Cu Lao Cham island, Hoian: Travel Guide

, 31/05/2025
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Cu Lao Cham island is a famous place with its wonderful sand beaches, a nature reserve and beautiful sea. This place is an ideal spot for camping, swimming and scuba. If you are planning to go to Vietnam on your vacation, don’t miss out on the stunning island. 

Cu Lao Cham islands Overview

Cu Lao Cham is about 8 miles offshore Hoian city, attracting a large number of tourists from local to international come here due to the beautiful nature. 

More than 3000 years ago, Cham people first settled at Cu Lao Cham island. Many architectural constructions have been preserved here through several centuries.

Cu-Lao-Cham-island-2The beauty of Cu Lao Cham island

 

The signature architectural here is Than Yen Sao which was built in 1843 at Bai Huong, and Hai Tang pagoda which was built in 1753 on the western of Hon Lao. 

Cu Lao Cham has 2 peaks with the highest peak at 517m , the lower peak at 326m in the western end. The natural forest covers 532ha of the nature reserve, occupying 35% of the total area.

There are many big and small islands at Cu Lao Cham island. The largest island is Hon Lao and 7 smaller islands such as: Hon Dai, Hon Kho Me, Hon La, Hon Kho Con, Hon Ong, Hon Tai, Hon Mo. 

Besides, Cu Lao Cham island has several stunning beaches such as Bai Bim, Bai Ong, Bai Lang, Bai Bac, Bai Xep, Bai Chong and Bai Huong.  

The island is a place where shelter for value swallow birds. The natural vegetation of the islands is a lowland evergreen forest that is natural with a lot of woods and rare animals.

The-girl-taks-a-photo-at-Cham-islandThe girl taks a photo at Cham island

 

Cu Lao Cham island is a home that many value swallow birds shelter. The natural vegetation here is low however there are numerous woods and rare animals.

According to research, today , this island has more than 265 vascular plant species. In these, having the occurrence of macaques Macaca sp., monitor lizards Varanus sp. and pythons Python sp. Especially, the appearance of Collocalia sp. to nest on Hon Kho makes economic and tourism development here. 

Coming to Hon Kho, you can see the salanganes build their nest. One of the best things to do on an island, you can enjoy scuba diving and admire the color under the water. Although Cu Lao Cham island is located in a salty water area, the island offers clear freshwater during the year. 

Best time to visit Cu Lao Cham island

The best time to visit Cu Lao Cham is from March to August. It is sunny, less rain. The average temperature is 25C. You can enjoy several outdoor activities without the weather.

If you are planning to snorkel or dive in Cu Lao Cham island, the best time to visit will be June, July and August. 

Don't visit this island from September to March. The weather is rainy, even big storms. You will be limited to exploring many entertainment and effects on this journey. 

What to see in Cu Lao Cham island? 

Hai Tang pagoda

The pagoda was constructed in 1758 to worship  Bodhisattva, Buddha, sea god and local god. In 1848,  Hai Tang pagoda was recovered after a big storm. The pagoda is located on the foot of Hon Lao mountain in the west. 

Cham people’s Ancient Well

The well is more than 200 years old but the ancient well still works well. Nowadays, the local people use it to take fresh water. The water has architecture as the same as Cham wells, a pipe shape, annular bricks, having a square pillar and square base surrounding. 

Cham Island Marine Museum

The museum displays many artifacts concerning history, traditions, customs about Cham people. You can learn more about the cultural and local people. 

Tan Hiep Market

You can buy souvenirs for friend, co-worked at Tan Hiep market. There are many items that you can buy such as  half-dried cuttlefish, pearls, conchs, tortoise-shells.

What to do in Cu Lao Cham island? 

Go camping

Cham island is an ideal place to go camping. There are 2 best places for camping including Bai Xep and Bai Bim due to its beautiful view. Coming to Bai Huong and Bai Ong to go camping, people will offer you the tools for camp. 

Explore sea trekking

One of the things to do in Cu Lao Cham island is sea trekking. Only need a functional hat that tourists can walk under the sea. This type of entertainment is new and interesting, and suits many ages, even those who are 70. You can see the beautiful schools of fish, colorful coral reefs. 

Snorkeling 

Snorkeling is a great activity that helps you to admire the water world. You will be equipped with a modern snorkel system. The price of snorkeling is around 200.000 vnd  to 500.000 vnd. 

Diving-in-Cu-Lao-Cham-islandDiving in Cu Lao Cham island

 

Swimming 

Cu Lao Cham has many beautiful beaches for swimming such as Bai Bim, Bai Lang, Bai Ong... with the width of 20m and the length of 100m to 300m. Most beaches have gentle, clean and cool water. 

Swimming-at-Cham-islandSwimming at Cham island

 

How to get to Cham island? 

From Hoian, Danang, you can book a privat car/bus to transfer to Cua Dai port. Afterward, you can get to Cham island by private canoe, standard canoe or wooden boat. 

Private car is the fastest way to get to Cham island. It takes about 15-20 minutes. The canoe has a capacity of 35 people. With the price from 300,000 VND, you can go to Cu Lao Cham island by standard canoe. However you must go with other passengers. 

Besides, tourists can transfer by wooden boat. This is the cheapest way and you must wait longer. The trip takes about 2 hours. Coming to Cham island, you can rent a car/motorbike to explore many destinations here. 

Transfer-to-Cu-Lao-Cham-island-by-stadard-canoeTransfer to Cu Lao Cham island by stadard canoe

 

Cham island is the best destination that you don't miss out on when you come to Hoian, Danang. With its beautiful scenery, fresh air and delicious local food, this island will bring many interesting experiences when you come here. If you book a car from Hoian/Danang to Cua Dai port and transfer to Cham island, book now

See more: The Ultimate Guide for Visting Bay Mau Coconut Forest in Hoian, Vietnam

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