Vietnam’s Nha Trang cordons off coastal area to protect coral reefs

A representative of the unit announced on Tuesday that ropes have been placed along the Hon Chong shoreline between 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm daily from Monday to Thursday.

The temporary cordon coincides with the end and beginning of the lunar month, when receding tides expose coral reefs and seagrass beds, drawing locals and tourists dangerously close to sensitive marine habitats.

This time frame also marks peak hours for beachgoers in the area, heightening the risk of damage caused by trampling, photography, and unauthorized fishing.

To reinforce the initiative, awareness teams have been deployed on-site to educate the public about the importance of reef preservation and to answer questions from curious visitors.

The Nha Trang City People’s Committee has also installed warning signs in the area to prevent people from harming the coral reefs.

Administrative fines range from VND50 million to VND100 million (US$1,930- $3,865) for these offenses.

The protective measure followed public outcry after a TikTok video surfaced on May 23, featuring a nearly one-minute clip of a man snorkeling among coral and sea urchins at Hon Chong.

Titled ‘No need to travel far or book a tour—you can see fish and coral right here at Hon Chong,’ the video quickly drew criticism from viewers who condemned the act for potentially encouraging harmful behavior.