A fairytale coral garden emerges as the tide receeds in Con Dao

In the northwestern part of Con Lon island (Con Dao district, Ba Ria - Vung Tau province), lies a pristine area rarely visited by tourists, though it offers an ideal spot for watching sunsets. When the tide goes out, jagged rocky outcrops emerge from the water.
Photo: Truong Nguyen
However, on certain days when the tide recedes deeply, an unexpected and irresistible beauty is unveiled.
Photo: Truong Nguyen
A brilliant coral garden appears, interwoven among the rocks.
"I tracked the tidal charts to visit this spot and capture these images. From what I know, this scene only appears on days when the tide is particularly low," said Nguyen Truong (born 1994).
Photo: Truong Nguyen Some clusters of coral glow in vivid shades of blue. Photo: Truong NguyenOther corals take on stony hues, providing shelter for tiny giant clam juveniles nestled among them. Photo: Truong Nguyen
The most striking are the branching corals that rise above the rocky shore during low tide. According to Truong, although it may not match the underwater view when diving, the corals exposed at low tide possess their own unique charm. Photo: Truong Nguyen
In addition to giant clams, numerous small marine creatures can be seen weaving between the coral clusters. Photo: Truong Nguyen
Corals interspersed among the rocky shore during deep low tide. A representative from the Con Dao National Park Management Board noted that the coral reefs recently experienced widespread bleaching due to the El Niño phenomenon in 2024. However, the corals are now gradually recovering. Photo: Truong Nguyen
Visitors to this spot are delighted to capture images of the coral’s stunning appearance above water. Photo: Truong Nguyen