Island near Hoi An: Best islands to visit
Hoi An is famous for lantern streets and historic houses, but just beyond the Ancient Town lies another side of the region waiting to be explored. Within a surprisingly short distance, travelers can reach peaceful river islands, traditional craft villages, and even offshore destinations with coral reefs and volcanic cliffs. This guide walks you through the most popular options, how to get there, what you can experience, and how much you might spend, so you can decide which island fits your travel style best.
Cham Islands (Cu Lao Cham) – The closest island near Hoi An
When travelers look for an island near Hoi An, Cu Lao Cham is the name that comes up again and again. The archipelago consists of eight islands, featuring turquoise water, fishing villages, forested hills, and protected coral reefs. It is close enough for an easy day trip but far enough to feel like a real escape from the busy streets of the ancient town.
Whether you want to snorkel, swim, enjoy seafood, or simply sit under a palm tree listening to the waves, the Cham Islands offer a compact yet complete island experience.
How to get there
Getting to Cu Lao Cham is surprisingly simple, which is one reason it’s so popular. From Hoi An, you’ll travel to Cua Dai Pier, the main departure point for boats heading to the islands.
Most visitors take a speedboat, which cuts across the sea in about 15–20 minutes. The ride itself is part of the fun: wind in your hair, wide ocean views, and the islands slowly appearing on the horizon. Prices for a round-trip ticket usually range between 350,000 and 500,000 VND per person, depending on the season and the boat operator.
There are also traditional wooden boats at a lower price, often around 100,000–150,000 VND one way, but the journey can take more than an hour and a half. They are slower and less comfortable, yet some travelers enjoy the relaxed, local vibe.
If you prefer everything arranged, many companies sell all-inclusive day tours. These typically combine hotel pickup, boat transfer, entrance fees, lunch, and snorkeling activities. The convenience can make the price very worthwhile, especially if you are short on time.
Best things to do
As soon as you step onto the pier, you will immediately notice how different the atmosphere feels compared to Hoi An Ancient Town. In front of you is the open blue sea, fishing boats resting near the shore, and green mountains rising behind the village. Life here moves at a slower pace, simple and peaceful, making it easy to forget the bustle of the mainland.
Most activities in the Cham Islands revolve around the ocean and the daily rhythm of local fishermen. Even if you only spend a day here, you can still enjoy a wide range of memorable experiences.
Snorkeling & Coral watching
For many travelers, this is the main reason to visit. Boats take you to designated snorkeling areas where coral reefs lie just beneath the crystal-clear surface. Once you put your face in the water, a colorful underwater world appears, filled with coral formations, small fish, and dancing sunlight.
If you join a package tour, snorkeling is usually included. If you purchase it separately, the typical price ranges from 150,000 to 250,000 VND per person, including a mask, snorkel, and life jacket. You don’t need to be a strong swimmer since guides are always nearby to help.
Swimming & Relaxing on the beach
After time in the water, beaches such as Bai Chong or Bai Ong are ideal places to unwind. The sea is often calm during the good season, and the sandy shore is gentle enough for visitors of all ages.
If relaxation is your goal, you can rent a beach chair or hammock under an umbrella for around 30,000 to 50,000 VND. Add a fresh coconut or a cold drink for about 20,000 to 40,000 VND, and you have the perfect setting to enjoy a few quiet hours away from the mainland crowds.
Visiting the fishing village
A walk around Bai Lang offers insight into local island life. You will see boats lined up along the coast, seafood drying in front of houses, and a small market selling the day’s catch.
Exploring the village usually does not require any additional payment if you have already bought your island entrance ticket. If you want to purchase snacks or dried seafood as souvenirs, prices typically start from around 50,000 VND, depending on the product.
Seafood experiences
Enjoying seafood is an essential part of the trip. Because it is caught locally, the dishes are incredibly fresh and naturally sweet. Grilled squid, steamed fish, shrimp, and shellfish are among the most common favorites.
For travelers on a tour, lunch is normally included in packages that range from about 500,000 to 800,000 VND per person for the entire day. Independent visitors can order dishes individually, with prices for a plate of squid or fish often between 120,000 and 250,000 VND, depending on size and season. Sitting by the sea, feeling the breeze while watching boats pass by, somehow makes the meal even more satisfying than the numbers on the bill.
