Exploring Cù Lao Chàm - A Complete Guide

Cù Lao Chàm is a sanctuary for over 950 marine species, recognized by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve. Its pristine environment and rich ecosystem make it a beloved tourist destination. Moreover, this travel spot resembles a fairy tale, requiring ample time to fully explore. Today, Mytour presents to you the comprehensive and up-to-date guide to experiencing Cù Lao Chàm.

Location of Cù Lao Chàm Tourist Area

Cù Lao Chàm is a cluster of islands located in Tan Hiep commune, Hoi An city, Quang Nam province. This island group consists of one main island and eight smaller surrounding islands, resembling a gigantic bow when viewed from a distance.

Similar to Hoi An's ancient town, Cù Lao Chàm still retains its original beauty - a pristine, rustic, and tranquil charm. Stepping foot here, you'll find yourself in a paradise of crystal-clear blue sea and fresh air. If you're seeking a retreat from the hustle and bustle of urban life, traveling to Cù Lao Chàm is the perfect choice.

Cù Lao Chàm boasts its raw, rustic beauty. @Shutterstock

What Makes Cù Lao Chàm Special?

Cù Lao Chàm captures the hearts of visitors with its serene natural landscapes, azure beaches, stunning coastal roads, and significant cultural architectural works. When visiting this place, make sure to explore and check-in at some of the following beautiful spots, or you'll regret it:

The Path of Cornflower Fields

In Cù Lao Chàm, cornflower fields bloom from July to August every year. During this time, if you walk along the Bãi Xếp, Bãi Làng, and Bãi Hương beaches, you'll encounter a field covered in vibrant red cornflowers. With mountains on one side and the sea on the other, the small cornflower field nestled between them flourishes and radiates despite rain or storm.

The scenery of the cornflower path resembles a painting crafted by the blue sea, sky, and towering cliffs. If you have the opportunity to visit Cù Lao Chàm, don't forget to check-in at this beautiful path; the picturesque landscape here will undoubtedly enhance the impact of your photos.

In July and August, the cornflower path in Cù Lao Chàm is akin to a multi-colored landscape painting. @Shutterstock

Wind Strait of Cù Lao Chàm

The wind strait is a rocky shore behind the mountain range. Located about 3km from Bãi Làng, it lies to the east of Cù Lao Chàm. This spot is one of the most beautiful places to witness sunrise and sunset on the island.

From the wind strait, gazing into the distance, you'll witness the vast expanse of the East Sea and the horizon separating the sea from the sky.

The Wind Strait of Cù Lao Chàm is an ideal location for admiring both sunset and sunrise. @Shutterstock

Coconut Grove at Bãi Ông

Bãi Ông is one of the most beautiful beaches in Cù Lao Chàm. The overall shape of Bãi Ông resembles a crescent moon, and when viewed from above, it appears like a half circle embracing the cool blue beach.

Not only a beach, Bãi Ông is also famous for its enchanting coconut grove, with coconut trees standing tall in rows along the coastline. You can visit the coconut grove at Bãi Ông, grab a seat, and enjoy a refreshing coconut drink, ensuring you capture some fantastic photos for a memorable summer vacation.

The lush green coconut grove at Bãi Ông is perfect for capturing stunning summer shots. @Shutterstock

Yến Nest Ancestral Shrine

The Yến Nest Ancestral Shrine is located in Bãi Hương, Hòn Lao, Cù Lao Chàm. This place is famous for natural swiftlet farming, producing top-quality swiftlet nests in Vietnam. The ancestral shrine was built here with the hope of bringing peace to the people and further developing the swiftlet farming industry.

The Yến Nest Ancestral Shrine is constructed in an ancient and classical style, where sea deities and esteemed figures in swiftlet farming are worshiped. Visiting the shrine, you'll marvel at the beauty of a 200-year-old Cultural Heritage Tree, a truly precious rarity.

The Yến Nest Ancestral Shrine is built in an ancient architectural style. @Shutterstock

Ocean Pagoda

The Ocean Pagoda has a history dating back hundreds of years. Built in ancient architectural style, it stands out with intricately carved walls and columns. At the center of the lotus pond is a statue of Quan Âm Buddha, making it especially beautiful during the summer when lotuses are in full bloom.

The Ocean Pagoda has a history dating back hundreds of years. @Shutterstock

In addition to the above-mentioned places, Cù Lao Chàm also has many other interesting attractions such as:

How to Travel to Cu Lao Cham?

If you're traveling independently, you have 2 ways to get to Cu Lao Cham:

Travel by Wooden Boat

Travel by Canoe

Canoe is the fastest means of transportation to Cu Lao Cham.@Shutterstock

If it's your first time visiting Cu Lao Cham, for easier transportation and itinerary planning, you can book a 1-day Tour - Explore Cu Lao Cham on Mytour.

