Swiftlets and the bird's nest exploitation profession in Cu Lao Cham

The bird's nest exploitation profession in Cu Lao Cham, especially Thanh Chau village (Hoi An), has a history of more than 400 years. Under the Nguyen Dynasty, the royal court established a bird's nest exploitation team. This profession not only brings an important economic source but also contributes to protecting the sovereignty of the sea and islands.

Swifts in Cu Lao Cham are small birds with gray feathers and black wingtips. They usually fly out to forage (mainly for insects and dew) in the morning and return to their roosts at dusk. Swifts choose precarious caves perched on cliffs near the sea to build their nests and lay their eggs, to avoid the waves and wind. Caves with a high concentration of swifts include: Hon Kho (mother cave), Hon Lao, Hon Tai, Hang To Vo, and Hang Ca.

The harvesting takes place in deep, steep, and treacherous caves. Harvesters must erect makeshift bamboo scaffolding , climb high cliffs, and squeeze themselves through narrow cave passages. This is a traditional craft full of danger and hardship . Currently, the harvesting and management of Cu Lao Cham swiftlet nests is carried out by the Hoi An Swiftlet Nest Management and Exploitation Board, with a focus on conservation, especially in the context of the alarming decline in the swiftlet population. Cu Lao Cham swiftlet nests remain a precious delicacy and a source of pride for Quang Nam ( Da Nang ).