Cham Island (Cu Lao Cham) is one of the most well-known attractions in Hoi An. And it is recognized as the World Biosphere Reserve by the UNESCO. The island is like a paradise of collection of many rare marine species, sea grass, sea creatures and especially coral reefs. Beside Cham Island is still famous for pristine and untouched beauty. Thanks to smooth sloping sandy beach, delicious seafood, endless hills and mountains and blue sea water, it is an ideal destination for tourists coming to Hoi An and Da Nang.
Location and history
The Cham Islands is home to 8 small islands, 20 kilometres off the coast from Hoi An Ancient Town in Quang Nam Province. All island are called with simple names including Hòn Lao (Pearl), Hòn Dài (long), Hòn Mồ (tomb), Hòn Khô mẹ, Hòn Khô con (dry), Hòn Lá (leaf), Hòn Tai (ear) and Hòn Ông (east wind).
Sunrise in Cham Island
Originally, Cham Island was the first choice of Cham people, who came from Indonesia, when they set foot in the Central Vietnam. They dug wells and terraces which are still used today. From 4th to 14th century, the island became one of the main port of Champa Kingdom. However, the Kingdom ended after the Vietnamese moved into Central Vietnam at the 15th Century. After Hoi An was a successful port on the ‘silk route’ at the 17th century, Cu Lao Cham continued to thrive as an important sea port marked a strong Vietnamese identity from 18th Century to 20th Century. Because of its important role, the island was under strict military supervision and was forbidden area. Nowadays, all visitors are permitted to visit, even overnight on this land.
Cham Island beaches
The whole island has seven beaches stretching from the Northwest to the Southeast:
Bac Beach:
Situated in the North of Cham Island, there are many natural caves, but few people come. As the result, this beach is perfect spot for swimming, fishing and sightseeing on boats, not diving and snorkeling.
Ong Beach:
It is located near Bai Lang beach, next to the pier. This is the most crowded beach on Cham Island. There are many restaurants for tourists.
Lang Beach:
It is the main beach of Cham Islands with main harbour where the public supply boat docks and concentrates population.
Xep Beach:
This beach hasn’t been exploited for tourism. Thus, it is still quiet.
Chong Beach:
It currently is the most impressive beach with the most beautiful white sand on Hon Lao Island
Bim Beach:
This is a pristine beach with not many residents, mostly tourists.
Huong Beach:
You are hard to swim at this beach because many boats anchor. You should try to eat seafood here because it is very fresh.
What to do in Cham Island
The Cham islands topography is mostly mountainous, without rivers. There are 8 small islands, but only Hon Lao is inhabited. The other seven ones are rocky, wooded spots. Almost activities are taken place on this island. The island have a rich underwater world with 300 different coral species. The islands are officially protected as a marine park. Thus, snorkeling or diving is the first choice for those who like to enjoy marine activities. You will have chance to see marvelous coral in the seabed. Besides, you can spend leisure time on turquoise water, enjoy good climate and cool weather or join other water sports like: swimming, water skiing, paragliding, kayaking, kite flying, boat racing.
What to see on Cham Island:
Marine Museum:
This is the first place you would visit. It helps you know about history, the traditional and modern culture of Cham land. It also shows local people’s life as well as marine specialties.
Cham Ancient Well:
Cham ancient well in Cam commune (Xom Cam) was about 200 years old with typical features of other Cham wells. It is still used for the daily activities of local people.
Hai Tang Pagoda (Chùa Hải Tạng):
Built in 1758 close to the western foothills of Hon Lao Island, Hai Tang Pagoda is a religious structure worship Buddha, where local people and traders pray for their successful business. Visitors can see a red painted sign with gold letters, a picture and a big bell in the inside.
Tan Hiep market:
Called as Cu Lao Cham Market, Tan Hiep market is a place you can’t skip. Located right at the dock area, visits can find the daily needed items in the inside and fish and souvenirs in the outside part. Don’t forget to buy “mực một nắng” (dried squids), which the most famous specialty in Cham Island for their family and friends as a gift. , you can bargain when shopping but just a little bit.
What is the best time to visit Cham Island:
Compare to the mainland, Cham island climate is cooler with the temperature of 21oC – 22oC in winter and 28oC -29oC in summer.
The appropriate time to visit Cham Island is from March to August. During this time, the water is clear, the sea is calm and sunshine all day. It is the good weather for swimming, snorkelling, diving and camping. Except for these months, you will meet heavy rains and strong winds.
If you want to combine your trip with a visit to Hoi An ancient town, you should go in the full moon day of every lunar month. You will also have a chance to take part in some some festivals in Hoi An such as Cau Ngu festival (3th and 4th of April of lunar calendar) or Gio To Nghe Yen (Anniversary of a death of Yen field at 9th and 10th of March of the lunar calendar).
How to get to Cham Island
You have two kinds of transportation from Hoi An to Cham Island.
By Cano
Location: At Cua Dai port
Departure time: 8.30 am from Cua Dai and 2 pm from Cham Island
Duration: 20 minutes
Buy ticket at Hoi An travel agent, hotels
Or buy direct at Cua Dai Port
Fee: VND 300.000/ two ways if you go to Cham Island and return within one day/VND 350.000/ two ways if you overnight in this island.
By Local Ferry
If you don’t have seasick, you will have opportunities to enjoy fresh air and the feeling of floating on waves by traveling by boat.
Location: The boat will start at Bach Dang port in Hoi An center at 7.30 am or Cua Dai port at 8.30 am
Duration: 2 hours
Fee: VND 50.000 for Vietnamese, VND 100.000 for foreigner.
Additional fee: VND 30.000 if you bring motobike
Services in Cham Island
Accommodation:
Homestay is mainly gathered at Bai Lang (Bãi Làng), Bai Huong (Bãi Hương). A two-person room costs about 150,000 VND. If you rent in retail, the price of one person is about 50,000 – 100, 000 VND.
Rent the tents of local people with the price of 150,000/tent. You can camp at Bai Ong (Bãi Ông), Bai Huong (Bãi Hương), Bai Bim (Bãi Bìm)
Some suggested guest house as below:
Tam Hien Guest house
Address: Bai Ong (Bãi Ông), Cham Island
Tell: +84 0120 618 3516
Bich Van Guest house
Address: Bai Ong (Bãi Ông), Cham Island
Tell: +84 1695007779
Huynh Van Tri Guest house
Address: Bai Lang (Bãi Làng), Cham Island
Tell: + 84 974994189
Thu Trang Guest house
Address: Bai Lang (Bãi Làng), Cham Island
Tell: +84 985237941
http://www.trangvuhomestay.com/
Ms. Lan Guest house
Address: Bai Huong (Bãi Hương), Cham Island
Tell: +83 235 3863822
Ms. Hiep Guest house
Address: Bai Huong (Bãi Hương), Cham Island
Tell: +84 986651448
Food:
The cost per meal is from VND 50,000 – VND100,000.
Specialties in Cham Island: Cua da (rock crab), Muc mot nang (Sun-dried squid), Abalone, Banh it la gai (It cake), Oc vu nang, Cu Lao Cham forest vegetables and Bird nest
Transportation:
The popular vehicle in Cu Lao Cham is motorcycle. The cost is from VND 150,000 – VND 200,000 per day. You can rent a boat to visit around Cham Island with the price of VND 600,000 (maximum of 10 persons per boat).
