Escape To Cham Island – A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

Cham Island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve located in Hoi An, Vietnam, and is known for its beautiful beaches, abundant coral reefs, and cultural heritage. Just off the coast, Cham Island represents an idyllic escape with the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and local experiences.

Introduction To Cham Island

Cham Island, or Cu Lao Cham, is a small, idyllic island located about 15 kilometers from Cua Dai Beach, Hoi An. As listed with UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the island is well known for its pristine beaches, lush woodlands, and biodiversity in its waters. With its vibrant blue waters, soft sandy beaches, and peaceful nature, Cham Island allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of streets lined with shops, tourists, and restaurants in Hoi An and Da Nang. Visitors can venture into traditional fishing villages, explore historic relics, and enjoy the warm welcome of the local community.

Visitors travel to Cham Island not only for its natural attractions but also for the unique types of experiences available. The island provides the perfect environment for activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and boat excursions, allowing you to enjoy colorful coral reefs and a variety of beautiful fish. In addition to its aquatic features, there are hiking paths and cultural visits, as well. Your hike on the islands may have you unsure if you are visiting more of a neighbourhood or a nature reserve.

History Of Cham Island

Cham Island has a history that dates back three thousand years, from when the Cham people settled and established trade links with the region a thousand years later. The Cham Islands are located along the ocean trading routes, where they served as a point of anchorage for merchants traveling trade routes across Southeast Asia and other regions, primarily during the time of the prosperous Champa Kingdom.

The cultural significance of Cham Island continued to develop through the 18th and early 20th centuries with the construction of important religious sites, such as the Hai Tang Pagoda in 1753 and the Than Yen Sao Shrine at Bai Huong in 1843. Today, Cham Island is known not only for its magnificent natural beauty but also as a biosphere reserve recognized by UNESCO for preserving its ecological value and ancient Cham heritage.

Top 5 Iconic Attractions In Cham Island

Cham Island is famous not only for its unspoiled beauty but also for its cultural and historical sites. The island has so many sites to visit, from its beautiful beaches to its ancient temples. The island offers many things to do for those who are seeking some relaxation as well as adventure, and here are some sites to check out while visiting Cham Island.

The Beaches Of Cham Island

The beaches of Cham Island are plentiful, with stunning and soft, and fancy white sand as well as crystal-clear water to enjoy. Some of the most popular beaches of Cham Island are Bai Ong, Bai Chong, and Bai Bac. Bai Ong is typically the chosen beach for day-trip tours as its sand is clean, and it has access to fresh water showers as well as restaurants serving local seafood around the shore, making it perfect for a stopover.

Bai Lang and Bai Huong are perfect for visitors looking for a local experience, as you can find homestays, as they are close to fishing villages. These beaches are also one of the most excellent locations to relax and enjoy the calm waters, which you should try when visiting Hoi An. They are not crowded due to being outside of tourist areas, giving you a close-up view of the normal daily life of the islanders.

Tan Hiep Market

Situated next to the main pier, Tan Hiep Market is the center of local business on Cham Island. Visitors will see lots of fresh seafood, forest items, and local handicrafts at this market. Lots of tourists buy dried seafood to bring home as gifts.

The market is busy and very lively in the morning. You can bargain, but prices are usually reasonable. Walking around the market gives you a sense of local culture and allows you to taste special island foods.

Eo Gio (Wind Alley)

Eo Gio is located just south of Bai Lang, about 3 km away, and is one of the best places on the island to view sunrise. The location is between two mountain ranges and has a nice natural “saddle” shape that residents think is cute and is named Eo Gio.

The pavement path to Eo Gio is smooth enough to walk while admiring the wildflowers that call this terrain home. Standing here, you can see the ocean clearly and even spot the Cham Island lighthouse in the distance.

Ancient Cham Well

This 200-year-old structure, known as the Cham Well, or Xom Cam Well, is an important historical site for the island community. The well once provided fresh water for locals and is still known for its symbolic value of life and heritage.

In local belief, the water is said to help cure seasickness. Some villagers will even boil the water with some special leaves of the forest and give a drink to travelers who don’t feel well. Visiting the well for yourself is an inspiration to step back in time and to hear the enchanting tales from local villagers passed down through generations.

Hai Tang Pagoda

Hai Tang Pagoda was built in 1758 and is located at the foot of a mountain on Hon Lao, the largest island of the Cham Islands. The pagoda is built with stone walls, and its architectural style is representative of spiritual life in the local community. Inside Hai Tang Pagoda, you will find statues of the Buddha. You will also find an ancient bronze bell decorated in dragon motifs.

