Cham Islands Day Trip
Snorkeling, pristine beaches, and island village life — the tropical marine paradise 20 km off the coast of Hoi An
The Cham Islands (Cu Lao Cham) are a cluster of eight small islands lying 20 km off the coast of Hoi An, designated as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve for their marine ecosystems and traditional island culture. The largest island, Hon Lao, is home to a small fishing community and several beautiful beaches with clear turquoise water and healthy coral reefs. A day trip to the Cham Islands is the perfect complement to Hoi An's cultural richness — snorkeling over colorful coral, swimming in crystal-clear water, eating fresh-caught seafood on the beach, and glimpsing the simple, ocean-dependent life of an island fishing community. The islands are accessible by speedboat (20-30 minutes) from March through September, with overnight stays possible for those who want to experience the islands after the day-trippers depart.
20 km
Off the Coast
8 Islands
In the Cluster
400,000₫
Day Trip From
Mar-Sep
Best Season
Getting There
Speedboat Tour from Cua Dai
The most common option. Speedboat tours depart from the Cua Dai pier (about 5 km from Hoi An Ancient Town) and reach the Cham Islands in 20-30 minutes. Day tour packages typically include hotel pickup from Hoi An, speedboat transfer, snorkeling equipment, lunch on the island, and a guide. The speedboats are fast but can be rough in choppy conditions — take motion sickness medication if you are prone to seasickness. Tours usually depart at 7:30-8:30 AM and return by 3-4 PM. This is the best option for visitors who want the most time on the islands with the least hassle.
Slow Boat (Local Ferry)
The local slow boat is significantly cheaper than the speedboat and offers a more authentic experience — you will be sharing the boat with local islanders returning home with supplies, fishermen, and the occasional chicken. The journey takes 1.5-2 hours and is scenic but slow. The slow boat is the only option if you want to stay overnight on the islands, as it runs daily with fixed departure times (typically early morning from Cua Dai, afternoon return from the islands). The ride is more comfortable than the speedboat in rough conditions, as the larger vessel handles waves better.
Private Boat Charter
For groups or those wanting a customized experience, private boat charters are available from the Cua Dai pier. A private boat lets you choose your own itinerary — which beaches to visit, how long to snorkel at each spot, where to have lunch, and when to return. The boats typically accommodate 6-15 people, making the per-person cost reasonable for larger groups. This is the premium option for families, photography trips, or anyone who wants to avoid the standard tour schedule.
Best Beaches
The Cham Islands' three main beaches, each with a different character.
Bai Chong (Main Beach)
Most AccessibleThe main beach on Hon Lao (the largest island), Bai Chong is where most day-trip boats dock and where the island's small village and restaurants are located. The beach is a wide crescent of golden sand with clear turquoise water and views back toward the mainland. Snorkeling is good directly from the beach, with coral formations visible in the shallow water. The beach has basic facilities — sun loungers, umbrellas, and several seafood restaurants serving fresh catches from local fishermen. Bai Chong is the most convenient beach and the best choice if you want a combination of swimming, snorkeling, eating, and relaxing without extensive boat travel between spots.
Bai Huong (Huong Beach)
Most BeautifulOften cited as the most beautiful beach on the Cham Islands, Bai Huong is a smaller, quieter cove with exceptionally clear water and a more pristine atmosphere than the busier Bai Chong. The village at Bai Huong is a tiny fishing community where life moves at an island pace — fishing boats in the harbor, women mending nets, children swimming after school. The snorkeling here is excellent, with better coral coverage and more marine life than the main beach. Bai Huong is also the best base for overnight stays, with a few basic homestays offering simple rooms and home-cooked seafood meals. Getting here from Bai Chong requires a short boat ride or a 30-minute walk along a coastal path.
Bai Bac (North Beach)
Snorkeling ParadiseLocated on the northern side of Hon Lao, Bai Bac is accessible only by boat and is the premier snorkeling destination on the Cham Islands. The coral here is the healthiest and most diverse on the islands, protected from the worst currents and boat traffic. Schools of tropical fish, sea urchins, and occasional sea turtles can be spotted in the crystal-clear water. Because it is only accessible by boat, Bai Bac is less crowded than the other beaches. Most organized snorkeling tours include a stop here. The beach itself is small but beautiful — a secluded cove backed by forested hills with no permanent facilities.
Things to Do
From snorkeling and diving to island walks and overnight stays.
Snorkeling
The Cham Islands marine reserve offers some of the best snorkeling in central Vietnam. The water visibility is excellent from March to September (5-15 meters), and the coral reefs support a diverse ecosystem of tropical fish, sea urchins, starfish, and occasional sea turtles. Most tour packages include snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, fins) and life jackets. The best snorkeling is at Bai Bac and around the smaller islets. Even beginners can enjoy the shallow reefs near Bai Chong. The marine reserve status means fishing is restricted in the snorkeling areas, so the underwater life is noticeably healthier than at unprotected sites.
Scuba Diving
Several dive operators in Hoi An and Da Nang offer dive trips to the Cham Islands. The dive sites include coral gardens, rocky walls, and sandy bottoms with visibility ranging from 5-15 meters depending on conditions. Marine life includes nudibranchs, moray eels, lionfish, groupers, barracuda, and occasional reef sharks and sea turtles. The diving is not world-class (compare to the Philippines or Thailand's Andaman coast), but it is the best available in central Vietnam and suitable for both beginners (discovery dives available) and certified divers. PADI certification courses can be completed in Hoi An with dive trips to the Cham Islands.
Island Walking and Village Visits
Hon Lao, the main island, has a network of walking paths that connect the beaches, the fishing villages, and the forested interior. Walking between Bai Chong and Bai Huong (about 30 minutes) takes you through coconut groves, past temples, and along a beautiful coastal path with views over the sea. The village at Bai Huong is a genuine fishing community where you can observe daily island life — boat building, net mending, fish drying, and the rhythms of a community dependent on the sea. The Au Phong temple and the Marine Museum are small but interesting stops.
Overnight Stay
Staying overnight on the Cham Islands transforms the experience from a day trip into an immersion. After the day-trip boats leave (around 3 PM), the islands become remarkably peaceful — just you, the fishing families, and the ocean. Overnight options are basic but charming: homestays in Bai Huong village offer simple rooms with fans, mosquito nets, and home-cooked seafood dinners. The evening experience — stargazing on a quiet beach, fresh-caught fish for dinner, the sound of waves — is worth the simplicity of the accommodation. Book the slow boat for flexible timing.
When to Visit
The Cham Islands are seasonal — timing your visit is essential.
Peak Season (March-September)
The ideal window for visiting the Cham Islands. The sea is calm, visibility is excellent (up to 15 meters), water temperature is warm (25-29°C), and boats run daily. April to June is the sweet spot — perfect conditions with fewer visitors than the July-August peak. Snorkeling and diving conditions are at their best. Book accommodation in advance if planning an overnight stay during this period.
Shoulder Season (February & October)
Conditions are variable — some days are perfect, others are too rough for the crossing. Boats may be canceled on short notice due to weather. If you are flexible with your dates, the shoulder season can offer excellent conditions with fewer visitors. Check weather forecasts the day before and be prepared for a last-minute change of plans.
Closed Season (November-January)
Boats to the Cham Islands generally do not operate from late October through January. The northeast monsoon brings rough seas, strong winds, and rain that makes the crossing dangerous and the island experience unpleasant. Do not plan a Cham Islands trip during this period. The islands are essentially closed to tourism.
More Day Trips from Hoi An
Explore more excursions from Hoi An — from ancient Cham temples to Da Nang's modern attractions.
Frequently Asked Questions
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