Best Time to Visit Cu Lao Cham?

The best time to visit Cu Lao Cham is from May to August every year. During this time, the weather is mild without heavy rain, strong winds, or intense sunlight.

However, the times when Cu Lao Cham tourism enjoys the most promotions are from February to April and from August to October. During these periods, it's not the peak tourist season, so there are many attractive promotions for visitors.

May to August is the ideal time to travel to Cu Lao Cham.@Shutterstock

Additionally, you can visit during the local festivals such as the Fishermen's Festival in early April of the lunar calendar, and the Ancestral Worship Day of the Swallow Industry in early March of the lunar calendar.

What to Eat in Cu Lao Cham?

Seafood

When you come to Cu Lao Cham, you're entering the freshest seafood paradise in Vietnam. The seafood here is exceptionally fragrant, delicious, nutritious, and affordable. You'll find unique seafood dishes that are hard to come by in the city, such as Lady's Breast Snails, Abalones, Razor Clams, and Stone Crabs.

Seafood in Cu Lao Cham is exceptionally fresh and delicious.

Wild Vegetables

This is a traditional dish of the people of Cu Lao Cham, simple yet loved by many tourists for its well-balanced flavors of spicy, salty, sweet, bitter, and savory. The wild vegetables here include ferns, edible amaranth, and chayote leaves, usually harvested at the foot of the mountains in spring and early summer.

The mixed wild vegetables are boiled and served with spicy garlic fish sauce. For a richer taste, they can be enjoyed with thinly sliced pork belly.

Boiled wild vegetables in Cu Lao Cham dipped in fish sauce@Hoi An Mart

Forest Leaf Water

Cu Lao Cham forest leaf water is made from dried leaves such as Lao Leaves, Wild Tea, Dill Leaves, Grewia Leaves, Wild Apricot Leaves, Mountain Ginseng, and Ngũ Gia Bì Leaves. Initially, this water has a scent of Chinese medicine and a slightly bitter taste, but after drinking it a few times, you will find it delicious and refreshing.

This beverage helps detoxify the body, improves digestion, supports overall health, and is particularly effective in preventing fevers. It can be enjoyed hot or cold.

Boiled wild vegetables in Cu Lao Cham dipped in fish sauce@Hoi An Mart

Seaweed

Seaweed is one of the popular dishes of the people in the Central region but difficult to find in other areas. Seaweed in Cu Lao Cham is processed from raw seaweed, so it is particularly rich in nutrients. Seaweed in Cu Lao Cham is often dried by locals for longer preservation. When visiting Cu Lao Cham, don't forget to try delicious dishes made from seaweed such as seaweed soup, salad,... You can also buy seaweed to bring back home as a gift or for later consumption, as it is easy to pack and carry.

Moreover, Cu Lao Cham also has traditional cakes with unique flavors of the land, such as: thorny leaf cake, su sê cake, Cu Lao Cham floating cake,...

Seaweed in Cu Lao Cham makes many delicious dishes.@Shutterstock

Some experiential activities when traveling to Cu Lao Cham

Not only beautiful scenery that captures the heart, Cu Lao Cham will also allow you to experience familiar activities of coastal people, including:

Experience scuba diving to admire coral reefs

Famous for its pristine and untouched coastal area, Cu Lao Cham boasts numerous beautiful coral reefs beneath the ocean surface. You can admire the beauty of these coral reefs with the available scuba diving service. You'll play the role of a professional diver and explore depths of up to 6 meters, enjoying the underwater scenery with the assistance of staff for 30 minutes.

An exciting underwater trip to explore coral reefs.@Shutterstock

Experience the adrenaline rush of parasailing

Parasailing will let you float for 10 minutes above the open sea at a height of 70 meters. This activity is for those who love adventure and freedom, allowing you to enjoy a sense of carefree liberation amidst the sea and sky. You'll be equipped with safety harnesses and accompanied by a canoe, so rest assured and enjoy the ride!

Parasailing is a sport for those who love adventure.@Shutterstock

Fishing at Hon Dai Beach

Fishing or casting nets is a daily activity for coastal residents. If you want to experience the feeling of standing amidst the sea and catching fresh fish, contact the boat rental service for a fishing boat or wooden boat, along with fishing gear and bait.

Setting up a tent for camping on the beach

If you're traveling with a group, this might be the most enjoyable activity. You'll have the chance to spend time together setting up tents, playing team games, and in the evening, gathering around a campfire to chat and enjoy the cool sea breeze.

Camping on the beach is a suitable activity for large groups.@Shutterstock

Dining options in Cù Lao Chàm

Dan Tri Restaurant

Address: Cù Lao Chàm, Bãi Lăng, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province

Dan Tri Restaurant is just a 2 to 3-minute walk from Cù Lao Chàm port. The restaurant's ambiance reflects a vintage style with hand-painted signs, antique tables and chairs, and wooden doors reminiscent of Vietnam in the early 20th century.

