Only about 20 minutes from Cửa Đại (Hội An), to Cù Lao Chàm, you can already enjoy queen conch, take photos on the vivid blue beach…
Cù Lao Chàm is a cluster of islands in Tân Hiệp commune, Hội An city, Quảng Nam province, located about 15 km from the coast of Cửa Đại. Despite being part of the famous tourist area with Đà Nẵng – Hội An – Cửa Đại – Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary, Cù Lao Chàm still retains many pristine features. This place was recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve in 2009 and is an interesting tourist destination for groups of friends or couples.
Getting Around
Cù Lao Chàm comprises 8 islands: Hòn Lao, Hòn Dài, Hòn Mồ, Hòn Khô Mẹ, Hòn Khô Con, Hòn Lá, Hòn Tai, and Hòn Ông. The population on these islands is about 3,000 people. To reach the islands, it only takes a 20-minute ride on a high-speed boat (priced at 120,000 VND/person) or over 1 hour on a local ferry (priced at 30,000 VND/person). You can also purchase a full-day tour package from Đà Nẵng for around 450,000 VND/person.
Attractions
Tranquil and quaint, the daily life of the people of Cù Lao Chàm starts early when the sun has yet to rise. The bustling fish market with boats laden with catch, bustling with activity. At noon, let the fresh water envelop you, gently massaging your body. You can also lazily stretch out on the beach, basking in the gentle morning sunlight.
The nearest fishing village beach is Xếp Beach, while the most beautiful beach is Chồng Beach, both unaffected by food and beverage vendors.
The Bãi Ông relic site is the residence of the Sa Huỳnh residents and is the oldest relic site in Hội An (3,000 years). The Bãi Ông relic site is also an important object for studying Sa Huỳnh Culture in Central Vietnam.
The archaeological site of Bãi Làng is also an important relic of the Chăm Pa archaeological site system in Hội An and Central Vietnam. Here, in addition to local artifacts, there are many pottery and glass artifacts from the Middle East, India, and China from the 7th to the 10th centuries.
In addition to the archaeological sites, there is a fairly complete existence of traditional cultural and religious structures in the villages of Central Vietnam. The religious relics still present in Cù Lao Chàm were mainly built around the 17th-18th centuries, such as Đại Càn temple, Thành hoàng shrine, Tiền hiền shrine, Thần nông shrine, Tổ nghề yến shrine, Ông Ngư tomb, Cô tomb, Xóm Cấm well, etc.
Especially, on Hòn Lao there is the Hải Tạng Pagoda belonging to the Mahayana Buddhist sect, built in the 18th century, a fairly beautiful structure, with a large scale and architectural style of 'stacked false beams' divided into 3 bays and 2 courtyards, with a rear sanctum, wooden frame structure and elaborate architectural details.
Embark on a thrilling bicycle journey to explore Cù Lao Chàm, the best way to immerse yourself in the seaside atmosphere. The winding roads meander through sandbanks, small houses, and fishing villages nestled along the coast. Let your bare feet touch the water and try to catch a few crabs hiding among the rocks.
A diving expedition or a stroll through deep forests, camping nights on deserted beaches, will offer you a true feast on the sea.
Accommodation
There are no hotels or resorts on Cù Lao Chàm, only fascinating homestay accommodations for anyone wishing to explore this beautiful green island. The service price at homestays is about 50,000 VND/person.
Cuisine
The specialty of Cù Lao Chàm includes queen conch, rock crabs, and other fresh seafood such as squid, shrimp, and lobster...
Cù Lao Chàm places a special emphasis on the environment, so if you visit the island, let's join hands to contribute to a Cù Lao Chàm free of waste and plastic bags.
Estimated expenses: Approximately 5 days with 3 million VND (excluding airfare tickets).
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Source: Travel Guide from Mytour - Courtesy of: Ngoisao.net.
MytourNovember 19, 2015