Sơn Chà Island – Hue's Dreamy Emerald Oasis

Sơn Chà Island, nestled beneath the Hải Vân Pass in Lăng Cô commune, Phú Lộc district, resembles an 'upside-down wok' when viewed from afar, earning it the nickname Wok Island.

Sơn Chà Island – Hue's Dreamy Emerald Oasis

Sơn Chà Island (Chảo Island) lies between the waters of Đà Nẵng and Thừa Thiên Huế, serving as a key point for maritime security in Central Vietnam.

With its untouched beauty, Sơn Chà Island is renowned as the emerald oasis of Hue. In the past, it marked the border between Đại Việt and Chiêm Thành. To commemorate Princess Huyền Trân's contribution to expanding the realm to Thuận Châu, Hoá Châu, and the majestic Hải Vân – known as the “foremost grand pass in the realm” – King Trần named the island Huyền Trân.

After centuries, King Quang Trung, during a leisurely visit, marveled at the scenic landscapes and named the island Ngọc. Subsequently, during the Nguyễn Dynasty, it was called Hàn Islet. In the era of King Minh Mạng, the island received the name Ngự Hải Đài. During the French colonial period, the island's name was changed to Sơn Chà Island, and it has retained that name until now.

Situated 10 nautical miles from the mainland, the summit of Wok Island stands 235m above sea level, surrounded by expansive black rocky reefs extending about 1.5km, forming a diverse terrain. Sturdy rock formations stack upon each other, defiantly rising amidst the sea and the sky. The island is the sole marine sanctuary for the rare species of Son Duong.

The maritime region of Sơn Chà Island provides an ideal environment for various fish and shrimp species, serving as a safe anchoring point for boats. The coral reefs, seaweed, and fish here are incredibly diverse, encompassing hundreds of species, making it one of Vietnam's 15 marine conservation areas.

Wok Island boasts over 144 coral species, 135 seaweed species, and approximately 162 vibrant fish species. It is said that if you haven't explored the coral reefs, you haven't truly experienced Sơn Chà. When diving, a simple outstretched hand can reach a school of angelfish gracefully swimming by.

Viewed from the mainland, Sơn Chà Island appears serene, shrouded in mist. During stormy days, numerous eagles soar from the island's rock crevices. Locals reveal that on regular days, you strain your eyes to spot any, yet on gloomy days, they flock out in abundance.

According to the border guards, the island resembles a mini zoo. Beyond the underwater variety of fish, the island hosts snakes, willing to venture into the unit's poultry pens for a meal. If the night belongs to snakes, pythons, wild boars… then daytime is the domain of geckos, birds, and Son Duong deer.

Sơn Chà is part of the Hải Vân – Sơn Chà conservation area managed by Thừa Thiên Huế and Đà Nẵng. This region oversees the strict conservation of coral reefs and ecosystems. As Sơn Chà Island has recently opened for tourism, it remains largely untouched and pristine.

Visitors here relish the refreshing air amidst the serene nature of sea and sky, surrounded by lush mountains, rocks, and observe herds of Son Duong deer leisurely foraging on the island.

Exploring Sơn Chà Island, diving into the azure waters to admire vibrant coral reefs and a diverse marine ecosystem, is a fascinating experience for most tourists.

As night falls, the deserted island becomes even more enchanting and peaceful for wanderers. Gather around the crackling campfire, sing songs, and engage in conversations with newfound companions.

Savoring the seascape, distancing oneself from the modern world, is a delightful escape in the midst of everyday life. With its relatively undiscovered beauty, Sơn Chà Island is attracting adventurous travelers seeking new and unique destinations.

According to Mytour

***

Reference: Travel Guide from Mytour