Dan Tri Restaurant specializes in serving local specialties and delicious seafood dishes alongside traditional Vietnamese cuisine.

Camping on the beach is a suitable activity for large groups.@Shutterstock

Truong Kep Restaurant

Address: Cù Lao Chàm, Bãi Ông, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province

Truong Kep Restaurant features a rustic and simple space, located near the beach with a roof made of coconut leaves. The restaurant's famous dishes include crab and sun-dried squid. With its coastal eatery ambiance and delicious dishes, Truong Kep is a favorite dining spot for tourists visiting Cù Lao Chàm.

Tran Khue Cu Lao Restaurant

Address: Group 3, Bai Lang, Tan Hiep Commune, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province

Tran Khue Cu Lao Restaurant is a renowned 3-star restaurant in Cu Lao Cham. The restaurant's space is adorned with rustic wooden tones, from tables and chairs to signage, all in a brown hue of wood. The restaurant can accommodate around 500 guests per day. It serves delicious dishes, specialties of Cu Lao Cham, especially fresh seafood caught and prepared by the locals.

If staying overnight in Cu Lao Cham, which hotel should you choose?

For a more convenient visit to Cu Lao Cham, you can choose to stay near this tourist destination. Here are some hotels near Cu Lao Cham or in Tan Hiep (Cu Lao Cham) area for your reference:

Sunbay Homestay

Address: Bai Lang Market, Tan Hiep Commune, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province

Sunbay Homestay is located in Bai Lang, close to the beach and famous attractions such as Cham Well, Cua Lao Cham Canoe, Tan Hiep Market... Sunbay Homestay features architecture close to nature, with spacious and airy surroundings. The rooms are cozy and familiar, giving guests a comfortable feeling like home.

Sunbay Homestay is a favorite in Cu Lao Cham. @Sunbay Homestay Fanpage

This place offers a sea-facing view, so you often enjoy refreshing sea breezes. The rooftop of the homestay is a popular spot for photo enthusiasts, with the backdrop of the sea and the support of golden sunlight, you will surely get beautiful photos.

Lau Thu Homestay

Address: Group 2, Bai Huong Hamlet, Tan Hiep Commune, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province

Lau Thu Homestay is suitable for large groups of tourists. Here, the entire homestay can be rented out, so if you're traveling with a large group, this is a private accommodation option ideal for intimate family meals. The highlight of this homestay is the panoramic view of the sea and majestic mountains, allowing guests to relax and enjoy the scenery. Lau Thu Homestay offers affordable prices and provides accommodation, dining, and tour guide services if needed.

Lau Thu Homestay offers affordable prices.

Ngo Khanh Homestay

Address: Bai Huong Hamlet, Tan Hiep Commune, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province

Ngo Khanh Homestay offers extremely affordable prices depending on the season, making it an ideal accommodation choice if you plan to visit Cu Lao Cham for a few days. The prices are reasonable, but the quality of the homestay exceeds expectations. The bedrooms at Ngo Khanh Homestay are predominantly white, meticulously cleaned, and very airy. The resting place offers a refreshing green view with lush trees, providing guests with a sense of relaxation and comfort. Additionally, Ngo Khanh Homestay also provides rental services for transportation, cleaning services, etc., to assist guests.

Ngo Khanh Homestay is neat, with a predominantly white tone.

Bai Huong Homestay

Address: Bai Huong Hamlet, Tan Hiep Commune, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province.

Bai Huong Homestay is one of the favorite accommodation options near the beach. It is a three-story house located on a main road very close to famous attractions in Cu Lao Cham. Bai Huong Homestay offers spacious rooms, with some rooms accommodating 2-4 people, and dormitory rooms accommodating up to 7 people. The homestay provides food and laundry services upon request.

Ngo Khanh Homestay is tidy, with a dominant white tone.

Additionally, on Mytour, you can find information about other hotels in Quang Nam such as:

Tips for Enjoying Your Trip to Cu Lao Cham

To make your trip to Cu Lao Cham more enjoyable, here are some things to keep in mind:

Sample Itinerary for Exploring Cu Lao Cham

Your trip to Cu Lao Cham will be more fulfilling and experiential with a detailed itinerary. Below is a sample itinerary for exploring Cu Lao Cham collected by Mytour for your reference. Take a look!

Day 1:

Day 2:

Summary

Cu Lao Cham is an ideal tourist destination for days when you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in peaceful land. Here gathers the most magnificent landscapes of nature, architectural treasures, and cuisine that captivate the hearts of visitors. Through this article sharing the experience of traveling to Cu Lao Cham, Mytour hopes to provide you with detailed information about this tourist destination. Don't forget to book cheap flights and hotels on Mytour if you are planning your trip!

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