How do I get to Cham Islands from Hoi An?

Take a private car or Grab from Hoi An Ancient Town (15.8800°N, 108.3360°E) to Cua Dai Pier (15.8903°N, 108.3267°E) — approximately 5–8 km, 10–15 minutes. From the pier, board a speedboat (25–30 min crossing, ~500,000–600,000 VND roundtrip) departing at 8:00 AM. A slow wooden boat is also available (90–120 min, cheaper). Book the private car transfer via danangtohoian.com or WhatsApp +84 905 989 702.

When is Cham Islands open?

Cham Islands (Cu Lao Cham) is open May through August only. Rough seas close the route September through April. In 2026, the season runs from approximately early May to late August. The first speedboats of the year depart from Cua Dai Pier (15.8903°N, 108.3267°E) at 8:00 AM.

호이안과 다낭에서 참섬으로 가는 방법 (2026)

Q: How do I get to Cham Islands from Da Nang?

From Da Nang, take a private car to Cua Dai Pier in Hoi An — approximately 35 km, 50–65 minutes. Then board the speedboat to Cham Islands. Minh Vu Travel provides direct transfers from Da Nang hotels to Cua Dai Pier. Book at danangtohoian.com/da-nang-to-cua-dai-port-private-car-for-cham-islands or WhatsApp +84 905 989 702.

Cham Islands beach with turquoise water, palm tree and speedboats — Cu Lao Cham UNESCO Biosphere Reserve — Hoi An day trip

민부 여행 - 의 개인 차량 서비스 danangtohoian.com — takes guests from Da Nang and Hoi An to Cua Dai Pier for Cham Islands every morning of the season. Getting to Cham Islands from Hoi An or Da Nang is straightforward once you understand the logistics: the pier, the boats, what time everything departs, and what to expect when you get there. This guide covers the complete picture — from your hotel door to the coral reef and back.

SeasonOpen May–August only · rough seas close the route Sept–April

Departure pierCua Dai Pier · 15.8903°N, 108.3267°E · 5–8 km east of Hoi An

First boat8:00 AM speedboat · ~25–30 min crossing

Boat price (roundtrip)Speedboat: 500,000–600,000 VND · Slow boat: 200,000–300,000 VND

Conservation fee~80,000 VND · paid on the island

Car to Cua Dai Pierdanangtohoian.com/cua-dai-pier - WhatsApp +84 905 989 702

What are the Cham Islands?

Beach loungers and palm trees on Cham Islands — quiet beach on Cu Lao Cham UNESCO Biosphere Reserve near Hoi An

Cu Lao Cham — the Cham Islands — is an archipelago of eight small islands approximately 15 km off the coast of Hoi An in the South China Sea. The main island, Hon Lao, is the only inhabited one. The entire archipelago was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2009, which is why the marine environment is in better condition than most comparable dive sites in Vietnam.The Cham name refers to the Cham civilisation that used these islands as a trading waypoint for centuries before the Vietnamese period. Archaeological sites on Hon Lao, including Cham-era wells still in use by local families, add a layer of history to what is otherwise a beach and marine tourism destination.

The most important fact about Cham Islands: it is only accessible May through August. Rough seas from the northeast monsoon make the crossing dangerous September through April, and all boat services stop. If Cham Islands is on your itinerary, it requires a specific summer timing — it cannot be added to a trip at any other time of year.

How to get to Cham Islands from Hoi An

Cua Dai Pier (15.8903°N, 108.3267°E) is the only departure point for boats to Cham Islands. It is located 5–8 km east of Hoi An Ancient Town along the Thu Bon River road — a 10–15 minute drive by tuk-tuk, Grab, or private car.

