Cham Island Vietnam 🏝 Fresh Seafood Feasts, Cliffside Rides & Snorkeling | Vietnam Travel

Cham Island (Cù Lao Chàm), a short ferry ride from Hoi An, offers a raw, unpolished island experience far from the mainland's tourist crowds. The journey begins with a chaotic dock scene and a slow boat that sets the pace for the trip. Accommodation at Ngo Khanh Homestay in Bai Lang Village costs about $16 per night and includes air conditioning, hot shower, and a king-size bed. Motorbike rentals allow exploration of the island's three zones: the southern village cluster, the quieter northern beaches, and the rugged eastern coast with broken pavement and cliffside views. Snorkeling tours must be booked on the mainland in Hoi An before arrival, but gear can be borrowed from homestays for independent exploration. A seafood feast at the homestay costs around $12 and includes clams, squid, scallops, shrimp, spring rolls, and fish. The return ferry ride, slower and less structured than the tourist boat, offers open-air views as the island fades into the horizon. This trip is best suited for adventurous tourists seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences near Hoi An.

Key Facts

1. Cham Island is accessible by ferry from Hoi An; the ride takes about 20-25 minutes longer on the local boat than the tourist ferry.
2. Ngo Khanh Homestay in Bai Lang Village costs about $16 per night and includes air conditioning, hot shower, and king-size bed.
3. A seafood feast at the homestay costs around $12 and includes clams, squid, scallops, shrimp, spring rolls, and fish.
4. Snorkeling tours must be booked on the mainland in Hoi An before arriving on the island; gear can be borrowed from homestays.