Entrance fees & Tour prices
Before enjoying the beaches, visitors pay small mandatory charges that support conservation and local infrastructure. The combined entrance and environmental fees usually total around 90,000–100,000 VND per person.
If you arrange everything yourself, typical costs might look like this:
- Speedboat round trip: 350,000–500,000 VND
- Entrance & environmental fees: ~100,000 vnd
- Snorkeling (optional): 150,000–250,000 VND
- Meals & drinks: flexible depending on what you order
By the time you add it up, many travelers find that joining a package tour is similarly priced but far easier to manage. Group tours often start from around 500,000 VND, while premium or private experiences can exceed 1,000,000 VND depending on service quality and group size.
Tam Hai Island – A quiet fishing island near Hoi An
If the Cham Islands feel too familiar and Ly Son seems too far for a quick escape, Tam Hai Island offers a perfect middle option. This small island in Quang Nam Province still preserves its untouched atmosphere, authentic fishing life, and the slow rhythm many travelers hope to find.
You won’t see many resorts or dense tourism services here. Instead, Tam Hai is ideal for those who enjoy riding around the island, stopping at rocky shores, talking with locals, and tasting seafood brought straight from the boats.
How to get there
From Hoi An, you travel about 40 km south, which usually takes 1.5–2 hours by car or motorbike, to reach Tam Quang ferry terminal.
From there, a short ferry ride of around 5–10 minutes takes you to the island. Tickets are very affordable, typically about 10,000–20,000 VND per person, with a small extra fee if you bring a motorbike.
Because the travel time is manageable and ferries run frequently, Tam Hai works well for both day trips and overnight stays.
What makes it special
Tam Hai may not have a long list of famous check-in spots, yet its charm comes from simplicity. Most visitors spend their time circling the island, stopping wherever the scenery feels inviting, and enjoying a break from crowded tourist routes.
Ban Than Rock Reef – a rare geological landscape
This is the island’s most striking natural area, known for layers of dark rocks stretching toward the sea. Walking along the reef, you can hear waves crashing against the cliffs, take photos, or simply sit and admire the view.
Sometimes there is a small entrance or parking fee, usually around 10,000–20,000 VND.
Tam Hai fishing village – everyday coastal life
What truly makes the island interesting is daily life. Early in the morning, boats return to the harbor, and seafood is sorted and sold right at the pier.
Travelers often walk around, take pictures, buy fresh catches, or ask locals to cook them. Prices depend on the season, but they are generally lower than in major tourist destinations. Crab, squid, or fish may start from a few hundred thousand VND per kilogram.
Secluded beaches around the island
You don’t necessarily need to look for a specific beach name. While riding around, you will pass several quiet sandy stretches with relatively clean water. Visitors usually stop for a swim, relax, or enjoy a small picnic.
Most of these beaches do not charge an entrance fee, though you might pay a little for parking if services are available.
Typical costs
Tam Hai is considered a budget-friendly island. Since tourism development remains limited, many expenses are still very local.
Here are some common costs:
- Ferry to the island: 10,000–20,000 VND per person
- Motorbike rental (if needed): around 120,000–150,000 VND per day
- Seafood meals: often 150,000–300,000 VND depending on the dish
- Homestay or guesthouse: usually 250,000–500,000 VND per room per night
With this price range, Tam Hai is ideal for travelers who want to experience island life while keeping their budget under control.
Cam Nam island – A riverside island near Hoi An
Just across a small bridge from the Ancient Town, Cam Nam Island is a place many travelers pass by without realizing how pleasant it can be. There are no famous beaches or large-scale tours here. Instead, the island charms visitors with quiet riverside roads, corn fields, local houses, and an atmosphere that feels genuinely residential. It is an ideal choice when you want to step away from the busy tourist center but still stay very close to Hoi An.
How to get there
Reaching Cam Nam is extremely easy. From the center of Hoi An, it only takes about 5–10 minutes by foot, bicycle, or motorbike to cross Cam Nam Bridge. There is no need for a boat or ferry. Because of this convenience, many travelers like to combine a visit with an early morning ride or a late afternoon stroll when the temperature is cooler and the light is beautiful.
What makes it special
Cam Nam offers the feeling of a small community separated from the tourist buzz, where you can observe daily life rather than organized attractions.
