Cu Lao Cham Travel Diary: My Authentic Journey to Cham Islands

1. Where are the Cham islands?

Cu Lao Cham (Cham Islands) is a small group of eight islands covering about 15 km², located in Tan Hiep Commune. It’s about a 20-minute boat ride (18 km) from Cua Dai Beach near Hoi An and roughly a 1.5-hour drive (45 km) from Danang.

The largest island, Hon Lao, is home to most of the approximately 3,000 residents. Surrounding it are smaller islets such as Hon Kho Me, Hon Kho Con, Hon La, Hon Dai, Hon Mo, Hon Tai, and Hon Ong.

My visit to Cu Lao Cham was at the end of May. It was hot, but the weather was beautiful and the water was surprisingly cool and refreshing. 

2. How to get to Cu Lao Cham

From Hoi An

Cu Lao Cham is about 24 km southeast of Hoi An. To get there, head to Cua Dai Port, which is around 8 km from the city center, about a 15-minute drive. From the port, you can take either a speedboat or a traditional wooden boat. The speedboat is the quickest and easiest option, taking only 15 to 20 minutes. Tickets can be bought online, at the port, or through local travel agents.

Because the island is so close, and takes around 30 to 35 minutes, many travelers combine visits to Hoi An and Cu Lao Cham. For example, you might spend two days exploring Hoi An and then dedicate a day to the island to fully enjoy it.

🌊 Read more about: Hoi An, Vietnam 🌞

From Da Nang

Cu Lao Cham is approximately 45 km from Da Nang, with 30 km by road to Cua Dai Port and 15 km by boat. Many agencies sell full-day tours from Da Nang that include round-trip transfers and boat rides.

🏝️Da Nang: 7 questions before visiting🐬

3. First impressions – Is it worth visiting?

The sunny skies and clear waters made me glad I picked Cu Lao Cham. It quickly became one of the best parts of my trip to Hoi An, especially since the old town was starting to feel a bit too familiar.

The boat ride was quick, just 20 minutes across calm morning waves. Even if you’re prone to seasickness, you’ll likely be fine. (If the sea is rough, though, it’s wise to bring some seasickness medication.) The salty breeze, the soft hum of the engine, and the rising sun along the coastline made the journey itself memorable.

I’d heard Cham Island could be crowded, so I was prepared. But it didn’t feel that way at all. Compared to the busy beaches in town, it felt like a hidden gem.

Even on a Sunday, things felt slower and more relaxed. The main pier was busy since it’s the central point, but once you head out to the other parts of the islands, everything feels calmer and much more beautiful.

So, is Cu Lao Cham worth visiting? For me, absolutely. It’s nearby, easy to reach, and far more peaceful than places like An Bang or Cua Dai.

Let me show you what I did while I was there.

4. A day in Cu Lao Cham: What I’ve done

As we approached the main island - Hon Lao, I could already spot the silhouettes of fishing boats floating near Bai Lang. The sea was painted in two beautiful shades of blue: a deep, endless navy that stretched out to the horizon, and a strip of lighter turquoise glowing gently in the middle.

Our guide welcomed us, then we walked a few hundred meters to the island’s only museum: the modest Marine Specimen Conservation Museum. Inside, we explored a scale model of the Cham Islands archipelago and displays of old boats, fishing gear, and household tools.

After the museum, we were taken to visit other sites according to the tour itinerary as follows:

• The ancient Champa well

From the museum, we wandered to Gieng Xom Cam, the 200-year-old Champa Ancient Well tucked at an intersection in the village. Though simple in appearance, this mossy round well is steeped in legend. Locals say it never dries up, even during droughts, and its water can cure seasickness when boiled with forest herbs.

If you're in Hoi An, you can also visit the My Son Sanctuary to learn more about Cham culture.

• Hai Tang pagoda

We then visited Hai Tang Pagoda at the foot of a western mountain. A Tam Quan gate led us to a peaceful courtyard with lotus ponds and a statue of Guan Yin facing the sea. 

The pagoda is known for its 'four no’s': no abbot, no electricity, no monks, and no votive offerings. Still, the locals care for it with devotion.

• Diving and snorkeling

After visiting the pagoda, our guide took us back to the boat for a snorkeling trip. The boat I was on also offered snorkeling and a chance to see the coral up close. For those who were more adventurous, diving was an option too, though it came at an extra cost.

I don’t know how to swim, so I went with snorkeling instead. They gave me a life jacket and taught me how to float and move with it. It was actually pretty easy once I relaxed. The sun was strong that day, and underwater, I could see fish darting all around me and vibrant coral reefs just below, full of color and life.

One thing to keep in mind: if you're using sunscreen, try to pick a chemical one instead of a physical one, or even better, go for a reef-safe option. 

Some reef-safe sunscreens that are easy to find in Vietnam include: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral SPF 50, La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Light Fluid SPF 50, Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry Touch SPF 50, and Cell Fusion C Aquatica Sunscreen 100 SPF 50+.

Back on land after 1 hour, I was starving. A few of us were grouped together to eat at a small seaside restaurant nearby. The seafood was sweet, still warm, and tasted amazing with the spicy salt while the staff were nice to you too. 

If you’re not into seafood, they also serve things like stir-fried pork and a simple omelette. Easy and familiar.

• The stunning beaches of Cu Lao Cham

Since our boat dropped us off at Bãi Ông, it only made sense to swim there too. Honestly, the moment we arrived, the water looked so inviting we almost jumped in right away. After lunch, we decided to walk down to the beach, kicked off our sandals, played a bit of volleyball, and then dove into the sea.

