Complete Travel Guide to Cu Lao Cham: Everything You Need to Know

Buzz

Ngày cập nhật gần nhất: 15/4/2026

Cu Lao Cham is an island cluster located in Tan Hiep Commune, Hoi An City, famous for its pristine beauty and rich marine ecosystem. Join Mytour as we explore this comprehensive travel guide to Cu Lao Cham!

Overview

Cu Lao Cham lies about 15 km off the coast of Cua Dai Beach, consisting of 8 large and small islands. These include Hon Lao (the largest and central island), Hon Dai, Hon Mo, Hon Kho Me, Hon Kho Con, Hon La, Hon Tai, and Hon Ong. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve, Cu Lao Cham attracts visitors with activities like snorkeling, exploring the pristine forest, and visiting historical sites. The island also reflects a strong traditional culture, seen in the simple life of its fishing community. Visitors can easily travel by speedboat from Hoi An to the island.

Best Time to Visit Cu Lao Cham

The best time to visit Cu Lao Cham is from March to August each year. During this period, the weather is dry, sunny, the seas are calm, and the water is crystal clear. From March to May, the temperatures are comfortable and not too high. June to August is the peak tourist season. From September to February, the island often experiences heavy rainfall and rough seas, which can make travel and sightseeing difficult.

Transportation

Getting to Cua Dai Port (Hoi An, Quang Nam)

– From Da Nang:

– Motorcycle/taxi/private car: The distance from Da Nang to Cua Dai Port is about 30 km (~45 minutes).

– Bus: The Da Nang – Hoi An bus route stops at the center of Hoi An. From there, you can take a taxi or motorbike to Cua Dai Port (~7 km).

– From Hoi An:

It takes about 15-20 minutes by taxi, motorbike, or electric vehicle from the center of Hoi An to Cua Dai Port.

From Cua Dai Port to Cu Lao Cham

There are two main transport options to reach the island:

Speedboat (Most common option)

Travel time: 15-20 minutes.

Ticket price: 350,000 VND per person (round trip), including 260,000 VND for the speedboat, 70,000 VND for sightseeing, and 20,000 VND for environmental and security fees.

Note: Children under 12 months old travel for free, while children aged 1 to under 8 pay 50% of the adult ticket price.

Schedule: Speedboat trips usually depart between 8:00 AM and 9:30 AM, with return trips from the island around 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM.

Wooden boat (For a traditional experience)

Travel time: 90 minutes.

Ticket price: Approximately 50,000 – 100,000 VND per person per trip (additional fee for motorcycle transport if needed).

Schedule: The boat typically departs from either Hoi An Port (Bach Dang Port) or Cua Dai Port around 7:00 AM.

Tourists can book a full-day package tour to Cu Lao Cham, which includes transportation, lunch, entrance fees, and several hands-on activities.

Attractions

Beaches

Cu Lao Cham is renowned for its untouched beaches and clear, turquoise waters. Bai Chong stands out with its soft white sand and swaying green coconut trees. Bai Huong, near the fishing village, is the perfect spot to enjoy fresh seafood. Bai Ong is the most vibrant beach, ideal for water sports. For snorkeling enthusiasts, Bai Xep is a must-visit. Additionally, Bai Bac and Bai Lang offer a peaceful setting and an opportunity to explore the local culture of the island's residents.

Eo Gio

Eo Gio is located along the coastal road near Bai Huong, about 3 km from Bai Lang. It offers the most breathtaking sunrise views on the island. The area is formed by cliffs surrounding two mountain ranges in the shape of a crescent, resembling a horse's saddle. The road here is paved, making it easily accessible.

Ancient Well

The Champa Ancient Well is located at the intersection of roads in the Cam village area. The well is about 200 years old. It has long been a source of fresh water for the locals and is surrounded by mystical tales. Islanders believe the water from this well has the ability to cure seasickness. When boiled with a type of forest leaf, those suffering from seasickness will feel relief almost immediately.

Hai Tang Pagoda

Built in 1758, Hai Tang Pagoda is dedicated to Buddha and various deities that protect fishermen. Situated with its back to the mountains and facing the sea, the pagoda has a harmonious and peaceful beauty. It is surrounded by a stone wall to keep out wild boars and venomous snakes. The pagoda's gate is an archway with three entrances, standing 5 meters tall, 1.5 meters wide, and 6 meters long. Inside, the pagoda houses a set of Three Buddhas and a statue of Buddha sitting on a lotus throne. The pagoda also preserves a large bell with a dragon design, a common motif during the Le Dynasty. It is a popular spiritual destination for visitors to Cu Lao Cham.

Tan Hiep Market

Tan Hiep Market is a trading hub where local vendors on Cu Lao Cham island come together. Located at Bai Lang, in the island's administrative center, the market sells a variety of goods, with an emphasis on fresh seafood. There is a designated area in the market for cooking seafood on-site. You can purchase fresh seafood and ask the vendors to grill, steam, or boil it for you. Within 10 to 15 minutes, you'll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy.

Specialties of Cu Lao Cham Island

Rock Crabs

Cu Lao Cham’s rock crabs are a famous delicacy, beloved by visitors. These crabs primarily inhabit caves and forested areas on the mountain, rather than the sea. The meat is firm, flavorful, and sweet. Rock crabs are often brightly colored, with a hard, durable shell. They are commonly prepared in various appetizing dishes such as beer-steamed crabs, tamarind-crusted crabs, grilled crabs, or crab porridge. Each dish preserves the natural, rich taste of the crab.

Lady’s Breast Snails

Lady’s Breast Snails are a rare and prized delicacy in Cu Lao Cham. These snails are available year-round, with the peak season during the full moon. When the tide recedes, the snails can be found clinging to the rocky shore. Their meat is firm, crunchy, sweet, and rich. The snails can be prepared in various ways, including grilling or steaming.

Wild Greens with Fermented Fish Sauce

With both forests and beaches, in addition to seafood, wild greens are also a local specialty on the island. Early March is the harvest season for wild greens. These greens are simply boiled and dipped in fermented fish sauce, allowing you to savor their crisp, sweet, and refreshing taste.

Cúm Núm

Cúm Núm resembles crabs or fiddler crabs, but with light yellow hues on its shell and claws, which are large and rugged. Although it doesn't contain much meat, the meat that it does have is very sweet. Cúm Núm is typically steamed, stir-fried with tamarind, or grilled.

Abalone

Abalone is a rare, nutritious shellfish. It typically attaches to coral reefs in areas of the sea with high salinity. Freshly harvested abalone has a thick, round body with abundant meat. It can be boiled, steamed, or stir-fried to suit personal tastes. Many people enjoy it boiled with ginger. To prevent the meat from shrinking during boiling, the abalone should be placed in the pot once the ginger water is slightly warm. Boiled abalone dipped in salt, pepper, and lime is rich, sweet, and uniquely delicious.

Accommodation

Cu Lao Cham remains relatively untouched, so there aren't many modern accommodations here. Visitors can stay at homestays, mainly located in Bai Lang and Bai Huong. Room rates range from 200,000 VND to 500,000 VND per night. Some popular homestay options include Bai Huong Homestay, Cham Island Homestay, Island Smiles Homestay, Hai Long Homestay, and Hanh Ly Homestay.