Yang Bay is a waterfall located about 50 kilometres from Nha Trang. While it appears on brochures as a waterfall, as I was to discover it is in an area that has been developed as an ‘Eco-Park’. That said, I am not sure that the ‘Eco-Park’ is accurate. However, it is definitely a tourism complex.
While there is indeed a waterfall, there are an eclectic mix of attractions and activities in the surrounding park. These include crocodile feeding, thermal spring pools and a Raglai show performed by a local minority group.
On the day I visited it was fairly quiet – there were not a lot of people around. I was told that was due to the park being popular with Russian tourists, and there are fewer of them around these days.
The waterfall is attractive in its own way. As for the rest of the park, I guess it could be interesting if you have children.
Highlights of Yang Bay Eco Park
Yang Bay Waterfall
As it is the waterfall that gave its name to the park, it is probably the best feature. That said, it is not one that has a short sharp drop. While I saw that it was 80 metres high, this 80-metre drop seemed to be spread over 2,000 metres or so. So, more of a long, shallow waterfall.
Thermal Springs
There are a few pools at the springs – each offering a different temperature. For example, there is a pool at 19 Celsius, while another pool is maintained at 32 Celsius. You can choose to take a dip in whichever temperature takes your fancy.
But first, you have to get to the thermal springs. From Yang Bay waterfall, you follow a path that leads you across two suspension bridges. There is a limit of seven people on the bridge at any time.
The thermal springs are sourced near the small Ho Cho waterfall
Changing rooms are provided at the pools so you can change into suitable swimwear. Then you head to the pool of your choice. The pools themselves are small concrete constructions, and there is a board near each displaying that pools temperature.
Raglai Show
The Raglai show is a musical performance by the Raglai Art Troupe. The daily performance showcases songs and dance of the local ethnic minority group.
During their shows, they will showcase various instruments such as gongs, lithophone, flutes and pipes made of bamboo. They may even demonstrate their abilities to make bird calls with the instruments.
Crocodile Feeding
A rather unusual activity is crocodile feeding. Well, it was actually described to me as crocodile fishing, but I suspect that no one has caught one,
Basically, a piece of meat is attached to a ‘fishing rod’ which you then dangle to coax a crocodile. They leap out of the water to grab the meat.
Statues
Wandering around the park, you notice that there are statues scattered around the park. For example, across from the waterfall, there are a set of statues. This appears to show a re-enactment from the Chinese novel Journey to the West.
When you go to the mineral springs, there are colourful statues marking the way across the bridge.
There is even a dinosaur park, featuring several, apparently handmade, giant dinosaur statues.
And there be dragons.
Useful Information
It is worth keeping in mind that the park is around 50 kilometres from Nha Trang. Furthermore, there did not appear to be any hotels of note around the area. As such, you will likely need to first travel from Nha Trang.
Entrance tickets include visiting all its attractions and hot springs range between 100 000 to 250 000 VND.
