1. Overview of Cham Island
Cu Lao Cham is an archipelago belonging to Tan Hiep commune, Hoi An city, Quang Nam province, located about 15km from Cua Dai beach. Famous for its diverse ecosystem, this island is recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve.
Cu Lao Cham comprises 8 small islands: Hon Lao (the largest and most populated island), Hon Dai, Hon Mo, Hon Kho Me, Hon Kho Con, Hon La, Hon Tai, and Hon Ong. It impresses visitors with over 90% of its area covered by primary forest, providing a cool climate year-round. Notably, since 2009, Cu Lao Cham has launched a campaign to “say no to plastic bags” to protect the pristine marine environment.
Along with that, when introducing Cu Lao Cham, it’s impossible to overlook its beach tourism. Despite being developed for tourism, thanks to the right direction of the local government and the focus on environmental protection, ensuring tourism development without losing its natural beauty, Cu Lao Cham Island has retained its pristine charm to this day. This is something that almost all visitors can feel when they set foot here.
2. The History of the Formation of Cham Island
Cu Lao Cham is also known as the first island where rare coral reefs were discovered. In 2009, recognizing its rich flora and fauna, along with relics hundreds of years old, Cu Lao Cham Island was recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve. Today, Cu Lao Cham has an area of โโapproximately 15 square kilometers, with a water surface area of โโup to 500 hectares. There are a total of 10 beaches, including: Lang Beach, Hon Lao Beach, Hon Dai Beach, Mo Beach, Kho Me Beach, La Beach, Kho Con Beach, Tai Beach, Ong Beach, and Huong Beach. Among them, Lang Beach is the most densely populated area.
3. Famous Tourist Attractions in Cham Island
3.1 Ancient Champa Well
Cu Lao Cham has many typical historical relics, and of course, the ancient Champa well cannot be overlooked. The well is located about 500m northeast of the pre-Sa Huynh Bai Ong archaeological site and about 300m southwest of the Bai Lang archaeological site. Designed in distinctive Cham architectural style, the well was classified as a historical monument in 2006. To this day, the ancient well, now 200 years old, is a notable destination that many tourists are curious to visit.
It’s not just a well providing precious fresh water to the people in the middle of the ocean; the ancient Champa well is also associated with a legend. Anyone who is lonely and drinks from the well will immediately find their loved one, and those who wish for a child will also receive good news. For boys, seven sips and for girls, nine sips will make their wish come true. If you think this sounds unbelievable, you should come here to experience this sacredness for yourself.
3.2 Hai Tang Pagoda
a sacred pagoda on Cu Lao Cham Island. Although not as centuries old as some other pagodas in Da Nang, Hai Tang Pagoda is known as a spiritual center for the island’s inhabitants. People often come here to pray for peace for their families, as well as for a bountiful harvest and protection from natural disasters.
3.3 Cham Island Marine Reserve
It has located in Bai Lang, this marine reserve preserves rare and endangered marine creatures that need protection. This will also be a truly meaningful experience, giving visitors the opportunity to learn more about the ecosystem of Cu Lao Cham and the beauty of this pearl island.
3.4 Cham Island (Swallow Island).
This is known as the kingdom of swallows. It is not only Khanh Hoa province raises swallows, but Cu Lao Cham has also had a long-standing tradition of swallow farming. Currently, the island is the largest supplier of valuable bird’s nest in the country, surpassing even Nha Trang. When visiting Cu Lao Cham around the end of November in the lunar calendar, you will witness firsthand the bird’s nest harvesting process of the local people. When the swallows arrive to build their nests, they begin by secreting saliva to form white patches, which they then cling to the rocks. This milky white mixture is bird’s nest, also known as swallow’s nest, which has very high nutritional value.
3.5 Snorkeling and coral viewing in Cham Island
This is not only the place where coral was first discovered in Vietnam, but the coral in Cu Lao Cham is also very rich with over 300 species of coral, belonging to 40 genera and 17 families. Therefore, coral reef diving services are extremely developed, a highlight of Cham Island tours that tourists love.
3.6 Tan Hiep Market
The “market” is where you can clearly feel the beauty of the culture and people. Nestled beside the pier, Tan Hiep Market, also known as Cham Island Market, is a trading hub for locals, offering a wide variety of forest and seafood specialties. You can also buy incredibly fresh sun-dried squid here as gifts for family and friends.
3.7 Bai Chong and Bai Huong
The beaches on Cu Lao Cham Island are known as the most attractive destinations for tourists. With their fine golden sand and the romantic atmosphere of the mountains and forests, you can freely frolic in the cool water and feel the vibrant energy of this pearl island. While Bai Chong boasts one of the finest beaches on Hon Lao, Bai Huong is famous for its fishing village and seafood harvesting.
4. Some famous specialties in ย Cham Island that you should try
Cu Lao Cham is famous for its fresh seafood and naturally grown vegetables. Must-try specialties include: Stone crab (a type of crab that feeds on mountain vegetation, with very sweet meat), sun-dried squid (thick, chewy meat, very fragrant when grilled), cone-shaped snails (a type of snail with a beautiful shell and crispy meat), ย wild vegetables (cooked in soup or boiled and dipped in fish sauce), and Banh It La Gai (a dessert with a soft, chewy shell and sweet mung bean filling, perfect as a souvenir).
Cham Island is not only an ideal destination for those who love pristine nature, but also offers many exciting experiences, from snorkeling to admire coral reefs and enjoying local seafood specialties to exploring unique Cham cultural relics. Hopefully, with the information shared above, you have gained more useful insights to plan a truly fulfilling trip. Don’t forget to prepare thoroughly and choose the ideal time to visit Cham Island comfortably, economically, and with plenty of memorable experiences!