Ancient Town to Cua Dai PierGrab / tuk-tuk10–15 min · 40,000–70,000 VND

Ancient Town to Cua Dai PierBicycle (flat road)20–25 min · free if own bike

Hotel to pier + wait + return개인 차량(민부 여행)Driver drops you, returns to pick up

The first speedboat to Cham Islands departs at 8:00 AM. Be at the pier by 7:30–7:45 AM to buy your boat ticket and board. If you are staying in Hoi An, leaving your hotel by 7:00–7:15 AM is sufficient. For guests in central Hoi An (near the Ancient Town), 7:30 AM departure is fine.

How to get to Cham Islands from Da Nang

Speedboat at Cham Islands shore ready to depart — Cu Lao Cham boat transfer from Cua Dai Pier Hoi An

Da Nang is approximately 35 km from Cua Dai Pier — 50–65 minutes by private car. For guests based in Da Nang who want a Cham Islands day, the logistics require an early start.

⏰ Timing from Da Nang

Leave Da Nang by 6:30–6:45 AM. The drive to Cua Dai Pier takes 50–65 minutes — arriving by 7:30–7:45 AM in time for the 8:00 AM speedboat. The first boat of the day is the one to catch: calm seas, clearest water visibility, and a full day on the island before the return boat at 3:00–4:00 PM.

🚗 Private car to the pier

Minh Vu Travel provides direct transfers from Da Nang hotels to Cua Dai Pier, timed for the 8:00 AM boat departure. The driver drops you at the pier, and you arrange the return separately (or the driver returns to collect you at the pier in the afternoon). Book at danangtohoian.com/cua-dai-pier 또는 WhatsApp +84 905 989 702.

Da Nang Airport → Cua Dai Pier~35 km50-60분

Da Nang city hotels → Cua Dai Pier~30–35 km50–65 min

My Khe Beach hotels → Cua Dai Pier~28–32 km45–55 min

Speedboat vs slow boat — which to choose

Catamaran boat at Cham Islands shore — boat options for getting to Cu Lao Cham from Cua Dai Pier Hoi An

⭐ Speedboat (recommended) 25–30 min 500,000–600,000 VND · departs 8:00 AM

Catamaran / larger vessel 45-60분 300,000–450,000 VND · tour package common

Slow wooden boat 90–120 min 200,000–300,000 VND · budget option

Choose speedboat if:

You are coming from Da Nang (long journey already), you want maximum time on the island, sea conditions are choppy (shorter crossing = less seasickness exposure), or you have children who find long boat trips difficult. The 25-minute crossing is genuinely fast and the extra cost is worth it for most visitors.

Choose slow boat if:

Budget is the primary consideration, you are already staying in Hoi An (shorter overall travel day), the sea is calm and you enjoy a more leisurely crossing, or you are booking a package tour that includes the boat. The 90–120 minute slow boat is fine in calm conditions — genuinely unpleasant in rougher water.

The boat crossing — what to expect

View from the back of a diving boat leaving Cham Islands — scuba tank and life ring visible — Cu Lao Cham in background

The crossing from Cua Dai Pier to Cham Islands is across open water — the South China Sea, 15 km. In May and June, conditions are typically calm with light wind and low swell. July and August can bring more chop, particularly in the afternoon. Morning crossings are almost always smoother than afternoon returns.

Motion sickness. If you are prone to seasickness, take medication before boarding — not after the swell starts. The speedboat's fast, flat trajectory can be more jarring than the slow boat's gentler roll in choppy conditions.
Sun on the crossing. The open-deck speedboat has minimal shade. Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen applied before boarding. The 30-minute crossing in full morning sun is enough for a sunburn to start on pale skin.
Spray. The front of a speedboat in any kind of chop gets wet. Sit toward the back or middle if you have electronics or clothes you want to keep dry. A small dry bag for phone and camera is worth having.
Life jackets. Provided and required for all passengers. No exceptions regardless of swimming ability.

What to do on Cham Islands

🏖 Bai Chong Beach

The main beach at Hon Lao — the first place most visitors land. Calm bay, clear water, beach chairs and umbrellas for rent, seafood restaurants directly behind the beach. The water is generally calmer here than on the exposed side of the island. Good for swimming and snorkeling from the beach.