The beach was calm and surprisingly quiet, with just a few others around. We also spotted a couple of small pubs with outdoor seating, such as Sunset pub. Most of the locals spoke some English, so don’t worry if you want to buy anything.

If you have more time, there are other beautiful beaches around Cham islands worth visiting. Bai Xep and Bai Bim, Hon Dai are known for their coral reefs and great snorkeling. Bai Huong and Bai Lang are peaceful fishing villages at the edge of the forest, and are a great place to experience local life and enjoy fresh seafood by the water.

🚤 Read more: Top 10 Best Beaches in Vietnam 🚤

Keep your valuables with you when going to the beach. Waterproof pouches are available for sale. Choose a good-quality one, as seawater can easily damage your phone.

Take part in a tour organized by Kampá Tour today!

• Tân Hiệp market

After a short break, we rented a motorbike to ride around the island. One of the spots we stopped at was Tân Hiệp Market, right by the pier. It’s a small but busy place with local seafood, dried goods, and souvenirs. 

A lot of people buy dried squid or fish to bring home. The prices were a bit touristy, but not too bad, and you can bargain a little. 

• Eo Gio viewpoint (Windy pass)

Eo Gio sits on the eastern side of Cu Lao Cham, about 3 kilometers from the main village of Bai Lang. It’s one of the best spots on the island to catch the sunset. To get there from Bãi Làng, you go past Tân Hiệp Market, continue toward Border Post 276, then turn right and head south for around 3 kilometers.

It was the perfect place to sit back, take in the view, and enjoy a simple outdoor meal.

• Seeing the monkeys

Golden monkeys are the most common here. You might see them climbing on the rocks around the island. If one comes close, avoid teasing or feeding it. The monkeys here are clever and can be unpredictable.

• Fishing in Bai Hon Dai

If you enjoy fishing, you can join a local boat tour where the fishermen provide all the gear and bait. With their help, you’ll spend the day out at sea and can even cook your catch right after.

I didn’t go myself since I’m not really into fishing, but my friend Khanh did. He spent the whole day out there and came back with lots of squid and some great fish. It was totally worth it.

• Island exploration

Around Hon Lao, there are seven smaller islands to explore by boat: Hon Dai, Hon Tai, Hon Mo, Hon La, and Hon Ong, Hon Kho Nho, Hon Kho Lon. Since you probably can’t see them all in one day, focus on the closer islands to get the most out of your trip.

5. How much does it cost to visit Cham Islands?

🚤 Speedboat Price

• Round-trip speed boat fare: ~400,000 – 500,000 VND/person
• Entrance fee to the island: 70,000 VND
• Environmental fee: 30,000 VND

🏝️ Tour package

If you prefer a guided day tour, many travel agencies offer packages that usually include:

• Speedboat transfer (round trip)
• Island entrance & environmental fees
• Snorkeling gear and life jacket
• Lunch with local dishes (seafood or vegetarian)
• Tour guide
• Visits to key spots: Hai Tang Pagoda, the museum, Cham well, and beaches (this is the one that I chose)

💰 Price range

• Group tour: 500,000 – 800,000 VND/person
• Private tour: 1,200,000+ VND/person, depending on group size and services.

📝 In short

Going to Cù Lao Chàm on your own might be pricey. The speedboat alone is around 400,000 to 500,000 VND, not counting transport, food, or lodging. For a day trip, it's often more expensive and less convenient than a tour.

If you're short on time or want something easy, a tour is the better choice. I joined a group tour since I was traveling with friends. It was just a one-day trip, but a really great one.

Kampá Tour can also include a Cham Island tour in your itinerary, so feel free to contact us whenever you need.

6.  What should you eat?

• Stone crab is a seasonal delicacy, harvested from March to June by local cooperatives. Found in mountain crevices, these purple crabs are usually grilled, steamed, or cooked with tamarind. 
• Vú Nàng conch, named for its unique shape, is rare and found under rocks during low tide, especially around full moons. The meat is crunchy and sweet, best grilled or steamed.
• Other must-tries include lobster, often steamed with beer or grilled, and sun-dried squid, which also makes a great souvenir.
• Don’t miss the forest vegetables, gathered in early spring and served with fermented fish sauce. Simple, fresh, and full of island flavor.

7. A few things to keep in mind

• Pregnant women and children under one year old are not advised to join, as speedboat rides can be quite bumpy.
• If you're prone to seasickness, sit toward the back of the speedboat and wear your life jacket properly.
• Do not use drones in Cu Lao Cham
• Avoid using plastic items on Cu Lao Cham. The island promotes a ban on plastic straws and aims to reduce plastic use overall.
• Cù Lao Chàm is a protected biosphere reserve. Do not touch or damage coral or marine life. Taking coral home is strictly prohibited.
• During peak season, the island gets crowded. Keep an eye on your belongings.
• If you have heart or blood pressure issues, consult a doctor before diving.
• It’s best to bring cash, as most places don’t accept cards. 

After spending eight hours on Cù Lao Chàm, we headed back to the mainland feeling sun-kissed and happy. The island may be small, but it made a big impression. It’s the perfect spot to get away from the busy city life and find some peace after places like Danang and Hoi An.

A lot of travelers know Cù Lao Chàm for its beaches, but there’s so much more to discover. Beyond the clear water and sandy shores, there are corals, forests, and views that make exploring feel endless. 

Even after I left, Cù Lao Chàm remained close to my heart. That’s why I hope this guide helps you make the most of your visit, and that you’ll see the beauty of Cu Lao Cham just as I’ve experienced it.

>>>> Keep your adventure going with the best spots in Central Vietnam:

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