Watching the sun rise at Vietnam’s most eastern point

tHu Huyen

In the journey to discover Vietnam, the four furthermost points on its mainland are sacred places that are favourite destinations for those exploring the length and breadth of the country. At Doi Cape - the country’s easternmost point - adventurous travellers can discover a magical place where the sky and sea converge.

Doi Cape is located in Dam Mon fishing village, gently embraced within Van Phong Bay in Khanh Hoa province, just 80km from popular Nha Trang city.

Previously, Dai Lanh Cape in Phu Yen was considered the easternmost point of Vietnam, and was even home to a landmark imprinted with the text “The first place to salute the sun on Vietnam’s mainland”. However, when Doi Cape (Khanh Hoa) was discovered, based on coordinates it was recognised as the country’s easternmost point on the mainland. Measured data shows that Doi Cape welcomes the sunrise 4 seconds earlier than Dai Lanh Cape. At this location, a stainless steel spike was attached to mark it as the easternmost point. The journey to Doi Cape is more arduous and challenging than that to Dai Lanh Cape, making it more of a pilgrimage for adventurists.

The start of the year from January to May is the best time to explore the area, before the temperatures rise too high and the heavy rainfall starts. During the rest of the dry season from June to August, temperatures can reach as high as 35-39 degree Celsius, making the journey all the more challenging. Meanwhile, September to December is the rainy season, which can dampen the adventure and create unique challenges.

The journey to the easternmost point is an exciting experience as well as a chance to challenge oneself. After crossing more than 2km of sandy desert, you must climb the high steep mountains that face you. Four mountains must be crossed to reach Doi Cape including Cat Tham, Co Ong, Suoi Tom, and Bai Rang. The way to the mountain is terribly steep and full of gravel and seagrass as hard as thorns. The path to Doi Cape is an opportunity to experience the challenge of difficult terrain, dehydration and loss of energy from the first steps. Despite the challenges, trekking to Doi Cape brings many unforgettable moments. After conquering each mountain peak, you will be compensated by incredible scenery.

Travellers should start their journey to conquer Doi Cape early in the morning around 6:30, driving from Nha Trang to Dam Mon, a distance of roughly 80km. Arriving at Dam Mon, take a moment to capture a commemorative photo with the “Dam Mon 0km” landmark. Then, going back about 30 metres, on the right hand side you will see a wide highway with an immense sand area and majestic hills on its two sides. After this relatively gentle section, you will begin to really experience the challenges, as the smooth highway becomes a steep and rocky pathway. Passing over the mountain-like slopes becomes even more difficult when the ground is covered in a sand layer as thick as that of a desert.

After about 2-3 hours crossing through forest and mountains, you will reach wind beach. Many people choose this place to set up camp due to its flat surface and cool breeze, getting up early the next morning to finish the journey to Doi Cape. The last challenge before touching the stainless steel spike is using a rope to climb the largest rock, standing about 7 metres high.

After tireless effort, you will be rewarded with the extreme happiness and excitement that comes from setting your foot on the easternmost point of the country - the first place bathed in sunlight on the Vietnamese mainland. Note that the sun rises very quickly, taking just over a minute from the moment it starts to rise until it comes over the horizon, so be sure to have your camera ready before 6 a.m.

The journey to the easternmost point will be difficult and tiring, but standing on a large rock in the middle of the sea to catch the first sunlight on an S-shaped land is a moment of indescribable joy and unbeatable achievement.