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A day trip to Cham Islands is a fantastic excursion from Hoi An or Da Nang, Vietnam. The eight rustic, rocky Cham Islands sit off the coast near Hoi An. Also called Cù Lao Chàm, the archipelago is only 9 miles from the mainland coast of Central Vietnam – which makes it a perfect day trip from Hoi An.
Highlights of the Cu Lao Cham Islands are the quaint fishing villages, pristine beaches, gorgeous landscapes and underwater snorkeling and diving adventures. Travelers can plan a trip on their own or join an organized Cham Island tour to experience the peaceful paradise.
Planning a Cham Island Day Trip
While on our trip to Hoi An, we were eager to spend a day in the sun and sea. A Cham Islands day trip naturally piqued our interest. All together, the eight islands make up the protected Cu Lao Cham Marine Park. In 2009, the islands were designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve for their unique biodiversity.
Since then, day trips to the Cham Islands have increased in popularity. Many tour companies operate organized Da Nang and Hoi An day tours to Cham Island so that tourist can enjoy the cultural experiences and have some fun-in-the-sun.
That said, it is also possible for travelers to plan their own trip to the Cham Island World Biosphere Reserve – for one day or even longer. The benefits of planning a DIY trip is the flexibility to explore at your own pace.
About Cham Island: What To Expect on a Day Trip
Whether opting to take an organized Cham Island Tour from Hoi An (or Da Nang) or exploring on your own, the excursion will take you to the Island of Hon Lao. All boats dock on Hon Lao at the Ben Tau main harbor in the Bai Lang fishing village.
Of the eight Hoi An Islands, Hon Lao is the largest in the archipelago and the only inhabited one; currently there are about 3,000 residents. In fact, this island has been home to civilizations for the past 2,500 years…which is about 500 years longer than people have lived in Hoi An.
Yet, the mountainous terrain remains relatively undeveloped. Resources are scarce; drinking water comes from a well in the center of town and generators are the primary source of electricity.
5 Best Cham Island Things To Do
We are highlighting the best things to do and nearly every Cham Island Tour Itinerary should feature these activities (although exact location and order may vary). Travelers planning their own Cham Island Itinerary can also use this list to plan their visit.
#1 Cultural Cham Island, Vietnam Sights
Every Cham tour should include seeing the cultural sights on the island. The most intriguing attractions are the historic temple, school and pagoda that sit prominently at the base of the mountain.
The structures are accessible via a small path that winds through an open field of grazing cows (and getting past them is half the fun!). The traditional, wooden Hai Tang Pagoda, which was built in 1848, is where locals go to practice Buddhism and worship spirits.
#2 Cham Island Snorkeling and Diving
The Cham Islands may not have the best snorkeling in Vietnam, but it is the top place for snorkeling in Hoi An. The underwater reefs and corals are teeming with colorful fish and squiggly sea creatures.
Travelers who want to scuba dive in the surrounding waters should book a specific Cham Island diving tour. There are also tours that offer Underwater Walking Excursions. We feature a few of the best Cham Island tours later in the article.
During our trip, the water lacked clarity due to recent storms, but we could still spot an abundance of sea life. The highlights of our Cham Island snorkeling tour were spotting ‘Nemo’ in an anemone and swimming alongside a 4-foot-long trumpet fish.
#3 Local Seafood Cuisine
The Cham Islands are a fabulous location for a feast of grilled seafood. Fresh fish, seafood salad on a shell, seasoned shrimp and Fish Head stew are island specialties.
There are a handful of restaurants in town near the dock – and a few beach shacks with stunning views – that serve local seafood fare. Note that opening hours of the restaurants are typically timed with the arrival of organized tours, so keep that in mind if traveling on your own.
On our trip, we dined with our feet in the sand at Bai Bac Beach. Dishes were brought to our table in an endless parade of Vietnamese specialties. Our group shared the platters family-style – and plates covered the entire table. As soon as a platter was empty, it was replaced by another delectable dish!
#4 Cham Island Beach and Swimming
One of the best things about taking a Cham day trip is the beaches! Several sandy shorelines dot the west coast of the island. On organized tours, visitors typically visit one or two different beaches. To get to the beaches without a tour, travelers can walk, bring a scooter on the public ferry or hire a Cham Island water taxi
A few of the best beaches on Cham Island are Bai Chong Beach, Bai Ong Beach and Bai Xep Beach (Bai Bac).
We think that walking on the beach or heading into the sea for a swim is a must on a Hoi An-Cham Island tour. Not only is it incredibly refreshing to splash around in the water, but from the you get glorious views back at the beach and of the Cham Island mountains.
#5 Cham Island Villages
The fishing village of Bai Lang is an interesting place to explore. Tourists can watch the fishermen coming and going in their iconic round boats – or navigate the lanes deeper into the community.
Many of the houses in Bai Lang, which are tightly clustered together, double as tourist shops – and naturally the revenue focus has shifted from fishing to tourism throughout the village. Restaurants, convenience shops and trinket souvenir stands lines the main roads. There is a small Cham Island museum in the village that details the local marine life and some of the area’s history.
Bai Huong Village – which is about 3 miles (5km) south of Bai Lang – is a traditional fishing village that still feels quite authentic. While tourist boats visit the nearby beaches, the town itself is rarely explored and is a unique place to stroll around.
