How to get to Cham islands: A complete guide for all visitors
Cu Lao Cham (Cham islands) – a beautiful island located off the coast of Hoi An is an ideal destination for those who love the beauty of nature and want to experience the simple life on the island. With clear blue water, pristine beaches and rich marine ecosystems, Cu Lao Cham has become a destination not to be missed when traveling to Hoi An. However, how to get to Cham islands, visitors need to know the appropriate means of transportation. We will show you how to get to Cu Lao Cham so that you can plan your trip in the most convenient way.
Where are Cham islands located?
Cham Islands are located in Tan Hiep Island Commune, part of Hoi An, in central Vietnam. This small archipelago lies approximately 18 km offshore from Cua Dai Beach, making it easily accessible by boat from the mainland.
Cham Islands consist of eight small islands, including Hon Lao, Hon La, Hon Kho Me, Hon Dai, Hon Tai, Hon Mo, and Hon Ong. Among them, Hon Lao is the largest and most populated island, serving as the main residential and service center. The total land area of the archipelago is around 13.82 km², with an estimated population of about 3,000 residents.
Thanks to their well-preserved natural landscapes and rich marine biodiversity, Cham Islands have been recognized by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve, highlighting their ecological importance and the need for sustainable tourism practices.
Cham islands entrance fee
As a protected biosphere reserve, visitors to Cham Islands are required to pay mandatory entrance and environmental protection fees. These fees help support conservation efforts and maintain the island’s natural ecosystem.
Entrance fee: 70,000 VND per person
Environmental & security fee: 20,000 VND per person
Discounts & exemptions:
Children under 12 months: free of charge
Children under 8 years old: 50% discount
These fees are usually collected at the departure port or included in organized tour packages. Visitors are encouraged to keep their tickets during their stay on the islands, as they may be checked at certain points.
How far is Cham islands from Hoi An?
Cham Islands are located approximately 18 km off the coast of Hoi An. The journey is typically divided into two short segments, making it convenient for both day trips and overnight stays.
First, travelers go from Hoi An to Cua Dai Port, a distance of about 7–8 km, which takes roughly 15–20 minutes by car or motorbike. From Cua Dai Port, boats travel 15–18 km across the sea to reach the islands.
In terms of time, the boat ride takes around 20–30 minutes by speedboat or 60–75 minutes by traditional wooden boat, depending on sea conditions. Overall, the total travel time from Hoi An to Cham Islands usually ranges from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, making the islands an easy and accessible escape from the mainland.
History of Cu Lao Cham
Cu Lao Cham is a place with a rich and diverse history, having been known by many different names over the periods, such as Puliciam, Chiem Bat Lao, and Tien Bich La. This island is famous for its natural beauty and is closely associated with the development of the commercial port of Hoi An, one of the busiest commercial ports in Southeast Asia from the 7th to the 15th century. During this period, Cu Lao Cham was located on an important sea trade route, connecting Southeast Asian countries with the Middle East. On ancient Western maps, Cu Lao Cham was called Campello, showing the importance of the island in international trade.
Starting from the 17th century, Vietnamese immigrants moved here to live more and more, creating a stable community. Cu Lao Cham is also a land that preserves many important cultural relics of the Sa Huynh, Champa and Dai Viet cultures. The ancient architectural works of the Cham and Vietnamese people on the island are hundreds of years old, reflecting the cultural exchange between the ethnic groups over many centuries. With a rich marine ecosystem, Cu Lao Cham was recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve in 2009. This is a place to store and preserve more than 950 aquatic species, contributing to the protection of the marine environment and the development of sustainable tourism. Diverse historical and natural factors have helped Cu Lao Cham become an attractive tourist destination.
How to get to Cham islands
Getting to Cham Islands from Hoi An is relatively simple and can be done independently without joining a tour. The journey usually consists of two main steps: traveling from Hoi An to Cua Dai Port, then taking a boat to the islands. Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, you can choose between a speedboat or a traditional wooden boat.
Step 1 – Get to Cua Dai Port
The first step is reaching Cua Dai Port, which serves as the primary departure point for boats heading to Cham Islands.
Distance from Hoi An Ancient Town: approximately 7–8 km
Travel time: around 15–20 minutes
Visitors can easily get to Cua Dai Port by taxi, private car, or motorbike. For those staying in central Hoi An, this short journey is straightforward and does not require advance booking. It is recommended to arrive at the port 30–45 minutes before departure to complete check-in procedures and ticket verification.
Step 2 – Take a speedboat or ferry to Cham islands
From Cua Dai Port, travelers continue their journey to Cham Islands by boat. There are two main options available: speedboats (canoes) and traditional wooden boats.
By Speedboat (Canoe)
Speedboats are the most popular choice among tourists thanks to their speed and efficiency, making them ideal for day trips.
Travel time: approximately 15–20 minutes
Ticket price: 350,000 VND per person, usually including:
260,000 VND for the speedboat transfer
20,000 VND environmental & security fee
70,000 VND sightseeing (island entrance) fee
Typical schedule:
Departure from Cua Dai Port: around 8:30 – 9:00 AM
Return from Cham Islands: around 2:00 – 2:30 PM
This option allows visitors to reach the islands quickly, leaving more time for snorkeling, beach relaxation, and exploring local villages.
By wooden boat (Traditional ferry)
Wooden boats offer a slower and more traditional way to reach Cham Islands. While they are mainly used by local residents and for transporting goods, tourists can still use this option.
Travel time: around 1.5–2 hours
Ticket price:
150,000 VND for Vietnamese passengers
200,000 VND for international travelers
Departure schedule:
From Bach Dang Wharf (Hoi An): 7:30 AM
From Cua Dai Port: 8:30 AM
Although the journey is longer, traveling by wooden boat offers a calm and scenic experience at sea, suitable for travelers who are not in a hurry and prefer a more local-style trip.
