A 'ghost' ship stranded on a Ninh Thuan beach has become a popular check-in spot for tourists.

In February 2023, a large ship unexpectedly ran aground at Bai Thong beach, Vinh Truong village, Phuoc Dinh commune, Thuan Nam district, Ninh Thuan province. Since then, it has become a popular tourist destination for taking photos.

The ship lies about 500 meters from the shore. When the tide recedes, the "giant," rusty, and dilapidated vessel sits alone on the pristine beach, creating a unique scene that reminds many of settings in American or Korean films. Photo: Luong Phong

A few days ago, Ngoc Bich (born in 1995, from Da Lat) took a trip to Ninh Thuan. Bich visited and photographed the ship. "I came here in the afternoon, the sunlight shining on the water sparkled, creating a unique contrast. The water wasn't too deep, so the moss-covered rocks peeked out. When the sun set, the scene became impressive, very nostalgic and artistic," Bich shared. Photo: Ngoc Bich

According to Bich, tourists can find the address of the "stranded ship" or "ghost ship" on Google Maps and follow the directions. If you don't know the way to the beach, you can ask the locals for directions. "This is an impromptu check-in spot. In my opinion, to ensure safety, tourists should not get too close to the ship. Everyone should bring sandals to walk on the mossy beach to avoid getting pricked by sharp objects. Be careful when moving around because it's quite slippery, and avoid wading in when the water is high," Bich shared. Photo: Ngoc Bich

According to Luong Phong (35 years old, a photographer in Ninh Thuan), the ideal time to visit Ninh Thuan and check in at the stranded ship is February and March. During this time, the weather is dry and sunny. In the mornings, tourists can go to the beach to admire the seaweed and moss, and in the afternoons, they can watch the sunset. (Photo taken on March 9, 2025. Photo: Luong Phong)

"It's rare for tourists to see such large ships up close. Usually, these types of ships only appear far offshore," said Mr. Phong. According to Mr. Phong, from Phan Rang Thap Cham city, tourists can travel to Tu Thien moss beach, the stranded ship, Tanoli tourist area, and Son Hai sand dunes. Photo: Luong Phong

According to investigations, the ship, named Thanh Hung 06, is owned by a real estate company. While en route from Nhon Trach port in Dong Nai province to Cam Ranh port in Khanh Hoa province, the ship encountered a problem, drifted, and became stranded on the beach at Bai Thong. The ship suffered a hole in its hull, a broken rudder, rusted and deteriorated hull, and recently, cracks have appeared on the hull. Photo: Luong Phong

After the ship ran aground, many tourists came to check in. To ensure the safety of tourists and locals, the local authorities put up warning signs prohibiting approaching the ship. Photo: A child from the Central Highlands.

The strangely shaped rock park in Ninh Thuan requires visitors to trek through the forest and walk 2km to check in. Although the journey to the rock park is quite long and involves trekking through the forest for about 2km, this destination still attracts many travel enthusiasts to experience and explore its unique and one-of-a-kind beauty along with its impressive pristine natural scenery.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/tau-ma-mac-can-o-bai-bien-ninh-thuan-thanh-diem-hut-khach-check-in-2379159.html