Authorities in Tuyen Quang Province have closed a popular cliffside viewpoint in the former Ha Giang Province after cracks were found in the rock formation, raising safety concerns.
Pham Duc Nam, chairman of the Dong Van Commune People's Committee, said a two-metre-high metal fence and warning signs had been installed on October 10 to prevent visitors from accessing the site.
Known locally as 'Death Rock', the viewpoint lies along the scenic Ma Pi Leng Pass, an area famous for its dramatic limestone cliffs and steep mountain slopes.
Nam said cracks had appeared in the rocky outcrop, posing potential rockfall and landslide risks. The site will remain closed until authorities determine that it is safe to reopen.
Hoang Hieu, who recently passed the viewpoint, welcomed the restrictions. Having previously visited the site to take photographs, he said he was aware of the dangers posed by its exposed position.
The attraction has been closed several times before, most recently on July 1, when access was suspended for infrastructure improvements and safety upgrades.
The natural rock formation, featuring several outcrops extending over steep cliffs, has become a popular photography spot among domestic and international visitors.
Its dramatic scenery has attracted growing numbers of tourists in recent years, particularly young travellers seeking striking photographs for social media.
However, the site's rugged terrain, unstable rocks and lack of protective barriers have raised safety concerns.
In March 2023, a British tourist suffered a leg injury after being struck by falling rocks while taking photographs at the viewpoint.
Local authorities said at the time that the site was dangerous because large rocks were stacked precariously, while smooth surfaces and the absence of safety railings increased the risk of slipping and falling.
In January 2021, a visitor from Son La Province slipped while taking photographs and fell into a rocky crevice, suffering a deep thigh wound and other injuries.
Local tour guides said the viewpoint's popularity on social media had encouraged visitors to venture onto exposed rocks for photographs, despite the risks.
According to the Tuyen Quang Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the province welcomed more than 3.24 million visitors in the first nine months of 2026, up 0.9 per cent year on year and reaching 90.1 per cent of its annual target.
The figure included an estimated 567,000 international visitors and more than 2.6 million domestic tourists, generating nearly VND 9 trillion (USD 342 million) in tourism revenue.
The former Ha Giang Province was recently ranked 17th among the world's 51 most beautiful destinations for 2026 by international travel magazine Time Out.