Speedboat vs. Ferry: Which is the better choice for Cham islands?
When planning a trip from Hoi An to Cham Islands, many travelers wonder whether to choose a speedboat (canoe) or a traditional wooden ferry. Based on real traveler experiences, the difference between these two options goes beyond time and cost, they offer very different journeys and overall impressions.
Speedboat (Canoe) – Fast, efficient, and convenient
For travelers visiting Cham Islands as a day trip, speedboats are often the preferred option. The short travel time makes the journey feel lighter and more comfortable, especially for those who want to spend most of their time exploring the islands rather than traveling at sea.
Traveler experience: Many visitors appreciate the “quick and early arrival,” allowing them to follow snorkeling schedules, enjoy lunch on the island, and still have time to relax. The short 15–20 minute ride also helps reduce fatigue, especially for travelers who are not used to boat travel.
Key advantages:
Saves time, ideal for day trips
More frequent and reliable schedules during peak season
Well suited for first-time visitors
Things to consider:
Can feel bumpy when the sea is rough, not ideal for those prone to seasickness
Higher cost compared to wooden boats
Traditional wooden ferry – Slow travel with a local touch
Wooden ferries offer a very different experience and are often chosen by travelers who have more time and enjoy a slower, more immersive journey.
Traveler experience:
The longer 1.5–2 hour journey allows travelers to truly feel the vastness of the sea, enjoy the breeze, and observe everyday island transport. For many, the ferry ride itself becomes a memorable part of the trip.Key advantages:
Lower ticket price, suitable for budget-conscious and independent travelers
Slower and more stable ride when the sea is slightly rough
Provides a closer connection to local life and traditional transport
Things to consider:
Long travel time can be tiring, especially for day trips
Limited departures and fixed schedules
Not ideal if you have a tight itinerary
Getting around Cham islands once you arrive
Once you arrive at Cham Islands, getting around the islands is straightforward and well suited for independent travelers. Distances between beaches, villages, and main attractions are relatively short, and transportation options are kept simple to preserve the island’s peaceful and protected environment.
Walking
Walking is one of the best ways to explore Cham Islands, especially around Bai Lang, the main residential and service area. Many restaurants, beaches, and local spots are located close to each other, making it easy to move around while enjoying the natural scenery and everyday island life at a relaxed pace.
Motorbike rental
Motorbike rental is a popular choice for travelers who want more flexibility. With a motorbike, you can easily visit beaches such as Bai Ong, Bai Xep, or Bai Chong within a short time. Roads on the island are relatively easy to navigate, making this option suitable for confident riders who prefer independence.
Electric vehicles
Electric vehicles are commonly used on Cham Islands and offer a comfortable, eco-friendly way to travel between key locations. This option is especially convenient for families, small groups, or visitors who prefer not to ride a motorbike.
Local boats
For reaching certain beaches or snorkeling spots that are easier to access by sea, travelers can hire small local boats operated by island residents. This option is flexible and often used for snorkeling trips, providing a practical and authentic way to explore the surrounding waters.
The ideal time to visit Cu Lao Cham
To fully enjoy the trip, choosing the right time is very important. The ideal time to visit Cu Lao Cham usually lasts from March to August every year. During this period, the weather is stable, with many favorable conditions for tourism and exploration activities.
Ideal weather from March to August
From March to August, Cu Lao Cham enters the dry season, the weather is very pleasant. This is the time when the sea is calm, the sky is clear, the sun is mild, creating perfect conditions for sightseeing, diving, swimming and exploring the diverse marine ecosystem. Days with clear blue sky and calm sea will make it easy for visitors to travel to the island by canoe or wooden boat, ensuring a safe and comfortable trip. In particular, you will have the opportunity to participate in activities such as coral diving, kayaking and experiencing the life of local fishermen.
Avoid stormy and rough sea months
On the contrary, from September to February, the weather in Cu Lao Cham begins to change to the rainy season, with the possibility of big waves, storms and rough seas. This has a significant impact on tourism activities, and sometimes boats are limited or completely stopped to ensure safety. Therefore, visitors should avoid visiting the island during these months to avoid unnecessary risks.
Therefore, if you are planning a visit to Cu Lao Cham, prioritize choosing the time from March to August to have the best experience with ideal weather.
Read more: Duc An old house: The most beautiful ancient house in Hoi An captivates tourists
Hotel to stay when traveling to Cu Lao Cham
Cu Lao Cham is a beautiful and peaceful island, but due to its offshore location, visitors will not have many options for accommodation. The island mainly has small, simple homestays, serving the needs of short-term stays. Homestays on the island often bring a feeling of closeness to nature, suitable for those who want to experience the simple life of the locals. However, if you need a more luxurious and convenient resort to enjoy the most comfortable vacation, you can consider choosing hotels on the mainland. If you’re traveling with multiple devices, you can also check out this guide on how to set up eSIM on iPad.
Bliss Hoi An Beach Resort & Wellness is an ideal choice when you want to find a high-class resort near Cu Lao Cham. This hotel is located right on the beach, offering visitors a beautiful sea view and convenient, high-class services. Bliss Hoi An Beach Resort & Wellness has 135 high-class rooms with 6 different room types, meeting the diverse needs of visitors from simple, cozy rooms to luxurious rooms with beautiful sea views. In addition, this resort is also convenient for traveling to famous tourist attractions in Hoi An, helping you easily combine your schedule to explore the ancient town and experience sea tourism in Cu Lao Cham.
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