Cu Lao Cham Island in Hoi An: Things You Need to Know

Cu Lao Cham Islands (Vietnamese: Đảo Cù Lao Chàm) or Chàm Island offers tourists a lot of interesting experiences thanks to its stunning natural and cultural attractions. Despite being considered a raw pearl in Hoi An, Cu Lao Cham Islands has become an extremely attractive destination for many domestic and foreign tourists coming to the ancient town. At this place, there are thousands of interesting things for you to explore.

• Location: Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province
• Entrance Ticket: 70,000 VND/person
• Ecological Fee: 20,000 VND/person
• Cano Price: 200,000 VND / person / trip (departure at 8:30 am every day in both directions).
• Wooden Boat Price: 150,000 VND / person / trip (departs at 8 am every day).

1. History of Cu Lao Cham Islands:

The name Cu Lao Cham: Since being known, this place has many names such as Puliciam, Chiêm Bất Lao, Tiên Bích La. But since it was recorded on Western maps with the name Champello" taken from the South-Indian (Autronesian) "Pulau Champa", the previous names were gradually forgotten. Gradually, the name Pulau Champa was read as Cu Lao Cham.

From the 7th to the 15th century, thanks to its location on the sea route, connecting the major trading centers of the countries of Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Cu Lao Cham has become a convenient stopover to avoid storms, get fresh water and food, and this place must be a market wharf for merchant ships from many countries.

The role of Cu Lao Cham in this period is clearly demonstrated through the archaeological remains at Bai Lang - Hon Lao - Cu Lao Cham. In the cultural layer about 1.4m thick of the monument, artifacts are very rich, including: Islamic ceramics originating from kilns in the Middle and Near East; ceramics are sourced from kilns in South China; stained glassware with many pieces of household items (glasses, bowls, bowls, plates, vases...) that world archaeologists have discovered in many sites in East, South and Southeast Asia and said they originated in the Middle East. Especially with a lot of glass jewelry, gemstones with different colors, many shapes, even tiny, showing very fine workmanship. Moreover, through many scrap samples, it is clear: there are many types of products manufactured inland, by Champa residents.

From the 17th century: New Vietnamese residents came to reside in large numbers on Hon Lao, concentrating mainly on Bai Lang and then Bai Huong, establishing Tan Hiep village. The book "Dai Nam Nhat Thong Chi" has written about Cu Lao Cham as follows: "68 miles east of Dien Phuoc district, swooning in the middle of the sea, called Ngoa Long island, also called Cu Lao island, with other names. is Tiem But, the ancient name is Chiem Real Lao, the town of the Dai Chiem estuary; People of Tan Hiep ward in the south of the mountain; The land on the mountain can be plowed, the sea boats in our country and abroad that look after the mountains for a while and then stop there to collect firewood and water.

Over many generations of population survival and development, on a not very large area, not many people, but the classes of residents here have built and still preserved many architectural works: Communal House, Mausoleum, Ancient temples, pagodas, wells dating from the early 18th century to the early 20th century. Although the architectural scale is small, it is very unique and separate in every detail, architectural style and meaning and humanistic content of an island. Moreover, many religious monuments clearly show the transition of beliefs from Champa residents to Vietnamese residents with distinct island characteristics.

2. What Activities to Do & Best Things to See in Cham Islands:

Not only being famous for its unspoiled natural landscapes, Cham Islands also gives tourists a chance to explore the culture and religion of the locals here with many impressive attractions.

2.1. The windy strait of Cham Islands: The windy strait is located to the East of Cham Islands, about 3 kilometers away from the Bai Lang Residential Area. It is surrounded by the endless sea with a clear blue sky background. On your trip to Cham Islands, this is a destination that you can hardly ignore if you want to find a place to catch the sunrise or watch the sunset.

2.2. Ancient well of the Cham people: The ancient well of the Cham people lies in Xom Cam Residential Area. At present, it is more than 200 years old and has been the only source of fresh water to be not contaminated with salt or alum on the island. The locals believe that people drinking the water of the well can get lucky in terms of love and childbirth.

2.3. Hai Tang Temple: Situated at the foot of the Western mountain of Hon Lao, Hai Tang Temple has an impressive view over a vast field. Despite the passage of time, this sacred temple still remains intact and has become a symbol of the island. Each year, thousands of pilgrims and tourists visit the temple to pray for peace as well as get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

2.4. Tan Hiep Market: Located right at the pier, Tan Hiep Market is a destination you should not miss when visiting Cham Islands. Coming there, you can enjoy a lot of delicious seafood dishes and buy unique souvenirs made from shells, snails, stones,... Normally, the seafood at the market is cheaper than in the mainland because it is sold there and then after being caught.

