Farmers catching fish in the islet. — VNS Photos Phước Bửu - Văn Sum |
Rú Chá islet is one of the only places in Huế that people can experience the autumn leaves of chá (excoecaria agallocha – a mangrove species) trees. The islet has become a must-visit destination for photographers around the country.
Rú Chá is a tiny islet (rú) on the Tam Giang Lagoon in central Thừa Thiên - Huế Province. Originally, Rú Chá was a mangrove forest before local people encroached on the land for farming, leaving the emerging part of the forest a 5ha islet.
Leaves on chá trees are green during summer and turn red and yellow in autumn. During winter, the trees appear have bare branches before blossoming in spring.
People visit the islet during summer for cool breezes and the shade of the chá trees. In the middle of the islet, local authorities constructed a 5m tall tower that provides a good view of the islet.
The islet is also a pilgrimage place for hầu đồng during the lunar months of March and July thanks to an old temple amidst the trees. Visitors can eat brackish water fish and shrimp and poultry served by the only couple who live on the islet if they make an advance reservation. — VNS
A scene reminiscent of a lake in Hà Nội. |
One of the two only residents of the islet working hard. |
Yellow leaves cover the roads. |
Yellow and red leaves give the feeling of European autumn in Việt Nam. |
Girls dressed up for a photo op on the islet. |