Private tailor-made journeys of a life time
(+84) 942777545
sales@vietnamescapetours.com
Need Help?
Private tailor-made journeys of a life time
Jul 24, 2023
By Ms. Anh Thu
Cham Island Hoi An or Cu Lao Cham Hoi An, which is well-known for its pristine beauty and coral reefs, is a fantastic place to visit for your trip to Hoi An, Vietnam. If you are in Vietnam and planning to set foot on this destination, read on to explore and get more information about a must-visit place through this post.
Cham Island, located 16 km off the coast of Hoi An, Quang Nam province is the largest island in the Cham Islands. With a 15 km2 coastline, it features sandy beaches and rock cliffs with bird nest caves. The island is home to rare animals and offers stunning views from its contour roads. The underwater world of Cham Island is among the richest in the country, with over 2,500 visitors visiting its coral reefs and diverse species. The Cham Islands comprise eight islands, each with its unique characteristics. Hoi An's signature noodle dish, Cao Lau, requires wood ash from this island.
The Bai Ong archaeological site in Cham Island and Hoi An, dating back to 3,100 BC, has been the site of the earliest presence of people on the island. Archaeologists discovered fishing tools, pottery, and fire-wood kitchen relics, believed to be left by Sa Huynh culture. The Cham period, which lasted from 2nd to 15th century, is the most substantial evidence of the Chams' presence on the island. During this time, merchants from various countries stopped at the Chams' port, which was later used for trading. The last standing remains from the Cham period are Xom Cam well, which features a circle mouth, a stacked stone wall, ironwood, and stone in the squared bottom.
On Cham Island, where the first Vietnamese people came in the sixteenth century, 24,000 artifacts were brought ashore between 1997 and 2000, including porcelain, pottery, ironworks, stone carvings, and human bones. The collection was later divided into smaller pieces and sent to large museums across Vietnam.
Bai Lang, the most populous village on Cham Island, has a rich history dating back to 3,100 BC. The area boasts numerous historical sites, including the Cham Island Museum and Xom Cam Well, which is believed to help alleviate seasickness. The 18th-century Hai Tang Temple, built by fishers, is a popular attraction, but there are no Buddhist monks. Visitors can also find small whale shrines, ancestor tombs, and a large monastery nearby.
Ong Cu Lao Cham Beach, located northwest of Hon Lao, is a beautiful eco-tourism destination with developed tourism services. The beach features fine white sand, turquoise sea color, a coconut forest, and green seawater spinach beds. The island is committed to maintaining a clean environment and avoiding plastic bags and littering. Visitors can enjoy beautiful photo angles and memorable moments on Bai Ong, including a wooden plank bridge leading to the sea. The beach also features a new floating house, offering opportunities for swimming, games, and team building.
The Marine Protected Area home is a site for showcasing vivid visual depictions of everyday life in Cham Island's fishing village and encouraging visitors to refrain from bringing plastic bags in order to preserve the environment and safeguard marine life. There are numerous booths, but the first one is particularly remarkable since it recreates the entirety of Cham Island so that visitors may get the broadest perspective.
Hai Tang Pagoda located on Cu Lao Cham Island, Hoi An, Quang Nam is an ancient temple. Originally built in 1758, the temple has undergone numerous restorations and relocations due to storms. The front gate features three arched entrances, with the back facing the mountain and the front-facing a small valley, the only rice field on the island. The stone wall surrounding the temple is a testament to its history. The pagoda is believed to represent the convergence of the Tripitaka, a vast religious system for fishermen. The temple features prominent Buddhas of Three Times and a statue of Sakyamuni Buddha sitting on a lotus. The Great Bell, a popular pattern in the Early Le dynasty, is also housed in the temple grounds.
Cham Island fishermen have a long tradition of fishing, working on the beach to catch various fish, including cones, snails, and scallops. They use various fishing gear, such as nets, hand fishing, and throbbing nets. After a long day, they return to the mainland to rest and prepare for the next day's fishing trips. The fishing ceremony, a spiritual festival, is preserved for centuries and is a significant part of Cham Island's cultural heritage. The island's tourism industry has grown, requiring an increase in seafood demand for tourists to enjoy.
There are numerous activities for tourists when they visit Cham Village Hoi An such as hiking, going fishing, cycling, etc. the three below activities are the most popular ones among tourists:
Snorkeling in Hoi An offers a unique underwater experience, particularly in the Cham Islands. With numerous colorful reefs and fish, local dive shops offer this activity on day trips to the Cham Islands. The small waves and light currents make for an enjoyable experience in the ocean. The best time for snorkeling is between March and September, with the best weather between June-August. However, weather can be rough outside these months, with seasonal storms causing unsuitable conditions. Boats cannot cross the Cham Islands, making snorkeling chances limited.
Underwater Walking or Sea-walking is an extraordinary experience at the Cham Islands in Hoi An, Viet Nam, where visitors can experience a safe and fascinating underwater walk on the ocean bed. This activity allows visitors to observe colorful coral reefs and marine ecosystems, as well as hand-feed fish on the ocean floor. Visitors can wear a SeaTrek helmet, designed by Sub Sea Systems, and walk without underwater skills or training, allowing visitors to breathe and move while observing the surrounding nature. After a 2- to 5-minute training period, the chosen underwater sea walk adventure lasts 20 minutes. The best season for sea-walking is during the summer months of June through August when the weather is perfect with clear water and calm seas.
It might cost between 150,000 VND (6.50 USD) and 200,000 VND (8.60 USD) for 24 hours for booking a private motorbike tour of Cham Island. All of the riders were born and still reside on the island, thus they are quite familiar with the local landmarks. Expect scenic coast cruises, picturesque vistas, unusual landscapes, and seasonal flowers. The cost is set and controlled by the neighborhood. Come to Tan Hiep market to begin the drive, or ask your guide if you're on a guided tour.
Cham Island is best during the dry season, from February to August, with minimal weather issues. This time offers sunny days, clear skies, and warm waters, making it ideal for sightseeing, beach activities, and underwater exploration. However, from September to January, rains occur frequently, and visitors should bring a rain poncho. The wet season, also known as the rainy season, is characterized by cold winds and rainy days. From October to December, typhoons can cause dangerous storms, waves, and strong winds, leading to cancellations of tours.
Hoi An to Cham Island can be easily reached by speed boat, which docks, departs, and returns to Cua Dai tourist harbor. The distance is shorter if staying overnight in Cua Dai Beach accommodations. Self-guided travelers can book tours online, and reservations are necessary during high season. Wooden boat ferry is another option, with departures from An Hoi Island between 7 and 7:30 and Cua Dai tourist harbor between 8 and 8:30. Returning to the mainland necessitates arriving in Bai Lang harbor between 11:30 and 12 p.m. Travel duration is around one hour.
Da Nang travelers prefer speed boats due to the long distance to Hoi An's harbors. Self-guided travelers can book taxi/car transfers or bike rentals, while Da Nang-based travel agencies arrange tours with round-trip transfers from hotels.
Cham Island Hoi An is a must-visit destination because of its pristine beauty, panoramic view, and various activities for tourists to explore. If you are looking for a trip to Hoi An, you can not ignore this attractive place. Vietnam Escape Tours hopes that you have learned a lot through this post, thank you so much for reading.
