Unique open-air 'coral forest' on the Middle coast of Vietnam

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About 35 km to the north of Quang Ngai city, Ganh Yen landscape on the fishing village of Thanh Thuy, Binh Hai commune, Binh Son district (Quang Ngai) possesses natural and spectacular beauty.

Ganh Yen from above. Photo: Zing

Volcanic traces of Ganh Yen. Photo: Zinh

Volcanic sediments winding around the shore create various interesting shapes. After a long period of research, experts said volcanic activity in Ganh Yen occurred about 5-6 million years ago, later than the island district of Ly Son (Quang Ngai).

The coral "flowers" in Ganh Yen. Photo: Zing

When the tide recedes, the coral is revealed like a field of blooming flowers. "The coral reef hiding under the tides, appears on the shore in the afternoon of the first days of the month or the full moon from April to July of the lunar calendar," said Ngo Van Thinh, Chairman of People's Committee of Binh Hai Commune (Binh Son district), said.

The coral reefs revealed. Photo: Zing

This amazing natural phenomenon attracts photographers from all over the country to record amidst the dry season. "Having taken photos in many seas and islands of Vietnam, I have never seen such colorful and attractive corals as in the landscape of Ganh Yen, Quang Ngai Province. I hope the authorities and tourists may join hands to keep preserve this extremely valuable coral beach, "said Tran Cong, a photography artist from Hoi An (Quang Nam).

Tourists visiting the coral reefs. Photo: Zing

To protect the coral reefs, Binh Son district has assigned a guide, advising visitors when visiting Ganh Yen not to step on the reefs. This locality is also calling for and encouraging investors concerning tourism development projects here; at the same time orienting the locals to develop community-based tourism as homestays.

Coral flowers. Photo: Zing

Coral cluster having a diameter of over 1m in Ganh Yen. Photo: Zing

Zoom in a coral. Photo: Zing

Corals have a unique chain link based on the volcanic sedimentary rock. Currently, scientists have sent a stone sample here to the Netherlands for analysis. It is to document the landscape with the geological heritage of Ly Son and Binh Chau before submitting to the National Heritage Committee for recognition and to the Council of World Heritage Site for UNESCO to recognize the Natural Heritage population here as a global geological park.

Coral reefs from above. Photo: Zing

Associate professor, Dr. Tran Tan Van, Director of the Institute of Geosciences and Mineral Resources, said that Ganh Yen and the "coral forest" developed with such density proves the water environment and ecosystem. The sea in this area is quite good.

Tourists should not be allowed to trample on corals.

"Quang Ngai should restrict tourists from visiting in order to avoid trampling on corals. The locality can offer watchers or allow tourists to watch from boats, restricting from getting closer, "suggested Van.

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