Article and photos:Lam Linh
Cu Lao Cham is an island cluster in Tan Hiep island commune, Hoi An city, Quang Nam province, located about 15 km from Cua Dai beach. Although Cu Lao Cham is located in a famous tourist area with Da Nang - Hoi An - Cua Dai - My Son Sanctuary, it still has many wild features. This place was recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve in 2009 and is an interesting tourist destination for groups of friends or couples.
Move
Cu Lao Cham consists of 8 islands: Hon Lao, Hon Dai, Hon Mo, Hon Kho Me, Hon Kho Con, Hon La, Hon Tai, Hon Ong. The population on these islands is about 3,000 people. To get to the island, it only takes 20 minutes by speedboat (120,000 VND/person) or more than 1 hour by local boat (30,000 VND/person). You can buy a package tour from Da Nang for about 450,000 VND/person.
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| After 2 hours drifting on the waves, Cu Lao Cham appeared green and cool in sight. |
Play point
Peaceful and small, the daily life of the people of Cu Lao Cham begins early in the morning when the sun has not yet risen. The fish market is bustling with heavily loaded boats, bustling with buying and selling. At noon, let the clear water embrace you, caress and gently massage your body. You can also lie lazily on the beach enjoying the gentle morning sunlight.
The closest beach to the fishing village is Xep beach, the most beautiful beach is Chong beach, both beaches are not disturbed by food and drink vendors.
Bai Ong relic is the residence of the Pre-Sa Huynh residents and is the oldest relic in Hoi An (3,000 years). Bai Ong relic is also an important object for research on Pre-Sa Huynh culture in the whole Central region of our country.
Bai Lang archaeological site is also an important site of the Cham Pa archaeological site system in Hoi An and the Central region. Here, in addition to indigenous artifacts, there are also many ceramic and glass artifacts from the Middle East, India, and China from the 7th to the 10th centuries.
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| In April and May, the island is red with plum season. |
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| And don't forget to visit Hai Tang Pagoda located in the middle of fragrant rice fields. |
Along with the archaeological relics, there is a fairly complete existence of traditional cultural and religious institutions of the villages in the Central region of our country. The religious relics that still exist in Cu Lao Cham were mainly built around the 17th-18th century such as Dai Can communal house, Thanh Hoang temple, Tien Hien temple, Than Nong temple, Yen Ancestor temple, Ong Ngu tomb, Co tomb, Xom Cam well...
In particular, in Hon Lao there is Hai Tang Pagoda belonging to the Mahayana Buddhist sect built in the 18th century, a quite beautiful and large-scale construction with "fake beams and overlapping beams" architecture divided into 3 compartments and 2 floors, with a back chamber, wooden truss structure and elaborately carved architectural details.
A bicycle and an exciting tour to explore Cu Lao Cham is the best way to enjoy the sea air. The small road zigzags through the sand dunes, small roofs, fishing villages nestled along the coast. Let your bare feet touch the water and try to catch some stone crabs that are slinking into the crevices of the rocks.
A scuba diving trip or a walk in the deep forests, a campfire on the still deserted beaches will give you a real party at sea.
Hotel
There are no hotels or resorts on Cu Lao Cham, but homestays are very interesting for anyone who wants to explore this beautiful green island. The price of services at local houses is about 50,000 VND/person.
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| Enjoy a variety of delicious seafood dishes, especially rock crabs and snails. |
Cuisine
Cu Lao Cham's specialties are breast crab, stone crab and fresh seafood such as squid, shrimp, lobster...
Cu Lao Cham pays special attention to the environment. If you come to the island, please join hands to contribute to a Cu Lao Cham without waste and plastic bags.
Estimated cost: Travel time is about 5 days with 3 million VND (not including airfare for each leg).
