Cu Lao Cham (Cham Islands) is an offshore archipelago of Hoi An, with 8 islands. The largest island is called ‘Hon Lao’, popularly known as ‘Cham Island’. This island is famous for nearly-private white sandy beaches, rugged coastlines, ancient ruins, fresh seafood, and traditional craft in collecting bird nests. Cham Islands is one of the first marine parks in Vietnam because of its high underwater biodiversity. In sunny months, it’s busy with thousands of visitors a day. Now let’s HoiAn Day Trip Company tell you everything that you need to know about Cham Islands.
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• Content by Tam Le, founder of HOIAN DAY TRIP CO.,LTD
• Designed by Giang Cong Minh, co-founder of LS E&C LTD and his team
• Photo by Dang Cong Loi, Dao Xuan Son, Tam Le & other
Must Knows about Cham Islands (Cu Lao Cham)
– Location: Tan Hiep commune, Hoi An city, Quang Nam, Vietnam
– Name of islands: Hon Lao (‘beach sheoak island’), Hon Dai (‘long island’), Hon Mo (‘tomb island’), Hon La (‘leaf island’), Hon Kho Me (‘dry island the mother’ or ‘big dry island’), Hon Kho Con (‘dry island the baby’ or ‘small dry island’), Hon Tai (‘ear island’), Hon Ong (‘uncle island’)
– Other name(s): Hoi An Islands,
– Name’s meaning: ‘islands of Cham people’ (Cham people lived here before 14th century)
– Area: 16,16 km2
– Population: 2,300 people
– Ticket price: 70,000 VND/adult & children above 1,3m, 35,000 VND/children from 1 to 1,3m, free for smaller kids
– Extra fee: ecological fee (20,000 VND/person), boat transfers, tour, food & drink, shopping
– Reason(s) to visit: beautiful beaches, one of the best snorkeling/diving place in Vietnam
– Travel blog: https://hoiandaytrip.com/cham-islands-travel-guide
– Tour guide: contact +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo)
– Recognition(s): national marine park (2003), Unesco world biosphere reserve (2009)
– Food & drink: yes available
– Shopping: yes available
Cham Islands (Hoi An) on Map
Islands of Cham Islands Map
Cham Islands Marine Park & Biosphere Reserve
Cham Islands marine park was established in 2003, one of the first marine parks in Vietnam. Its total area is 23,500 hectares. This place is home to 947 living creatures, including 178 fish species, 122 seaweed species, 134 coral species, 144 shellfish species, and 25 crustacean species. Absolutely, it’s amongst the richest underwater protection areas in Vietnam and the region. Areas of untouched coral reefs and marine life are strictly preserved, and don’t open to tourists.
Other marine parks in Vietnam: Phu Quoc (Kien Giang), Nha Trang Bay (Khanh Hoa), Nui Chua (Ninh Thuan), Con Co Island (Quang Tri), Ly Son Island (Quang Ngai), Con Dao Islands (Ba Ria Vung Tau), Phu Quy Island, Hon Cau Island (Binh Thuan),…
In 2009, Cham Islands was designated to be a Unesco world biosphere reserve, aiming for biodiversity protection and sustainable development. Its total area is 33,574 hectares, including a core zone as Cham Islands marine park, a buffer zone as Hoi An’s countryside & areas along rivers. Hoi An is the first city in Vietnam that has both cultural and natural heritages on the global level.
Other Unesco world biosphere reserves in Vietnam: Can Gio Mangrove (Ho Chi Minh City), Dong Nai, Kien Giang, Cat Ba (Hai Phong), Kon Ha Nung (Gia Lai), Nui Chua (Ninh Thuan), Lang Biang (Lam Dong), Mui Ca Mau (Ca Mau)
History of Cham Islands (Cu Lao Cham)
The main island of Cham Islands – Hon Lao was inhabited by humans at least 3,100 years ago.
Cham Islands are named after Cham people who lived on the island before Vietnamese people. One of remains about their lives is Xom Cam Well (water well).
Best Time to Visit Cham Islands (Cu Lao Cham)
The best time to visit Cham Islands in the year is the dry season, from February to the end of August. In this period, locals and visitors can get there safely by boat because the waves and the wind are not strong, the sea is calmer. It’s always sunny, perfect for sightseeing historical sites, taking photos, and doing water activities, especially underwater discoveries. It’s called ‘diving season’. Not only day trippers, those who want to stay overnight on Cham Islands will have a good time to relax on beautiful beaches, and savour fresh seafood. The sea is not cold, just great to take a dip.
