching for food or leisurely returning to their caves after a long day.
Another explanation, deeply rooted in riverine life, is that in the past, this area was home to many Rai trees. Fishermen commonly used this type of tree to extract oil, which they also used to paint the hulls of their boats to make them waterproof, helping the vessels withstand the rough seas. Regardless of the interpretation, Hang Rai evokes a sense of familiarity and vitality.
The most impressive highlight of Hang Rai is its ancient rock formations, some millions of years old. The landscape here is unlike any other beach in Vietnam. It's a complex of ancient limestone and coral rocks eroded by seawater, creating bizarre, jagged, and sharp shapes.
These rocky areas feature numerous small pools filled with crystal-clear seawater, and deep grooves cutting across the rocks, creating a mesmerizing natural labyrinth. The rough, jagged texture and somber black color of the rocks create a mysterious beauty that challenges human exploration.
While the ancient rock formations exude a timeless tranquility, the "waterfall on the sea" phenomenon offers a captivating display of movement. This unique event occurs when large waves from the open sea crash against the high rocks, causing seawater to surge onto the flat surface before cascading back down into the sea through the crevices in the rocks.
Seen from afar, the cascading water resembles soft, white silk ribbons, looking exactly like a waterfall flowing right in the middle of the ocean. The contrast between the white foam and the deep blue of the sea, combined with the brilliant sunlight, creates a surreal scene that any photographer would want to capture.
A golden moment at Hang Rai
The best time to fully appreciate the beauty of Hang Rai is at sunrise. When the first rays of the new day emerge from the horizon, painting the sea and sky a rosy hue, Hang Rai appears magnificent, like a princess just waking up. The soft golden light reflects on the water's surface, shining through the "sea waterfalls," creating a shimmering, magical effect.
Sunset is also when Hang Rai takes on a more serene and peaceful beauty. As the sun sets, the space becomes quiet, with only the gentle sound of waves lapping against the cliffs, helping visitors shed all the worries and stresses of everyday life.
Located in the core area of Nui Chua National Park – a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, Hang Rai is not only a tourist destination but also an ecosystem that needs strict protection. Here, visitors also have the opportunity to visit the sea turtle conservation area and learn about the rescue and protection process for rare species.
Visiting Hang Rai, tourists not only get to check in at "million-view" photo spots but also breathe in the fresh air of the mountains and the sea. They can experience snorkeling to admire the coral reefs, fishing on the rocky cliffs, or simply sitting quietly and listening to the waves tell their stories.
Hang Rai is a priceless gift that nature has bestowed upon this land of sunshine and wind. With its wild, mysterious, and captivating beauty, it promises to bring visitors unforgettable emotions.