Natural ‘infinity pools’ draw visitors to remote Vietnamese island

Known among locals as ‘infinity pools,’ the emerald-green basins form when seawater flows into rocky hollows on the island’s rugged shoreline, creating serene, natural swimming spots that appear to float above the ocean.

“It’s like bathing in a mountain spring, but surrounded by the sea,” said Le Thu Dong, a tourist from Ho Chi Minh City.

“There’s something surreal about being in the water with cliffs behind you and waves below.”

Cu Lao Mai Nha, located in Phuoc Dong Hamlet, O Loan Commune, Dak Lak Province was previously part of old Phu Yen Province before a recent administrative merger.

The island takes its name from its rooftop-like silhouette when seen from the mainland.

With no permanent residents and only a few makeshift shops serving visitors, the island has remained largely untouched by commercial tourism.

“It’s still so wild,” said Duong Anh Tuan, a local guide.

“The best time to see the pools is in the morning when the tide is high.

“That’s when the water flows in and the pools fill with crystal-clear seawater.

“You can even spot schools of fish.”

Social media has recently turned the island’s back beach – where the pools are located – into a hotspot for adventure-seekers and amateur photographers alike.

The site features large rock formations, sea caves, and steep cliffs, offering a dramatic natural backdrop.

Beyond the rock pools, visitors can camp overnight, fish from the rocky cliffs, or photograph the sunrise and sunset from various parts of the island.

Locals and visitors have urged authorities to preserve the area’s natural state while considering sustainable tourism development.

“I hope the site stays clean and untouched,” Dong said.

“But it would also be great if more people could experience this.”