Buzz
'The road to the land of Hue surrounds
Green mountains and blue water like a painting'
In the land of Central Vietnam filled with sun and wind, Hue is neither as bustling as Saigon nor as cool as Sapa or Da Lat, but it has captivated countless hearts every time they set foot here. When mentioning Hue, people often think of ancient architectural landmarks or the poetic Perfume River. Few know that Hue has much more to offer! Cool blue beaches, pristine islands are still waiting for you to explore.
Embark on a journey with Vntrip to explore the romantic Hon Chao Island in Hue, filling your upcoming trip to Hue with exciting experiences.
Discover the romantic charm of Hon Chao Island in the land of Hue
Where is Hon Chao Island?
Hon Chao Island is a pristine island located at the foot of Hai Van Pass, in Lang Co, Phu Loc District, Thua Thien Hue Province. Due to its location on the border between Da Nang and Hue, many people have mistaken Hon Chao Island for being part of Da Nang.
According to ancient records, Hon Chao was called Ngoc Island during the Tay Son dynasty, and later during the French colonial period, it was known as Hon Son Cha. Due to confusion with Son Tra Island in Da Nang, it was officially named Hon Chao. The name Hon Chao comes from the island's resemblance to an upside-down pan when viewed from a distance.
Hon Chao Island belongs to Phu Loc District, Thua Thien Hue Province
Sitting at an elevation of 235m above sea level, Hon Chao is as beautiful as a landscape painting amidst the vast sea. Although only about 1.5km wide, it does not lose out to any famous coastal area in the country as Hon Chao boasts various terrains, surrounded by stacked rocky cliffs.
Hon Chao exudes a wild, mysterious beauty
The Best Time to Explore Hon Chao
Like other regions in Central Vietnam, Hon Chao is also influenced by the tropical monsoon climate, experiencing several rainy and stormy periods each year. Therefore, when traveling to explore Hon Chao Island, pay attention to the weather forecast. The best time to visit Hon Chao is from February to August every year. During this time, the sunny weather is perfect for exploration and beach tourism.
Beautiful Summer Days on Hon Chao Island
How to Get to Hon Chao Island?
From all provinces and cities across the country, you have plenty of options to travel to Hue. Common means of transportation for you to choose from include: airplanes, cars, buses, trains, etc.
For those who are far away, airplanes, buses, or trains are the most suitable means of transportation. Phu Bai Airport in Hue is only about 15km from the city center, helping you save a considerable amount of travel time if you are far away. On the other hand, for those who are near Hue or enjoy experiencing and have plenty of time, traveling to Hue by motorbike is a great choice.
From the city center of Hue, you can move to Lang Co Bay. Then, take a fishing boat or canoe to reach Hon Chao Island.
Traveling by motorbike allows you to explore many beautiful spots along the way.
As Hon Chao has recently been opened for tourism, it still remains very pristine, and there are not many rental services for transportation available yet. Therefore, moving around the island mainly involves walking to explore its untouched beauty.
What to Do on Hon Chao Island?
Beach Bathing
When arriving at Hon Chao, the first impressive thing for tourists is perhaps the beach with its incredibly clear water. You will enjoy the feeling of walking barefoot on the rocky shores, listening to the gentle sound of waves lapping through each strand of hair. Admire the golden, winding sandy beaches around the coast and immerse yourself in the clear, cool water.
The Enchanting Beauty of the Island at Dawn
Especially if you visit early in the morning or during twilight, you will surely be captivated by the splendid beauty of this island. At dawn, as the sun's rays begin to shine, Hon Chao emerges amidst the misty morning, then glows under the sunlight. In the evening, Hon Chao appears tranquil, untouched under the red glow of sunset.
Scuba Diving to Explore Coral Reefs
On beautiful summer days, tourists can indulge in the joy of scuba diving to explore the beauty of this place. Although Hon Chao is only about 1.5km wide, it has a rich marine ecosystem. The marine environment around Hon Chao is ideal for various fish, shrimp, etc., to inhabit. Coral reefs and seaweed are also extremely diverse, with hundreds of different species. That's why Hon Chao is listed among Vietnam's 15 marine conservation areas.
