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An enchanting destination to include in your travel itinerary.
Referring to Cù Lao Chàm as the Hawaii of Asia is no exaggeration. Hawaii, a tropical archipelago with lush coconut groves, has become a brand known for its friendly locals and vast coral reefs with diverse species. Hawaii is also a strategically located archipelago with a significant military presence, hosting numerous large warships and serving as the headquarters of the U.S. Navy, overseeing security in the entire Pacific region.
This naval base is where the United States anchors many large warships, serves as the nerve center of the U.S. Navy, and acts as a control station for the overall security of the Pacific region.
Cù Lao Chàm, the jewel of Vietnam, effortlessly combines all the elements. An archipelago adorned with numerous islands, including Hòn Lao, Dài, Mồ, Khô Mẹ, Khô Con, Lá, Tai, Ông. Among them, Hòn Lao stands as the bustling center with the highest population. Cù Lao Chàm boasts immense ecological diversity, preserving rare marine species and vibrant coral reefs in its pristine and environmentally conscious habitat.
Due to its strategic proximity and a direct line of sight from Hội An, Cù Lao Chàm is often regarded as the protective shield for the Hội An port. In 1793, three large warships under the command of British envoy McCathay anchored at Đà Nẵng port for a month. A British expedition was dispatched to survey Cù Lao Chàm, providing detailed reports about this archipelago's significance.
In recent years, archaeologists have unearthed valuable artifacts here, including ancient coins, Islamic ceramics, Cham towers, and ancient freshwater wells. These findings reveal that Cù Lao Chàm was a historical hub engaging in foreign trade, alongside the nearby Hội An port.
Imagine immersing yourself in crystal-clear waters, with lively schools of fish gracefully swimming beneath. What could be more enchanting than witnessing marine life firsthand, reaching out to touch the creatures of the deep blue ocean with your own hands?
Visiting Cù Lao Chàm, you'll be warmly guided and assisted by the island locals—even if you don't make any purchases. This hospitality is a rare gem. The island's air is pure and tranquil, an ideal place to relax and savor the untouched, pristine beauty of nature.
The unique charm of Cù Lao Chàm, distinct from Hawaii, lies in its untouched wilderness. Cù Lao Chàm is like a raw gemstone, revealed but yet to be polished. Unlike Hawaii's resort paradise with its array of hotels, Cù Lao Chàm has no upscale resorts. Instead, you'll find cozy, immaculate guesthouses.
A glimpse into Cù Lào Chàm
Cù Lao Chàm, with its intense green, mirrors the azure of the sky and the lushness of the forests and mountains.
Modes of Transportation
Commencing from Ho Chi Minh City, you can opt for a coach, train, or flight to reach Đà Nẵng. From there, rent a motorbike or take a taxi to Hội An. Motorbike rentals range from 120k to 150k VND per day per bike.
Alternatively, catch bus number 01 from Đà Nẵng bus station, a 30-minute ride covering 27 km, bringing you to Cửa Đại port—Hội An. Đà Nẵng is a sizable city, ensuring the bus quality is excellent. No crowded scenes, no pickpockets, providing a safe and smooth travel experience for tourists.
At the inner-city harbor, various sightseeing tours are available for purchase (inclusive of a round-trip speedboat, a guide, lunch featuring the island's renowned seafood, and coral snorkeling) priced at 500k VND per person. These day tours commence at 8 am and conclude by 1 pm.
A speedboat slices through foamy waves, ferrying travelers from Cửa Đại port to Cù Lao Chàm.
For independent explorers, two options await: speedboats and wooden boats.
A speedboat takes approximately 20 minutes at 150k VND per person, ideal for thrill-seekers. Numerous departures throughout the day from Cửa Đại dock.
The wooden boat, also known as a market boat, takes longer, is more prone to sea sickness than the speedboat, priced at 50k VND for Vietnamese and 100k VND for foreigners. Carrying a motorcycle to the island costs an additional 30k VND. However, the wooden boat provides an authentic sea voyage experience, reminiscent of true seafaring merchants. These vessels carry goods from the mainland to Cù Lao Chàm, each crafted with a nostalgic design.
Market Boat
Note: Ticket prices may vary slightly depending on the boat owner and the timing.
Key Highlights at Cù Lao Chàm
Cù Lao Chàm Maritime Museum is the first stop upon docking at the Cù Lao Chàm port. Here, you can delve into the island's history, traditional customs, festivals, marine specimens, providing a comprehensive overview of the island and its inhabitants.
Hai Tang Pagoda: Passing through vast golden rice fields, you'll spot a temple built over 300 years ago, adorned with numerous cultural and historical relics. These are intertwined with the formation and development of the ancient trading town of Hội An centuries ago, including ancient wells, shrines dedicated to the Whale, Ancestor Worship shrines, and many temples embodying the spiritual beliefs of the Cù Lao Chàm residents in Bãi Làng, Bãi Hương, Bãi Ông, Bãi Chồng.
