Bắc Ninh
Camping atop 400-million-year-old headland in central Vietnam
Located on the remote coast of central Vietnam, Ban Than's rock formations invite travelers to camp under the stars and greet the dawn with waves crashing below.
The Ban Than headland or promontory lies in the northeast of Tam Hai Island, Quang Nam Province.
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From above, Ban Than's layered rocks jut out against the sea. |
Their table-like shape and black rock formations are relics of an ancient coastal shelf.
Scientists note that while the cliff resembles the volcanic rocks of Ly Son Island in Quang Ngai, it is not volcanic in origin.
Instead, these are over 400-million-year-old bedrocks that rose above the water due to tectonic shifts.
The area's geology is a rare marker of the Earth's crustal evolution and ties to the formation and rifting of the East Sea.
Kim Phuong, who visited Ban Than for the first time recently after learning about it through social media, said the site remains untouched, making it perfect for a weekend retreat.
The cliff spans two kilometers and stands about 40 meters above the sea. It curves around a coastal hill, bordered by blue waters.
There is no entrance fee to go there, and for the full experience, Phuong's group brought motorbikes by ferry, arriving around midday. They waited out the sun at an eatery before trekking to the cliffs, where they pitched their tents on a flat patch near a trail, ideal for both mobility and photography.
The rocks here have unusual shapes, resembling stonefish or mythical sea creatures washed ashore.
Stark rock faces with strange patterns rise from the sea, and below them, large rocks offer photo backdrops.
However, the steep and slippery terrain demands caution, especially for those taking pictures.
In the afternoon some in the group went snorkeling, guided by local fishermen. Ban Than's marine ecosystem stretches over 90 hectares and is home to around 100 coral species, 168 types of fish, including groupers and snappers, besides lobsters, seaweed and shells.
The others in the group explored Thuan An fishing village nearby with its coconut groves.
Tourism in Tam Hai is minuscule and unorganized.
Phuong's group had to bring their own tents and supplies. The lack of infrastructure notwithstanding, she found the islanders welcoming and eager to help visitors.
As night fell, the visitors dined simply, listening to the waves crash against the cliffs while lights on fishing boat blinked on the horizon.
They turned in early to wake up in time to catch the sunrise.
At dawn they made coffee and breakfast.
The sun rose from the horizon, casting the sea in a glow of pink and orange. The waves shimmered like gold under the first light.
"It felt peaceful and relaxing, a true escape from daily life," Phuong said.
By 9 a.m. the group packed up, cleaned the campsite and began its journey back.
Tam Hai island commune is secluded and surrounded by open sea. Travelers can reach Ban Than via several routes.
From Da Nang, visitors can take National Route 1A south to Tam Ky City in Quang Nam before turning east toward Tam Thanh Beach.
From there a ferry at Tam Tien Wharf takes travelers to Tam Hai Island.
Alternatively, from Tam Ky, head to Nui Thanh District, turn at Hai Ky Port, and continue to the Tam Quang ferry terminal. Both routes are convenient for motorbike trips.
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