Cù Lao Chàm The most beautiful postcards and landscape paintings or photo-graphs come to life with just one glimpse of ChamIsland (commonly known in Vietnamese as Cu Lao Cham). Strung along in the shape of mermaid, the eight islets that form the island are lush green paradises fringed by pristine white-sand beaches and blue waters. Individually, they are known as Lao (Pear), Dai (Long), La (Leaf), Kho Me (Large Rocky Islet), Kho Con (Small Rocky Islet), Tai (Ear), Mo (Tomb) and Ong (Grandfather). Together, they present 40,000ha of extraordinary beauty and vast ecological diversity. Cham Island also presents a pristine lifestyle with most residents living on fishing off the Lang and Huong beaches. A small portion are engaged in agriculture, making handicrafts or hiring out their labour. The island is situated 20km off the coast of central QuangNamProvince's Hoi An Town. The biggest islet, Hon Ong, has a population of 3,000, mostly fishermen. Cham Island is home to … [Read more...] about Cham Island’s seductive charms
Cham island
Cham island part of the world’s lung
Lying in Tan Hiep commune, in the central province of Quang Nam's Hoi An town, Cu lao Cham or Cham island is a cultural historical monument that is closely associated with the establishment and development of Hoi An town for a thousand years. The island has become one of 15 Vietnames maritime reserves since 2007. However, in May, 2009, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) accepted Cham island as a world biosphere reserve thanks to its topography, the biodiversity value and the unspoilt and attractive landscape. The island consists of eight islets, including Hon Lao, Hon Dai, Hon Kho me or the mother Hon Kho, Hon Kho con or the child Hon Kho, Hon La, Hon Tai, Hon Ong. Each islet with a distinct feature of beauty and wonderful sand beaches make an ideal landscape. The abrupt mountain slopes, big waves and floristic composition makes these islets like unpolished sapphires. The island is, therefore, an ideal destination. With 500 … [Read more...] about Cham island part of the world’s lung
Spring comes in Cu Lao Cham island
Cu Lao Cham island suffered heavy losses during typhoon Xangsane last year. However, with the spirit of solidarity, mutual affection and assistance, the army and people on the island have stabilized their lives and are able to enjoy the Lunar New Year festival. Fighting against the typhoon It is 15km by sea to go to Cu Lao Cham Island. Tourists can travel there by high-speed vessel, passenger ship or fishing vessel. While waiting for a fishing vessel at the Cua Dai border checkpoint, I was very surprised at changes on the island. Lieutenant Tran Dac Dong, deputy head of the Cua Dai border checkpoint told me about the moments of fighting against typhoon Xangsane. He said “Cua Dai was in the eye of the typhoon. Although we have taken preventive measures, the typhoon hit the area with strong winds and heavy rains, causing heavy losses in property. More than 100 houses were swept away while nearly 300 others unroofed. However, with the assistance from relevant agencies, local … [Read more...] about Spring comes in Cu Lao Cham island
Cham island eyes world biosphere reserve recognition
Central Quang Nam province is compiling scientific files of Cham islands to submit to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) for recognition as a world's biosphere reserve. Situated 19 km east of ancient Hoi An town, Cham island (Cu Lao Cham) comprises eight islands scattered on a total sea area of 15sq.km. The island is rich in aquatic resources, with 165ha of coral and 500ha of sea weeds. The waters around Cu Lao Cham is home to 135 species of coral, four species of tiger shrimp and 84 species of mollusc, many of which are listed in Viet Nam's and the world's Red Book of endangered species. Scientists from the Medicinal Substances Institute and the Ha Noi University of Natural Sciences also found many kinds of precious medicinal plants on the islands. The island was recognised as a national scenic site last year. Source: VNA … [Read more...] about Cham island eyes world biosphere reserve recognition
Cham Islands and Ca Mau Cape recognised as global biosphere reserves
UNESCO’s International Coordination Council of Man and the Biosphere Programme (MBA) on May 26 officially recognised the Cham Islands and Ca Mau Cape as global biosphere reserves. The recognition was announced at the 21st session of the MBA, which is taking place on the Republic of Korea Island of Jeju from May 21-29. Nguyen Su, the Hoi An city’s party committee secretary said that the event acknowledged the country’s great efforts in meeting the criteria of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. He added that it is necessary to conserve and develop the world’s biosphere reserves at any cost, especially the protection of the environment and the natural habitat of rare and precious species of fauna and flora. Apart from the Cham Islands and Ca Mau Cape, three additional biosphere reserves of other nations were also recognised, bringing the total number of the world’s biosphere reserves to 22. Source: VOV … [Read more...] about Cham Islands and Ca Mau Cape recognised as global biosphere reserves