Cycling around quiet village roads
The most popular activity is simply renting a bicycle and wandering along the narrow lanes. As you move through the island, you will pass corn fields, family houses, children playing, and boats anchored along the riverbanks. There is no fixed sightseeing route, so the experience is about slowing down, exploring freely, and enjoying the peaceful surroundings. Bicycle rental usually costs around 30,000–50,000 VND per hour.
Local eateries with friendly prices
Cam Nam is also known for its casual restaurants serving Central Vietnamese dishes. Prices are often lower than inside the Ancient Town, with many meals ranging from 30,000 to 70,000 VND. Visitors commonly stop for lunch or take a break with a coconut drink while watching the river flow by.
A peaceful escape near the heritage zone
Within just a few minutes from the crowded streets, you may feel a completely different rhythm of life. This makes Cam Nam attractive for travelers who enjoy everyday photography, gentle walks, or simply finding a quiet place to relax without going far.
Typical costs
Since there are almost no entrance tickets, expenses on Cam Nam remain low. Transportation is minimal, bicycle rental is about 30,000–50,000 VND per hour, and food or drinks usually fall between 30,000 and 100,000 VND. It is easily one of the most budget-friendly island-style experiences near Hoi An.
Read more: Exploring Cam Nam Island: A tranquil escape in Hoi An
Cam Kim island – Traditional craft villages and green countryside
Located across the Thu Bon River, Cam Kim Island presents a more rural landscape compared to Cam Nam. The island is famous for Kim Bong carpentry village, wide rice paddies, vegetable gardens, and shaded country roads. People come here not for entertainment complexes but to experience a slice of authentic Vietnamese countryside only a short distance from the heritage center.
How to get there
From Hoi An Ancient Town, it takes around 10–15 minutes by motorbike or bicycle via Cam Kim Bridge. Some travelers still prefer crossing the river by a small local ferry, which typically costs about 10,000–20,000 VND per person. The flat terrain makes the island particularly enjoyable for cycling.
What makes it special
Cam Kim’s appeal lies in the combination of traditional handicrafts and quiet green scenery, offering visitors a look into long-standing local livelihoods.
Kim Bong Carpentry village
This is the best-known highlight of the island. Walking through the village, you can see artisans carving wood, building furniture, and displaying handmade products much like they have for generations. Many workshops welcome visitors freely, though you might leave a small donation or purchase a souvenir to support the craft.
Read more: Kim Bong carpentry village: “Museum” of Vietnamese Woodcraft
Cycling through rice fields and canals
A favorite way to explore is by bicycle along small paths cutting through rice paddies and waterways. The environment is calm and refreshing, and along the way you may encounter farmers at work, grazing cattle, or children returning home from school. Bicycle rental prices are similar to those in Hoi An, around 30,000–50,000 VND per hour.
Simple countryside refreshments
Scattered across the island are tiny stalls selling sugarcane juice, coffee, noodles, or home-style meals. Prices are generally affordable, often between 20,000 and 60,000 VND, making it easy to pause and enjoy the rural setting.
Typical costs
Cam Kim is another very economical destination. There is usually no entrance fee, and most of your spending goes toward bike rental, snacks, or souvenirs. With common expenses ranging from 20,000 to 100,000 VND, it is perfect for travelers who prefer meaningful experiences without a large budget.
After discovering how many islands near Hoi An you can visit in just a short ride, from the peaceful lanes of Cam Nam and the craft villages of Cam Kim to farther coastal escapes, the real challenge becomes planning the journey in a convenient way.
Staying at Bliss Hoi An Beach Resort & Wellness makes island hopping much easier. The resort sits in a quiet beachfront area while still remaining well connected to river crossings, ferry points, and countryside routes. Instead of worrying about how to move between places, guests can use the resort’s shuttle services to reach key sightseeing spots and departure areas, then return to a comfortable room, the spa, or the pool after a full day of exploration.
For travelers who want an even smoother experience, joining organized sightseeing tours is another smart option. Transfers, schedules, and local guidance are arranged in advance, allowing you to simply enjoy cycling through rural islands, meeting fishing communities, or cruising along the river without dealing with logistics.
Exploring an island near Hoi An is one of the easiest ways to add variety to your trip to the ancient town. Each destination offers a different perspective, from everyday riverside life to wide open ocean views. Whichever island you choose, these nearby islands reveal how diverse the area around Hoi An truly is, turning a heritage visit into a much broader journey of discovery.
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