A formation of many beautiful rock layers has recently been discovered at Ghenh Da Dia in the central coastal province of Phu Yen.

Scientists described it as a masterpiece in stone gifted by nature while the locality has asked for permission from the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism to make the newly-found site a tourism attraction.

Found in July 2018, the over 500sq.m area is located near the access path to the existing Ghenh Da Dia (The Cliff of Stone Plates), recognised as a national heritage site.The site is made up of hexagonal, square, and circular columns which overlap each other.

Trinh Trong Dao is among construction workers hired to remove the soil layer at the site. Dao said: “When the soil is removed, stones are exposed. People are curious about this area and come here to take pictures and record video footage.”

Ghenh Da Dia is a destination that should not be missed when visiting the central province of Phu Yen. The site has already attracted many visitors with its collection of interlocking basalt columns in a wide variety of differing shapes and sizes.  The basalt cliffs are the result of ancient volcanic eruptions.  When the molten basalt flows met the cool water they hardened and formed these rare polygonal columns.

“This new site looks like a mountain slope embracing the rocks in the sea. I think it should be turned into a natural scenery with mountains and sea,” said Nguyen Hai Da – a visitor from Da Nang city.

The Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism for Phu Yen province has been permitted to work with scientists to survey and remove the surface layer to reveal rock blocks, making it a new attraction for the Ghenh Da Dia hotspot. 

In tandem with the removal of the soil on the surface to reveal the rocks, the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Phu Yen province will replan the whole area to apply for adjustments to the tourist site in accordance with the Heritage Law.

Ghenh Da Dia is about 50m wide and stretches over 2,000m long. Each column has an average visible height of 60-80cm and a cross-section of 20-30cm. There are an estimated 35,000 rock columns standing close together as if they were placed systematically.

Ghenh Da Dia is in fact a fresh water pond surrounded by rock columns. Tourists will be able to sit on one of the distinct rock columns to relax and breathe in the fresh sea air. 

Ghenh Da Dia in Phu Yen A close look at the Ghenh Da Dia  Construction workers are removing the soil layer at the site  The site attracts tourists

VNA