Hai Tang Pagoda
The rustic path leading to Hai Tang Pagoda is immersed in the hues of ripening golden rice.
A corner of the temple courtyard exudes a sense of ancient grandeur, both solemn and simple, creating a close connection with tradition.
A venerable gate, over 400 years old. To pass through, visitors must enter from the right and exit from the left.
The bell at Hai Tang Pagoda.
Legend has it that these pillars were transported from the North to build a southern temple. However, when passing Cù Lao Chàm, the night fell, and the boat had to anchor. In the morning, the boat continued its journey, but strangely, the sea stirred, and the boat kept circling, unable to leave Cù Lao Chàm. Eventually, the group prayed and decided to use the wood to construct a temple on this island.
The bell at Hai Tang Pagoda may predate the construction of the temple. A single strike of this bell can be heard throughout the city of Đà Nẵng. During the French occupation, monks hid this bell underground. Over time, oxidation has muted its sound. Today, the bell stands as a spiritual symbol, a long-standing cultural and historical monument of Hai Tang Pagoda.
Chăm Pa Ancient Well: Experience the sensation of drawing water yourself, savoring each sip of the perpetually fresh water that never runs dry throughout the year. Locals believe that drinking a sip from this ancient well fulfills the wish for a son.
The sacred ancient well of the islanders
Next, board the boat to visit the roosting place of swifts in Tò Vò Cave, Khô Cave. Admire Hòn Ông, Bà Cave, Hòn Chồng, and listen to the locals recount the legend of Hòn Chồng and other historical sites.
Participate in coral snorkeling: The intriguing aspect here is that you don't need diving skills to admire the coral. Simply wear a life jacket, put on diving goggles, and use a snorkel. Under the guidance and protection of a diving expert, you can relax, lying face down on the water's surface, to marvel at the myriad and enchanting coral reefs beneath the clear blue sea.
Due to the shallow waters, the diving area offers a glimpse of the underwater world without the need for deep-sea exploration. On sunny days, visitors will be enchanted by the beauty of the deep, mysterious ocean unfolding before their eyes. The vibrant and diverse coral, along with a multitude of colorful fish, becomes an unforgettable highlight of your entire journey.
The ocean within sight
Note: It's advisable to adhere to the instructions of the diving expert and avoid straying from the group to prevent drifting into dangerous whirlpools.
Tân Hiệp Market (Cù Lao Chàm Market): Located near the dock area, the market offers a variety of forest and sea specialties, as well as souvenirs. Visitors often purchase sun-dried squid as a gift for friends and family. Haggling is possible in the market, but it's usually minimal as sellers are not inclined to negotiate much.
Beach Bathing: The beach here is exceptionally clean, with fine white sand, making it one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam. There's nothing better than immersing yourself in the cool, crystal-clear water, gazing at the swaying coconut trees, and spotting distant boats dancing on the sea.
Local Specialties in Cù Lao Chàm:
If you opt for a guided tour, you'll savor a lunch feast featuring island specialties like snails, abalones, sun-dried squid, stone crabs, giant prawns, conch shells, sea cucumbers, hill mice, and fresh wild vegetables harvested on the spot.
Tân Hiệp Market
Stone Crab – an exclusive delicacy found only in Cù Lao Chàm. As this crab species has been listed in the Red Book for conservation due to the risk of extinction, they come with a hefty price tag. However, with just a taste of the rich, succulent flavor of the stone crab's claws and legs, you'll immediately find it well worth trying.
Stone Crab – a must-try when visiting Cù Lao Chàm
If traveling independently, you can dine at guesthouses or purchase seafood to be prepared by the guesthouse host at a reasonable cost. It's recommended to buy seafood at Tân Hiệp Market for freshness and affordable prices.
In Cù Lao Chàm, there are no hotels or resorts, only small but immaculate guesthouses. The locals are cheerful and hospitable. If you're part of a group, you can set up a camp right on the beach, witnessing the sunset and enjoying the rhythmic waves like a soothing musical composition.
Currently, the Hội An authorities are investing in electrical infrastructure for Cù Lao Chàm. In the future, Cù Lao Chàm will further develop its services and infrastructure, attracting both domestic and international tourists. The challenge is to harness the tourism potential while preserving the pristine ecological environment, considered a world biosphere reserve.
Full-package tour prices for exploring Cù Lao Chàm, including round-trip canoe transfer from Cửa Đại Sea to Cù Lao Chàm port, a 5-6 course lunch (inclusive of seafood), and a tour guide with diving instructions: ranging from 400k to 500k per person.
As per Pasoto.com
Posted by: Ngọc Hòa
Keywords: Raw Gem of Cù Lao Chàm - The Mysterious Hawaii Archipelago of Asia
