Cu Lao Cham, or Cham Islands, is one of the most beautiful islands in Vietnam. It not only attracts tourists with wild natural scenery but also with vibrant biodiversity. Let’s explore the island with Handspan Travel Indochina!

Cu Lao Cham

Through this blog post, you will find these pieces of information below.

General information about Cu Lao Cham

Cu Lao Cham is a cluster of 8 islands belonging to Tan Hiep commune, Hoi An City, Quang Nam province. The largest island is Cu Lao (or Lao Island), and other small islands include Kho Me Island, Kho Con Island, La Island, Dai Island, Mo Island, Tai Island, and Ong Island. The climate in Cu Lao Cham is cool and pleasant all year round, making the land home to many rare aquatic species and rich bird's nest resources. In 2003, Cu Lao Cham Nature Reserve was established to protect the creatures on the island. Thanks to the richness and diversity of this flora and fauna system, Cu Lao Cham was recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve in 2009.

Exploring Cu Lao Cham

To fully experience the activities in Cu Lao Cham, you should travel from March to August. At that time, the weather in Cu Lao Cham is warm, the sea is calm and there is little rain. This weather climate is very suitable for a complete tour of Cu Lao Cham. 

How to get to Cu Lao Cham?

Cu Lao Cham is 18 kilometers from Cua Dai Beach and 45 kilometers from Da Nang City. There are two means of transportation to the island: canoe or wooden boat. The wooden boat can carry many people to Cu Lao Cham (and can also carry motorbikes). However, it will take you quite a long time to reach the island, which is about two hours. Besides, there is only one trip to the island and one return trip. You can catch a wooden boat at Hoi An Pier at 7:30 am or Cua Dai Pier at 8:30 am.

Exploring Cham Islands

On the other hand, it only takes you to get to the island if you use the canoe. The price for each turn is VND 350,000, of which the canoe fee is 260,000 VND, the entrance fee is 70,000 VND, and the environmental and security fee is 20,000 VND. 

Impressive tourist destinations on Cu Lao Cham 

Cu Lao Cham makes a deep impression on tourists through its peaceful natural scenery, blue beaches, breathtakingly beautiful coastal roads, and architectural works of great cultural significance. Let’s explore some impressive tourist destinations in Cu Lao Cham with us!

Stunning beaches

The island is famous for its many stunning beaches with crystal water and white sandy banks. They are the Ong, Chong, Bim, Bac, Lang, Huong, and Xep Beaches. Among the beaches, Ong Beach is the largest and has the most stunning scenery and developed tourism services. The area is about 50 square meters with a coastline of more than 500 meters. Coming to the beach, besides swimming, you can go snorkeling, canoeing, and try thrilling games on the sea, and take photos at the famous Ong Beach wooden bridge. 

Ong Beach Cu Lao Cham

Unlike Ong Beach with a crowded atmosphere, Xep Beach in Cu Lao Cham is more peaceful. Watching the sunset is an exciting activity here. It is ideal to walk on the beach and watch the sun disappear behind the horizon. Besides Xep Beach, Huong Beach is also a beach that attracts tourists through its tranquil natural scenery and ideal location.

Xep Beach Cu Lao Cham

Huong Beach Cu Lao Cham

From Huong Beach, you can hire a bamboo boat to visit the Yen Cave. Traveling about 15 minutes around the East of Hon Lao Island, you will see the Yen Cave (Swallow Island) with majestic vertical cliffs. Coming here, you will witness flocks of swallows flying out of the cave entrance and learn about the exploitation of swallows by local people. 

Tan Hiep Market

Traveling to Cu Lao Cham, you should drop by the Tan Hiep Market, or Cu Lao Cham Market, located right at the pier. The market sells forest and sea specialties and souvenirs. Visitors often buy dried seafood here as gifts. Coming here, you can also try the freshest seafood dishes directly. There are many seafood processing stalls here. The most popular dishes here are steamed squid, shrimp, snails, grilled crab, sea urchin, etc. 

Eo Gio Cu Lao Cham

Eo Gio is located in the East of Cu Lao Cham, about three kilometers from Bai Lang residential area. If you want to find a place to admire sunrise or sunset in Cu Lao Cham, Eo Gio will be a suitable choice. This spot is surrounded by green mountains and the vast, endless sea and sky. From Eo Gio, you can see the Cu Lao Cham lighthouse.