2.5. Temple of Nest Craftsman: The Temple of the Nest Craftsman is a large-scale architectural work, classified as a national relic in 2006. It is located on a sand mound next to Cay Cua in Bai Huong. On the 10th day of the third lunar month every year, the tribute ceremony to the ancestors of bird's nest exploitation is solemnly held at the temple. Therefore, you should visit this place on this occasion to better understand the beliefs of the locals.

2.6. Swimming, Trekking, Scuba Diving: Cu Lao Cham Island has wonderful sand beaches, forested hills, a nature reserve and the sea. With primitive landscapes, the island is ideal for camping, swimming and scuba diving to enjoy the corals and beautiful marine life. Camping, Trekking, Swimming, Snorkeling or Scuba Diving to see Coral Reef will be the Best Activities you should not miss in Cu Lao Cham Island.

3. Weather and Best Time to Visit Cu Lao Cham Island:

In Cham Islands, the weather from March to August is extremely favorable with plenty of sunshine. This time is suitable for some activities such as swimming, scuba diving, sunbathing,... Meanwhile, the rest of the year - from September to February, has a lot of rainfalls and large waves so there are usually no boats to take tourists to the islands.

Monthly Weather and Climate Recored in Cu Lao Cham Island

As mentioned above, thanks to the nice weather, from March to August is the right time for a visit to Cham Islands. At this period of time, the weather is warm and sunny while the sea is calm. In particular, if you want to combine your Cham Islands tour with going sightseeing in the center of Hoi An, you should go on the full moon day of the lunar month to see the most sparkling scenery of thousands of lanterns.

4. What to eat in Cu Lao Cham Islands Hoi An?

When visiting Cu Lao Cham Islands, you should try some well-known specialities here:

• Pyramid top shell: This is a famous sea snail of the central coastal region. It can be processed in many ways such as boiling, grilling, salad,...
• Grilled one-sunny-day squid: This semi-dried seafood will bring you a perfect taste when being dipped into chili sauce.
• Abalone: There are many ways to process abalone like boiling, frying, grilling,... All of them will definitely give you a very special taste.
• Grilled sea urchin: This dish is usually served with scallion oil on the top, making it a unique dish that you should enjoy once.
• Rock crab: The meat of rock crab is mouth-watering and fresh with a firm texture. It can be steamed with beer, then served with salt, pepper and lemon.

5. Where to stay in Cu Lao Cham Islands?

At present, the Cu Lao Cham Island accommodation system is not as developed as those in other places. If you want to come to this destination, you should look for a homestay room to experience the idyllic life there.

• Tam Hien’s Homestay

Location: Bai Ong Beach, Cham Island

Tel: 0120 618 3516

• Hiep’s Homestay

Location: Huong Beach, Cham Island

Tel: 0986 651 448

• Thu Trang’s Homestay

Location: Lang Beach, Cham Island

Tel: 0985 237 941

6. How to get to Cu Lao Cham Islands in Hoi An?

To get to Cu Lao Cham, you need to get to Hoi An or Da Nang first. There are numerous flights from big cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh to Da Nang. When you are here, you will have to choose 1 kind of transportation to get to Cu Lao Cham Island:

• By canoe: This is a time-saving way which takes visitors only around 20 minutes to go to the island cluster. It is suitable for adventure enthusiasts who desire a strong surfing feeling. The ticket fee of a canoe trip is 200,000 VND/person.
• By wooden boat: The ticket fee of a wooden boat trip is 150,000 VND for the Vietnamese and 200,000 VND for foreigners. Compared to canoeing, it takes more time to go and is not suitable for those who are prone to seasickness. If you bring a motorbike to the island, you have to pay an additional fee of 50,000 VND/motorbike.

7. Some things you should know before visiting Cham Islands:

In 2009, UNESCO recognized Cham Islands as one of the world's biosphere reserves. There are several things you need to know before going here. Below are what you should pay attention to before taking a trip to Cham Islands:

• Do not bring plastic bags to Cham Islands
• Prepare some essential things: hats, sunglasses, sandals, sunscreen, insect spray,...
• Bring personal documents
• Do not harm the coral reefs while taking the Cham Islands snorkeling tour
• Suggested gifts for your relatives and friends: dried seafood and fresh seafood, swallow's nest, medicinal herbs, dried seaweed, fish sauce, souvenirs made from seashells,..

Adventure Journey

See Also:

• Best Things to Do and Places to See in Hoi An Ancient Town
• Best Things to Do and Places to See in Danang City Vietnam
• My Son Sanctuary: Travel Guide to Champa Tower Complex