In Vietnam, tourists risk their lives climbing onto cliffs for photos

On Monday, a video circulated on social media showing a young woman crawling along a dangerous cliff face as she made her way back to safety after taking photos and videos for social media.

The woman had climbed beyond the railing at the Hon Lon Lighthouse on Bich Dam Island, the farthest offshore island commune in Nha Trang Bay, Khanh Hoa Province, central Vietnam, to take photos. 

The site is a popular destination known for its sweeping views of the sea

Flirting with danger for a perfect shot

In the video, the woman can be seen climbing back from the cliff when a passing driver noticed her and warned her about the dangerous act, saying "This not only puts her own life at risk but could also endanger others."

After the video was posted, it drew a large number of views and comments, with many viewers saying the woman had taken an unnecessary risk just for a social media photo.

Thao Linh, from Hanoi, said she felt anxious watching the footage.

"I think some young people are becoming increasingly willing to take risks just for social media photos when they travel.

Going beyond safety railings or standing on cliffs above the sea may make for beautiful and unusual photos, but I believe there are plenty of ways to take great pictures without 'flirting with danger,'" Linh said.

Earlier on August 8, four tourists were swept into the sea by waves while taking photos at Mui Nghe on the Son Tra Peninsula in Da Nang. 

Two of them remain missing. Search efforts for the two missing tourists were suspended on August 19 due to bad weather.

'Photos can be retaken, lives cannot'

Speaking to Tuoi Tre (Youth) online newspaper, Bui Thanh Tu, marketing director at BestPrice, a Vietnamese travel company, said social media has encouraged many young people to seek out unusual images to express their personalities, attract attention and keep up with trends.

Photos taken on cliff edges, near steep drops or in fast-moving water tend to attract more attention than ordinary shots, prompting some people to take risks for a more distinctive moment.

However, the problem lies in overconfidence and underestimating the risks, he said. 

Seeing others carry out a risky activity safely can lead people to believe they can do the same, without considering factors such as slippery terrain, changing weather, or a lack of skills to handle emergencies.

"Views and likes only last for a moment, but an accident can have lifelong consequences, affecting not only the victim but also their family and the people involved in rescue efforts," he said.

A memorable trip is not about getting the most daring photo, but about having a fulfilling experience and returning home safely.

Young people should follow warning signs, stay behind safety barriers, and avoid entering dangerous areas without permission. 

"If they want striking photos, they can choose safer angles or use supporting equipment. A great photo can be retaken, but a life cannot," Tu said.