How do I get to Cham Islands from Hoi An?
Take a speedboat from Bach Dang Wharf (Hoi An) or Cua Dai Port — 30 minutes, 150k VND one-way. Tour packages (350k–500k VND) include boat, guide, lunch, snorkeling gear. Best season: March–August (calm water). October–November: boats may not run due to storms. UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 2009.
The islands
Cham Islands (Cù Lao Chàm) are a cluster of 8 islands 19km off Hoi An’s coast. UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 2009. Marine biodiversity, coral reefs, fishing villages.
Main island: Hon Lao (where most tourists go) Other islands: Hon Tai, Hon Mun, Hon Kho — snorkeling spots, uninhabited
How to get there
Option 1: Speedboat (independent)
Departure: Cua Dai Port (5km from Hoi An old town) Duration: 30 minutes Price: 150k VND one-way, 300k VND round-trip Schedule:
- Depart Hoi An: 8am, 11am, 2pm
- Return from islands: 10am, 1pm, 5pm
Getting to Cua Dai Port:
- Grab taxi: 80k–100k VND from old town
- Motorbike: Follow Lac Long Quan Street south (5km)
- Hotel shuttle: Some hotels arrange transfer (200k VND)
Ticket office: At the port — arrive 30 minutes before departure. Cash only.
What’s not included:
- Marine park fee: 40k VND (paid at island)
- Snorkeling gear rental: 50k–100k VND
- Food on island: 100k–200k VND per meal
Option 2: Tour package (recommended)
Price: 350k–500k VND per person Includes:
- Round-trip speedboat
- Hotel pickup in Hoi An
- Lunch (seafood, rice, fruit)
- Snorkeling gear
- Guide
- Marine park fee
Schedule:
- 7:30am: Hotel pickup
- 8:30am: Depart Cua Dai Port
- 9:00am: Arrive islands, snorkeling
- 12:00pm: Lunch
- 2:00pm: Beach time or village visit
- 3:00pm: Depart islands
- 4:00pm: Back at hotel
Where to book:
- Travel agencies on Nguyen Thai Hoc Street
- Your hotel reception (small markup, but convenient)
- Online (Klook, GetYourGuide) — sometimes cheaper
Tour operators:
- Hoi An Express (450k VND, reliable)
- Vietnam Adventure (400k VND, budget option)
- Your hotel’s partner (price varies)
Option 3: Private boat
Price: 2M–4M VND for whole boat (up to 10 people) Duration: Flexible — you set the schedule Includes: Captain, fuel, ice, water
Good for groups. You can customize the route, stay longer at snorkeling spots, bring your own food.
Book through: Hotel reception or marina at Bach Dang Wharf.
Seasonal schedule
| Season | Boat Schedule | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Mar–Aug | Full schedule (3x daily) | Calm water, best visibility |
| Sep | Reduced (2x daily) | Occasional rough seas |
| Oct–Nov | Often cancelled | Typhoon season, dangerous |
| Dec–Feb | Limited (1x daily) | Cool, windy, some days rough |
October–November warning: Boats may not run for days at a time due to storms. If Cham Islands is a priority, don’t visit during these months.
What to bring
- Sunscreen: Reef-safe preferred (protects coral)
- Towel: Tours don’t provide
- Change of clothes: Leave in hotel or bring in dry bag
- Cash: No ATMs on islands, cards not accepted
- Motion sickness pills: Boat ride can be rough
On the islands
Hon Lao (main island):
- Fishing village (Bai Ong)
- Small market (souvenirs, snacks)
- Beaches (Bai Chong, Bai Xep)
- Homestays (basic, 200k–500k/night)
Snorkeling spots:
- Hon Mun: Best coral, clear water
- Hon Tai: Shallow, good for beginners
- Bai Chong: Beach snorkeling, easy access
My recommendation
First-timers: Book a tour package (400k–500k VND). Everything is arranged, you just show up.
Independent travelers: Take the 8am speedboat, return on 5pm boat. Full day on island, 450k VND total (boat + lunch + gear).
Groups (6+ people): Charter private boat — cost per person drops to 300k–400k VND, plus flexibility.
Avoid: October–November — boats often cancelled, water is rough.