How To Get To Cham Islands From Hoi An & Da Nang (2026)

What are the Cham Islands?

Cu Lao Cham (the Cham Islands) is an island group off the coast of Hoi An, with Hon Lao as its main inhabited island. The wider Cu Lao Cham–Hoi An Biosphere Reserve was recognised by UNESCO in 2009. The islands are known for coastal scenery, local fishing communities, beaches and opportunities to experience the marine environment.

Local communities, traditional livelihoods and historic cultural sites make the visit more than just a beach trip. Visitors usually travel via Cua Dai Pier, the main departure point for Cham Island speedboat tours from Hoi An.

How to get to Cham Islands from Hoi An

The easiest option is a joining tour with Hoi An hotel pickup included. Minh Vu Travel arranges pickup and drop-off at hotels throughout the Hoi An area within the 600,000 VND/adult Cham Island joining tour. Normal pickup is 08:00–08:30. The local speedboat operator normally departs Cua Dai Pier around 09:00, subject to the actual day's schedule and sea conditions.

If you organise the visit independently, travel to Cua Dai Pier, the main departure point for speedboat tours, using a taxi, Grab or another suitable local option. Arrange the boat separately and check the departure with your chosen operator. View the Cua Dai departure point on Google Maps.

How to get to Cham Islands from Da Nang

From central Da Nang, travel by private car to Cua Dai Pier in Hoi An, then continue by speedboat to Cham Islands. The road journey typically takes roughly 45–65 minutes, depending on your hotel and traffic. For Minh Vu Travel's joining tour, pickups in Da Nang are usually 07:00–07:30; the speedboat normally leaves around 09:00.

Price conditions: Published car prices apply to pickups from central Da Nang hotels, per vehicle, not per person. Da Nang Airport pickups and locations outside the central area are quoted according to the actual pickup address. Island tour tickets, meals and activities are separate from the car fare; if you book Minh Vu Travel's joining tour, its inclusions are covered by the tour's 600,000 VND/adult price.

Speedboat to Cham Islands — what to expect

Photo: vessel at Cham Islands (illustrative). Minh Vu Travel arranges the joining tour by speedboat only.

Minh Vu Travel coordinates speedboat joining tours with a local boat operator. The crossing between Cua Dai Pier and the islands typically takes around 20–30 minutes, depending on sea conditions and the operator's route. Boat departure is usually around 09:00, with return to the pier around 14:00.

The boat crossing — what to expect

The speedboat trip from Cua Dai Pier crosses open water, so conditions may vary by day, even during months when the sea is often calmer. Always follow the local operator's briefing. A quick crossing does not mean the sea will always be smooth.

• Motion sickness. If you are prone to seasickness, plan ahead and ask a healthcare professional or pharmacist about suitable precautions when needed.
• Sun protection. Bring sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. Shade varies with the boat used.
• Water spray. Keep phones and other sensitive belongings in a waterproof pouch or dry bag.
• Life jackets. Wear the provided life jacket and follow the crew's safety instructions throughout the crossing.

What to do on Cham Islands

Island stops depend on the local operator's route and the conditions on the day. Minh Vu Travel's joining tour commonly includes beach time at Bai Chong of Bai Huong, rather than guaranteeing both stops.

Snorkeling and scuba diving at Cham Islands

Cham Islands is part of the UNESCO-recognised Cu Lao Cham–Hoi An Biosphere Reserve. Visitors can enjoy guided snorkeling and explore the area's marine environment. Underwater visibility and marine-life sightings depend on weather, sea conditions and the snorkeling location.

Practical tips before you go

• Year-round possibility, weather-dependent. Tours can operate in any month when sea and port conditions permit. Minh Vu Travel confirms sailings with the local boat operator before your trip.
• Plan around your pickup. Minh Vu Travel's joining tour normally collects guests in Hoi An at 08:00–08:30 and in Da Nang at 07:00–07:30. Confirm the exact pickup point and time when booking.
• Speedboat timing. Departure from Cua Dai Pier is usually around 09:00, with return to the pier around 14:00. This is a sample schedule, not a guaranteed timetable.
• Neem een herbruikbare waterfles mee. Minimise single-use plastics. Drinks are not included in the tour's 12-dish lunch.
• Swimming and sun safety. Bring swimwear, sun protection and footwear suitable for the beach; use the provided life jacket and follow the local guide's instructions.
• Easy booking. No deposit is required. Pay in cash (VND or USD) at pickup. Online card payment is available on request; a processing fee is disclosed before payment.
• Clear cancellation policy. Guests may cancel free of charge at any time before the tour starts. If the boat operator cancels before departure, you may choose a full tour refund or another available date. No refund applies when a tour that has already started must return early due to weather, sea conditions or official safety instructions.
• Return private car. If booking a Da Nang round-trip transfer, confirm a return pickup aligned with the operator's actual arrival time at Cua Dai Pier.