In other months of the year (from September to January), it rains much more frequently than the dry season, plus strong waves and wind. It’s difficult and dangerous to go to Cham Islands by any vehicle. For that reason, day trips are not organized anymore by local companies. If you are willing to have a snorkeling or diving time in these islands, you should come to Hoi An/Da Nang between February and September. If it’s just optional in the travel plan, please check the weather forecast when the trip is closer. Don’t forget to have a free day to add to the Cham islands tour when the weather is good to go.
The worst time to visit Cham Islands is from October to January. In these months, typhoons may hit the area, causing very bad weather. Nobody can go to the islands at that time (because it’s so dangerous).
Things to See & Do in Cham Islands (Cu Lao Cham)
Historical Sites on Cham Island
In the main island of Cham Islands – Hon Lao (meaning: ‘Island of Beach Sheoak’), visitors can go to these places to learn about island’s history and daily life of islanders:
– Hai Tang Pagoda (Bai Lang village): the oldest Buddhist temple on the island (built in 1758) by monks following Linji or Lam Te school (a school of Pure Land Buddhism). This place is holy to both locals (mainly fishermen) and merchants whose sailing boats docked in the village to buy food and water. It’s used to worship Sakyamuni Buddha (Phat Thich Ca Mau Ni), Maitreya Buddha (Phat Di Lac), Amitabha Buddha (Phat A Di Da), God of Heaven, and Ksitigarbha Buddha (Phat Dia Tang). In its yard, behind the three-arched gate, there is a statue of Lady Buddha (aka ‘Goddess of Mercy’) who blesses safe travels. In the past, monks lived and practiced here, but now, there are no monks. In 2006, Hai Tang Pagoda (and other 6 sites in Cham Islands) was Vietnam’s national cultural heritage. See more information & details
– Xom Cam Well (Bai Lang village): this is a small well on the way from Cham Island harbour, market to Hai Tang Pagoda. Former builder and owner are definitely Cham people, but which year they built is still not found yet. In travel diaries of European merchants, they mentioned that they docked at Cham Islands and took the fresh water from this well to use later. Today, it’s still in use. Local inhabitants believe that if drink the tea made by water from Xom Cam Well and wild plants from nearby forests, they won’t get seasick and will have better health. In 2006, this site (and other 6 sites in Cham Islands) was Vietnam’s national cultural heritage.
– Tan Hiep Market: the biggest market on the island, with stalls selling souvenirs, dried seafood, local specialty dishes, and fresh seafood. It’s one of stops in Cham islands day tours.
– Cham Islands Museum: In these small museums, visitors will see maps, pictures, and specimens of different marine lives, showing the diversity of the islands. It’s on the way from the market to the well and the temple on Cham islands day tour.
– Temple for Bird Nest Ancestors (Bai Huong village): this temple is in a village 4,5km away from the main village of Cham Island (Bai Lang). It’s dedicated to worshiping ‘bird nest ancestors’ who started the traditional craft in collecting bird nests in the cliffs of Cham Islands. It’s constructed in 1848. In 2006, this old temple (and other 6 sites in Cham Islands) was recognized as Vietnam’s national cultural heritage. See more information & details
If have one day only in Cham Island, visitors can hire a local driver to get to this temple (by motorbike).
Best Beaches on Cham Islands
The Cham Islands has one island only with beaches, and it’s Hon Lao, the largest island. This island boasts a dozen of white sandy beaches along its coastline.
The best beach in Cham Islands is ‘Bai Ong’, near the main village Bai Lang and the harbour. It’s a 300-meters-long strip of white fine sand, with crystal-clear seawater on one side and tall coconut trees on the other side. This beach is spacious enough to let visitors go swimming, sunbathe, play water sports (jet skiing, parachuting, stand up paddleboarding), or just relax on sun loungers with extremely cool breezes. Fresh water shower, swimsuit rental or for sale are available here. Bai Ong is accessible by boat, motorbike, and walking. Camping here is possible to do but it’s needed to contact locals for renting the tent and accounting local authorities. See more information & details
‘Bai Chong’ is another good beach in Cham Islands. It’s to the south of the main village/harbour (distance: 2 km). This beach has a 400-meters-long stretch of white fine sand, boarded by very clean and clear seawater. A couple of restaurants are here, under coconut trees. Visitors can get there by boat, motorbike or walking. Its name originates from nearby special stones that sit on the top of each other.
