Sunday, September 6, 2026, 19:33 GMT+7

'Deadly rock' in this Vietnamese province is actually a photo illusion

The so-called 'deadly rock' drawing tourists to Ninh Thuan Stone Park in Khanh Hoa Province, south-central Vietnam is not as perilous as photos may suggest, as the area beneath the rock is part of the mainland.

In fact, images showing visitors seemingly sitting precariously on a rock jutting out over the sea are actually the result of camera angles, for the spot is actually less than five meters from the shoreline.

The attractive stone site, covering about five hectares, was discovered in 2013 and officially opened to visitors in 2022, with an entrance fee of VND40,000 (US$1.52) per person, according to the management of Nui Chua - Phuoc Binh National Park, which encompasses the stone park in Vinh Hai Commune.

The site has since become a popular destination, particularly among young travelers and couples seeking to explore its rugged landscape and capture dramatic photos on rocks extending toward the sea.

The site is known for its distinctive dwarf forest growing on rocky terrain, along with plants adapted to hot, dry conditions year-round.

Its rock formations were created naturally over millions of years through erosion, resulting in rocks of various shapes and sizes stacked on top of one another.

Some formations resemble animals, adding to the unusual landscape against a backdrop of blue sea and arid mountains.

Nguyen Dinh Thang, deputy director of the national park's Center for Tourism and Environmental Education, said the stone park has received around 100,000 visitors since the beginning of 2023.