Have you explored many attractions in the city and want to find a place to relax? Cham Island Vietnam will be a perfect place for you to visit. The stunning beaches, seafood and traditional fishing villages are things that will surprise tourists when coming to this tourist destination. So, let’s discover this wonderful island with us right away!
Cham Island Vietnam (Cu Lao Cham): Complete Guide For Visitors
By huynhtuyen | Posted in Hoi An | August 7, 2024
Main Contents
About Cham Island in Vietnam
Cham Island (Cu Lao Cham) is an island cluster consisting of 8 small islands: Hon Lao, Hon Dai, Hon Tai, Hon Ong, Hon Kho Me, Hon Kho Con, Hon La and Hon Mo.
With a total area of more than 15km2, of which about 90% is forest area. Hon Lao is the largest island in Cham Island Vietnam. Additionally, this is a large population lives and is the center of activities and services.
Location
Cham Island is geographically an island located in Tan Hiep commune, Hoi An city, Quang Nam province, Vietnam. This island is located about 15km from Cua Dai port, about 23km from Hoi An Ancient Town and about 45km from Da Nang city. Cham island is a must-visit destination for tourists when they come to Da Nang or Hoi An in the dry season.
Entrance fee
With the richness and diversity of this flora and fauna system, Cham Island Vietnam was recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve in 2009. That’s why tourists have to pay more ecological fee when they come to this island.
Entrance fee: 70.000 VND/person.
Ecological fee: 20.000 VND/person.
Best time to visit Cham Island Vietnam
Before exploring the beauty of this island, it’s essential to consider the ideal time to visit Cham Island. The dry season occurs from March to August in Hoi An will be the best time for you to visit Cham Island. During this time, the weather is sunny and rainfall is minimal.
Moreover, the sea is calm and has gentle wind during these months. So, all of these reasons will make these months the best time for you to explore the beautiful beaches or outside activities in this destination.
How to get to Cham Island Vietnam
If you are in Da Nang or Hoi An, you can book a private car, taxi or motorbike to get to Cua Dai Port. From this port, you have two options to choose from to reach Cham Island:
By canoe
The time from Cua Dai port by boat only takes about 15 minutes, very fast and convenient. Moreover, the departure time for the most crowded canoes is usually from 8 AM to 9 AM because during this time there are many tourist groups, making it easy to combine groups.
The ticket fee is from 200.000 VND/pax/1 way.
By wooden boat
In the past, wooden ships were the main means of transportation and were also used to transport goods from the mainland to the island and from the island to the mainland. However, this way will take more time than by canoe.
The ticket fee is from 150.000 VND to 200.000 VND/person/way. So, this is a budget option for tourists.
The ticket fee maybe change depending on the season so you need to ask or learn more about the prices if you want to book.
The must-visit attraction on Cham Island Vietnam
Cham Island Museum
Although only small in scale, the Cham Island Museum house contains all the cultural relics of the island. This is a place to display vivid visual images of the lives of fishing village people, and unique messages unique to this island. You will have the opportunity to admire many species of creatures on the list that need to be preserved such as sea turtles, stone crabs, coral reefs… So, this is a must-visit place when you come to Cham Island.
Hai Tang Temple
This ancient temple was built in the 19th Canh Hung period. This temple is a religious building combining worship of Buddha and gods. This is a place where people and merchants often visit to pray for luck and convenience on their business and trading paths. The architecture along with the natural space surrounding the temple will definitely give you special feelings when you visit this temple.
Tan Hiep Market – the only market on Cham Island Vietnam
Tan Hiep Market is the only market on this wonderful island. Many people still call this Cham Island market, it is located right in the wharf area. This market sells all kinds of products: forest specialties, souvenirs and all kinds of dried and fresh seafood.
Additionally, you can observe the lifestyle and activities of the people on Cham Island, then enjoy some food and buy a few items as gifts for your relatives and friends.
The windy strait of Cham Island (Eo Gio)
This is a destination that tourists can hardly miss if they want to find a place to catch the sunrise or watch the sunset. This is surrounded by blue mountains and vast, endless sea and sky. Moreover, this place is like a wall, protecting fishermen firmly on the sea.
The ancient well of the Cham people
This is the only relic of the Cham people left on the island. With an age of more than 200 years, Cham well has been classified as a special national monument (in 2006). Furthermore, this is the main source of freshwater for the people. The special thing is that the water in the well never runs out, even in the driest season.
Try snorkeling and diving in Cham Island
The feeling of diving into the cool water, seeing and touching the vibrant, beautiful coral reefs with your own eyes, and taking in the vast ocean world with all its colorful fish is surely an unforgettable experience in the journey of exploring this island.
If you want to see the coral reefs in the waters of Cu Lao Cham, you can choose one of three forms:
Snorkeling: This is the most popular and widely chosen form of coral viewing at Cu Lao Cham. When participating, visitors are provided with life jackets, diving goggles, and brief instructions on skills to ensure safety. Visitors will face down on the water’s surface and move along with the current to admire the beauty of the coral reefs and the fish.
Diving: Diving means that visitors will view the coral reefs from a closer distance (approximately 5 meters deep). This form includes a personal guide who instructs visitors on underwater maneuvers and signals. Then, they are equipped with a snorkel, diving goggles, and an air tank to experience the dive.
Walking under the sea: For visitors who want to step directly onto the ocean floor. Visitors are provided with a specialized diving helmet weighing 30 kg, which feels like 5 kg underwater, and are taught how to walk underwater. Visitors will follow the handrails at the bottom of the sea to admire the coral reefs and feed the fish by hand.
Coral viewing prices for specific forms:
Each form of coral viewing has its own advantages and disadvantages and comes with different prices.
- Snorkeling: 150,000 VND/person.
- Diving: 800,000 VND/person.
- Walking under the sea: 950,000 VND/person.
Useful tips when traveling Cham Island Vietnam
Don’t bring plastic bags to this island. This is part of your contribution to protecting marine life and the island environment.
If you suffer from seasickness, you should take a dose of seasickness medicine before coming to this island.
Remember to prepare a pair of sneakers or flat shoes for convenient travel on this island.
When coming to Cu Lao Cham, you definitely have to go swimming, right? So, don’t forget to prepare a swimsuit, towel, soap and some personal items such as: sunscreen, hats, glasses,…
Cham Island Vietnam always attracts many tourists every year because of its stunning landscapes and peaceful atmosphere. Therefore, if you travel to Hoi An or Da Nang, this is a must-visit attraction for you to explore.