Discover the unique seafood market, the cheapest in Vietnam

Buzz

Ngày cập nhật gần nhất: 15/4/2026

'Nowhere else have I seen a seafood market as peculiar as in Cu Lao Cham. Customers just need to point and ask for the price, nod their heads, and the owner swiftly prepares the dish in less than 5 minutes, serving it fragrantly fresh on the plate,' exclaimed Ms. Nguyen Thi Lan, a tourist from Hue, reminiscing about her first experience at the immediate seafood market by the coastline of Hoi An, Quang Nam.

After a 30-minute speedboat ride from Cua Dai port, Hoi An, crossing the sea amidst calm winds, Tan Hiep commune - Cu Lao Cham emerges in the vast ocean. This is a pristine island in the East Sea, part of the world-famous Biosphere Reserve - an indispensable part of every traveler's journey to visit the ancient town of Hoi An. Cu Lao Cham captivates not only with its crystal-clear blue sea but also with the peculiarities of the islanders, such as not using plastic bags, conducting honest and straightforward trade with surprisingly low prices.

Stepping onto the beach of Lang village in Cu Lao Cham commune, tourists will immediately encounter the seafood street food market. Every imaginable seafood, all freshly caught, swims energetically in large aluminum buckets.

Experience the untouched beauty of the sea and immerse yourself in the vibrant local life of Cu Lao Cham, where every meal is a feast of flavors and every moment is filled with tranquility and awe.

Anh bạn làm hướng dẫn du lịch nơi xã đảo này kể: “Bây giờ ra Cù lao Chàm không còn khó khăn như cách đây 2 năm. Chỉ cần có thời gian và chút ít tiền lận lưng là vô tư thưởng thức đủ món ngon vật lạ mà dân các đô thị lớn như Hà Nội, Sài Gòn gọi là đặc sản”. Anh bảo, khách bình dân cũng có thể vi vu ngắm biển trời, núi rừng miễn phí và ăn hải sản rẻ chỉ bằng ½ trong đất liền và ¼ ở các thành phố lớn.

After selecting fresh and delicious shrimp, squid, snails, and crabs, customers simply nod in agreement to make a purchase, and the seller swiftly prepares the dishes within about 5 minutes, serving them beautifully on a white porcelain plate, exuding the intoxicating aroma of seafood flavors.

Ms. Thu, a shop owner here, stated: 'Squid ranges from 120,000 to 200,000 VND per kilogram depending on the type. Sea urchins are 35,000 VND each. Feel free to choose; I guarantee they're delicious and affordable, unbeatable prices here. Whatever type of seafood you want, just wait a few minutes, and I'll have it ready.' Even the sea bass, at Cu Lao Cham, is only 300,000 VND per kilogram compared to restaurants on the mainland that 'shout out' prices exceeding 1.2 million VND per kilogram.

In conversations with us, many tourists expressed that the most enjoyable aspect of visiting Cu Lao Cham island is indulging in fresh seafood. The market right by the beach, from early morning until evening, with 10 stalls, can serve guests at any time of the day.

'Every summer, my family and I take a flight to Da Nang and head straight to Hoi An, buying tickets to Cu Lao Cham to stay and enjoy ourselves to the fullest. The charm of the island lies in having both mountains and the sea, along with the opportunity to relish fresh seafood without worrying about being overcharged like in many other places,' recounted Mr. Nguyen Xuan Anh, a tourist from Hanoi.