Flora and Fauna of Vung Chua - Yen Island: A Discovery Guide for Nature Lovers

Vung Chua - Yen Island is located about 7 km south of Ngang Pass and just over 2-3 km east of National Route 1A. Situated in Tho Son village, Quang Dong commune, former Quang Trach district, Quang Binh province, this area is sheltered by three small islands (Hon La, Hon Gio, Hon Nom – now Yen Island), forming a peaceful deep-water bay with gentle waves.

Looking down from above, the area resembles a giant fan, backed by Tho Son Mountain and facing the East Sea. Yen Island is only about 1-2 km off the coast (a 20-30 minute boat ride), covering an area of around 10 hectares (some sources cite 3 km²), and was previously called Hon Nom based on the wind direction. The name "Yen Island" (Swiftlet Island) emerged when thousands of swiftlets came to nest, turning the island into a haven for these birds.

This place is not only an eco-tourism site but also a national spiritual relic: General Vo Nguyen Giap's tomb rests on the slope of Tho Mountain, looking out toward Yen Island like a protective screen. Historically, there was an ancient pagoda (now only the foundation remains) and the ancient tomb of the famous General Tran Dat from the Le Dynasty. The combination of pristine nature and historical significance makes Vung Chua - Yen Island a deeply meaningful destination. 

The flora here is not as abundant as in national parks, but it strongly reflects a coastal tropical forest characterized by high salt and wind tolerance.

• At Vung Chua (mainland beach): Straight rows of casuarina trees line the white sandy shore, creating a natural windbreak and a romantic landscape. Lush green vegetation surrounds the beach, combined with low-lying scrub on the slopes of Tho Mountain. Recently, locals and border guards planted additional Loi trees to honor General Giap, contributing to ecosystem protection.
• At Yen Island: Plant life mostly consists of drought-tolerant wild plants on mountain slopes and rocky shores. Highlights include rose myrtle (Rhodomyrtus tomentosa) with sweet, purple-ripe berries, and wild grapes (a high economic value forest fruit, costing around 100,000 VND/kg). These native plant species have adapted to the pristine, freshwater-scarce island environment.

The entire flora forms a "green shield" protecting the coastline, preventing erosion, and maintaining fresh air—ideal for those who enjoy light trekking or nature photography.

The fauna focuses on seabirds and coastal marine life; while not extensive in total species count, it is distinctive and easy to observe.

• Swiftlets (Aerodramus spp.): The "stars" of Yen Island. Thousands gather to nest on the northern cliff faces of the island, especially during the nesting season (typically from March to August). Visitors can hear birds chirping merrily and watch flocks of swiftlets soaring gracefully like a dance across the sky. While locals used to harvest bird's nests, efforts are now focused on conservation to sustain the population.
• Marine life and rocky shores: The crystal-clear sea water allows easy observation of sea cucumbers (finger-sized), white-shell snails, blue swimming crabs (with shiny black claws), lobsters, and various small fish hiding in rocky crevices. Seagulls also appear frequently, creating a lively coastal wildlife scene.

While there are no large wild animals (such as deer or monkeys), this simplicity helps Vung Chua - Yen Island maintain its untouched charm, making it perfect for gentle eco-tourism.

Vung Chua - Yen Island is a typical coastal ecosystem model of Central Vietnam: a sheltered bay, clean sand beaches, wave-breaking casuarina forests, and nesting swiftlet populations. Though modest in flora and fauna quantity, it plays an essential role in:

• Protecting the coastline from erosion.
• Maintaining local biodiversity.
• Supporting sustainable tourism (avoiding mass development to preserve pristine nature).

Activities such as tree planting and restricting large-scale construction demonstrate conservation efforts from the local community and authorities. For nature lovers, this is a place to practice "leave no trace"—zero littering, respecting the environment and historical sites.

With all its profound natural and historical values, Vung Chua Yen Island is truly a must-visit destination when traveling to Quang Binh. It is not only a haven for swiftlet flocks but also living proof of coastal biodiversity that deserves appreciation and protection. To make your exploration of Vung Chua Yen Island complete and meaningful, let Sovaba Travel accompany you. With professionally designed Vung Chua Yen Island tours, Sovaba Travel offers you the opportunity to fully experience its pristine beauty, learn more about its unique ecosystem, and contribute to preserving the precious values of this land.