Having a solid understanding of travel tips for Cu Lao Cham is essential if you're planning to explore this pristine island paradise. Located in Quang Nam Province, Cu Lao Cham is known for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and fresh air. The following article will share important notes to help you enjoy a smooth, budget-friendly, and memorable trip to Cu Lao Cham.
Introduction to Cu Lao Cham
Cu Lao Cham is an archipelago consisting of eight small islands under the administration of Tan Hiep Commune, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province (now merged). The total area is approximately 15 km². The largest island is Hon Lao (also known as Hon Cu Lao), accompanied by smaller ones such as Hon Kho Me, Hon Kho Con, Hon La, Hon Dai, Hon Mo, Hon Tai, and Hon Ong. The island is currently home to about 3,000 residents.
Recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve, Cu Lao Cham boasts a rich ecosystem with more than 950 rare marine species. Its unspoiled natural beauty and clean marine environment have made it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Quang Nam.
The Most Detailed Travel Guide to Cu Lao Cham
When is the best time to visit Cu Lao Cham?
The ideal time to explore Cu Lao Cham is from March to August. During this period, the weather is dry and sunny, the sea is calm, and there’s little rain—perfect for traveling by boat and enjoying outdoor activities. Starting from September, the area often experiences storms and rough seas, which may lead to limited or suspended boat services to the island.
Where to Buy Tickets to Cu Lao Cham?
There are two main ways to purchase tickets to this popular eco-tourism destination in Quang Nam: buy them directly at Cua Dai Port or book online through reputable travel agencies.
- Buying tickets at Cua Dai Port: Head straight to Cua Dai Port (Hoi An), where you'll find various ticket counters offering canoe services to the island. You can pay by cash or bank transfer. However, it's recommended to arrive early, especially during peak travel seasons, to avoid sold-out situations.
- Booking online through travel agencies: This method allows you to plan ahead and secure your spot in advance — particularly helpful during the high season. You can find full-package Cu Lao Cham tours that include canoe tickets, entrance fees, meals, and tour guides on travel websites or online booking platforms.
Ticket Prices for Boats to Cham Islands
Cham Islands are located about 18 km from Cua Dai Beach and roughly 45 km from Da Nang city center. To get to the islands, you can choose between a high-speed canoe or a traditional wooden boat.
Currently, the price for a high-speed canoe is around 350,000 VND per person, which includes:
- 260,000 VND for the canoe ride
- 70,000 VND for the entrance fee
- 20,000 VND for the environmental and security fee.
- Children under 12 months old can travel for free, while those from 1 to under 8 years old receive a 50% discount on the adult fare. The canoe ride takes only about 15–20 minutes.
Alternatively, wooden boats offer a cheaper option but take around 2 hours to reach the island. These boats are primarily used for transporting goods and are not suitable for tourists.
How to Get to Cham Island (Cù Lao Chàm)
Traveling to Cham Island from Da Nang
At Cua Dai Port, you can purchase tickets for a speedboat (cano) to the island. Canoes are the most popular means of transport, taking about 15–20 minutes to reach Cham Island. Round-trip ticket prices range from 300,000 to 450,000 VND per person, depending on the operator and service package.
Tip: It’s recommended to book tickets in advance during peak season to avoid sold-out situations
Traveling to Cham Island from Hoi An
If you're staying in Hoi An, it's only a short 5–7 km trip to Cua Dai Port. You can get there by motorbike, taxi, or electric car. Hoi An is also a great base for combining a visit to the ancient town with an island getaway to Cham Island in the same trip.
From Cua Dai Port to Cham Island
At Cua Dai Port, you can purchase tickets for a speedboat (cano) to the island. Canoes are the most popular means of transport, taking about 15–20 minutes to reach Cham Island. Round-trip ticket prices range from 300,000 to 450,000 VND per person, depending on the operator and service package.
Tip: It’s recommended to book tickets in advance during peak season to avoid sold-out situations. Ask ChatGPT
Where to stay when visiting Cu Lao Cham?
Most travelers choose to take a day trip to Cu Lao Cham, as the island retains its pristine beauty and hasn't yet developed a large hotel infrastructure. However, if you'd like to stay overnight to enjoy the peaceful island atmosphere, you can opt for budget-friendly homestays and guesthouses, mainly located around Bai Lang and Bai Huong. Room rates typically range from 200,000 to 500,000 VND per night. Some popular homestays recommended by visitors include Cham Island Homestay, Bai Huong Homestay, Island Smiles Homestay, Hanh Ly Homestay, and Hai Long Homestay.
Alternatively, if you're staying in Hoi An and looking for a convenient hotel to access Cu Lao Cham, consider Fivitel Hoi An Hotel. Ideally situated between the De Vong River and Cua Dai Beach, this hotel offers easy access to boat transfers to the island.
Top 7 Must-Try Activities When Visiting Cham Islands
Check in and swim at beautiful, unspoiled beaches
Cham Islands are home to numerous postcard-perfect beaches featuring soft white sand and crystal-clear turquoise water. Notable beaches include Bai Ong, Bai Chong, Bai Bim, Bai Bac, Bai Lang, Bai Huong, and Bai Xep.
Among them, Bai Lang and Bai Huong are located near the fishing village and offer many homestays and local houses, making them ideal for visitors seeking a peaceful, authentic experience. Bai Ong is a popular stop for day tours to Cham Islands and also serves as the starting point for coral diving and water sports.
Explore Tan Hiep Market
Tan Hiep Market is one of the must-visit stops when traveling to Cham Island. Located right near the pier, this bustling marketplace is also known as Cham Island Market. Here, visitors can enjoy local cuisine and easily find a variety of forest and sea specialties, as well as unique souvenirs.
