Buzz
One of the trending tourist destinations nowadays is Cù Lao Chàm. However, many people are still unaware of this destination and lack sufficient information and travel experiences about Cù Lao Chàm.
Therefore, in this article, we will share our travel experiences in Cù Lao Chàm to provide you with useful information.
Table of Contents:
Where is Cù Lao Chàm Located?
Cù Lao Chàm is an island cluster belonging to Tan Hiep commune, Hoi An city, Quang Nam province. It is located approximately 15km from Cua Dai beach. In 2009, Cù Lao Chàm was recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve.
Best Time to Visit Cù Lao Chàm in Quảng Nam
According to our travel experience in Cù Lao Chàm, the best time to visit is from March to August each year. This is when the weather is most beautiful in Cù Lao Chàm. During this time, the sunlight is gentle, the sky is clear blue, and the sea is relatively calm. The remaining months often experience rough seas and storms, making the island isolated.
If you're looking to blend a visit to Cu Lao Cham with exploring the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An's ancient town, aim for traveling on the full moon days of the lunar months. Specifically, the 14th day boasts more lanterns adorning the old town than the 15th, creating a truly enchanting atmosphere.
Cu Lao Cham is situated near Hoi An city.
Alternatively, if you're interested in experiencing the cultural and religious practices of the islanders on Cu Lao Tram, plan your trip around festive occasions such as the Fishing Village Festival held on the 3rd and 4th day of the 4th lunar month or the Commemoration of Ancestor Yen, which occurs on the 9th and 10th day of the 3rd lunar month.
Tips for traveling to Cu Lao Cham.
Mastering the tips for visiting Cu Lao Cham will ensure you have the most complete and enjoyable trip. Here are the essential experiences you should equip yourself with:
Traveling to Hoi An
To reach Hoi An, you can choose from the following transportation options:
Bamboo Airways offers convenient flights to tourist destinations.
Upon arriving in Da Nang, you can easily catch a bus or taxi to Cu Lao Cham from Da Nang.
Travelers coming from Hanoi can stop at Tam Ky - Quang Nam station. Then, take a bus to Hoi An. For those originating from Ho Chi Minh City, you can take a bus heading to the North or Da Nang, then transfer to Hoi An.
There are 2 ways to travel from Da Nang to Hoi An:
Getting to Cu Lao Cham
There are 2 ways to reach Cu Lao Cham: by canoe or by wooden boat:
Where to stay on Cu Lao Cham Island?
If you're traveling to Cu Lao Cham independently, you can stay at homestays. These are the primary accommodation options on the island, mainly concentrated in Bai Lang and Bai Huong. The price for a room for 2 people is 150,000 VND. If you're renting individually, the price is around 50,000 - 100,000 VND per person.
You can also rent tents for camping if you want to immerse yourself in nature. Ideal camping spots are at Bai Ong, Bai Bim, and Bai Huong. The tent rental price is 150,000 VND per tent.
Cu Lao Cham is an ideal place for camping.
Explore the captivating attractions on Cu Lao Cham Island.
If you're worried about whether Cu Lao Cham has anything to offer in terms of entertainment and sightseeing, fret not, as there are quite a few attractive tourist spots here.
Cu Lao Cham Maritime Museum
When visiting Cu Lao Cham tourist area, you can visit the Cu Lao Cham Maritime Museum to learn about its history, traditional customs, festivals, and marine products. Understanding the island will give you a more complete insight into the island and its people.
Cham Ancient Well
The second destination to visit when backpacking in Cu Lao Cham is the Cham Ancient Well, also known as Xom Cam Well. This well dates back 200 years and is one of the oldest wells still preserved today. It is located at the intersection of the concrete roads of Xom Cam village. In terms of structure, the well bears many typical features of Cham wells, with a circular well shaft, a round well wall, a square well bottom, and each corner having a square pillar. The well's interior is built with brickwork in a radial pattern.
Today, this well still serves as a water source for the local residents. Despite being 200 years old, even during the driest seasons, the well has never run dry.
Hai Tang Pagoda
Another beautiful sight on Cu Lao Cham that you shouldn't miss is Hai Tang Pagoda on the western side of Hon Lao Island. This pagoda was built in 1758. Inside the pagoda, there are many couplets adorned with gold, horizontal lacquered boards, majestic statues, and even a large bell.
Hai Tang Pagoda on Cu Lao Cham
Local residents often visit Hai Tang Pagoda to offer incense to Buddha and pray for a prosperous business year.
Tan Hiep Market
If you've made it to the Cu Lao Cham tourist area, be sure not to miss Tan Hiep Market! Besides its name, this market is also known as Cu Lao Cham Market. It's located right by the dock and sells various specialties, particularly souvenirs for visitors to take home as gifts. Most tourists come here to buy dried squid to give to their family and friends. You can haggle a bit when making purchases, but not too much as the locals are not big on bargaining.
Yen Ancestral Shrine
During our one-day trip to Cu Lao Cham, we had the chance to visit the Yen Ancestral Shrine. This shrine was built in the early 19th century in Bai Huong. It's a place of worship for the Yen ancestors and guardian deities of the swallow profession. Every year on the 10th day of the 3rd lunar month, residents and those involved in swallow farming gather here to hold a solemn and dignified ceremony.
In addition to the aforementioned locations, you can also visit Swallow Island, Chong Rock Beach, Xep Beach, Ong Beach, and Lang Beach. These are must-visit spots.
We hope that with the information we've shared, you now have a clearer understanding of Cu Lao Cham. Get ready to plan your trip and book your plane tickets here immediately.
Posted by: Vo Truc Dao
Keywords: All about Cu Lao Cham travel experiences
