Sitting just a few kilometers off the coast of Hoi An, the Cham Islands are one of those curious corners that surprise anyone looking for a beach escape in central Vietnam.
If you fancy disconnecting from the bustle for a bit, taking a dip in the sea or spending a relaxed day on white sand, the Chams are a top option.
This small archipelago is made up of three islands: Hon Mo, Hon Dai and Cu Lao Cham (the largest and the main one). And although they aren’t very big, they offer a good dose of nature, beaches and quiet corners to beat the Vietnamese heat.
In this article we’ll tell you everything you can see and do on the Cham Islands. Let’s get to it!
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Relax on the best beaches of the Cham Islands
Although they’re small, the Chams hide some beaches that are perfect for switching off, taking a swim or simply flopping down and doing nothing. Here are the most interesting ones, so you know where to go and what to expect from each:
Bai Xep beach
One of our favorites. Small, quiet and with the finest sand.
It’s a very short distance from the main village and easy to reach, since it sits right by the side of the road. Ideal for a quick swim or for relaxing without too many people around.
Bai Chong beach
More touristy, but it still has its charm. It’s a wide beach, with sun loungers and several restaurants facing the sea. During our visit they charged us a small fee (around 25,000 VND per person) to get in.
It’s a regular stop on organized trips from Hoi An, so if you want peace and quiet, we recommend going early in the morning or at sunset. You can get there easily by motorbike.
Bai Bim beach
In theory it’s one of the best beaches on the island, but as of 2025 it remained closed to the public. A shame, because it looks great.
Bai Huong beach
Located in the village of Bai Huong, it isn’t the prettiest, but if you’re staying in this area it’s perfect for a swim without having to go anywhere.
There are also several seafood restaurants right on the sand, perfect for a cheap dinner with sea views. A very local, laid-back atmosphere.
Bai Ong beach
This is, without doubt, the most touristy beach on the whole island.
This is where the boats with day tours from Hoi An and Da Nang arrive, so it tends to be fairly busy. It’s packed with restaurants, though the food generally leaves something to be desired for the price.
If you’d like to see it in peace, come at sunrise or sunset.
Right next to it there’s a small helipad from which you can get a good panoramic shot of the bay.
Bai Bac beach
This is one of the prettiest beaches in all the Cham Islands. With white sand and particularly calm water, thanks to its position in a bay, it’s perfect for spending a good while.
It also has plenty of coconut palms planted along it, which means there’s a bit of shade so you don’t have to roast in the sun the whole time you’re there.
It sits on the grounds of a now-abandoned old resort, where a guy asks for an entrance fee of around 25,000 VND from foreigners only — a practice we strongly disliked, but which sadly is still common in some places in Vietnam.
Explore the island by motorbike
One of the best things you can do in the Cham Islands is rent a motorbike and ride around Cu Lao Cham.
This island’s roads, practically empty, are an absolute delight for anyone who loves traveling free.
That said, be ready for roads full of climbs and descents — thankfully with virtually no traffic at all, which makes them far more enjoyable.
On the eastern side of the island the asphalt disappears and the road is half wrecked, with enormous rocks strewn across it, probably left behind by the odd typhoon.
Even so, although much of the area is a military zone, you can follow the road until you reach one of the island’s landmark trees, a banyan you’ll recognize by its sheer size — and while the tree itself isn’t especially spectacular, the ride and the views along the way certainly are.
We’ve marked it on the map further down, since it isn’t very well signposted.
Go snorkeling at Hon Dai
If anything draws travelers to the Chams, it’s what hides beneath their waters.
Snorkeling or diving here is one of the best things to do in the Cham Islands, and rightly so: there’s coral, colorful fish and a seabed that surprises, especially if it’s your first time in Vietnam.
Diving costs around 650,000 VND (~US$25) per dive, and if you’re more of a snorkeler you can do it for around 400,000 VND (~US$15.40).
There are agencies both in Hoi An and on the island itself that organize the activity with all the gear included.
And if you’d prefer something freer, you can simply rent a mask and snorkel (many guesthouses and shops on the island offer them) and explore some of the rocky areas around Cu Lao’s beaches on your own.
Don’t expect coral on the level of the Philippines or Indonesia, but if you catch a good day with a calm sea and not too many people, the experience is well worth it.
Hai Tang pagoda
If you fancy adding a cultural touch to your visit, you can head to Hai Tang Pagoda, the most important Buddhist temple in the Cham Islands.
It sits inland, not far from Bai Lang, and is easy to reach by motorbike. The pagoda was built in the 18th century and, although simple, it has its charm thanks to the natural setting around it and the calm atmosphere you’ll find there.
How to visit the Cham Islands
If you’re thinking of getting to know these islands, there are several ways to reach them, and which one is best will depend on your time and your plans.
Visiting the Cham Islands on a tour
The easiest way to reach the Cham Islands is on a full-day tour, and it’s also how most visitors do it.
