Cham Island (Cu Lao Cham)
Cham Island is a group of 8 small islands, which has been recognized by UNESCO as the World Biosphere Reserve (Cu Lao Cham Marine Park).
Location & Geography
Cham Island, a stunning destination in Quang Nam province, features remarkable topography of mountain slopes and rich biodiversity. From Cua Dai Beach, taking an express boat to Cham Island takes about 30 minutes. For a more leisurely experience, visitors can opt for a traditional fishermen’s boat, which takes approximately 45 minutes to reach the island.
Photo: localvietnam.com
An Untouched Paradise for Adventurers
Cham Island attracts visitors with its diverse leisure activities set against a picturesque, pristine backdrop. Traditional recreational options include swimming in crystal-clear waters, sunbathing on vast stretches of white sandy beaches, or exploring lush forests. For those eager to dive into marine life exploration, the island offers various water sports facilities, including swimming, water skiing, paragliding, kayaking, kite flying, boat racing, and scuba diving. This aquatic paradise hosts a vibrant array of marine biodiversity, consisting of marine algae, sea grass, and a stunning variety of coral reefs. Visitors can expect to see a colorful underwater world filled with an abundance of exotic fish, lobsters, and mollusks beneath the transparent waters.
Photo by @chamislanddiving
Home To Cultural Authenticity
In addition to its recreational offerings, Cham Island is known for its rich cultural attractions, including an exhibition showcasing the natural environment and the culture of the Cham Island people, the historic Lang Ong, the 300-year-old Hai Tang pagoda, the ancient well, and Huong fishing village. Cham Island serves as a cultural and historical site, reflecting its growth alongside Hoi An City and preserving relics from the Cham civilization that dates back centuries.
Hospitable Locals & Environmentally Friendly Practices
The welcoming and simple lifestyles of the residents of Cham Island are complemented by their commitment to environmental sustainability. Unlike many places where plastic bags are prevalent, visitors to the island are greeted with a large sign at the dock stating, “Please don’t bring plastic bags to the island,” and will notice a complete absence of such materials on the island itself.
Photo: localvietnam.com
How To Get There
Travelers interested in visiting Cham Island can book a tour from Hoi An, which departs daily in the morning. These tours typically include a guide, transportation, and a meal on the island. For those who prefer to explore independently, taxis to Bach Dang pier are readily available. Boats usually depart at 7:30 AM, with a fare of approximately $3 per person. For the best views during the journey, seating on the second level is recommended.
Useful Information
- Location: Cu Lao Cham
- Best for: Family, couple, solo
- Entrance: Free
- Hours: All hours
- Distance to city center: 20.2km (12.6 mi)
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