🪸 Bai Bac Beach

The quieter northern beach — a 15–20 minute walk or short boat ride from Bai Chong. Less developed, fewer vendors, better snorkeling directly from the shore due to the rocky bottom that attracts fish. Bring your own snorkel gear or rent at Bai Chong before walking over.

🐚 Bai Xep Beach

The most remote of the accessible beaches — rocky, intimate, and usually much quieter than either Bai Chong or Bai Bac. Worth the extra effort for visitors who want a beach to themselves. Small fishing boats anchor here; the rock formations at the water's edge are worth photographing.

🦀 Seafood lunch on the island

Restaurants at Bai Chong serve fresh seafood caught locally — crab, fish, squid, and clams. Eating on the island is one of the best parts of the day trip. Prices are higher than the mainland but lower than equivalent seafood restaurants in Da Nang or tourist Hoi An. Order by weight or choose a fixed-price set menu.

🏘 Hon Lao fishing village

The inhabited village on Hon Lao has a small market, a centuries-old Cham-era well still in daily use, and the lived-in quality of a working fishing community — not a tourist recreation. A 30-minute walk through the village adds context to the island beyond the beach experience.

🚶 Island trails

Marked hiking trails connect the different bays through the forested interior. The main trail from Bai Chong to Bai Bac takes approximately 20 minutes. Wear shoes rather than sandals — the paths are rocky in sections. Go in the morning before the midday heat makes the forest trails uncomfortable.

Snorkeling and scuba diving at Cham Islands

Snorkeler freediving over coral reef at Cham Islands — UNESCO Biosphere Reserve marine environment — Cu Lao Cham Vietnam

The marine environment around Cham Islands is the best reason to come. The UNESCO Biosphere Reserve designation enforces strict protection — no fishing within the reserve zone, no anchoring on coral, and no single-use plastic allowed on the islands. The result is coral reef in noticeably better condition than most comparable sites in Southeast Asia.

Scuba diver face to face with a clownfish at Cham Islands — diving with Tiger Fish Divers Hoi An — Cu Lao Cham marine reserve

🤿 Snorkeling

The most accessible water activity on the island. Snorkeling tours with guide, mask, fins, and vest cost approximately 200,000–400,000 VND per person and are arranged at Cua Dai Pier before departure or directly at Bai Chong on arrival. The guide takes you to the best reef sections and points out species. Visibility ranges from 5–15 metres depending on weather and time of season. Clownfish, parrotfish, triggerfish, and sea turtles are regularly sighted.

🤿 Scuba diving

Several dive operators run day trips from Hoi An to Cham Islands, including Tiger Fish Divers. For certified divers, the reef walls and bommies around the outer islands offer the best diving — typically 8–20m depth with good coral coverage. Introductory dives for non-certified visitors are available. Book with a Hoi An dive shop at least the day before — dive trips to Cham Islands are weather-dependent and departure times are set by the operator.

🪸 Best snorkeling spots

The reef sections between Hon Lao and the smaller outer islands have the densest coral coverage. Your snorkel guide will take you to the current best spots — these shift slightly by season as weather affects visibility in different locations. Generally, the eastern side of the archipelago has better visibility in May–June; the western side is more sheltered in July–August when the southwesterly swell builds.

🚫 No plastic rule

Cham Islands enforces a no single-use plastic policy. No plastic bottles, bags, or straws are allowed on the island. You will be asked to deposit plastic items at the pier before boarding or surrender them on arrival. Bring a reusable water bottle — there are fresh water refill points on the island and at the pier.

