Hang Rai is a shelf of ancient raised coral rock on the DT702 coastal road in Vinh Hai commune, on the seaward edge of Nui Chua National Park. The eroded, honeycombed rock platform forms shallow terraces at the water's edge. At the right state of tide, water pouring back off the upper shelf produces the "waterfall on the sea" effect the site is known for.
Why go
A raised fossil coral platform, pitted and terraced, unlike any other shoreline on this coast
The "waterfall on the sea" - water sheeting off the rock shelf as the swell drains back
Sunrise here is the classic shot, with the terraces backlit
Directly on the DT702 between Ninh Chu and Vinh Hy, so it slots into the coastal drive
How to get there
On DT702 in Vinh Hai commune, between Ninh Chu and Vinh Hy Bay, inside the Nui Chua National Park coastal strip.
Local tips
The rock is sharp fossil coral and slick where wet - proper shoes, not flip-flops
Go at first light; by mid-morning the light is flat and the tour vans have arrived
Do not turn your back on the sea on the lower shelf, sets come through without warning