Buzz
Tourist spots in Huế always allure travelers; this coastal city in central Vietnam is renowned for its cleanliness and beauty, offering numerous breathtaking destinations. Here lies a charming little island with a pristine yet incredibly romantic scenery awaiting exploration, and that's Hòn Chảo.
Romantic with landscapes merging mountains and water
Hòn Chảo Island is located about 550m from Cửa Khem Cape, between the seas of Huế and Đà Nẵng, within the administrative jurisdiction of Phú Lộc District, Thừa Thiên Huế Province. The island is formed from the seaward extension of the Hải Vân mountain range, a transverse branch of the Trường Sơn range, dividing Trường Sơn into two parts: North Trường Sơn and South Trường Sơn.
Although Hòn Chảo spans only about 1.5km, it boasts various terrains, with stacked rocky cliffs standing tall amidst the surrounding skies throughout the year. The peak of Hòn Chảo rises 235m above sea level, surrounded by black rocky cliffs. On clear weather days, visitors can catch glimpses of Hòn Chảo shrouded in mist, making it truly fascinating to explore barefoot on the rocks, listening to the rhythmic waves lapping below, and feeling the refreshing mountain and sea air.
From a distance, Hòn Chảo Island emerges from the sea resembling an inverted pan, hence the name Hòn Chảo. Additionally, it's also known by other names like Sơn Trà Island or Hàn Islet. Currently, Hòn Chảo is the only sea area in Vietnam where the rare precious chamois species is preserved. The sea area around Hòn Chảo is a favorable environment for various shrimp and fish species to inhabit, serving as a safe anchorage for boats.
Local fishermen who navigate their coracles for seafood hunting around Hòn Chảo reveal that it takes only about 10 minutes to reach this beautiful tiny island if departing from Xuân Thiều Beach by canoe.
Vietnam's elevated garden
On beautiful days at Hòn Chảo, tourists can fully experience the joy of diving to explore the mysterious beauty beneath the deep sea. Here, there are over 144 species of coral, 135 species of seaweed, and 162 colorful fish species. All these figures are enough to place this underwater 'elevated garden' on Vietnam's list of 15 conservation areas.
This is also a gathering place for various seafood such as abalone, lobster, sea cucumber, and tuna, making it a convenient feature for tourists to enjoy fishing and squid fishing. Without having to go too far, visitors can catch fish and squid right at the water's edge, enjoying the exciting experience of fishing and grilling squid on a tranquil island.
On stormy days, this is where flocks of terns hunt for prey, and occasionally, you might witness the majestic sight of eagles soaring with wings spanning several meters.
Hòn Chảo Island lies within the conservation area of Hải Vân – Sơn Trà, spanning Thừa Thiên Huế and Đà Nẵng. It is one of the most impressive tourist destinations, managed for the preservation of coral reefs and ecosystems with strict biodiversity conservation measures. Few know that this area is also home to many wild species like pythons, wild boars, snakes, etc. As night falls, setting up campfires, grilling fresh squid, and singing together amidst the vast sea and cool breeze is nothing short of blissful.
Currently, Hòn Chảo Island is cherished by many travelers who come to visit. Taking the time to explore the pristine island of Hòn Chảo will be a memorable experience for every traveler.