Eo Gio Cu Lao Cham

Champa ancient well

Champa Ancient Well, also known as the Xom Cam Well, is located in the Xom Cam residential area. This 200-year-old well is not only a source of fresh water for local people on the island but also associated with mysterious stories passed down through many generations.

Hai Tang Pagoda

Hai Tang Pagoda

Located on a pristine island with majestic, peaceful, and poetic natural scenery, Hai Tang Pagoda is among the pagodas in Hoi An that you should visit. The pagoda is not only a spiritual destination but also an ancient pagoda with unique architecture. It impresses tourists with its ancient and mossy gate. The Tam Quan Gate has an ancient style with 3 compartments: one main gate and two side gates. The gate is 5m high, and 1.5m wide, with a unique dome design. The top of the roof is covered with ancient yin-yang tiles. There is a stone wall with delicate patterns connecting to the gate. 

Tam Quan Gate at Hai Tang Pagoda

Behind the gate, there is a 3-meter-high statue of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, located in the middle of a small lotus pond. If you look from the sea, you will immediately see the white statue standing out among the vast fields and forests. Going deeper into the pagoda, you will encounter the solemn main hall, with many tall ironwood pillars creating a unique ancient look. The pagoda's main hall has 3 compartments worshiping different Buddhas. 

Things to do on Cu Lao Cham

Traveling to Cu Lao Cham, besides soaking in the ocean, you will also have a chance to join many exciting activities. Let’s explore some amazing experiences here. 

Snorkeling to see the coral reefs

With the diverse ecological system, snorkeling is always one of the favorite activities in Cu Lao Cham. You will be overwhelmed by the seaweed, coral, sea creatures, etc. Cu Lao Cham coral reef has more than 300 species, 39 genera, and 17 families, with diverse colors and shapes, opening up a fascinating marine world. Under the guidance of diving experts, you can touch the magical world under the ocean, admire the colorful coral reefs, and observe the marine creatures swimming freely in their natural habitat.

Snorkeling in Cu Lao Cham

Seabed walking

Like snorkeling, you will also have an opportunity to admire sea creatures. You do not need to wear oxygen masks, gas cylinders, prosthetic legs, etc., but just wear an oxygen supply hat and follow the guide's instructions.

Coral reefs in Cu Lao Cham

Camping

Overnight camping in Cu Lao Cham is one of the unique experiences you should not miss. At night, you can lie down, watch the starry sky, and make campfires. 

Fishing

Fishing is also a favorite activity in Cu Lao Cham. You will have a chance to discover the peaceful beauty of this place by boat, learn about the life of fishers, and enjoy fresh and clean dishes. 

Exploring primeval forests

Besides immersing yourself in the sea, you can also explore primeval forests and rugged cliffs in Cu Lao Cham. Following the trails to climb the mountainside, you will be immersed in a vast green space, a charming stream, and beautiful orchid flowers. 

Specialties on the Cham Islands

Traveling to Cu Lao Cham, besides visiting outstanding spots, you should try local specialties here. Let’s find some food to try on this island. 

Seafood

Definitely, seafood is among the most delicious specialties on the Cham Islands you should not miss. The seafood here is especially delicious, nutritious, and cheap. This place gathers new and rare seafood dishes that are rarely found in the city such as Oc Vu Nang, abalone, sea urchin, etc. There are many ways to cook seafood, such as steaming with beer, stir-frying with garlic butter, and grilling, each method gives a different flavor. 

Jungle vegetables

Jungle vegetable is a rustic dish of local people in Cu Lao Cham. It has a full flavor, spicy, salty, sweet, and bitter. The wild vegetables here include plantain, fern vegetables, etc., which are usually harvested at the foot of the mountain in spring and summer. This specialty dish of Cu Lao Cham is usually boiled and dipped in fish sauce to clearly feel its crunchiness, sweetness, and coolness.

In conclusion, thanks to diverse activities and pristine scenery, Cu Lao Cham is indeed among the must-visit islands in Vietnam. Let’s prepare your luggage and come here now! If you want to book a tour to Cu Lao Cham or tailor your tour, please do not hesitate to contact our team.