The islands of Cu Lao Cham and Hoi An are both famous tourist destinations in Central Vietnam. Due to their close proximity, almost every visitor wants to combine exploring both in the same trip. However, they may not know how to arrange and travel efficiently. Therefore, today I will guide you on how to visit Cu Lao Cham Island and Hoi An in one day in the most reasonable and cost-effective way.
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Should you combine visiting Cu Lao Cham Island and Hoi An in one day?
Cu Lao Cham Island is a cluster of eight small islands, located in Tan Hiep commune, Hoi An city, Quang Nam province. It is about 23km away from the Old Town, including 15km by waterway and 8km by road.
This place attracts tourists with its pristine natural scenery, fresh air, crystal-clear beaches, and vibrant coral reefs. When visiting Cu Lao Cham Island, you can experience many wonderful activities, from sightseeing to dining and snorkeling.
Although there are many points of interest and activities to enjoy, most people only spend a day visiting in the morning and returning in the afternoon. In the evening, they return to Hoi An to explore its ancient beauty, lantern-lit streets, and the fascinating nightlife in the Old Town. Then, depending on individual plans, they may stay overnight in Da Nang or Hoi An. If you’re inexperienced, you can refer to my guide for more information!
Guidance for visiting Cu Lao Cham Island and Hoi An in one day
Before, when tourists visited Da Nang, they usually chose either to go to Hoi An or Cu Lao Cham, rarely considering visiting both because they thought they didn’t have enough time. This made them regretful because both are worth visiting at least once in a lifetime. However, as mentioned above, now you can fully explore both Cu Lao Cham and Hoi An in one day.
To visit Cu Lao Cham and Hoi An in one day, there are two options for you to choose from:
- Option 1: Travel to Cu Lao Cham independently by motorbike. Return to Hoi An in the afternoon after exploring the island.
- Option 2: Join a one-day tour to Cu Lao Cham, departing in the morning and returning to Hoi An in the evening.
Usually, young people who prefer freedom and exploring in their own way tend to choose option 1 more often. However, this means they have to take care of transportation, canoe tickets, meals, and travel schedules themselves. Another group of people chooses option 2, joining a tour in the morning and returning to Hoi An in the evening, or traveling independently in the afternoon (as desired).
Ways to visit Cu Lao Cham and Hoi An in one day
Self-guided by motorbike or car
If you don’t have a motorbike, you can contact rental shops in Da Nang with prices ranging from 200,000 to 350,000 VND per day. For families or large groups, you can use a personal car or rent a tour car with a driver in Da Nang from DanangPrivateCar.com. With private car services, the driver will pick you up directly and assist you in purchasing tickets to Cu Lao Cham Island upon arrival at Cua Dai port.
For those who choose to go by motorbike upon arrival, you can park your vehicle at the port parking lot for a fee of 10,000 VND per motorbike and 15,000 VND per car. Remember to arrive early, around 8 a.m., at Cua Dai port to complete immigration procedures with the border guards before boarding the canoe to the island. Additionally, make sure to book canoe tickets at least 1 day in advance, especially during peak season when there are many tourists and seats may be limited.
You should also be aware of the canoe schedule to plan your day effectively. Canoes depart at 8:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. in the morning, and return at 2 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. in the afternoon. With a travel time of about 15-20 minutes by canoe and an 8km road journey, you’ll arrive in Hoi An around 4 p.m. Overall, this method offers flexibility and comfort, but it can be tiring as you have to drive yourself.
Booking a Cu Lao Cham tour
If you prefer not to travel independently, you can book a Cu Lao Cham island tour through some companies in Da Nang. On the tour, you will be provided with transportation to the port, canoe tickets, meals, sightseeing, and more
Places to visit in the itinerary of Cu Lao Cham and Hoi An tour
Highlights of Cu Lao Cham tourism
Here, tourists will have the opportunity to visit many prominent places such as:
- Beaches: There are up to 8 beautiful beaches on the island, each with crystal-clear, pristine water suitable for swimming and snorkeling, such as Huong Beach, Chong Beach, Xep Beach, Bim Beach, and Lang Beach.
- Ancient artifacts exhibition houses: This site is located right at Lang Beach – where artifacts and historical relics are preserved, reenacting the life of the people of Cu Lao Cham through various periods.
- Cu Lao Cham Marine Reserve: When traveling to Cu Lao Cham, you will also have the chance to visit the marine reserve. Here, many rare and precious marine species are on display, listed in the Red Book.
- Champa Ancient Well: This well was built over 200 years ago, featuring the architectural style of the ancient Champa people. It is the only source of fresh water for the islanders. The special thing is that the water here has never run out even during the driest seasons.
- Hai Tang Pagoda: Built since the 19th century (during the Le dynasty), the pagoda is a spiritual tourism destination for both locals and traders who visit the island regularly to pray for peace and luck.
- Tan Hiep Market: Although not large, Tan Hiep Market is the only place for locals to exchange and trade goods. At the market, there are quite a variety of products from dried seafood, fresh seafood to forest leaves specialties, and local cuisine for tourists to choose from.
Places in Hoi An Ancient Town
During your one-day tour of Cu Lao Cham and Hoi An, you will also have the opportunity to explore many interesting places in Hoi An Ancient Town. However, since the tour concludes in Hoi An in the evening, you can only visit these places:
- Japanese Covered Bridge: The Japanese Covered Bridge is considered the soul and symbol of Hoi An tourism. With its unique architecture and location on the romantic river, it has attracted many tourists for check-ins.
- Lantern Street: The image of a street adorned with thousands of colorful lanterns is familiar to tourists.
- Hoai River: The river running through the Ancient Town is always the focal point of every step. Whether in the early morning, late afternoon, or evening, it is always beautiful with boats of all sizes drifting by and colorful lanterns shining bright
Tips for visiting Cu Lao Cham Island and Hoi An in one day
Choosing the right time to travel
As always, summer is always the “golden time” for island tourism. This is also the ideal time to join a tour to explore this island. From March to August every year, Cu Lao Cham Island is very crowded and bustling. Because during this time, the sun is shining, the waves are gentle, the sea is blue, the sand is white, and the golden sun – a perfect combination. This is also the perfect time to join snorkeling activities.
If you intend to combine visiting Cu Lao Cham and Hoi An in one day, you should plan to go on the 14th or 15th day of the lunar month to experience the beautiful Hoi An at night.
What should you prepare for a trip to Cu Lao Cham Island?
Whether traveling independently or on a tour, there are still a few experiences to keep in mind. It will make your trip more complete and ensure your health throughout the journey.
- Prepare check-in clothes, swimsuits, jackets, towels, hats, wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect your skin from tanning.
- In addition to sports shoes for moving around, you should also bring a pair of sandals, low-heeled sandals for snorkeling and moving around the island easily.
- Don’t forget to bring personal documents and some cash, common medicines (for seasickness, stomachache, allergies…).
- Cameras, phones, and waterproof protective equipment for these devices when taking underwater photos.
Visiting Cu Lao Cham Island and Hoi An in one day is a great choice for those who want to explore both famous destinations at once. You can totally go on your own, but for more convenience and peace of mind, I think it’s better to choose a tour. Wish you a happy and memorable trip!
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