Cham Island Day Tour: Tropical Escape from Hoi An & Da Nang
Overview
Trip Highlights
Overview of Cham Island Day Tour from Hoi An & Da Nang
While Hoi An Ancient Town and Da Nang are famous for their charming atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and cultural heritage, they are also gateways to some of Central Vietnam’s most spectacular island adventures. If you are searching for a refreshing getaway beyond the city and beaches, this Cham Island Day Tour is the perfect choice for nature lovers, families, couples, and adventure travelers.
Located just off the coast of Hoi An, Cham Island (Cu Lao Cham) is a stunning marine nature reserve recognized by UNESCO for its rich biodiversity, crystal-clear waters, colorful coral reefs, and pristine tropical landscapes. This island paradise offers travelers the opportunity to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in untouched natural beauty.

During this exciting Cham Island tour from Hoi An or Da Nang, you will cruise across turquoise waters to explore peaceful islands, relax on white sandy beaches, and experience the vibrant underwater world through swimming and snorkeling activities. The islands are home to beautiful coral gardens, tropical fish, traditional fishing villages, and fascinating local culture.
Besides enjoying beach activities, visitors can also discover local island life by visiting a small museum, ancient pagodas, and authentic Cham fishing villages that reflect the unique culture and heritage of the region.
Whether you are looking for relaxation, marine adventures, or memorable family moments, this Cham Island Day Tour promises an unforgettable tropical experience during your Vietnam holiday.
Highlights of Cham Island Day Tour from Hoi An/ Da Nang
- Cruise to the beautiful Cu Lao Cham Marine Nature Reserve, a UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve
- Swim in crystal-clear blue waters surrounded by pristine island scenery
- Enjoy exciting snorkeling experiences while discovering colorful coral reefs and tropical marine life
- Relax on stunning white sandy beaches away from the busy tourist crowds
- Visit local cultural attractions including ancient pagodas, traditional fishing villages, and a small island museum
- Experience authentic island life and peaceful tropical landscapes
- Taste a delicious Vietnamese-style seafood lunch on the island
- Perfect tropical escape from Hoi An or Da Nang for couples, families, and nature lovers
Itinerary
07:00 – 07:30 | Pick-up from Da Nang Hotels
Our driver and tour guide will pick you up from your hotel in Da Nang city center and transfer you to Cua Dai Harbor in Hoi An. Enjoy the scenic coastal drive while heading toward the departure point for your island adventure.
07:45 – 08:00 | Pick-up from Hoi An Hotels
For travelers staying in Hoi An Ancient Town, our guide and vehicle will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Cua Dai Port.
08:30 | Speedboat Transfer to Cham Island
Board a modern high-speed boat for an exciting 30-minute cruise to Cham Island (Cu Lao Cham). Along the journey, admire the breathtaking coastal scenery, crystal-clear waters, and peaceful islands scattered across the sea.
Recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve, Cham Island is famous for its pristine beaches, lush tropical forests, rich marine ecosystem, and charming fishing villages.

09:00 | Explore Bai Lang Village & Cham Island Highlights
Upon arrival at Bai Lang Village, begin discovering the cultural and historical highlights of Cham Island, including:
- Ancient Champa Well – a historic freshwater well over 200 years old
- Hai Tang Pagoda – an ancient temple with unique island architecture and spiritual significance
- Au Thuyen Shelter Area – a safe harbor where local fishermen protect their boats during storms
- Local Seafood Market – bustling morning market featuring fresh seafood brought in by island fishermen
- Traditional Fishing Village – experience authentic local island life and peaceful coastal culture
Throughout the visit, your experienced guide will share fascinating stories about Cham Island’s history, culture, and marine traditions.

10:45 | Snorkeling at Bai Xep Beach
Continue by speedboat to the beautiful Bai Xep Beach, one of the best snorkeling spots around Cham Island.
