CU LAO CHAM ISLAND – A PLACE TO DISCOVER

Location

Situated about 15 km from Cua Dai beach, Cham Island comprises eight islets. It is endowed by nature with terrific advantages: nice weather all year round, unspoiled and beautiful beaches and great landscape. Visitors can discover and enjoy many things on the island.

In 2009, the island was recognized as a world biosphere reserve by UNESCO. It has more than 1,500 ha of natural forest and more than 6,700 ha of water surface, and is home to a critical ecosystem that includes coral reefs, seaweed and sea grass beds. The area is also rich in marine resources, including many species of ecological and economic importance.

How to get to Cham Island

By high-speed boat

Location: At Cua Dai port | Duration: 30 minutes
Buy ticket at Hoi An travel agent, hotels or buy directly at Song Hoi (Cua Dai Port)
Fee: 150.000 VND - 250.000 VND/one way

By Local Ferry

Location: At Hoai River, near Hoi An fish market | Duration: 2 hours
Departure time: 8.30 am, every day | Return time: 12 pm
Fee: 20.000VND - 30.000 VND/one way

Note: If you want to stay longer, go to Chong islet and take tourist boat. It is more expensive than local boat. The tourist boat departs at 3 pm every day.

From Da Nang city

Location: Han river in Da Nang, in front of Da Nang’s Vietnam Television Center
Duration: 1 hour | Fee: 120.000VND/one way
By high speed boat | Buy ticket: At any tourism agent or ask the hotel you stay

What should I bring?

•    Towel & swimwear
•    Soap & shampoo
•    Toothbrush & toothpaste
•    Medicines
•    Mosquito repellent

There are three small shops in Bai Huong selling to local households.

That's all you need to know to get to Cu Lao Cham Island. Let's continue!

Stop at “Bien Phong”- Border Patrol to register for entry Cham Island. You need to show your Passport & valid visa to travel to Cham islands.

Given these advantages, the Pearl of Hoi An has attracted tourists who are interested in adventures and nature discovery. Picnic, camping and scuba diving are among the top choices of visitors. Many positive reviews have been given by international visitors on the famous tourism forum tripadvisor.com.

A New Zealand tourist who visited Cham Island in July wrote:

“We had a great day out with the team from Cham Island Diving. Not only reasonably priced, but a brilliant seafood lunch, beautiful relatively quiet beach stop and great snorkeling spots.”

A Hong Kong visitor commented:

“Great atmosphere, beautiful beach and fun diving!”

Some other tourists said Cham Island diving was worth of 5/5 points.

Besides a rich ecosystem, the Cham Island Marine Protected Area’s ancient monuments absolutely captivate tourists. The excavated ruins are proof of the former cultural and trade exchanges between Cham Island and countries in the region. The island was once a transshipment point of international merchant ships on the maritime silk road found in the 13th century. Famous vestiges such as Hai Tang Pagoda, Cham Well in Cam village, Temple of the Founder of the Edible Birds Nest Industry, Mausoleum of the Tutelary God reflect the prosperity of the ancient Cham and Vietnamese people thousands of years ago.

For those who like tranquility, unspoiled countryside and relaxation, the island is an appropriate destination. Its beaches which are almost untouched by humans are as beautiful as those on Phu Quoc Island off Kien Giang Province in the country’s south. Visitors can enjoy the fresh air and warm sunshine. However, the island is less known due to insufficient promotion and inconvenient transportation.

Visitors can also stay overnight at a fisherman’s house. The islanders are friendly and honest. Visitors will enjoy savoring rustic but delicious dishes made with wild vegetables, fish, squid and pickles and listen to the home owner’s fishing trip stories or legends about the island.

Those who want to go to Cham Island to simply enjoy fresh seafood could take a squid catching or fishing tour. Travel agents and fishermen will take them to a fishing ground. Caught fish and squid will be served at a restaurant or right on board.