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.

The Swallows in Cu Lao Cham are small birds with grey feathers and black wings. They often fly out to find food (mainly insects and dew) in the morning and return to their caves at dusk. Swallows choose dangerous caves on cliffs close to the sea to make their nests and lay eggs, to avoid waves and winds. Caves with many swallows are: Hon Kho (mother), Hon Lao, Hon Tai, Hang To Vo, Hang Ca.

The exploitation takes place in deep, precarious and dangerous caves. Miners have to build temporary bamboo scaffolding , climb high cliffs, and squeeze into narrow caves. This is a traditional craft full of danger and hardship . Currently, the exploitation and management of Cu Lao Cham bird's nests is carried out by the Hoi An Bird's Nest Management and Exploitation Board, with a focus on conservation, especially in the context of the alarming decline in the number of swiftlet flocks. Cu Lao Cham bird's nests are still a valuable specialty, the pride of Quang Nam ( Da Nang ).