How far is Cham Island (Cu Lao Cham) from Hoi An, and how do you get there? This is a question many people are interested in when planning to explore both destinations. Considered a rough gem, this island is increasingly attracting visitors to Hoi An and Da Nang. Here, tourists can escape the bustling city to experience the peaceful and pristine natural scenery. To help you start a smooth new journey, DanangPrivateCar.com will share all the relevant information below. Check it out!
Introduction to Cham Island (Cu Lao Cham): Where is it and what makes it attractive?
Cham Island (Cu Lao Cham) is a group of eight small islands: Hon Ong, Hon Kho Me, Hon Kho Con, Hon Dai, Hon La, Hon Lao, Hon Mo, and Hon Tai. It belongs to Tan Hiep Commune, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province. About 15 years ago, few people knew about this island if asked. At that time, it was still pristine, not much invested in tourism, with lacking infrastructure, and transportation was a significant challenge. This is why it was called a “rough gem.”
However, in recent years, as people began to settle there, they gradually discovered that Cham Island (Cu Lao Cham) has many new and interesting aspects worth exploring. These features have continued to develop to this day. With its rich ecosystem, fresh air, islands with clear blue beaches, white sands, and many unique sites, this place increasingly attracts visitors from all over. If you are a fan of islands and beaches, this is a destination you should not miss when traveling to Da Nang or Hoi An.
How far is Cham Island (Cu Lao Cham) from Hoi An, and how do you get there?
Distance from Hoi An to Cham Island (Cu Lao Cham)
How many kilometers is Cham Island (Cu Lao Cham) from Hoi An? According to various sources, it is about 21 km (including both land and sea routes), with a total travel time of approximately 30 minutes. This distance is not too far, and starting from the ancient town of Hoi An, visitors can easily visit this famous island.
Although it is not far away, it offers visitors a completely different experience. Here, there are beaches with crystal clear waters, long stretches of white sand, and brilliant golden sunshine. When traveling to Cham Island (Cu Lao Cham), tourists can immerse themselves in pristine, lush nature, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, and participate in various activities such as snorkeling, fishing, camping, visiting temples, and exploring the ancient Cham Pa well.
How to Get from Hoi An to Cham Island (Cu Lao Cham)
Since Cham Island (Cu Lao Cham) is an island completely separate from the mainland, many people wonder how to get there. Don’t worry, as this island has increasingly been developed and promoted for tourism, so it’s not difficult to visit and explore. However, according to experience, you need to take two legs of the journey: first, travel to Cua Dai Port (about 5-7 km, depending on the route) and then from Cua Dai Port to the island (about 15 km). This means you will travel by both land and sea routes.
How Far is Cham Island (Cu Lao Cham) from Hoi An and the Journey from the Port to the Island
As mentioned, to get from Hoi An to Cham Island (Cu Lao Cham), you need to travel in two stages: from Hoi An ancient town to Cua Dai Port and from Cua Dai Port to Cham Island (Cu Lao Cham). For each stage, there are various means of transportation you can choose from based on your preferences and conditions. Here is a detailed guide:
Getting from Hoi An to Cua Dai Port
Traveling from Hoi An by Taxi
Many people consider taxis to be an expensive mode of transport, but it depends on the situation. In this case, with a short distance of about 8 km, the cost is not high. Especially if you travel in a group of 4-7 people, it becomes more economical. Typically, an 8 km trip from the ancient town center costs around 70,000 – 100,000 VND per trip. You can take a taxi from companies like Mai Linh (0510.3.92.92.92), Vinasun (0511.3.68.68.68), Faifo (0510.3.91.91.91), etc.
Traveling by Private Car with Driver
Private car services are suitable for those wanting a private trip, especially for larger groups, friends, or family. A private car ensures a safe and comfortable journey. With the private car service in Hoi An provided by DanangPrivateCar.com, you’ll have the best experience. Our driver will pick you up anywhere in Hoi An or Da Nang, and they will wait for you to return to take you back to Hoi An.
Renting a Motorbike from Hoi An to Cua Dai Port
Another popular option, especially among young travelers, is renting a motorbike in Hoi An. Traveling by motorbike has many advantages, such as flexibility with time and schedule, and it’s also cost-effective. The rental price for motorbikes in Hoi An ranges from 200,000 to 350,000 VND per day, depending on the type of bike. You can park the bike at the port and, on your return, explore additional nearby locations at a very low cost.
How to Travel from Cua Dai Port to Cham Island (Cu Lao Cham)
How Far is Cham Island (Cu Lao Cham) from Hoi An? Not far, but because it is an island commune with no roads or airports, to reach Cham Island (Cu Lao Cham) from Cua Dai Port, you have to use waterway transportation. There are two options available:
Traveling from the port to Cham Island (Cu Lao Cham) by High-Speed Canoe
This is the most popular and modern means of transportation chosen by travel companies to serve tour groups. If you are traveling independently, you can still easily purchase tickets from the dock or authorized agents in the Old Town area.
The journey by canoe takes only about 17-20 minutes, making it suitable for tourists prone to seasickness and those who want to save time for enjoyment. Canoes operate round-trip with many departures, but based on travel experience in Hoi An, you should be aware of the ferry schedule to avoid missing the trip. The ticket prices for canoe trips to Cham Island (Cu Lao Cham) in 2024 are as follows:
- Round-trip ticket for same-day travel: 400,000 VND per person.
- Round-trip ticket for different-day travel: 500,000 VND per person.
