Cham Islands Hoi An: An amazing escapade to immerse yourself in nature

Contents

Cham Islands attracts a lot of domestic and international tourists (Source: Collected)

1. Are Cham Islands worth visiting?

The cluster of Cham Islands consists of 8 different islands in Tan Hiep commune, Hoi An town, Quang Nam province. It is about 20 kilometers away from Hoi An and about 45 kilometers away from Da Nang. The island cluster has an area of ​​up to 15.5 square kilometers. 90% of the island area is covered by vast green forests.

Here, there is a rich flora and fauna ecosystem and various historical sites that have existed for hundreds of years. In October 2003, the nature reserve of Cham Islands was established and is one of 15 marine protected areas in Vietnam. In 2009, this destination was recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve.

Cham Islands was recognized as a world biosphere reserve (Source: Collected)

Explore: Vietnam islands: 10 EPIC destinations for your sun-kissed trip

2. What to see: Top attractions in Cham Islands Vietnam

2.1. Beautiful beaches

Coming to Cham Islands, visitors will have the chance to relax, swim, watch the sunset and enjoy various watersports at the following beautiful beaches:

• Bai Ong: A beach that has a long stretch of fine white sand, clear blue sea, green coconut trees and spinach beds. Here, you can swim in the sea and participate in games such as parasailing, jet skiing, etc.
• Bai Xep: A beach with clear blue water, it has the most beautiful coral reefs among the cluster of Cham Islands.
• Bai Chong: A beach with a white sand stretch, straight rows of coconut trees and rocks of various shapes stacked together.
• Bai Huong: A beach with a pristine fishing village located at the foot of a deep green natural forest. This is the ideal place for visitors to explore the life of fishermen and enjoy fresh seafood.

The pristine white sand stretches will make your Cham Islands tour perfect (Source: Collected)

See more: Hoi An beaches – TOP ideal places to satisfy your wanderlust

2.2. Museum of Cham Islands Marine Protection

The Museum of Cham Islands Marine Protection is a place where you can learn about the history, customs, cultural festivals of the indigenous fishermen and about the sea creatures. This place has a scale model of Cham Islands, providing a most comprehensive view of the 8 different islands of the cluster. In addition, the museum also displays samples of marine life in the area such as stone crabs, sea turtles, rare coral reefs, etc.

Learn about the history and life of local fishermen on Cham Islands by visiting the Museum of Marine Protection (Source: Collected)

2.3. Local fishing village on Cu Lao Cham Islands

In addition to tourism, the residents of Cham Islands live mainly on fishing. Currently on the island, there are still some idyllic fishing villages at Bai Huong, Bai Lang, and Bai Ong beaches. Coming to these villages, visitors will have the chance to escape the bustle of the city and experience a peaceful countryside life.

Approach the friendly locals at the fishing villages on Cu Lao Cham (Source: Collected)

2.4. The Champa ancient well

This 200-year-old ancient well of Champa is located in the residential area of Xom Cam. With the island being surrounded by the sea, this is the only source of freshwater that is free from saltwater or alum intrusion. Rumor has it that drinking the well’s water can cure seasickness, bring good luck and help mothers give birth at will.

The well of Cam Hamlet on Cham Island is believed to bring good luck to those sipping its water (Source: Collected)

2.5. Tan Hiep Market

Located right at the port, Tan Hiep market is a place where visitors can buy dried seafood, fresh seafood and souvenirs made from shells, snails, rocks, etc. The seafood at the market is cheaper than that in the mainland because it is caught by local fishermen and sold on the spot.

You can shop for local specialties at Tan Hiep Market (Source: Collected)

2.6. Hai Tang Temple

Hai Tang Temple is located at the foot of the western mountain of Hon Lao island, overlooking a large field. Despite the harsh nature, the temple has remained intact for hundreds of years. This sacred ancient temple has become a symbol of the island. Coming here, you will have the chance to learn more about history, sightsee, pray for good luck and keep your mind pure.

There are many attractive spots to explore on Cham Islands (Source: Collected)

2.7. Eo Gio

Eo Gio is a scenic spot on Cham Island, located along the coastal road in Bai Huong, about 3 km from Bai Lang. Famous for its stunning sunrise views, Eo Gio is characterized by cliffs that curve around two arching mountain ranges, creating a natural saddle-like shape, which gives the site its name. The route to Eo Gio is paved, offering a smooth journey, with wildflowers lining the path. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a clear view of the Cham Island Lighthouse from this vantage point.

Eo Gio is a perfect spot to watch the sunrise on Cham Island (Source: Collected)

Read more: Things to do in Hoi An: Make your journey full of excitement

3. What to do: Cannot-miss experiences on Cham Islands

3.1. Parasailing adventure

Visitors can embark on a thrilling parasailing adventure, where they are equipped with a life jacket and securely fastened to a parasail. As a speedboat accelerates, the parasail lifts them into the sky, allowing them to glide gracefully at an altitude of about 70 meters. For 10-15 minutes, participants can enjoy breathtaking views of the expansive sea and sky. This experience is perfect for those who crave excitement and a sense of freedom.

Try parasailing to enjoy the fresh sea breeze and observe the islands from above (Source: Collected)

3.2. Snorkeling and coral viewing

Cu Lao Cham is renowned for its abundant coral reefs, making it an ideal destination for snorkeling enthusiasts. Most tours include this activity, but independent travelers can purchase tickets at the pier or local guesthouses. Various options are available, ranging from sea walking and shallow snorkeling to deep-sea diving with tanks. Prices vary from 200,000 to 1 million VND depending on the experience. These activities provide an immersive experience in the vibrant underwater world.

