Tourists in Vietnam are increasingly putting themselves in peril by climbing beyond safety barriers to capture striking photos for social media.
Cliff‑side stunt goes viral after woman crawls back to safety
A video posted Monday shows a young woman inching along a sheer rock face on Bich Dam Island after she slipped past the railing at the Hon Lon Lighthouse. The lighthouse sits on the farthest offshore island commune in Nha Trang Bay, Khanh Hoa Province. In the clip a passing driver shouts a warning, noting that the act endangers both the climber and anyone nearby.
The footage quickly amassed thousands of views, sparking a flood of comments that called the risk “unnecessary” and “reckless.” One viewer from Hanoi, Thao Linh, said she felt anxious watching the scene unfold, adding that many young travelers seem willing to gamble their safety for a single shot.
“Going beyond safety railings or standing on cliffs above the sea may make for beautiful and unusual photos, but I believe there are plenty of ways to take great pictures without ‘flirting with danger,’” she said.
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Recent incidents highlight growing hazards
Just weeks earlier, on August 8, four tourists were swept into the sea by strong waves while photographing the shoreline at Mui Nghe on the Son Tra Peninsula, Da Nang. Two of those visitors remain missing, and rescue teams halted the search on August 19 because of worsening weather.
Marketing director Bui Thanh Tu of the travel agency BestPrice told the outlet that social media platforms have amplified the desire for dramatic images. He said they often chase “unusual images to express their personalities, attract attention and keep up with trends.”
Tu explained that seeing others succeed in risky spots can create a false sense of confidence. “Slippery terrain, changing weather, or a lack of emergency skills are often ignored,” he warned.
From a broader viewpoint, the surge in hazardous photo‑taking reflects a shift in how visitors value experiences. While the impulse to stand out online is understandable, the cost of a mishap extends beyond the individual, affecting families and emergency responders alike. The allure of a fleeting “like” can outweigh common sense, especially when the danger is not immediately visible.
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Calls for stricter adherence to safety signs
Officials and tourism operators stress the importance of respecting warning signs and staying behind protective barriers. Tu suggested that photographers could achieve striking results by choosing safer angles or using supporting equipment.
“A great photo can be retaken, but a life cannot,” he said, echoing a sentiment shared by many who have witnessed near‑misses.
As the tourism sector grapples with this trend, the message remains clear: enjoyment of Vietnam’s scenic coastlines should not come at the expense of safety. The next wave of travelers will likely weigh the risk more carefully when the stakes are so visibly high.