Traveling from the port to Cham Island (Cu Lao Cham) by Wooden Tourist Boat
If you prefer a slower pace to comfortably enjoy the sea views, you should choose a wooden boat. Originally used by fishermen, these boats were previously used to transport goods between the mainland and the island and served as transportation for locals. If traveling in a large group, you can rent an entire boat, or if traveling alone or in small groups, you can join others.
Wooden boats can also carry motorcycles. The boats usually depart from Bach Dang pier at 8:00 AM and stop at Cua Dai Port to pick up passengers at 9:00 AM, returning to Hoi An at 2:00 PM. Each trip takes about 1 hour. The ticket prices at the current time are:
- For Vietnamese visitors: 100,000 VND per person.
- For international visitors: 150,000 VND per person.
- Motorcycle parking fee for the island: 20,000 VND per motorcycle.
How Many Days to Visit Cham Island (Cu Lao Cham) from Hoi An and Which Form of Travel?
How many days should you visit Cham Island (Cu Lao Cham)?
In reality, the number of days to visit Cham Island (Cu Lao Cham) depends on each person’s needs and preferences. If you have plenty of time and want to explore everything interesting on the island, especially if you want to experience the scenery and nightlife here, you can consider a 2-day, 1-night trip.
The island is still quite undeveloped in terms of accommodation services, but you can still find a place to stay for a rest. You can rent a guesthouse or homestay, although the quality may not be as good as hotels, it’s generally still decent.
However, according to the current trend of tourists, most people choose to visit the island in a day trip, meaning they go in the morning and return in the afternoon. Cham Island (Cu Lao Cham) from Hoi An is not too large, so just one day is enough for you to visit all the attractions and experience all the exciting activities here. The remaining time can be spent exploring other places to make your journey more attractive and memorable.
Read more articles about: Guided tour to Cu Lao Cham Island and Hoi An in one day, saving money
Is it better to visit Cham Island (Cu Lao Cham) independently or on a tour?
If you’re young and enjoy freedom and flexibility, you can explore on your own. Independent travel always gives you control over your time, but sometimes it can be limiting, such as having to find directions, arrange transportation, buy canoe tickets, and meals yourself. If you’re not an experienced traveler or new to Hoi An, you may encounter difficulties, so choosing a tour is a good option, whether you go on a tour or travel independently depends on you.
Tips for Exploring Cham Island (Cu Lao Cham)
After learning about the distance from Hoi An to Cham Island (Cu Lao Cham), surely everyone knows that this island is not far away, and traveling here isn’t difficult, right? But to make your journey more complete, DanangPrivateCar.com wants to share some additional tips:
Choosing the Right Time to Visit Cham Island (Cu Lao Cham)
Unlike Ba Na Hills, which can be visited at any time of the year, being an island, Cham Island (Cu Lao Cham) has certain suitable times for visiting. The best time is from around March to the end of September each year. During these months, the weather is beautiful, warm sunlight, calm waves, and tranquil seas, making it the perfect opportunity for you to explore Cham Island (Cu Lao Cham) freely.
It’s especially ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The best time to go is in the early morning, so you’ll have plenty of time for sightseeing and fun.
One time you should avoid to minimize danger and the risk of being stranded on the island is from around November to January of the following year due to frequent heavy rains and strong winds. However, if you want to combine visiting the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, you can plan to go on the 14th or 15th of the lunar month. Or if you want to admire the bright red cornflowers in the mountains, you can go in July or August.
What to Prepare for Your Trip to Cham Island (Cu Lao Cham)?
Before embarking on your journey to Cham Island (Cu Lao Cham), you should take the time to prepare all the necessary items and equipment. Because the island is still underdeveloped, many things are still lacking compared to the mainland.
Personal items: towels, face towels, clothes, swimsuits, goggles, flip-flops, soft-soled sports shoes, hats, jackets…
Sunscreen and medication: sunscreen to protect your skin from tanning, insect repellent, headache medicine, stomach ache medicine, motion sickness medicine…
Electronic devices: phone, camera, power bank, selfie stick, waterproof bag… to capture moments here.
Additionally, you should prepare some food and drinks. If you plan to stay overnight, you’ll need to prepare some camping equipment (if you don’t intend to rent accommodation) such as a tent, sleeping bag, flashlight, cooking pot, food…
Some Notes When Traveling to Cham Island (Cu Lao Cham) from Hoi An
- Cham Island (Cu Lao Cham) is a tourist destination that says “no” to plastic bags, this regulation is aimed at protecting the marine environment and ecosystem of the island. Therefore, before going to the island, you should not bring any plastic bags, use environmentally friendly bags instead, or you will be fined.
- The main means of transportation on the island is motorbikes. If you don’t bring your own motorbike to the island, you can rent one for a price ranging from 80 to 200k per bike excluding gasoline. When renting, you must have personal identification papers. Although there are no traffic police, remember to strictly follow the rules to ensure safety for yourself and others.
- Surely, tourists will want to visit other small islands when visiting Cham Island (Cu Lao Cham), if so, rent a boat to go out to sea. Usually, a boat must have 8 – 10 people to depart, otherwise, you may have to rent the whole trip which will be expensive. Instead, you can join a group to save costs.
- Snorkeling is a very interesting experience when traveling to Cham Island (Cu Lao Cham). You will have the opportunity to see colorful coral reefs and marine creatures up close… but remember not to break the coral and take it back to the mainland!
Now, do tourists know how far Cham Island (Cu Lao Cham) is from Hoi An? Visiting the ancient town of Hoi An combined with exploring the green island will be a wonderful combination, bringing you exciting experiences this summer. Hopefully, you and your family will have a memorable trip here.