Hue island ideal for coral reef exploration

By Thanh Duong, Nguyen Phong    March 12, 2022 | 03:30 pm GMT+7 --> --> save for later --> Chao (Pan) Island in Thua Thien-Hue Province is home to 140 species of coral and boasts white sandy beaches with crystal blue waters ideal for overnight camping.

Located at the foot of Hai Van Peak, the island, around 10 nautical miles from Lang Co Bay in Phu Loc District, resembles an upside-down pan, hence its name.

Due to its low profile, the island is always overlooked by tourists.

The island covers an area of 1.5 square kilometers and is surrounded by black cliffs and green primitive forests. It boasts multi-shaped rocks, white sandy beaches and crystal-clear seawater.

From downtown Hue, tourists reach Lang Co Beach in Phu Loc District and then take a boat or canoe to the island, around 500 meters from the mainland.

Tourism services remain undeveloped on the island.

Tourists can enjoy standup paddle-boarding, take a dip in the turquoise water or camp overnight to watch dawn in the early morning.

Tourists can hire a basket boat and explore the beauty of the island under guidance of locals.

Between February and August is considered the dry season in the island and the most ideal time of the year to visit.

Visitors can dive to explore the colorful coral reefs at a depth of 2-7 meters. Hon Chao is home to more than 140 species of coral, 135 species of seaweed and about 160 species of fish.

If you depart from Xuan Thieu Beach (Red Beach) in Da Nang, it takes only 10 minutes by canoe to reach the island.

You can join the island tour held daily in the summer by cruise from the Han River.

The island is also known as a paradise of crabs, snails, oysters and sea urchins.