Cham Islands, Hoi An

Cham Islands, Hoi An

The Cham Islands is an archipelago of 8 small islets in the South China Sea, 8 nautical miles off the coast of Hoi An.

The Cham Islands is an archipelago of 8 small islets in the South China Sea, 8 nautical miles off the coast of Hoi An. The Cu Lao Cham Marine Park is a World Biosphere Reserve for its rich ecological diversity. Set in the midst of warm, azure waters, the stunning granite islands offer virgin beaches, craggy peaks, and impressive dive sites in the colorful coral reefs which are home to 135 species of coral. The waters around Cu Lao Cham are also home to sea weed, mollusk, shrimp, lobsters, snappers and clam. Hiking, kayaking, boating, swimming, snorkeling, SCUBA diving, and beach volleyball are popular activities in the area. The summer months of June to August are best for snorkeling and diving.

Express speed-boats from Cua Dai take 30 minutes to ferry visitors to Cham Island, while the slower cruises and fishing boats take longer than an hour.

The largest and main island is Hòn Lao, a mountainous area with several peaks, the highest being a 517 metre high peak in the centre. Just off the main docking harbor on Bai Lang stands the 18th century Hai Tang Pagoda, its entrance marked by a Bodhisattva statue standing on a lotus pedestal, looking out at the sea to protect the local fishermen. It is framed by the peaks of Ngoc Long, Tien But and Bat Lao. Down the road from the pagoda lies the T?nh xá Ng?c Truy?n (Ngoc Truyen Monastery). 5 kilometres to the south lies the Huong Beach in the Bai Huong fishing village, with the Ngoc Huong Vihara on it. The other islands are Hòn Dài, Hòn Khô m?, Hòn Khô, Hòn Lá, Hòn Tai, and Hòn Ông, which is known for its Salanganes nests that are used for the famous Birds' Nest Soup.