Cù Lao Chàm
Island Vietnamese island group and marine reserve near Hoi An
Cù Lao Chàm (the Cham Islands) off central Vietnam form a marine protected archipelago near Hoi An. Tourists take day boats to snorkel coral reefs, visit fishing villages and purchase local seafood products.
Cù Lao Chàm is an archipelago of eight small islands off the central Vietnamese coast near the historic port town of Hoi An. It was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2009.
The islands are known for coral reefs, clear-water snorkeling and diving sites, small sandy beaches, and traditional fishing villages. Day trips typically include short coastal hikes, reef snorkeling, and visits to local markets and simple seafood restaurants.
Historically the islands were used by local fishing communities and served as stops for coastal trade; conservation and management measures increased after the UNESCO designation to protect marine habitats. Local authorities now regulate fishing and tourism to protect coral and reef fish.
The archipelago sits in the South China Sea off central Vietnam, close to Hoi An and within the coastal waters between Hoi An and Da Nang.
- UNESCO status: Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2009.
- Access: Regular boats and speedboats run from Hoi An (Cua Dai) with the speedboat crossing typically taking around 20-30 minutes.
How to Get to Cù Lao Chàm #
Regular boats and speedboats depart from Cua Dai pier (about 20 minutes from Hoi An) and take roughly 20-40 minutes depending on the vessel. Tickets are sold at the pier; some hotels and tour operators in Hoi An include transfers.
Tips for Visiting Cù Lao Chàm #
- Take the 30-40 minute boat from Cua Dai or Hoi An early to beat the day-trippers and to get calm seas for snorkeling.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a reusable bottle-supplies on the islands are limited and more expensive.
- Visit the Cham Cultural Village on the main island to learn about the islands' history before heading to the beaches.
Best Time to Visit Cù Lao Chàm #
February-August for calm seas and snorkeling; avoid the peak of the southwest monsoon (September/October) when services can be limited.
Weather & Climate near Cù Lao Chàm #
Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and warm winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 18°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1937 mm/year), wettest in October with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 18°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Moderate rainfall (33 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Moderate rainfall (35 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Moderate rainfall (78 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the hottest month, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Moderate rainfall (70 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (114 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Heavy rain (312 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (526 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (381 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 19°C. Heavy rain (206 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
