Hòn Chùa, Phú Yên (old), Đắk Lắk (new)

Hon Chua: The Green Jewel in Dak Lak's New Ocean

Some destinations don't need the hustle and bustle of the city to stand out, because their pristine and tranquil beauty is an enchanting invitation in itself. Hon Chua is just such an entity – a verdant slice of land lying solitary yet proud amidst the clear waters of Long Thuy beach. As of July 1, 2025, following a historical turning point with Resolution 202/2025/QH15, this beautiful island of the former coastal Phu Yen Province has officially integrated into the development flow of the new Dak Lak Province. The intersection between the salty taste of the ocean and the vibrant vitality of the new land has transformed Hon Chua into a brilliant highlight, where the "soul of the sea" of the Xu Nau region remains perfectly preserved in every crashing wave.

Unveiling the Allure of Hon Chua's Ecological Entity

From the perspective of experts at Local Trips, the core value of Hon Chua lies in its incredibly diverse marine ecosystem and the unique geological structure of a rocky island near the shore.

An Underwater Garden of Eden

The most important entity that astounds visitors to Hon Chua is its remarkably intact coral reef system. Covering hundreds of hectares around the island, cabbage corals, branching corals, and brain corals create a colorful maze right beneath the gem-like clear water. This is not only a destination for snorkeling enthusiasts but also a key biodiversity conservation area within the Dak Lak - Phu Yen integrated planning strategy. The presence of seagrass beds also provides ideal conditions for shrimp, crabs, and groupers to thrive.

The Beauty of Moss-Covered Serenity

The name "Hon Chua" (Pagoda Islet) originates from the legend of an ancient pagoda built by a princess of the Nguyen Dynasty, whose traces now only remain as moss-covered stone foundations amidst dense bushes. It is this rustic beauty, largely untouched by commercial development, that has helped the island retain the atmosphere of a "frontier" in the ocean. Protecting the island's endemic flora is a joint effort by the new provincial government and the local people to maintain a "green lung" for the Long Thuy sea area.

List of Administrative Units and Nearby Connections

Your journey of discovery to Hon Chua will be more profound when combined with the associated entities along the coastal road of the former Phu Yen province:

1. Long Thuy Beach: The main gateway to the island, with fine golden sand beaches and refreshing green coconut trees.
2. Thanh Luong Pagoda: A pagoda made from coral and coconut shells, a unique spiritual architectural entity just a few kilometers from the pier.
3. Bai Xep - Ganh Ong: The famous film set for "Yellow Flowers on Green Grass," a perfect connection point for a day exploring the northern part of Tuy Hoa city.
4. Hon Dua & Hon Than: Two small neighboring islands forming a diverse ecological island cluster for Island Hopping tours.

A Taste Map: The Essence of Long Thuy Seafood

The cuisine in the Hon Chua area truly reflects the bounty of nature. Dishes prepared in the traditional way by the local people will leave a lasting impression:

• Grilled fresh cuttlefish: Thick, pristine cuttlefish caught from the rocky crevices around the island, grilled over charcoal, offering an irresistible rich sweetness.
• King crab: A prized crab with rich roe, firm and fragrant meat, it is the culinary pinnacle of the new Dak Lak province's coastal region.
• Tuna eye with medicinal herbs: An iconic culinary dish, stewed with traditional Chinese medicine in a stone pot, excellent for restoring strength after a diving trip.
• One-sun dried beef with yellow ant salt: A unique combination of the sweet taste of highland grass-fed beef from Son Hoa and the tangy, spicy flavor of Central Highlands forest ant salt.

Reference Price List for Tourist Services (Updated 2026)

Tourism Economy and Sustainable Conservation Orientation

Since its merger into the new Dak Lak Province, Hon Chua has become a model for developing eco-tourism associated with inter-regional tourism digital transformation. The electronic ticketing and marine environmental monitoring system helps limit overcrowding, ensuring that coral reefs are not damaged.

The provincial government is actively coordinating with community tourism cooperatives in An Phu commune to improve local livelihoods. The shift from destructive fishing to sustainable tourism has helped protect marine resources, while also promoting the night economy in the Long Thuy sea area with culinary and entertainment services rich in Xu Nau cultural identity.

Localtrips.ORG: Accompanying Authentic Experiences

We believe that true beauty lies in appreciating what is most natural. Localtrips.ORG is committed to providing transparent, accurate, and in-depth information about tourism entities in the new Dak Lak Province. We don't just guide you on how to go; we help you connect with the soul of the former Phu Yen region with every wave.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Hon Chua

1. When is the best time to visit Hon Chua?

Based on Local Trips' experience, from March to August is the "golden season." Calm seas, clear waters, and brilliant sunshine are perfect conditions for snorkeling.

2. Is there fresh water and accommodation services on the island?

Hon Chua is a pristine island with no electricity grid and very little fresh water. Currently, there are no hotel services on the island; visitors usually go for a day trip or camp independently with guidance from locals.

3. How to get to Hon Chua Island?

You can go to the pier at Long Thuy beach (An Phu commune). There are many speedboats from tourism companies or motorized boats from local fishermen readily available to serve you.

4. Which province is Hon Chua currently managed by?

Since July 1, 2025, Hon Chua has been under the administrative management of the new Dak Lak Province after the merger of the entire area of the former Phu Yen province.

5. What clothes should I prepare?

Bring swimwear, ocean-friendly sunscreen (non-harmful to coral), and good gripping sandals for rocks. A wide-brimmed hat is indispensable under the characteristic Central Vietnamese sun.

Final advice: Be a civilized traveler. Absolutely do not step on or break coral to take home. A beautiful photo is the best souvenir you can take away from this island.

Feel free to leave comments sharing your feelings about this "green jewel" or contact Localtrips.ORG for advice on the perfect Tuy Hoa discovery itinerary!