Snorkeling in Cham Islands
Diving in Cham Islands
Underwater Walking in Cham Islands
Is Cham Islands Worth Visiting?
Full detail: Is Cham Islands Worth Visiting?
Tips to Visit Cham Islands for Day Trippers
– Remember to bring sun cream, sunglasses, hat/cap/umbrella because it’s very sunny and hot in Cham Islands. Somebody advises to bring a rain poncho to wear while sitting on the speedboat, to be wet.
– Visitors can NOT bring the plastic bag to Cham Islands because it’s banned.
– Swimsuit is a must to bring.
– If like snorkeling, diving, swimming or other water activities in Cham Islands, please bring a ‘phone cover’ to protect your phone or take pictures while being in the sea.
– If you are not Vietnamese passport holder, please have a picture of your passport, to show local polices or fill some necessary forms when needed. Cham Islands is managed by the army, so security control is necessary for national defense.
– Visitors should book the Cham Islands day tour in advance.
– Visitors should book the Cham Islands tour from local companies, to support the local economy and business. Contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo) for information and booking.
Food & Restaurants in Cham Islands (Cu Lao Cham)
Day trips to Cham Islands always include a set menu lunch at a restaurant by the beach. A set may have some dishes from this list: vegetable salad, grilled scallops, fried noodles, steamed shrimp, fish, stir-fried morning glory, central Vietnamese style sour soup, fried eggs, banh it la gai (ramie leaf rice cake), steamed rice, seasonal fruit,…Visitors will pay for beverages by their own. Families, couples, and groups of friends sit and eat together. Vegetarian lunch is available upon the request.
If want to skip lunch during the tour, visitors can see the menu at the same restaurant where other people in the group eat, and choose something of their own. Except for seafood dishes, the price is not really expensive. Additionally, day trippers can buy fresh seafood at the local market, bring it to the restaurant, and have a request to cook it by their favourite ways of cooking or recipes (with a ‘cooking fee’). This option is more expensive, but the seafood at Cham Islands definitely is one of things that travelers can not miss.
How to Get to Cham Islands (Cu Lao Cham)
Cham Islands is accessible by boat only. From the mainland, visitors can choose to get there by speed boat or local boat ferry. Traveling by speedboat is quicker and safer but more expensive, and traveling by local boat ferry is cheap but long.
Transfers by speedboat to Cham Islands, start at the Cua Dai Tourist Port (in the end of Au Co street, near Thu Bon river estuary in Hoi An). From here, the boats go to the islands in the morning, and return in the afternoon. We advise visitors coming to this harbour before 9:30 AM. Here, it’s possible to see tour companies to buy their day trips or just transfers. One way by speedboat to Cham Islands is about 20 mins long.
From Hoi An, the distance to the Cua Dai Tourist Port is 13 kilometers maximum. It takes visitors 10-30 mins if use a car/taxi, and longer if self drive the motorbike. Motorbike parking is available at the harbour, with a small fee. See more information & details
From Da Nang, the distance to the Cua Dai Tourist Harbour is around 30 kilometers. It takes visitors 45-60 mins if use a car/taxi, and longer a bit if self drive the motorbike. Motorbike parking is available at the harbour, with a small fee. See more information & details
If like to experience the local boat ferry or want to bring a motorbike/bicycle to Cham Islands, you should start the day early. The boat station where the boat docks is at the end of the alleyway next to Bel Marina Hoi An Resort. See more information & details
Cham Island Tours From Da Nang/Hoi An
Here are the best tours to Cham Islands in Hoi An:
– Cham Island Day Tour from Hoi An with Snorkeling
– Cham Island Day Tour from Da Nang with Snorkeling
– Cham Island Private Tour with Snorkeling & Speed Boat
HOIAN DAY TRIP CO.,LTD daily organizes tours in Hoi An and Da Nang. Contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo) or browse www.hoiandaytrip.com to see tours and make a reservation. Thank you very much!
Staying Overnight on Cham Island (Cu Lao Cham)
Tourists can stay overnight in Cham Islands. There are two villages to :
– Bai Lang:
– Bai Huong:
See more information and details in Cham Island Accommodation: Guide to Staying Overnight on Cham Island
Quick Q&A about Cham Islands (Cu Lao Cham)
Photos, Videos about Cham Islands (Cu Lao Cham)
Here are beautiful photos and videos about Cham Islands:
