Hang Rai

Hang Rai - otter cave - is a stretch of the Nui Chua coast where an ancient reef has been lifted above sea level, leaving a shelf of fossil coral pitted and sharp, with sea caves undercutting it. What people come for happens on the falling tide: water trapped on the shelf drains off the edge in a continuous sheet, so the rock appears to have a waterfall running off it into the sea, and photographers time visits to catch it with the sunrise behind. The surrounding park is dry forest and cactus, which is not what most people expect of Vietnam.

What you actually see

• A lifted fossil reef - pitted, sharp coral rock above sea level.
• Water sheeting off the shelf - on the falling tide.
• Sea caves undercutting it - along the shore.
• Dry forest and cactus - the Nui Chua landscape behind.

When to go

February to September, at sunrise on a falling tide. Half a day.

Honest expectations

The sheeting effect needs the right tide and swell and often does not happen. The coral rock cuts feet and hands - proper shoes matter. There is no shade. The track down is rough.

Nearby

Vinh Hy bay is north; Phan Rang is south.