Although the temple does not have resident monks, it is managed and cared for by a couple living nearby. Hai Tang Pagoda is within mountains and rice fields, providing the serene surroundings that matter and make for a nice stop for cultural purposes and quiet contemplation.

4 Cultural Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss

Cham Island is famous not only for its beaches and scenic views, but also for its unique cultural and adventurous experiences. From adrenaline-pumping activities to sampling local delicacies, every minute spent on the island will bring you to its real charm. Here are some of the unforgettable activities waiting for you.

Parasailing Adventure

For thrill-seekers, parasailing is one of the truly exhilarating activities to do on Cham Island. You will put on a life jacket, get strapped into the parachute, and then be lifted into the sky as you are pulled by a speedboat crossing the ocean.

Your flight duration will be about 10-15 minutes, and you’ll be flying as high as 70 meters, with stunning views of the sea below. Parasailing is a great activity for anyone who loves the freedom of experience and the adrenaline of being between the vastness of the sky above and the ocean below.

Scuba Diving And Coral Watching

Cham Island is famous for its beautiful coral reefs and marine diversity. Most all-inclusive trips will involve snorkeling or scuba, but you can also book separately at the pier or with guesthouses on the island.

There are options for shallow snorkeling or deep scuba diving with tanks. Prices start from 200,000 VND and go as high as 1,000,000 VND per experience, depending on what you choose. It’s truly a magical way to experience the beauty of the island!

Island Hopping

Within the area of Hon Lao, there are also seven smaller islands that you can hire a boat to visit. Prices are around 700,000 VND for a half-day excursion and accommodate up to 10 people.

If you have a specific destination, such as visiting swallow birds’ nests, smaller excursions cost 300,000 VND. All the island excursions offer breathtaking views of the islands as well as appreciating the unique biodiversity of Cham Island and the surrounding islands.

Tasting Local Specialties

No trip is complete without tasting Cham Island’s signature foods, such as purple stone crabs, found only from March to June, grilled “oc vu nang” snails, and one sun-dried squid. Each type of food has its own seasonal characteristics and flavor.

There are also wild vegetables that you will boil and dip into the rich fish sauce. Although these are simple meals, they are very delicious. The meals show the flux of the mountains, forests, and sea to make a delicious dish. And the foods you are eating have significance in the culture of the island.

Entrance Fee

While visiting Cham Island, you have to pay both a sightseeing fee and an eco-fee. The sightseeing ticket is 70,000 VND, and the eco-fee is 30,000 VND. If you travel by speedboat, the fee is usually included in the ticket price, so you won’t have to pay separately.

Best Time To Visit Cham Island

The ideal time to visit Cham Island is from mid-March to August, when the weather in Hoi An is clear and calm, the sea is calm, and outdoor activities can be enjoyed. This is the period when swimming, snorkeling, diving, and enjoying the island’s natural beauty are at their best.

Best to avoid visiting from October to February during the rainy season. The seas can be rough, boats may suspend operations, and it can be unsafe for visitors to travel during these months.

How To Get To Cham Island

Everyone can make it to Cham Island conveniently. It’s only about 18 kilometers from Cua Dai Beach, and just around 45 kilometers from Da Nang city. The two ways to reach the island are by either a speedboat (cano) or a wooden boat. Speedboats (canoes) offer more comfort, and they are much faster; wooden boats are used by the locals for transporting goods and other services.

Travel companies like Seni World also book day tours to Cham Island. They provide transportation, lunch, entrance fees, and activities such as snorkeling or visiting fishing villages. Walking is an option, but there’s also the option of renting a motorbike when you arrive on the island for a little more freedom and exploration.

Things To Know Before Traveling To Cham Island

Before you go exploring Cham Island, it’s useful to be aware of some useful tips and suggestions to make your trip smoother and more sustainable. These notes will help you have a good time on the island while staying responsible, safe, and comfortable.

• Refrain from using plastic bags, straws, or any other non-biodegradable single-use plastics. Cham Island is a “no plastic” area to protect its delicate ecosystem.
• When you snorkel or dive, respect the marine environment. Do not touch or step on the coral reefs!
• If you have any heart problems, high blood pressure, or breathing problems, consult with your doctor before participating in any diving activities.
• The food and snacks at Tan Hiep Market are generally cheaper than at Bai Lang or Bai Ong, so it is a good place to get food and shop.

Final Thoughts: Is Cham Island Worth Visiting?

Cham Island has everything from the finest beaches, colorful coral reefs, and heritage to delicious local cuisine – there’s no reason not to go! You will surely think each moment spent in Cham Island is memorable, and you will have relaxation or discovery or both…such a lovely place. Plan your trip today with Seni World and let the beauty of Cham Island steal your heart.