Cu Lao Cham is home to colorful coral reefs, perfect for snorkeling and scuba-diving tours (Source: Collected)

3.3. Night squid and fish fishing

Visitors can experience the life of a fisherman by participating in night squid and fish fishing, a highlight of a 2-day, 1-night trip to Cu Lao Cham. For 700,000 to 1 million VND, visitors can rent a boat that comes equipped with bait, fishing rods, and life jackets. The ideal time for this activity is from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM, offering a chance to catch fresh seafood for a small feast. However, this experience is best suited for those who do not suffer from seasickness.

Board a local ship offshore and experience life as a real fisherman (Source: Collected)

3.4. Island hopping

Cu Lao Cham’s main island, Hon Lao, is surrounded by seven smaller islands, all waiting to be explored. Visitors can rent a boat for around 700,000 VND to visit these islands, with a capacity of up to 10 people. For those interested in bird-watching, especially the swiftlets that nest on the islands, a shorter tour costs about 300,000 VND. Cu Lao Cham is the only place in Quang Nam Province where these birds are found, making this experience unique.

Explore the pristine islands near Cu Lao Cham (Source: Collected)

3.5. Exploring primary forests

Nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts can explore the primary forests of Cu Lao Cham, starting from Ong Tho’s garden, where the sweet Tinh Stream flows. From there, they can hike to a high, rocky outcrop overlooking Bai Lang. The trails offer a chance to immerse themselves in lush greenery, encounter towering ancient trees, and marvel at vibrant red cotton trees. This journey provides a deep connection with the island’s pristine natural beauty.

The primary forests nestle behind the pristine beaches of Cham Islands (Source: Collected)

4. What to eat: Must-try food on Cham Islands Hoi An

After traveling to Cham Islands, a highlight that visitors won’t be able to forget about this place will definitely be its culinary dishes:

• Cellana: A species of sea snail which is a famous specialty of the Central Coastal region. Its meat is very sweet and crispy with medium softness.
• Cuttlefish: The grilled half-dried cuttlefish dipped in chili sauce will surely satisfy even the most fastidious diners.
• Stone crab: A species of crab that eats plants in caves and drinks early morning dew, so it has sweet, soft and greasy meat.
• Wild vegetables: There are many kinds of wild edible vegetables growing in the foothills of the islands.
• Abalone: ​​The dishes made from abalone such as boiled, steamed or fried abalone are very attractive. Abalone meat is sweet and has an extraordinary taste.
• Sea urchin: Vendors often put 2-3 urchins into 1 shell, mix it with quail eggs or chicken eggs and then grill it on a charcoal stove.
• Crab: The crab meat of Cham Islands is firm and has a strong sweet taste, so it is very popular with tourists. A prominent dish is steamed crab with beer served with salt, pepper and lemon.
• Glutinous rice cake: This is a specialty of the people on Cham Islands. The cake has a sweet taste which comes from nivea leaves growing in rocky areas.
• Seaweed: The seaweed in this island cluster is unprocessed raw seaweed. It is a bit salty but contains a lot of nutrients which are good for health.

When visiting Cham Islands, make sure to dine at some of the top local restaurants, including Dan Tri, Tran Khue Cu Lao, and Truong Kep restaurant. These eateries are well-known for their fresh seafood and authentic island flavors, providing a memorable culinary experience in a relaxed setting.

The cuisine of Cham Islands will surely satisfy your taste buds (Source: Collected)

5. Notes for visitors to Cu Lao Cham Islands Vietnam

5.1. Best time to visit

According to the experience of many tourists, you should travel to this island cluster between March and August. In this season, this place has warm sunshine, calm sea and little rain, so you can participate in many activities such as swimming, scuba diving, playing watersports, etc.

5.2. How to get there

You can get to Cham Islands from Hoi An by ferry or speedboat (Source: Collected)

5.3. Cu Lao Cham Islands’ entrance fees

As Cham Islands is a nature reserve, the following fees are also charged for visitors:

• Entrance fee: VND 70,000/person (around $3)
• Ecological fee: VND 30,000/person (around $1,2)

5.4. Some other notes

When coming to Cham Islands, visitors should take notes of the following:

• Bring sunscreen because activities are mainly outdoor
• Bring towels and swimwear if you plan on swimming
• Bring ID papers if you plan on renting a motorbike to ride around the islands
• Store belongings in biodegradable bags because the islands do not permit plastic bag use
• Comply with the regulations of the islands such as protecting the environment, not breaking the corals when diving, etc.
• The use of camera drones is not allowed here

If you are looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and find inner peace, Cham Islands is an ideal choice. This pristine island cluster is perfect for tourists to relax and regain their spirit after the long days of hard work in the city.

After your tour around the island cluster, it is recommended that you also visit VinWonders Nam Hoi An – a nearby top-rated amusement park. Located only about 15 kilometers away from the center of Hoi An ancient town, VinWonders Nam Hoi An is an ideal place for visitors to experience the unique architecture, culture, and art of Vietnam as well as other countries around the world.

VinWonders Nam Hoi An is your next go-to destination in Hoi An

Some attractive activities not to be missed when coming to VinWonders Nam Hoi An are:

• Visit the Harbor Corner and immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of Hoi An in the 16th – 17th centuries
• Go to the Island of Folk Culture and watch the unique art performances of Vietnam
• Explore the River Safari on a boat ride and discover the home of more than 50 animal species
• Challenge yourself with more than 20 thrilling rides and nearly 100 indoor games at the Adventure Land
• Loosen up with 11 water games and cool down the summer heat in the Water World

You should not miss out on this wonderful destination in Hoi An

Book VinWonders Nam Hoi An ticket now