Located about 5km from the ancient town of Hoi An, Cua Dai Beach was known as one of the most stunning beaches in Asia. Its white sand and pristine blue water made it a popular destination among tourists. However, the beautiful beach has been threatened by coastal erosion in recent years.

An abandoned multi million dollar resort on Cua Dai Beach.

The rate of erosion has been rapid, with a yearly average of 10-15m with 2,000m in length, according to experts at a national conference discussing saving Hội An’s coastal area. 

The once-beautiful beach is now marred by thousands of sandbags. The local tourism industry now faces various issues to attract investment and visitors. 

Even multi-million dollar resorts and hotels have been abandoned, with many slowly falling into ruin as the sea swallows large swaths of land. 

Despite local authority’s efforts to stop the erosion by installing concrete dykes, the establishment of hydro-dams in upstream rivers, climate change and illegal sand dredging in local rivers pose serious threats to the existence of the beach. 

Environment and climate change experts have recommended a complete ban on local sand mining and the construction of an underwater dyke to help save the beach. 

VNS