These tours are available from both Hoi An and Da Nang, and they’re day trips.
Tours usually include:
- Transport from your hotel
- Speedboat to the islands
- Snorkeling
- Lunch on the beach
This option is ideal if you only want to spend a day on the island without any hassle. Be aware that the timings are set for you, so if you’d rather do your own thing, go for the next option.
Here’s our favorite day tour.
Visiting the Cham Islands independently
If, on the other hand, you have more time or you like visiting islands on your own terms, the easiest way is to head to Cua Dai port in Hoi An, where the boats to the islands depart.
Several companies run the speedboat service, at different times.
The crossing generally takes around 40 minutes.
They usually cost around 150,000-200,000 VND each way (~US$5.80-7.70), but the price can vary depending on the season or whether you book in advance.
💡 Tip: if you're going in high season, get to the port early to make sure you get a spot, especially if you haven't booked ahead.Where to stay in the Cham Islands
If you decide to stay one or several nights on the islands (which we recommend if you have the time), you basically have two options: sleeping in Bãi Làng or in Bãi Hương, the two main villages of Cu Lao Cham.
Staying in Bai Lang
The first is to sleep in the main village, Bai Lang, where the boats from the port arrive.
Although it’s the island’s main village, it’s still a small one, with basic accommodation and simple tourist services.
The village is quiet and has no major attractions. Perfect if you want everything close at hand without giving up the calm.
Staying in Bai Huong
The other option for staying in the Cham Islands is Bai Huong, the second village on the island, down in the south.
Bai Huong is considerably smaller than Bai Lang, so if you’re looking for somewhere even quieter, this is the perfect option for you.
💡 Tip: in both villages the accommodation is very basic (homestay style) but welcoming. Don't expect luxury, but do expect proper Vietnamese hospitality.
Getting around the Cham Islands
The most practical (and most fun) way to get around Cu Lao Cham is on a rented motorbike. It gives you the freedom to explore entirely at your own pace.
The moment you step off the boat in Bai Lang, people will offer you motorbikes. You can also arrange it through your accommodation, which sometimes sorts it out for you at a discount.
Price: between 150,000 and 200,000 VND per day (~US$5.80-7.70)
Most include some fuel, though it’s worth asking
If you’re staying more days, you can negotiate the price
The roads are very quiet, but bear in mind there are plenty of hills and stretches where the asphalt is in bad shape, especially toward the east of the island.
Not confident riding yourself? No problem. You can hire someone to take you as a passenger on their motorbike. Just ask at your homestay — they usually have someone they trust who does it, and the price will depend on the route you want.
💡 Tip: always carry some cash, as there are no ATMs on the island.How long to spend in the Cham Islands
It depends on what you’re after, but for most travelers one or two days is enough to properly enjoy the islands.
If you only have one day, then the best plan is an organized trip from Hoi An.
They’ll pick you up early, you’ll spend the day between the beach and snorkeling, and you’ll be back in the afternoon. Ideal if you’re tight on time and just want a day of switching off.
If you’re the type who takes it slow, we recommend spending at least one night on the island. That way you can ride around it, have seafood by the sea, swim without rushing and watch the island empty out once the tours leave.
We stayed two nights and it was more than enough. We got to explore thoroughly, rest, and savor the local atmosphere without any pressure.
💡 Tip: if you're not much of a beach person, one day may be enough. But if you like taking it slow, spending a night on Cu Lao Cham is an experience worth having.Are the Cham Islands worth visiting?
If you’re in Hoi An and fancy a simple escape of nature, sea and calm, the Cham Islands are more than worth it.
It’s not a place of great luxury or a thousand things to do, but that’s precisely where its charm lies.
Ideal for disconnecting for a couple of days, discovering beaches and seeing a completely different pace of life in Vietnam. Whether on a day tour or staying the night, you’re bound to come away with a special memory… and probably some sand in your backpack too.
Map of the Cham Islands
To make it easier to get your bearings, here’s a map with the main beaches, villages and points of interest of the Cham Islands.
Frequently asked questions about the Cham Islands
Where are the Cham Islands?
The Cham Islands lie about 15 km off the coast of Hoi An, in central Vietnam. They’re easy to reach by boat from Cua Dai port.
Can you sleep in the Cham Islands?
Yes. There’s simple accommodation (homestays) in the villages of Bai Lang and Bai Huong. Don’t expect resorts, but do expect calm and local life.
What to bring to the Cham Islands?
- Snorkel mask (if you have one)
- Cash (there are no ATMs)
- Sunscreen
- Mosquito repellent
- A light jacket (it cools down at night)
Is there a good internet connection?
Mobile coverage is acceptable in the main villages, but you’ll lose signal in many parts of the island. Ideal if you want to disconnect a bit.
Do you need to book the boat in advance?
In high season it can be a good idea, especially if you’re traveling independently. You can do it through your accommodation in Hoi An or directly at Cua Dai port.
