QUẢNG NAM — The central province of Quang Nam has designated the Tam Hải Island commune in Núi Thành District as an eco-tour site, ecological buffer zone and global geo-park site.

Chairman of Núi Thành District’s people’s committee, Huỳnh Văn Mau, told Việt Nam News the eco-park on the 15sq.km island off the coast of Núi Thành District would be similar to Chàm Island-Hội An, a world biosphere reserve, and Lý Sơn Island off Quảng Ngãi Province. Early this year, Quảng Nam province in co-operation with Quảng Ngãi launched a new cruise tour that takes in the three islands.

Nguyễn Văn Phong from the provincial Urban and Rural Area Planning Institute said the tourism plan would help protect the environment and primary mangrove forest on the island, as well as its historical relic and cultural value. Phong said the plan also includes re-planting coconut trees, as well as changing aquaculture farms into coastal protected mangrove forests.

He said the province would draw up a plan to submit the island for recognition as a global geo-park in the future.

The fishing Island was populated 600 years ago and its historical vestiges can still be seen in Thuận An Hamlet at the foot of Bàn Than Mountain.

Islanders have preserved 5km of coral reef and a 7.5ha primary mangrove forest for centuries.Tam Hải also protects the largest grave in the central region – where 500 whales that died on the coast or offshore are buried. 

The 8,400-population commune, a five-minute boat trip from Núi Thành District, is an ideal destination for adventure trips and a green, peaceful vacation. Around 700 visitors come there on weekends.

In 2015, the French-influenced Le Domaine De Tam Hải Resort on the island was given a Certificate of Excellence by the travel website TripAdvisor. The 10ha resort includes 11 villas scattered among coconut palms, each with a private terrace and a view of the sea. — VNS