How To Get to Cham Islands
The best (and pretty much only) way to get to the Cham Islands by boat. Travelers can choose from fast speed boats, slow wooden boats or the slower Cham Island ferry boat.
Tour Boats to Cham Islands
All of the organized Cham Island Tours include boat transportation to and from the islands. Day tours from Hoi An and Da Nang depart from Cua Dai Harbor in either speedy motorboats or wooden boats. The vessels transport day trippers across nine miles of (sometimes very choppy) water to the Ben Tau wharf in the village of Bai Lang on the largest Cham island.
How To Get to Cham Island without a Tour
Those who want to plan their own DIY Cham Island day tour can hop on a boat from the port or take the public ferry. Motorboat rides are a bit on the pricey side; the roundtrip can cost nearly as much as a guided tour.
The local ferry boat is cheaper, but there is typically only one daily ferry to Cham Islands. Unfortunately, there is not reliable online information for the Cham Island ferry schedule. Instead, visitors can find the most current information about the price and times for the Hoi An-Cham Island Ferry at the Cua Dai port on the mainland.
Tips for Riding the Boat to Cham Island
The speed boat ride to Cham Island from Hoi An only takes 30 minutes. However, be warned that the ride can be extremely bumpy. We took seats in the front of the speed boat for the view…and had a wild, exhilarating and slightly tailbone-bruising experience.
Travelers who opt to take the wooden boat to Cham Island – rather than speed boat – will likely have a much smoother ride. That said, it takes at least an hour to make the 9-mile journey.
The slow public ferry to Cham Island takes about 1.5 hours (or longer). However, it tends to be the most economical option, which can work great for budget travelers.
Organized Tour of Cham Islands
For our trip to the Cham Islands, we determined that it was best (as in, easiest and fairly economical) to take an organized tour. We are sharing a few of the highly-rated tours to help decide what may be best for you.
Speed Boat Cham Island Tour from Hoi An
For our trip, we joined a Cham Island Speed Boat Tour. Our Cu Lao Cham tour itinerary included sightseeing, snorkeling, swimming and an included seaside lunch.
One of the things we enjoyed about the tour was the ample time for swimming and relaxing on the beach. We also appreciated that our Hoi An travel guide shared his knowledge about the island and Cham people. Read reviews and book your Cham Island tour by speedboat!
Cham Islands from Hoi An by Wooden Boat
On this Wooden Boat Cham Islands Snorkeling Tour, participants spend 2 hours snorkeling the reefs and coral that surround the island. Plus, it includes a beach lunch on the beautiful Bai Chong Beach. Check prices!
Hoi An to Cham Island Tour with Underwater Walk
Enjoy the unique experience of an Underwater Walk on this top-rated day trip from Hoi An. The full-day tour includes transport in a wooden boat – plus swimming, snorkeling, an underwater adventure and a beachfront lunch. Check for availability!
Da Nang Day Trips to Cham Islands
Visitors staying in Da Nang have options for day tours to Cham Islands, too! This popular tour, which features all the best things to do on Cham Islands, also includes pick up and drop off in Da Nang. Get the Details!
Tips for a DIY Cham Island Trip
Be aware that without a tour guide, visitors are solely responsible for sorting out the details of getting to Cham Island, arranging activities and meals as well as paying any associated tourist fees.
What You Will Need on a Tour to Cham Island
Before setting off on your Cham Island tour from Hoi An, Vietnam, you will want to make sure you are properly prepared for the trip!
Sun Protection
Most of the day will be spent in the sunshine! Make sure to bring sunscreen (if you plan to snorkel, bring reef-safe sunblock) and a wide-brimmed hat – as well as your favorite beach sunglasses.
Snorkel Gear
On Da Nang and Hoi An Snorkeling Tours, the snorkel gear is provided. However, if you have your own mask and snorkel, we recommend bringing them ensure a proper fit and possibly better quality.
Water Gear
It’s best to wear your swimsuit for the day’s Cham adventure (but consider bringing a change of underclothes for the boat trip back). Some tours include use of towels, but you may want to bring a multi-purpose travel wrap in case yours does not. In order to keep your phone safe and dry, it’s best to carry it in a dry bag.
Underwater Camera
Don’t forget an underwater camera to get footage while you snorkel and swim at Cham Island. If a Go Pro is out of your budget, opt for a less-expensive action camera.
Good Day Pack
When visiting the Vietnam islands on a day trip, it’s best to bring a secure, zippered travel day bag. We like to wear these small backpacks so we can organize and stow all our daily essentials.
Vietnam Travel Insurance
Travel doesn’t always go as planned – and when things go awry, trip insurance might help. If you don’t already have travel insurance, check the rates and coverage at World Nomads.
Travel Tips for Hoi An, Vietnam
Although visiting the Cham Islands near Hoi An is the most popular day trip, there are other things to see and tours from Hoi An. Use our Hoi An travel guides to help plan your perfect vacation to Vietnam!
- Top 10 Things To Do in Hoi An
- What To Do in Da Nang – and Amazing Da Nang Food
- Visit Ba Na Hills and Golden Bridge
- Take Day Trips from Hoi An to Hue or My Son Sanctuary
- Best of Vietnam in 2 Weeks
Start planning your trip to Vietnam! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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