The sandbar stretches more than 100 meters long and nearly 50 meters wide, emerging clearly above the water during low tide.

From above, its shape looks like a dolphin pointing toward the open sea.

Residents said this is the first time such a large sand formation has appeared in the central Nha Trang area, located in Khanh Hoa Province.

Smaller sandbanks formed along the coast before but they were quickly washed away by waves.

Dam Hai Van, director of the Nha Trang Bay Management Board, explained that the sandbar was created at the confluence of river and sea currents.

Heavy rains and historic flooding in late November last year carried large amounts of soil and sand downstream from the Cai River, which combined with continuous waves to form the deposit.

“The sandbar will only exist for a short time before being eroded by the sea, but its presence may pose difficulties for boats navigating the area,” Van said.

Visitors have been fascinated by the unusual sight.

Tran Thi Hoai Tuc, a 36-year-old tourist from Hai Phong City, northern Vietnam, said she was impressed by the dolphin-like shape.

“It looks very interesting, and the photos are beautiful,” she noted.