About 30km from the center of Phan Rang Ward in Khanh Hoa Province, formerly Ninh Thuan Province, Ninh Thuan Rock Park, part of Nui Chua National Park, has emerged as a popular destination in recent years, particularly among nature lovers and travelers looking for an active outdoor adventure.

According to the Nui Chua National Park information portal, Ninh Thuan Rock Park lies within a dwarf forest ecosystem growing on rocky terrain and is surrounded by drought-resistant vegetation adapted to the region’s year-round hot, dry climate.

Covering around three hectares, the site was opened to tourism in 2022.

Visitors have described its landscape as almost surreal, thanks to naturally formed rocks of all sizes and unusual shapes, some precariously balanced and others stacked on top of one another beside the pristine coastline.

The rocks throughout the park were formed naturally. Many are stacked upon one another or have shapes that evoke birds, sharks, elephants, teapots, chairs and other familiar objects.

Freelance photographer Pham Quang Tuyen, 31, who recently visited Ninh Thuan Rock Park, said he was struck by the spectacular natural scenery.

Tuyen has explored several rocky coastal areas around Vietnam, but said the park possesses a distinctive beauty that is difficult to find elsewhere.

“The park is vast, with landscapes ranging from dry forest and rocky mountains to the blue sea. The combination of these different ecosystems makes the scenery here even more distinctive,” he said.

In Tuyen’s view, the rock park may not offer many organized activities, but it is still “worth visiting once in a lifetime.”

For him, simply choosing a rock to sit on, immersing himself in nature, looking out over the vast sea and listening to the rhythm of the waves is enough to unwind and temporarily leave behind the pressures of work and everyday life.

Tuyen suggested that travelers can visit the park at any time of day, although the ideal time is after 3 p.m. As the afternoon gradually gives way to evening, visitors can enjoy the romantic sunset over the landscape.

Those who prefer a morning visit should arrive early, between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. Temperatures are still relatively comfortable at that time, making it suitable for exploring the park while also catching the sunrise.

Getting to Ninh Thuan Rock Park is relatively straightforward. Traveling from Phan Rang Ward toward the welcome gate of Vinh Hai Commune, visitors will find the entrance to the park directly across the road.

“The road is easy to travel on, and motorcycles can go all the way to the site. If you come by car, you have to park outside and continue on foot for around 600 meters. The route into the rock park is not difficult, but it can be easy to lose your way, so visitors should ask local residents for directions or hire a guide. If you don’t want to walk, you can also hire a local driver to take you all the way in for around VND25,000 per trip,” Tuyen added.

The unusually shaped rocky outcrops overlooking the sea have become popular photo spots among visitors.

The young photographer also noted that the former Ninh Thuan area has a harsh climate, with hot, dry weather, while the terrain surrounding the park largely consists of small desert-like areas.

Visitors should therefore come prepared with suitable protective clothing and sun protection, including hats and sunscreen.

The destination also remains largely undeveloped and does not yet offer visitor amenities, so travelers should bring their own food and drinks to make the trip more comfortable.

With striking scenery in almost every direction, visitors can find photogenic views throughout the park.

“To reduce the risk of slipping while walking around or climbing onto large, uneven rocks for photos, visitors should wear sneakers or other footwear with good grip. Most importantly, you need to remain cautious and pay close attention to your surroundings while visiting to avoid accidents. Visitors should also protect the environment and never leave litter behind,” Tuyen advised.

Beyond the rock park, travelers visiting the area can combine their trip with several other attractions within Nui Chua National Park, fitting them into an approximately one-day itinerary. These include Hang Rai, Vinh Hy Bay and Lo O Stream.

Thao Trinh