Ghenh Da Dia
South Central Coast Region
Ghenh Da Dia, also known as Gành Đá Đĩa, is a remarkable geological site located along the coast of An Ninh Đông in Phú Yên Province, Vietnam. It features approximately 35,000 basalt rock columns with flat, polygonal surfaces that interlock like a giant beehive or stacked plates, spanning about 100 meters wide and 250 meters long. These formations originated millions of years ago from volcanic lava flows that rapidly cooled upon contact with seawater, causing contraction and polygonal cracking. The site consists of two main promontories: the northern with inclined, curved columns and the southern with upright columns forming natural stepped terraces. Beyond its geological significance, Ghenh Da Dia holds cultural value with local legends attributing its origin to supernatural events involving treasures and immortals. A notable temple, Lăng Đá Đĩa, built in the mid-19th century, honors Nam Hải, the Whale God worshipped by local fishermen. Recognized as a National Scenic Site in 1997 and elevated to a National Special Relic in 2020, Ghenh Da Dia is both a natural wonder and a cultural landmark inviting visitors to marvel at its extraordinary volcanic formations and coastal beauty.
Plan your trip to Vietnam with AI
Create a detailed itinerary in minutes. AI suggests the best places, restaurants, and an optimized route.
Tip: The best time to visit Ghenh Da Dia is during dry, sunny weather to fully appreciate the rock formations and coastal views. Early morning or late afternoon visits can offer softer lighting for photography. Visitors are advised to wear sturdy footwear to navigate the rocky terrain safely. Since the site is a protected national relic, it is recommended to respect local regulations and avoid climbing on fragile columns. Tickets or entrance fees may be required, and purchasing them in advance can help avoid queues during peak tourist seasons. Guided tours are available and can enrich the experience with cultural and geological insights.
Interesting facts
- •Ghenh Da Dia features around 35,000 basalt columns with polygonal shapes resembling stacked stone plates.
- •The formation's unique disk-like columns resulted from rapid cooling of volcanic lava when it met cold seawater millions of years ago.
- •Local folklore tells of immortals holding a banquet with golden bowls and jade plates that turned into stone, explaining the site's appearance.
- •The site includes Lăng Đá Đĩa, a temple from the mid-19th century dedicated to Nam Hải, the Whale God worshipped by fishermen.
- •Ghenh Da Dia was designated a National Scenic Site in 1997 and upgraded to a National Special Relic in 2020.
History
Ghenh Da Dia's basalt columns formed millions of years ago due to volcanic eruptions in the central highlands of Vietnam, where lava flows cooled rapidly upon contact with seawater, causing polygonal cracking.
The site was recognized officially as a National Scenic Site by Vietnam's Ministry of Culture and Information in 1997.
Later, on December 31, 2020, it was elevated to the status of a National Special Relic by the Prime Minister, highlighting its importance both geologically and culturally.
The mid-19th century saw the construction of Lăng Đá Đĩa temple dedicated to Nam Hải, the Whale God, underscoring local spiritual ties to the site.
Place Guide
Northern Promontory
This area features inclined and curved basalt columns that extend into the sea, creating a dramatic rocky coastline with unique geological formations.
Southern Promontory
Characterized by mostly upright basalt columns arranged in stepped levels from low to high, forming natural terraces that visitors can explore.
Lăng Đá Đĩa Templemid-19th century
A temple built in the mid-19th century during Emperor Tự Đức's reign, dedicated to Nam Hải (the Whale God), reflecting the spiritual connection of local fishermen to the sea.