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Beyond the staple spots in Vietnam, there are offbeat and less explored islands in the country that not many tourists have a notion of. Cham Island, an archipelago of eight islands nestled in the South China Sea, happens to be one such spot. A little offbeat from the bustling mainland of Vietnam, Cham Islands is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that is renowned for its marine life, accounting for over 950+ species of fish. With bays and beaches, mountains and caves, there are a lot of unique activities waiting for you on these islands.
Location
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The Cham Islands are situated approximately 22 kilometres offshore from Hoi An, a charming ancient town in Quang Nam Province, Central Vietnam. The archipelago comprises eight islands, with Hon Lao being the largest and the only inhabited island. The entire area of the island is surrounded by beaches, rainforests and tall lush green mountains.
How To Reach Cham Islands
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There are primarily two routes that you can take to reach Cham Islands – Either from Hoi An or from Da Nang. The choice depends on your convenience, current location and the comfort of your travel.
From Hoi An: To start your journey to Cham Islands from Hoi An, you need to reach Cua Dai Port first. From there, you can board a speedboat or a wooden boat, depending on what’s available at the moment. Usually, taking a speedboat is preferred since the journey lasts 20 minutes and is a lot more convenient. If you board a wooden boat, the journey is usually between 2-3 hours but the scenic views around make it worthwhile.
From Da Nang: Da Nang is roughly 48 km from Cham Islands. If you are in this populous and bustling city in Vietnam, you’d first need to reach Hoi An and then take a speedboat or wooden boat from there to reach Cham Islands.
Things To Do
Explore the highlights and even indulge in a variety of adventure activities and water sports that are available during the Cham Island tourism:
1. Snorkelling And Diving
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Given the number of islands that comprise the Cham Islands, one of the main activities and adventures that you can be a part of is snorkelling and scuba diving. The Cham Islands are renowned for their vibrant marine life and coral reefs, which explains why these water sports are usually quite celebrated. Some of the key spots for these activities are Hon Mo and Hon Tai. In Hon Mo, you can even explore the underwater caves and encounter a variety of fish species, adding to the experience of the place. Also, the diversity of coral reefs that you can witness is quite enchanting.
2. Relax On Bai Chong Beach
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Bai Chong Beach is a less crowded beach on Hon Lao Island, that is perfect for tourists that enjoy a laidback exploration. With white sand and turquoise waters, the beach is a perfect getaway, enabling you to explore a variety of activities like sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying a quiet retreat. If you don’t want to be surrounded by a lot of locals and tourists, this is the ideal spot for it.
3. Indulge In Paddleboarding
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The calm sea waters, especially around Hon Lao, make for a perfect sport for a stand-up paddleboarding experience. You can even explore kayaking around the still waters. The views of the white sand beaches with the tall palm trees make it a rewarding experience for tourists. One of the best operators around is the Ngo Khanh Homestay where you can find instructors and all the required equipment you’d need for the adventure.
4. Enjoy A Seafood Feast
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With how fresh the seafood is around the Cham Islands, you can’t miss out on having some freshly caught seafood. You can visit the morning market to pick up some of the freshest seafood options around and get them to the restaurants around town and they will prepare the seafood for you. Be it lobster or crab meat, you get to indulge in a variety of amazing options.
Places To Visit Around Cham Island
Apart from indulging in the variety of activities on Cham Island, you have to make the most out of the opportunity to explore some of the best spots around the islands:
1. Hoi An Ancient Town
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Hoi An serves as a base for your journey to the Cham Islands. Once you return from your exploration of the Cham Islands, spend a few days exploring the charm of the Old Town of Hoi An. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is renowned for its historical buildings, traditional lanterns, and bustling markets. You can visit the local markets to pick up a few souvenirs while you are there. Also, don’t miss out on visiting the Japanese Covered Bridge.
Distance From Cham Islands: 16.7 km
Timings: 24*7
2. My Son Sanctuary
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Another UNESCO World Heritage Site that you must visit around Cham Islands is the My Son Sanctuary. This is an ancient Hindu temple complex, which is located around 40 km from Hoi An. It was once a religious centre of the Champa Kingdom and features a collection of red-brick Hindu temples and towers, surrounded by lush greenery. Also, this once served as a religious site for the Cham civilisation and has a lot of archaeological significance.
Distance From Cham Islands: 43.2 km
Timings: 6 AM to 5 PM
3. Marble Mountains
Photo: Kuroczynski / Wikimedia Commons
Located near Da Nang, Marble Mountains is another one of the marvellous spots that you must visit after your Cham Islands tour. This is a cluster of five limestone hills that are surrounded by stunning landscapes, adding to the beauty of the place. There are a plethora of caves and temples that offer panoramic views of the surrounding Vietnamese landscape. One of the main attractions there is the Huyen Khong Cave and Linh Ung Pagoda as well.
Distance From Cham Islands: 24.1 km
Timings: 7 AM to 5 PM
Where to Stay
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You might not find extensive boutique hotels around Cham Island but there are budget-friendly guest houses that make for a great accommodation option. You can also stay at one of the many homestays available around Bai Huong. Some of the popular spots include Crest House Homestay, Monkey Homestay, Sunbay Homestay and Island Smiles Homestay.
Where To Eat
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Cham Island is renowned for its fresh seafood. As you explore the Cham Island map trying to figure out some of the best spots to enjoy delicious meals, there are a few beachside dining spots and resorts that you can explore. Some of the popular restaurants you can try the food at are Dan Tri Restaurant, Monkey Restaurant and bar, Tran Khue Restaurant, Green Restaurant and Café Ray.
Best Time To Visit
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The ideal and peak season for visiting Cham Island is between March and September. With an average temperature from 25°C to 35°C, exploring the island, indulging in adventure activities and taking part in all the outdoor activities is a lot easier in Cham Island weather. The sea is also quite calm during these months, making swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving, etc. a lot easier and safer.
Cham Island offers access to unfiltered beauty and a variety of unique water sports and adventures. If you want to experience the beauty of the underwater world with live coral reefs and marine life, Cham Island is the perfect spot to explore. Ensure that you indulge in careful planning for your next vacation to Vietnam with TripXL for a truly enriching and memorable journey.
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