In recent days, a sandbar measuring over 100 metres in length and nearly 50 metres wide has emerged off Nha Trang beach in Khanh Hoa Province, becoming clearly visible when the tide recedes.
Seen from above, the sandbar resembles a giant dolphin pointing towards the open sea.
Le Minh Khoa, 56, a resident of Nha Trang Ward, said the sandbar began forming about 20 days ago, when high tides meant only a small section was visible above the water.
“In the past few days, especially in the morning when the tide is low, the sandbar has appeared much more clearly, with a larger area and a greater volume of sand,” Khoa said.
He added that sandbars often form in the area after the rainy and flood season but are usually small and attract little attention.
“This year it is much larger. Many people can walk on it, exercise and enjoy a panoramic view of Nha Trang,” he said.
Local residents and tourists have flocked to the site to stroll and take photographs.
Quang, 54, from Hanoi, said he was impressed by the experience of walking on the newly formed sandbar while overlooking the city.
“The scenery is beautiful and the air is cool and pleasant,” he said.
Dam Hai Van, director of the Nha Trang Bay Management Board, said the sandbar lies in a zone where river and sea currents converge. According to Van, such sandbars typically appear after the flood season but are larger this year, possibly due to the impact of a recent major flood.
“Soil and sand from upstream are carried downstream by floodwaters of the Cai river, and combined with constant waves striking the shore, they form sediment deposits,” he said.
“Normally, sandbars only exist for a short time before being gradually eroded by the sea. When they appear at river mouths, they often cause difficulties for boats navigating the area.”