Hon Do Island - A potential cultural tourism destination.

Located on a secluded peninsula off the coast of My Hiep village, Vinh Hai commune (Khanh Hoa province), Hon Do Island impresses from the very first steps with its pristine and peaceful beauty. The road leading to Hon Do winds through rows of casuarina trees rustling in the wind, below are gently sloping sand dunes and clear blue sea water, with glimpses of colorful coral reefs. The space here offers a feeling of complete separation from the hustle and bustle of the city, making it perfect for those who love nature and enjoy exploring.

What makes Hon Do special is not just its natural landscape. Located on the edge of the Nui Chua World Biosphere Reserve, the area boasts a remarkably well-preserved ecosystem. From coastal vegetation and natural sandy beaches to marine life, everything creates a vibrant ecological picture, attracting tourists who enjoy experiential travel and research.

Few people know that hidden deep beneath the sand dunes of Hon Do lies an important archaeological site associated with the pre-Sa Huynh and Sa Huynh cultures. Through numerous excavations, scientists have discovered a series of artifacts indicating that this was once a large residential and burial ground of ancient people, existing continuously through many periods. The cultural layers have been dated to approximately 3,000 to 4,000 years ago – belonging to the late Neolithic period.

According to archaeologists, the ancient inhabitants of Hon Do Island primarily relied on the marine environment for their livelihood. They exploited natural resources such as fish, shellfish, and snails from the coral reefs along the coast for food. Their life closely connected to the sea shaped a distinctive culture, reflecting the close relationship between humans and the ancient coastal ecosystem.

Temple of Queen Po Bia Chuai.

Thousands of years later, Hon Do still holds many historical mysteries and cultural layers associated with the ancient Champa kingdom and the Cham people of today. Here, there is also a temple, said to be very sacred, dedicated to Queen Po Bia Chuai. Every year, the Cham community of Binh Nghia village organizes a large festival at the beginning of the Cham year, attracting numerous pilgrims from Cham villages in the province and Kinh people in the region. Another attraction at Hon Do is an ancient stele, dating back to the 11th century, next to the Po Bia Chuai temple, inscribed with ancient Sanskrit and Cham script containing much historical information.

Statue of Queen Po Bia Chuai.

An inscription on a stele at Hon Do Island bears ancient Sanskrit and Cham script.

Standing amidst the breezy landscape of Hon Do today, one can imagine a land once bustling with the footsteps of ancient people thousands of years ago. The interplay between pristine natural beauty and historical-archaeological value makes Hon Do not only a tourist destination but also a place that helps visitors understand the cultural depth of Khanh Hoa province. If properly invested in and developed, linking conservation with sustainable tourism development, Hon Do promises to become an attractive cultural and ecological destination, contributing to enriching the local tourism map.

SC-TD

Source: https://baokhanhhoa.vn/van-hoa/202602/hon-do-diem-den-du-lich-van-hoa-tiem-nang-8236f41/