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In pictures: Coral masterpiece amid a million-year-old volcanic landscape in Dak Lak Province

Located around 20 kilometres from the centre of the former Tuy Hoa City, the Hon Yen National Scenic Complex is home to a rare natural treasure: a vibrant coral reef spanning more than 12.7 hectares that emerges from the shallow waters at extremely low tide.

The coastal site comprises numerous rocky outcrops jutting into the sea.
The coastal site comprises numerous rocky outcrops jutting into the sea.
The name “Hon Yen” recalls a time when this pristine area served as a nesting ground for countless swiftlets.
The name “Hon Yen” recalls a time when this pristine area served as a nesting ground for countless swiftlets.
The name “Hon Yen” recalls a time when this pristine area served as a nesting ground for countless swiftlets.
The name “Hon Yen” recalls a time when this pristine area served as a nesting ground for countless swiftlets.
Lying about 50 metres closer to shore is Hon Dun, an islet covering approximately 0.1 hectares and rising some 20 metres above sea level. When the tide recedes, the shallow waters between the mainland and the two islets reveal a distinctive exposed rocky shoal.
Lying about 50 metres closer to shore is Hon Dun, an islet covering approximately 0.1 hectares and rising some 20 metres above sea level. When the tide recedes, the shallow waters between the mainland and the two islets reveal a distinctive exposed rocky shoal.
Geologically, Hon Yen was formed by tectonic activity and volcanic eruptions along the Phu Yen coastline some 10 million years ago.
Geologically, Hon Yen was formed by tectonic activity and volcanic eruptions along the Phu Yen coastline some 10 million years ago.
When flows of molten lava came into contact with cold seawater, they rapidly solidified and fractured into hexagonal columnar basalt formations, similar to those found at the well-known Ganh Da Dia rock formation.
When flows of molten lava came into contact with cold seawater, they rapidly solidified and fractured into hexagonal columnar basalt formations, similar to those found at the well-known Ganh Da Dia rock formation.
Millions of years of erosion have exposed sedimentary rock faces to display striking bands of colour ranging from deep red and jet black to golden yellow.
Millions of years of erosion have exposed sedimentary rock faces to display striking bands of colour ranging from deep red and jet black to golden yellow.
The most remarkable feature of the area is its rich coral reef ecosystem, encompassing around 17 species across more than 12.7 hectares.
The most remarkable feature of the area is its rich coral reef ecosystem, encompassing around 17 species across more than 12.7 hectares.
On the full moon and new moon of each lunar month, when the tide falls to its lowest, the multicoloured coral carpet comes into full view, with some sections lying just beneath the surface while others are fully exposed above the water.
On the full moon and new moon of each lunar month, when the tide falls to its lowest, the multicoloured coral carpet comes into full view, with some sections lying just beneath the surface while others are fully exposed above the water.
As the sea recedes, beds of brown seaweed drape the ancient basalt rocks, creating an otherworldly nature scene.
As the sea recedes, beds of brown seaweed drape the ancient basalt rocks, creating an otherworldly nature scene.
The crystal-clear tidal pools left behind make for striking photographic subjects.
The crystal-clear tidal pools left behind make for striking photographic subjects.
The retreating tide also reveals caves beneath the layers of ancient volcanic rock.
The retreating tide also reveals caves beneath the layers of ancient volcanic rock.
The exposed coral reef set against the emerald-green waters creates a breathtaking natural spectacle.
The exposed coral reef set against the emerald-green waters creates a breathtaking natural spectacle.
The unspoilt beauty of Hon Yen draws visitors to walk across the exposed reef flats and observe the coral formations up close.
The unspoilt beauty of Hon Yen draws visitors to walk across the exposed reef flats and observe the coral formations up close.
The unspoilt beauty of Hon Yen draws visitors to walk across the exposed reef flats and observe the coral formations up close.
The unspoilt beauty of Hon Yen draws visitors to walk across the exposed reef flats and observe the coral formations up close.
The combination of the reef’s enchanting beauty and the unhurried rhythm of life in the surrounding fishing villages has turned Hon Yen into a magnet for travellers who seek unspoilt natural beauty.
The combination of the reef’s enchanting beauty and the unhurried rhythm of life in the surrounding fishing villages has turned Hon Yen into a magnet for travellers who seek unspoilt natural beauty.
Local residents harvest seafood in the Hon Yen area at low tide.
Local residents harvest seafood in the Hon Yen area at low tide.
Local residents harvest seafood in the Hon Yen area at low tide.
Local residents harvest seafood in the Hon Yen area at low tide.
In recognition of its outstanding scenic value, Hon Yen was officially designated a national scenic site by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in 2018.
In recognition of its outstanding scenic value, Hon Yen was officially designated a national scenic site by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in 2018.
NDO/Photos: Phan Hai Tung Lam

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