6 Must-Try Experiences at Hang Rai, Ninh Thuan

When it comes to Phu Yen, many immediately think of Ganh Da Dia; when mentioning Cao Bang, Ban Gioc Waterfall comes to mind. So, when talking about Ninh Thuan, people will definitely think of Hang Rai.

6 Must-Try Experiences at Hang Rai, Ninh Thuan

1. Explore the Stone Park

Because this place used to be home to many stingrays, the name Hang Rai originates from that. The stone park is a skillful arrangement of hundreds of different-sized rocks, creating beautiful shapes, narrow caves just enough for one person to pass through, or steep rocky cliffs challenging your courage. Exploring a round of the stone park, you will admire the grandeur of the sea and mountains, overlooking the ancient coral reef.

2. 'Check-in on Mars'

At Hang Rai, this will become completely normal. The famed ancient coral reef emerges due to millions of years of geological formation, creating a large expanse often humorously dubbed 'Mars' or 'Moon' by tourists. With its undulating terrain forming various shapes, some rocks protrude up to 30 cm high, ready to injure any careless visitors, while others form sparkling salt crystal-filled hollows, looking intriguing.

3. Immerse in Natural Pools

Just below the ancient coral reef lies another layer of ancient coral rock, partially submerged. This is a major attraction at Hang Rai. When waves crash onto the rocks, water floods in, and the slope of the rocks causes the water to flow backward into the sea, creating incredibly peculiar waterfalls. Many refer to this phenomenon as 'waterfalls on the sea,' making Hang Rai the unique spot where this occurs.

Unintentional rock crevices have become natural pools, safe and cool for anyone unable to resist Hang Rai's allure.

4. Camp to Witness Sunrise

The best time to admire Hang Rai is during sunrise, but the sun rises quite early here, around 5:30 in the morning. So, spending a night camping at Hang Rai is an exciting experience you should try at least once. As dawn breaks, the horizon blushes pink, illuminating the 'waterfalls on the sea' with the first rays of sunlight, making the scenery even more enchanting.

This is the time adored by professional photographers and newlyweds alike.

5. Explore the Sea Turtle Conservation Area

Hang Rai, nestled within the Nui Chua National Park, is one of Vietnam's natural conservation areas. Every year, sea turtles come here to breed, though not in the numbers seen in Con Dao, with tens of individuals recorded. Sea turtles are a rare and precious species, listed as endangered, and are currently protected by international nature conservation organizations.

Visiting Hang Rai, you'll learn more about sea turtles and their conservation efforts during breeding season. Additionally, if you're lucky, you may witness rescued turtles over 30 years old being hand-fed various seaweed varieties provided by the park management team. It's a memorable experience that enhances awareness of turtle conservation and wildlife preservation in general.

6. Wander through Tha An Vineyard

When visiting Hang Rai, don't miss the vineyards along the way. Here, you can explore and capture photos to your heart's content, enjoy ripe grapes right from the vineyard, sample grape wine and honey, and learn about the grape cultivation process, all free of charge. You only pay when purchasing grapes to take home, at incredibly affordable prices.

Grapes typically cost around 20,000 – 30,000 VND per kilogram, depending on your bargaining skills. Nowadays, tourism to Hang Rai offers numerous services to meet every need, including accommodation, dining, and photography, so you don't need to prepare too much in advance.

By Tiểu Duy

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Reference: Travel Guide from Mytour