Here, you will enjoy one of the most exciting experiences of the day — snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters to discover vibrant coral reefs and colorful tropical fish. Cham Island is home to one of Vietnam’s richest marine ecosystems, making it a paradise for ocean lovers and underwater photography enthusiasts.
Relax, swim, or simply enjoy the refreshing tropical atmosphere on the island.
12:00 | Seafood Lunch & Relaxation at Ong Beach
Transfer to the peaceful Ong Beach, where a delicious Vietnamese-style seafood lunch will be served at a local beachfront restaurant.
After lunch, enjoy free time to:
- Relax on the white sandy beach
- Swim in the turquoise waters
- Sunbathe under tropical sunshine
- Stroll along the peaceful coastline
- Capture beautiful island photos
14:30 | Return to Mainland
Board the speedboat back to Cua Dai Harbor while enjoying the final views of Cham Island’s beautiful seascapes.
Upon arrival at the harbor, our vehicle will transfer you back to your hotel in Hoi An or Da Nang.
15:00 – 15:30 | Hotel Drop-off & Tour Ends
Arrive back at your hotel with unforgettable memories of your Cham Island Day Trip from Hoi An & Da Nang.
The trip includes
- SIC bus transfer for pick-up and drop-off between Hotels | Resorts in Hoi An & Cua Dai port
- Speedboat with safety equipment including life jacket supplied
- Entrance sightseeing fees of mentioned visiting places
- Lunch with specialties seafood
- Local English speaking guide with good care and knowledge
The trip excludes
- Drinks
- Tips for tour guide and driver.
- Scuba Diving
- Other personal expenses
Frequently Asked Questions
The ideal window to visit Cham Island is during the dry season, from March to August. During these months, the sea is calm, the sun is bright, and the underwater visibility is at its peak for snorkeling and diving. From October to February, tours are often suspended due to the monsoon season and rough sea conditions, so we recommend planning your central Vietnam trip accordingly.
The most exciting and efficient way to reach the island is via high-speed canoe (speedboat) from Cua Dai Quay. The journey takes approximately 20 to 25 minutes. Golden Holiday Travel provides convenient pick-ups from hotels in both Hoi An and Da Nang, ensuring a seamless transition from your lobby to the azure waters of the archipelago.
A typical day tour is packed with diverse activities:
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Snorkeling at Hon Dai: Discover vibrant coral gardens and tropical fish.
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Cultural Sightseeing: Visit the Hai Tang Pagoda (built in 1758) and the ancient Champa Well, which is said to provide luck and fertility.
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Beach Relaxation: Lounge on the white sands of Bai Ong or Bai Chong.
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Seafood Dining: Enjoy a “jungle-to-table” lunch featuring the famous “Cua Da” (stone crab) and fresh local catches
Yes! While snorkeling is a highlight, the island offers plenty for non-swimmers, including exploring the Marine Protected Area Museum and walking through the rustic fishing villages of Bai Lang. The speedboat journey is fast and thrilling for kids, and the shallow, calm waters at the beaches are perfect for a safe, relaxing dip.
Cham Island is a leader in sustainability in Vietnam. The island has a strict “No Plastic Bags” policy. Visitors are encouraged not to bring plastic bags and are strictly prohibited from touching or collecting coral. By booking with a responsible operator like Golden Holiday Travel, you help support these conservation efforts to keep the biosphere reserve pristine.
Since you will be spending the day in a tropical marine environment, we recommend packing:
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Swimwear and a quick-dry towel.
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Biodegradable sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat.
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Waterproof bag for your phone and camera.
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Comfortable flip-flops or water shoes for walking on the coral-sand beaches.
Good to Know
Before travelling to Vietnam, please ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date and has at least two blank pages for immigration stamps and visa purposes.
Citizens from several countries, including France, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Spain, can currently enter Vietnam visa-free for stays of up to 45 days. Visa policies may change from time to time depending on nationality and travel regulations.