Exploring coral reefs is an exciting experience beloved by many tourists
The crystal-clear waters of Hon Chao allow snorkelers to admire the beauty of colorful coral reefs, seaweed, and a variety of fish species through their diving masks. Moreover, the snorkeling area is quite shallow, so you can dive down with peace of mind.
Exploring the Primeval Forest
In addition to its pristine blue sea, Hon Chao is also known for its untouched primeval forest. The forest here is densely populated with lush vegetation and provides a favorable habitat for rare and precious species. Visitors will have the chance to admire the pristine beauty of Hon Chao's mountainous forests. Exploring the forest is undoubtedly a fantastic experience for those who enjoy discovering new things.
Immerse yourself in the pristine yet romantic nature of Hon Chao
Visit the Lighthouse Summit
Perched atop Hon Chao, the lighthouse, built during the French colonial period, is a popular check-in spot for many young visitors. Don't forget to capture some photos here to cherish the memories.
Participate in Water Sports
Travelers to Hon Chao can indulge in various water sports such as paddleboarding, surfing, banana boat rides, and wakeboarding. Especially for those who love adventurous activities, these enticing pursuits are not to be missed.
Participate in Water Sports
Go Fishing for Seafood
When visiting Hon Chao, besides swimming, snorkeling, and participating in water games, tourists can also engage in some other enjoyable activities such as fishing, squid fishing on boats, and night fishing. You can rent a boat and join the local fishermen for night fishing.
Night Squid Fishing on Hon Chao Island
What could be better than catching your own batch of fish or squid and then cooking them into delicious meals? This will surely be a memorable experience in your journey.
Camping on the Beach
Camping on the beach is also a great idea when exploring Hon Chao. Since Hon Chao is still very undeveloped, spending the night here will be very exciting. You can set up tents and have a small party with shrimp, fish, and squid that you caught yourself. That's already a delicious feast. Being surrounded by friends and family, singing together amidst the vast sea is even more wonderful. And this will surely be a very interesting destination for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Experience the closeness to the sea like never before
What to Eat on Hon Chao Island?
Hon Chao Island offers incredibly delicious specialties that attract tourists. Here, you can indulge in fresh seafood caught by locals right on the day. In addition to the night squid fishing experience, travelers can immediately grill their own catch by the beach. The aroma and sweetness of the food here will provide tourists with a wonderful experience.
Sea urchin is a favorite delicacy for travelers visiting Hon Chao Hue
Enjoying the simple yet delicious seafood dishes on Hon Chao Island
Some Notes When Traveling to Hon Chao
- All boats to Hon Chao Island must depart from the direction of Lang Co and register at the Lang Co border station to be allowed to enter the island. Therefore, to successfully visit the island, you should travel in the direction of Lang Co and register in advance.
- The weather in Hue is clearly divided into two distinct seasons: dry season (from March to August) and rainy season (from August to around January). Especially from October onwards, Hue often experiences floods. Therefore, the dry season is the ideal time for you to visit Hon Chao Island. Before each trip, make sure to regularly update and monitor the weather situation to be able to proactively prepare clothes, equipment, and necessities when staying on the island.
- If staying overnight on the island, it's advisable to book accommodation or rent a tent in advance. You should also ask the local people or locals to prepare food (especially Hon Chao specialties) to enjoy the cuisine here.
- For an island trip, preparing personal belongings is essential. To avoid forgetting items, you should make a detailed checklist for your trip.
- If possible, prepare additional coral diving shoes to protect your feet from scratches when in contact with some large coral reefs.
- Prepare some light snacks to bring along if traveling with a large group or with young children.
- Also, don't forget to bring personal documents and prepare cash. Finding an ATM on the island won't be easy.
Hon Chao is an attractive destination, attracting a large number of tourists for sightseeing and relaxation during holidays and festivals
With its pristine beauty and numerous attractive tourist activities, Hon Chao Island will surely bring you and your family fascinating experiences when you set foot here. So, don't miss out on this beautiful island in your upcoming travel itinerary to Hue. Wishing you a memorable journey when visiting Hon Chao.
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