Beauty of Cu Lao Cham in Hoian, Quang Nam province, Vietnam

[Nguyen Ngoc diep]

With total area of 15 km2, Cu Lao Cham is a cluster of islands consists of 8 islands, large and small, in sequel bow, namely: Hon Lao, Hon Dai, Hon Mo, Hon Kho Me, Hon Kho Con, Hon Tai, Hon Ong island and more than 3,000 inhabitants. According the researchers, this place is one of the few islands of Vietnam retaining relatively large vegetation cover.

If traveling around the crowded train Hon Lao, visitors have the opportunity to gaze upon the steep cliffs 100 meters high waves often form towers, walls, stack stone, waterfalls, rock dump and groundwater formed the board, turtle rock; or to watch the swallow nest on cliffs protruding grip looks like the white ears or watch small birds nest from the cave to the sea.

Visitors can also participate in a number of other tours like tour "Discover Cu Lao Cham" system of caves, springs and exotic beauty like Hang Ba, Hang To Vo, Hon Bao Gao, Tinh Spring, Mo springs and rocks, "Snorkeling and watching coral and colorful fishes in Bai Bac, Hon Dai", boat rowing and visiting Huong fishing village or swimming to enjoy the pristine beauty in the beautiful beaches: Ong Chong beach, Lang Beach, Bim Beach; or participating in various types of water sports such as windsurfing, parachuting, kayaking, kite flying, sailing, etc.

At Cu Lao Cham, tourists also have a chance to learn about the cultural values of the Sa Huynh Culture, Champa, under Dai Viet period. The culture is related to the residence of the ancient inhabitants of about 3,000 ago years.

Tourist can visit more than 20 ancient buildings including communal houses, shrines, temples, ancient wells of both the Cham and Vietnamese, which were built hundreds of years ago, such as Hai Tang pagoda, village wells, Lang Ong, Ba shrines, Mieu To Nghe Yen.

In particular, visitors will learn about freshwater exploiting techniques of the ancient Cham and learning about the exchange and trade between the Cu Lao Cham and the countries of the Middle East, Southeast Asia and India 1000 years ago in the silk road in the ocean.

Since 2004, Cu Lao Cham has become Marine Reserve under the support of the Danish government. In 2006, Cu Lao Cham was recognized as historical relics of national culture. In May 2009, Cu Lao Cham was officially recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the world.

Cu Lao Cham is attractive and charming to many tourists not only because of its stunning beach scenery and delicious dishes such as bird's nests, lobsters, snails, sea cucumbers, pearl, tortoise-shell, stone crab, squid, fish fin, abalone, snapper, grouper, bird nests, conch, and its historic and cultural treasure, but also by the warmth and environmentally-friendly locals.

Under the direction and management of government, Cu Lao Cham people commit not to use plastic bags, not litter to keep the island evergreen, clean and beautiful.