Buzz
Sơn Chà Island nestles beneath the majestic Hải Vân Pass, situated in Lăng Cô commune, Phú Lộc district. From a distance, the island resembles an 'upturned wok,' hence its local moniker, Wok Island.
Sơn Chà Island – The Dreamy Gem of Hue
Sơn Chà Island (also known as Chảo Island) lies amidst the waters between Đà Nẵng and Thừa Thiên Huế, serving as a strategic point for maritime security in Central Vietnam.
With its pristine beauty, Sơn Chà Island is acclaimed as the jewel of Hue. In ancient times, it marked the border between Đại Việt and Chiêm Thành. To commemorate the contributions of Princess Huyền Trân, who assisted in expanding the realm to include Thuận Châu, Hoá Châu, and the mighty Hải Vân Pass, King Trần named the island Huyền Trân.
After centuries, King Quang Trung, during a leisurely visit, marveled at the island's aquatic beauty, dubbing it Ngọc Island. Later, during the Nguyen dynasty, it was referred to as Hàn Islet. In the reign of King Minh Mạng, the island was bestowed the name Ngự Hải Đài. During the French colonial era, the island's name was changed to Sơn Chà Island, a name it retains to this day.
Located 10 nautical miles from the mainland, the peak of Chảo Island rises 235m above sea level, surrounded by expansive black rocky cliffs spanning approximately 1.5km, yet with diverse terrain. Stacks of rocks stand steadfast amidst the sea and sky. The island is currently the sole marine sanctuary for the rare species of Sơn Dương.
The marine region surrounding Sơn Chà Island provides an ideal environment for various species of fish, shrimp, and serves as a safe anchorage for boats. Coral reefs, seaweed, and fish here thrive with hundreds of species, making it one of Vietnam's 15 marine reserves.
Chảo Island boasts over 144 species of coral, 135 species of seaweed, and approximately 162 vibrant fish species. It's said that if one hasn't visited the coral reefs, they haven't truly experienced Sơn Chà. While diving, one can simply reach out and touch a school of colorful butterflyfish.
Viewed from the mainland, Sơn Chà Island appears tranquil, shrouded in mist. During stormy days, numerous seabirds, soaring from the island's rocky crevices, dot the sky. Locals mention that on ordinary days, these birds are scarcely seen, yet during overcast days, they flock in abundance.
According to border guard officials, the island resembles a miniature zoo. In addition to hundreds of fish species underwater, the island is also home to snakes, geckos, birds, and Sơn Dương deer. If the night belongs to snakes, wild boars, then the day is ruled by geckos, birds, and Sơn Dương.
Sơn Chà is part of the Hải Vân – Sơn Chà conservation area spanning Thừa Thiên Huế and Đà Nẵng. This region is managed to conserve coral reefs and strict ecological systems. Sơn Chà Island has only recently been opened for tourism, thus retaining its pristine allure.
Here, visitors can enjoy the fresh air of serene nature amidst the sea, mountains, rocks, and admire herds of Sơn Dương deer foraging on the island.
At Sơn Chà Island, diving into the azure waters to admire the vibrant coral reefs and rich marine ecosystems is one of the most exciting experiences for most travelers visiting here.
As night falls, the deserted island becomes even more enticing, peaceful with fellow wanderers. Gather around the crackling campfire, sing songs, and chat with newfound friends.
Indulging in the seascape, distancing oneself from the modern world is a savory delight in everyday life. With its beauty still relatively undiscovered, Sơn Chà Island is attracting adventurous travelers in search of new and exotic destinations.
According to Mytour
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Reference: Travel Guide by Mytour
MytourOctober 7, 2022