If you intend to stay longer than the visa exemption period, or if your nationality is not included in the visa-free list, you can apply for an e-visa online.You are also welcome to contact our team for updated visa information and travel assistance before your trip to Vietnam.
Travel insurance is not included in our tour package; however, valid travel insurance is mandatory for all participants joining the tour. Your policy should provide adequate coverage for:
- Emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and repatriation
- Trip cancellation, delays, or interruptions
- All activities included in your itinerary, including outdoor and adventure excursions
We also recommend checking whether your credit card offers travel insurance coverage and purchasing additional protection if needed to ensure comprehensive coverage throughout your journey.
The official currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). While some hotels and tourist-oriented businesses may accept US dollars or euros, payments are generally preferred in local currency.
Visa and MasterCard are commonly accepted at most hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, and larger establishments, especially in major cities and tourist destinations. However, cash is still widely used for local markets, small shops, and rural areas.
ATMs are easy to find throughout Vietnam, particularly in cities and popular travel destinations. Currency exchange services are available at international airports, banks, hotels, and licensed exchange counters.
Also, please make sure your banknotes are clean and undamaged, as torn, heavily worn, or marked foreign bills may not be accepted for exchange or payment in Vietnam.
Vietnam is a year-round destination, offering diverse weather patterns across its different regions. In general, spring (February to April) and autumn (September to December) are considered the most comfortable times to visit, thanks to pleasant temperatures, lower humidity, and less rainfall.
As Vietnam stretches over 1,600 km from north to south, the climate can vary greatly depending on where you travel:
- Northern Vietnam: Experiences four distinct seasons, with cool and sometimes chilly winters (December to February) and hot, humid summers (May to August).
- Central Vietnam: Usually enjoys warm weather, though the rainy season typically occurs between September and November.
- Southern Vietnam: Has a tropical climate with warm temperatures throughout the year, alongside occasional tropical showers during the rainy season from May to October.
We recommend packing light, comfortable clothing as well as seasonal items suited to the regions included in your itinerary.
International flights are not included in our tour prices, giving you the flexibility to choose the airline and flight schedule that best suit your travel plans and budget. If needed, our travel consultants are happy to assist you in finding the most convenient and competitive flight options.
For international departures, we highly recommend arriving at the airport at least 3 hours before your flight to allow enough time for check-in, immigration procedures, and any unexpected delays or issues that may arise.
If your itinerary includes domestic flights within Vietnam, all flight schedules, airline information, and booking details will be included in your final travel documents before departure.
For a smooth journey, we recommend arriving at the airport at least 2 hours prior to your flight. Please make sure to carry your passport along with your e-ticket or booking reference.
Baggage Allowance: Checked baggage allowance typically ranges from 20kg to 23kg depending on the airline and ticket class, while cabin baggage is generally limited to 7kg per passenger.
Important Notice: Extra baggage fees may apply for your overweight or oversized luggage. We strongly recommend reviewing the baggage policies of your airline in advance, such as Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, or Bamboo Airways.
Please note that domestic flight schedules may occasionally change due to airline operations or weather conditions. Should there be any updates, our team will inform you as soon as possible.
If your journey includes a connecting domestic flight within Vietnam, please keep the following information in mind upon arrival:
- Collect your checked luggage after landing.
- Complete immigration and customs procedures.
- Proceed to the domestic terminal for your onward flight. At some airports, this may involve a short walk or shuttle transfer between terminals.
- Airport staff are usually available to assist passengers, so feel free to ask for directions or support if needed.
Recommended connection time: at least 2 hours 30 minutes
This allows enough time for immigration clearance, baggage collection, customs procedures, terminal transfers, and possible flight delays.
Practical Tip: At major airports such as Noi Bai International Airport and Tan Son Nhat International Airport, international and domestic terminals may be located in separate buildings. Please follow airport signage carefully and allow sufficient transfer time.

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Cham Island Day Tour: Tropical Escape from Hoi An & Da Nang