Watch the Sunrise and Sunset at Eo Gio
Eo Gio is situated on the eastern side of the island, about 3 km from Bai Lang. It’s a small coastal inlet known for its rugged terrain and towering cliffs that embrace the deep blue sea. This is considered an ideal spot to catch the early morning sunrise or soak in the romantic atmosphere of a sunset as the day draws to a close.
Visit the Ancient Well on Cham Islands
The Champa Ancient Well, also known as the Cam Hamlet Well, is located in the Cam residential area. With a history of over 200 years, the well not only provides a valuable source of fresh water for locals but is also surrounded by many mysterious legends. Remarkably, it has never run dry — even during harsh dry seasons. Locals believe that drinking water from this well brings good luck, and for those who are single, it may even help them find their other half.
Visit Hai Tang Pagoda
Hai Tang Pagoda rests against the western foothills of Hon Lao Island, overlooking vast open fields in front. Built in 1758, the pagoda has stood tall through centuries of change. It serves not only as a place of worship for Buddha and various deities, but also as a sacred spiritual site for island residents and a must-visit stop for tourists, fishermen, and merchant boats arriving at Cu Lao Cham.
Scuba Diving to Explore Coral Reefs
Cu Lao Cham is not only famous for its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine ecosystem, but also an ideal destination for exciting underwater activities. Most local tours include coral diving, though you can also prepare independently from the pier or your accommodation.
There are various options available, such as sea walking, shallow snorkeling, and deep scuba diving with oxygen tanks — suitable for all types of travelers. Ticket prices range from VND 200,000 to 1,000,000 per session, depending on the type and depth of the experience, giving you the chance to fully explore the beauty of the ocean, from the surface to the depths below.
Thrilling Parasailing Experience
If you're a fan of adrenaline-pumping activities, parasailing is a must-try. From an ideal height, you'll have a panoramic view of the breathtaking scenery of Cham Islands — with crystal-clear blue waters and scattered islets standing out amidst the vast ocean
Fishing at Cu Lao Cham
Hon Dai Beach is a perfect spot for those who love tranquility and want to immerse themselves in nature. Here, you can leisurely cast your fishing rod by the sea, try your luck with fresh ocean fish, and fully enjoy a relaxing experience in a pristine and peaceful setting.
Beachside Camping
Spending the night on Cham Island by setting up a tent is a memorable experience that brings you closer to nature. Hosting a seafood BBQ party, relaxing to the sound of waves, and enjoying the cool ocean breeze at night will give you a peaceful and unforgettable feeling. Don’t forget to bring a flashlight, insect repellent, and check the weather forecast in advance to ensure a perfect night outdoors!
Explore the Pristine Forests of Cu Lao Cham
Cu Lao Cham is not only known for its turquoise waters and white sandy beaches but also for its lush primary forests and rich biodiversity. Visitors can enjoy trekking along forest trails, immersing themselves in nature while discovering the diverse flora and fauna within this UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve.
What to Eat in Cu Lao Cham?
Cu Lao Cham is not only famous for its pristine natural beauty but also captivates visitors with its diverse and authentic local cuisine. If you have the chance to visit, don’t miss out on these signature dishes:
- Stone Crab: A unique species native to Cu Lao Cham, these crabs have a distinctive purple shell and typically live in mountain crevices, only descending to the shore during the rainy season. Harvesting is allowed from March to June to protect the breeding season, and only members of the Cu Lao Cham Stone Crab Cooperative are authorized to catch them. The crabs are usually cooked whole—steamed, grilled, stir-fried with tamarind, or salt-roasted. Their meat is firm, sweet, and full of flavor.
- Sun-Dried Squid: Fresh squid dried under the sun for just one day, retaining its natural sweetness and chewy texture. Often simply prepared and served with dipping sauce and fresh herbs, it delivers the true taste of the sea.
- “Lady’s Navel” Sea Snail (Ốc vú nàng): A local delicacy, these sea snails have a firm yet tender texture and a sweet, distinct flavor. Whether grilled, stir-fried, or boiled, they remain deliciously rich and flavorful, making them hard to resist.
- Abalone: A premium seafood item with tender, sweet flesh, abalone can be steamed, stir-fried, or grilled. It offers a refreshing, light taste and is packed with nutrients.
- Wild Vegetables with Fermented Anchovy Sauce: A rustic yet irresistible dish featuring fresh wild greens dipped in savory local mắm nêm (fermented anchovy sauce). Simple but deeply flavorful, this dish is sure to leave a lasting impression of Cu Lao Cham’s unique culinary charm.
Important Tips for Traveling to Cu Lao Cham
- Research before your trip: Make sure to learn about the attractions, boat schedules, ticket prices, and key activities to help you plan your itinerary more efficiently.
- Pack personal essentials: Don’t forget to bring swimwear, sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, flip-flops, and other items to protect yourself and enjoy outdoor activities comfortably.
- Choose suitable clothing: Opt for lightweight, breathable outfits that are easy to move in. If you plan to go snorkeling, consider bringing specialized gear or renting it on the island.
- Bring cash: ATMs are very limited on the island, so be sure to carry enough cash to cover expenses such as food, gear rentals, and souvenirs.
- Protect the marine environment: Avoid littering, minimize the use of plastic bags and bottles, and follow local regulations to help preserve Cu Lao Cham’s delicate ecosystem.
We hope the travel tips to Cu Lao Cham shared by FVG Travel above will help you confidently plan your adventure to this beautiful island cluster. With thorough preparation, you're sure to enjoy a fun, safe, and unforgettable journey to this "blue sea paradise" in Quang Nam. Wishing you a wonderful and memorable vacation!
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