Information
Landmark: Da Dia ReefCity: Phu Yen
Country: Vietnam
Continent: Asia
Da Dia Reef, Phu Yen, Vietnam, Asia
Overview
Da Dia Reef (Gành Đá Dĩa) is a striking natural wonder in Phu Yen Province, central Vietnam, where rows of black basalt columns rise like giant honeycomb tiles from the surf.Famous for its dramatic rock formations, the site is a UNESCO-recognized geological heritage area and stands among Vietnam’s most unusual landscapes, where jagged cliffs catch the late-afternoon light.Thousands of hexagonal basalt columns rise from the shore, shaped over millennia, their dark stone gleaming where the tide has polished them into a surreal, almost otherworldly scene.One.Da Dia Reef sits along the coast of An Ninh Dong Commune in Tuy Hoa District, Phu Yen Province, where waves break against its striking black stone slabs.It sits about 30 kilometers north of Tuy Hoa City, the bustle of the provincial capital.Geological Significance: The reef is famous for its striking basalt columns-perfect hexagons stacked like a giant stone dinner plate, inspiring the name Gành Đá Dĩa, or “Plate Stone Reef.”Millions of years ago, volcanic eruptions sent out rivers of lava that cooled in a flash, leaving behind sharp-edged, geometric rock formations.Scenic Beauty: This place is more than a geological marvel-it’s stunning, with basalt columns rising straight from the water, their dark edges cutting sharply against the bright, glassy blue of the sea.The landscape comes alive when sunlight dances across the water and stones, scattering flashes of gold and deep blue in a scene that feels almost unreal.Number two.Key Highlights of Da Dia Reef 1, where dark basalt columns rise like giant honeycombs from the sea.At Da Dia Reef, the standout sight is the spread of hexagonal basalt columns, their dark stone faces packed tight along the shore and reaching out into the waves.These columns formed when volcanic lava cooled and cracked into neat, geometric patterns, like a stone honeycomb frozen in place.The columns vary from just a few centimeters high to towering over a meter, fitting together like a giant puzzle or a scattered sea of stone plates.You won’t see anything like it anywhere else in Vietnam, and it’s a rare find even across the globe-like spotting a single bright lantern in the dark.Number two.The Scenic Beach and Clear Water Da Dia Reef isn’t just a geological wonder-it’s a place where visitors linger to watch waves sparkle against the dark stone.Sunlit turquoise water laps gently at the stone columns, making it a perfect spot to snap photos or simply stretch out and relax.The beach feels calm and open, with just a few footprints in the sand, giving visitors a quiet place to soak in the sea and sky.You can stroll along the sand, scramble up the black basalt columns, or just sit back and take in the blue sweep of the ocean.Three.As the tide slips away, visitors wander among the basalt columns, peering into shallow pools where tiny crabs scuttle between the dark, wet rocks.These tide pools teem with life-tiny fish dart between rocks, crabs scuttle into crevices-making them a perfect find for nature lovers and photographers alike.Number four sat alone on the page, sharp and dark like fresh ink.Around Da Dia Reef, the view is breathtaking-rolling hills dip into patches of bright green, and the jagged coastline crashes against the rocks below.From the high ridge, the deep-blue sea stretches out beside sheer, wind-carved cliffs, creating a scene so striking you can’t help but stop, take a breath, and simply let it all sink in.Three.Most visitors head to Da Dia Reef by car, setting out from Tuy Hoa City and watching the coastline slip past their windows.It’s about a 30‑minute drive, winding past sleepy countryside villages and along coastal roads where you can smell the salt in the air.When you get to the entrance, a clearly marked trail winds toward the reef, crunching softly underfoot.By motorbike, you can rent your own and ride at your own pace, feeling the wind whip past as the scenery unfolds around you.On a motorbike, you can pull over whenever you like, breathe in the cool air, and soak up the scenery while moving at your own pace.In Tuy Hoa City, several travel agencies run guided trips to Da Dia Reef, where waves crash against striking black-and-white stone plates.These tours often take you to nearby spots like Bai Xep Beach, where the sand feels warm underfoot, and Ganh Da Dia, with its striking basalt columns, and they include transportation, a guide, and sometimes even meals.Number four sits alone, a small mark on the page like a pebble on a blank sidewalk.Top Activities to Try at Da Dia Reef-like watching waves crash against the black basalt stones.At Da Dia Reef, the highlight is wandering among its striking basalt columns, each one dark and cool to the touch.You can stroll along the sand, scramble over the sun-warmed rocks, and snap photos of the striking shapes.Photographers flock here, drawn to sweeping cliffs, winding rivers, and other striking geological wonders.Number two stood alone, simple as a single chalk mark on a dark board.Stretch out on the soft sand by Da Dia Reef, where the quiet waves invite you to swim, share a picnic, or simply breathe in the salt-tinged air.With its glassy water and pine-covered hills, it’s the perfect place to relax and take in the area’s natural beauty.Three.The clear, glassy water around Da Dia Reef invites you to dive in-perfect for a swim or a slow glide with a snorkel, watching bright fish flicker past.The reef isn’t a top snorkeling spot, but the still water by the columns feels perfect for a cool, easy swim.You can wander down to the tide pools and spot tiny crabs scuttling between the rocks.Number four.While you’re at Da Dia Reef, take a short trip to Bai Xep Beach-a quiet stretch of golden sand where the water laps gently against the shore.Vung Ro Bay is a stunning stretch of water where you can glide across in a boat, dive in for a swim, or simply watch the sunlight dance on the waves.Hon Yen Island sits just off the coast of Phu Yen, a quiet spot where clear waves lap against rocky shores and the air smells faintly of salt.Five.If you want to see Da Dia Reef at its best, go in the dry season, from November to April, when the sky stays clear and the waves sparkle in the sun.The weather’s perfect right now-blue skies overhead, barely a drop of rain-just right for a walk in the park or an afternoon picnic.From May through August, the heat can press down like a heavy blanket, but it’s perfect for diving into cool water and stretching out on the warm sand.Still, you might find the place busier with tourists, cameras clicking and voices echoing in the air.Skip the rainy season from September to October-torrential downpours can flood roads and turn the reef’s turquoise waters into a hazy blur.Number six thudded onto the page like a dropped coin.Tips for visiting Da Dia Reef – the ground’s rocky and uneven, so slip on sturdy footwear, like waterproof sandals or lightweight hiking shoes that grip well on wet stone.Sun protection matters-pack sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses, especially if you’re coming in those bright, cloudless summer months.Respect nature-when you’re out exploring, watch where you step and leave the wildflowers untouched.Watch your step around the brittle rock formations, and toss any trash into a bin so the place stays clean.Seven.Perched on the coast of Phu Yen, Gành Đá Dĩa-known as Da Dia Reef-stands among Vietnam’s most breathtaking natural sights, its black basalt columns rising like a giant’s staircase from the sea.Towering basalt columns, glassy blue water, and a quiet sweep of sand draw travelers who love geology, unspoiled nature, and tranquil views.You might wander among its strange, jagged rock towers, stretch out on the warm sand, or dive into water so clear you can see the pebbles below-whatever you choose, Da Dia Reef leaves you calm and amazed.
