The Cham Islands (Vietnamese: Cù lao Chàm) constitute a group of 8 small islands in the central province of Quang Nam, 19 kilometres (12 mi) to the East of Hoi An Ancient Town, which form a part of the Cu Lao Cham Marine Park, a world Biosphere Reserve recognized by UNESCO in 2009, in the East Sea of Vietnam.
This ecosystem also includes Hoi An, a UNESCO cultural World Heritage Site, which is well known as an ancient trading port that blends Vietnamese and European cultures, this blend is expected to encourage sustainable ecotourism.
Cu Lao Cham Islands’ ancient landscape offers many sand beaches, forested hills and the sea. Facilities for camping, swimming and scuba diving are available. The corals and marine life are an attraction in these island waters. With its 165 hectares (410 acres) of coral and sea creatures, the island is known as a “kingdom of aquatic animals”. The coral species identified are 135. Dive sites around the islands range from coral gardens and reefs, wild rock formations and underwater pinnacles. This makes it perfect for a variety of dive styles to suit all levels of diving.
The best season for snorkelling is during the calm summer months of June through the end of August when ocean sediment is settled and sun light is strongest. At that time, the coral reef becomes a micro-diver’s paradise, with 20-plus metre visibility making it one of the best places for snorkelling in Vietnam.
Cham islands is widely known as a tourist place without plastic bags, in the mid-2009, the residents of Cham islands implemented seriously instruction of Hoi An city about campaign of no-plastic bags as well as environmental sanitation. Cham islands are recognized as the World Biosphere Reserve in 2009. And hoping that despite all the changes of the market mechanism and time, Cham islands are still wonderful both natural scenery and human nature.
Speedboat tickets to Cham Island are available around Cua Dai beach or at any travel agents in Hoi An.The boats operate between 8 and 10:30 a.m. every day and take around 20 minutes to reach the island.
After rounds of golf at 3 outstanding courses in Central of Vietnam: Montgomerie Links, Da Nang Golf Club and Laguna Lang Co Golf Resort, a trip to the Cham Island will make your Central Coast golf trip more wonderful.