Practical tips before you go

Rocky shoreline at Cham Islands — quiet cove on Cu Lao Cham — UNESCO marine biosphere reserve near Hoi An Vietnam

Season: May–August only. Do not plan a Cham Islands day outside this window — the boats do not run. If your trip is in September or later, Cham Islands is not an option.
Leave early. The 8:00 AM first boat is the one to catch. From Hoi An: leave by 7:00–7:15 AM. From Da Nang: leave by 6:30–6:45 AM. Later boats exist but compress your time on the island significantly.
No single-use plastic. Leave plastic bottles and bags at the hotel. Bring a reusable water bottle. This is enforced, not just requested.
Conservation fee ~80,000 VND. Paid on the island at the entry point. Cash only. Have VND in small denominations available.
Reef shoes. Much of Cham Islands' waterline is rocky rather than sandy. Rubber reef shoes or water shoes make getting in and out of the water at rocky beaches significantly easier and safer. Available cheaply at Cua Dai Pier market stalls before departure.
Reconfirm the return boat time. The last speedboat back to Cua Dai Pier typically departs at 3:00–4:00 PM. Confirm the exact departure time with your boat operator when you arrive — missing the last boat is a situation that does happen.
Pre-arrange your pier transfer for the return. If you booked a private car with Minh Vu Travel for the morning, arrange the return pickup from Cua Dai Pier at the same time. A driver confirmed for 4:30–5:00 PM pickup from the pier removes the last logistical piece of the day.

자주 묻는 질문

Take a tuk-tuk, Grab, or private car from Hoi An Ancient Town to Cua Dai Pier (15.8903°N, 108.3267°E) — 5–8 km, 10–15 minutes. From the pier, take a speedboat (8:00 AM departure, 25–30 min crossing, 500,000–600,000 VND roundtrip) to the main island. Be at the pier by 7:30–7:45 AM.

Take a private car from Da Nang (approximately 35 km, 50–65 minutes) to Cua Dai Pier, then board the speedboat. Leave Da Nang hotels by 6:30–6:45 AM to reach the pier by 7:30–7:45 AM for the 8:00 AM boat. Minh Vu Travel provides direct pier transfers — book at danangtohoian.com/da-nang-to-cua-dai-port-private-car-for-cham-islands or WhatsApp +84 905 989 702.

May through August only. The northeast monsoon creates rough seas from September through April that close all boat services. In 2026, the season runs from approximately early May to late August. Always confirm current boat availability before planning your visit.

Speedboat roundtrip: 500,000–600,000 VND. Conservation area entry fee on the island: ~80,000 VND. Snorkeling tour with equipment and guide: 200,000–400,000 VND. Lunch on the island: 150,000–400,000 VND depending on what you order. Total per person budget excluding transport to the pier: approximately 900,000–1,500,000 VND.

Yes. Cham Islands is one of Vietnam's best snorkeling and diving destinations thanks to its UNESCO Biosphere Reserve protection. Snorkeling tours with guide and equipment cost approximately 200,000–400,000 VND. Scuba diving is available through Hoi An operators including Tiger Fish Divers. Visibility is typically 5–15 metres. Clownfish, parrotfish, sea turtles, and diverse coral are regularly seen.

Approximately 35 km — 50–60 minutes by private car. Leave the airport no later than 7:00 AM to reach the pier in time for the 8:00 AM boat. Minh Vu Travel provides this transfer directly. Book at danangtohoian.com/da-nang-to-cua-dai-port-private-car-for-cham-islands or WhatsApp +84 905 989 702.

Going to Cham Islands from Da Nang or Hoi An?

Private car to Cua Dai Pier, timed for the 8:00 AM boat. Minh Vu Travel handles the transfer from your hotel door to the pier — and picks you up when you return. Book Pier Transfer WhatsApp

Minh Vu Travel · danangtohoian.com · Da Nang & Hoi An → Cua Dai Pier · From 6:30 AM

By [email protected]

5월 22, 2026

호이안과 다낭에서 참섬으로 가는 방법 (2026)

What are the Cham Islands?

How to get to Cham Islands from Hoi An