Due to the impacts of natural disasters and human activities, the coral reefs of the Hon Yen group (O Loan municipality, Dak Lak province) are at risk of impoverishment.
Therefore, local authorities and relevant organizations are proposing various solutions to develop tourism in harmony with and related to the conservation of the local ecosystem.
A precious jewel must be protected.
Visiting Hon Yen Island at the beginning or end of summer, when the tide retreats, reveals a vast expanse of coral reefs with shimmering colors, offering a stunning landscape. Photo: Khanh Hoa / VNA
The picturesque site of Hon Yen was classified as a national monument in 2018. The Hon Yen complex includes Hon Yen, Hon Dun, Ban Than, Ganh Yen, Hon Choi and Vung Choi, forming an exceptional coastal natural site. Among these sites, Hon Yen is the jewel of this complex, offering remarkable natural wealth, from geology to fauna and flora, through biodiversity, cultural and historical heritage, as well as a strong potential for tourism development. It is home to 12.7 hectares of coral reefs with 17 species of corals living on volcanic basaltic rocks. There are also many other small sea creatures, such as starfish.
Summer (from about April to June each year) is the time when the coral reefs of Hon Yen are the most beautiful. At each low tide (which usually lasts two to three days), reefs near the shore are discovered. Locals and tourists can then walk along the coast at low tide to admire the diversity and colors of corals. In addition to this discovery of the coastline, visitors can also opt for a basket boat trip to get as close as possible to the corals. However, in recent years, due to climate change and frequent storms, the coral reefs of Hon Yen have been threatened with increasing decline, both in quantity and diversity. In addition, overfishing and the rapid development of tourism have also strongly impacted these reefs. The combined effect of natural disasters and human activities represents a major challenge for the conservation and enhancement of this national heritage site.
Mr. Nguyen Minh Chien (municipality of Hoa My, Dak Lak province) confided that he had visited the island of Hon Yen on many occasions to explore and admire its coral reefs. He is very proud that his native region is home to such a beautiful and attractive tourist destination. However, every time he goes there, he notices a significant amount of plastic waste. This disturbs tourists and harms coral reefs to some extent.
Over the years, the tourist offer of the island of Hon Yen has proven to be rather monotonous and unprofessional. Most tourist groups visit the island individually, without organized tours or itineraries. The integration of Hon Yen tourism with other tourist destinations in the province has proved ineffective. The promotion of Hon Yen’s tourist brand is limited and unprofessional. The local population has not yet developed real livelihoods closely linked to the protection of the island ecosystem.
Mr. Duong Ngoc Thang (Nhon Hoi village, municipality of O Loan) stressed that the involvement of the local population is essential to the enhancement of tourism and the preservation of the picturesque site of Hon Yen. The local community actively participates in the protection of the coral reef and raises awareness among tourists of environmentally friendly behavior, thus becoming an important link in the sustainable tourism chain.
Promoting the role of the community
Recognized since 2018, Hon Yen Island captivates visitors with its immaculate beauty and the possibility of admiring magnificent ancient coral reefs without resorting to scuba diving. Photo: Khanh Hoa/TTXVN
In early April 2026, the Women’s Union of the province of Dak Lak, in coordination with the People’s Committee of the municipality of O Loan, launched the project « Promotion of the management of coral reef conservation associated with community tourism and enhancement of the cultural heritage of coastal villages » at the national monument of Hon Yen. This project involves the Hon Yen Tourism Cooperative, whose members are mainly from the local community.
According to Nguyen Thi Phan, Director of the Hon Yen Tourism Cooperative, it plays an essential role in liaison between public authorities and the population to protect coral reefs and preserve the quality of the environment around Hon Yen, especially at low tide. In parallel with this project, the cooperative is intensifying its efforts to promote community tourism among residents and encourage local artisans to register their products with the Hon Yen Tourism Cooperative (OCOP) in order to offer them to tourists.
Currently, in order to reconcile tourism development and preservation of coral reefs in the face of the increase in the number of visitors, the Hon Yen tourism cooperative favors the quality of experiences rather than quantity. Several immersive tours have been set up, such as: a day in the shoes of a fisherman; tasting the cuisine of a fishing village and the responsible exploration of coral reefs; the discovery of traditional crafts such as making fish sauce, swallow nests and net braiding; visiting hills and mountains, cycling and traditional boat rides.
The preservation of coral reefs around Hon Yen Island makes sense of the community tourism model. Participating households are also made aware of coral conservation. Thanks to tourism activities, conservation is facilitated because residents and tourists better understand the coastal ecosystem.
Mr. Nguyen Hung Dung, chairman of the People’s Committee of the municipality of O Loan, said the municipality is committed to finalizing the regulation on the management and strengthening of community groups involved in tourism on the island of Hon Yen, while supporting the population in the development of unique, ecosystem-friendly tourism products. These measures are essential to realize the local tourism potential and contribute to the increase in residents’ incomes.
The island of Hon Yen is home to many unique coral species. Photo: Khanh Hoa/TTXVN
Currently, Hon Yen attracts mainly Chinese tourists. The number of international visitors remains low due to the authentic and rural character of the region. However, given the increase in the number of visitors, it will be necessary for the local population to be able to benefit from basic conversational English courses in order to improve their reception and exchanges with foreign tourists. In addition, the local population and service companies must cooperate and limit abusive pricing practices and unfair competition in order to create a healthy and consumer-friendly tourist environment.
According to Ms. Nguyen Thi Hong Thai, President of the Dak Lak Province Women’s Union, one of the sustainable approaches to developing tourism on Hon Yen Island, while protecting the ecosystem and the environment, is to promote the role of the local community. In concrete terms, it is essential to move from awareness to action, including through the implementation of concrete models such as women’s groups and local associations protecting coral reefs, as well as initiatives for plastic-free coastal roads. The protection of coral reefs and the preservation of the natural environment will make Hon Yen Island an attractive tourist destination, and the population will benefit from sustainable tourism.
source : Vietnam
