Cham Island: Vietnam's Most Authentic Island You've Never Heard Of

Cham Island offers an authentic, undeveloped island experience a 20-minute speedboat ride from Hoi An. The main settlement is small, with homestays, local restaurants, and minimal infrastructure. Electricity and internet arrived only in 2016. Accommodation is exclusively homestays, with Cham's Corner Homestay available for under $15 per night. The island has no ATM, so visitors must bring sufficient cash; one beachfront restaurant does accept cards. The Sunset Pub serves elevated cuisine made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. October brings quiet conditions but also rain risk, which can limit exploration. Speedboat return tickets cost 500,000 VND; a slower ferry costs 150,000 VND each way. Highlights include pristine beaches, fresh seafood, and a laid-back local lifestyle with friendly residents. This destination suits travelers seeking a slow-paced escape rather than shopping or nightlife.

Key Facts

1. Speedboat from Hoi An to Cham Island: 500,000 VND return, 20-30 minutes. Ferry: 150,000 VND each way, 45 minutes.
2. Homestays on Cham Island cost under $15 per night (approx. 380,000 VND).
3. Electricity and internet on Cham Island became available only in 2016.
4. There is no ATM and very limited medical facilities on Cham Island; visitors must bring enough cash.
5. The island has approximately 2,600 residents.