What are the Cham Islands?
The Cham Islands (Cu Lao Cham) are a group of eight small islands off the coast of Hoi An. The main island, Hon Lao, was designated a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in 2009. The water is remarkably clear, home to roughly 135 species of coral and a wide range of colorful tropical fish.
There's also a fishing village on the island, and some tours include a stop at the seafood market or a glimpse of local island life alongside the marine activities. It's not just about the water — there's a low-key island charm to it too.
Getting there from Da Nang
Most tours depart from Cua Dai pier in Hoi An by speedboat, about a 20-minute ride. Tours starting from central Da Nang first bus you to Hoi An before switching to the boat, so booking from Hoi An itself cuts down on travel time.
Hotel pickup (most tours cover both Da Nang and Hoi An)
Transfer to Cua Dai pier
Speedboat to the Cham Islands (~20 min)
Visit two or so snorkeling spots
Lunch and downtime on the beach
Return by boat and bus (typically finishes around 3-4 pm)
Tour types and typical prices
Comparing several tour operators, offerings generally fall into three types.
| Type | What's included | Approx. price (per adult) |
|---|---|---|
| Snorkeling only | 2 spots, lunch included | ~$40-60 |
| Snorkeling + island tour | Adds museum, market, temple visits | ~$45-65 |
| Sea-walking included | Helmet-based underwater walk | Slightly higher, ask operator |
Most plans include lunch, transfers, and snorkel gear (mask, fins, snorkel) in the price, so there's not much extra you need to arrange. Many operators offer child pricing too, so families should check ahead.
What to look for when choosing a tour
- Are fins included? Some tours charge extra for fins or expect you to bring your own — worth confirming beforehand
- Guide language — most tours run in English, though some operators provide medical check forms in other languages on request
- Allergies — lunch is usually seafood-heavy, so flag any allergies when booking
- Pickup location — whether central Da Nang pickup is offered, or Hoi An only, varies by operator
What to bring and things to watch for
Sunscreen (reef-safe if possible), motion sickness medication, a change of clothes, and a waterproof phone case are all worth packing. If you get seasick easily, taking motion sickness medication before departure is a good idea given the boat rides involved.
Boats can be cancelled due to weather, so it's safer to book with some slack in your itinerary. This is especially true during typhoon season — check the cancellation policy in advance.