Cham Islands Snorkelling Day Trip from Hoi An
Cham Islands day trip from Hoi An or Da Nang: the speedboat, the fishing village, about 45 minutes of snorkelling, a seafood lunch, the best months and tips.
By AmGo Travel4 min read
A Cham Islands snorkelling day trip is the easiest way to swap Hoi An's lantern-lit streets for clear water, a quiet fishing village and a seafood lunch by the beach. The islands, known in Vietnamese as Cu Lao Cham, lie off the coast of Hoi An and form a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve with a protected marine area. Here is what the day looks like, when to go and how to make the most of it, from the AmGo Travel team in Hanoi's Old Quarter.
Cham Islands at a glance
- Where: a small group of islands off the coast of Hoi An, reached by speedboat from Cua Dai harbour.
- What you do: visit the fishing village and Hai Tang Pagoda, snorkel for about 45 minutes, swim and relax on the beach, and eat a seafood lunch.
- How long: a half-day-plus trip. From Hoi An you are back at your hotel around 14:30; from Da Nang around 15:00–15:30.
- Who it suits: swimmers, families with children who like the sea, and anyone who wants a break from temples and old towns.
What happens on a Cham Island day tour
Pick-up and the speedboat crossing
You are collected from your hotel: between 8:00 and 8:30 in Hoi An city, or 7:30–8:00 in Da Nang city centre. The bus takes you to Cua Dai harbour, where you board a shared big speedboat. Groups are up to 35 guests, so this is a sociable trip rather than a private one. Enjoy the fresh, cool wind on the way out.
Bai Lang and the fishing village
The boat lands at Bai Lang (Lang Beach), the islanders' main settlement. With your guide you visit the Marine Protected Area, the boat shelter where fishing boats wait out storms, Hai Tang Pagoda and the traditional fishing village. It is a short, easy walk and a chance to see how island families live.
Snorkelling
Snorkelling starts around 10:00 and lasts about 45 minutes. The boat takes you to a spot inside the protected waters, and you swim with mask and snorkel over the reef. You do not need experience, but you should be comfortable in open water. If you are not a confident swimmer, tell the guide before you get in.
Beach time and seafood lunch
After the water time you settle in at the Bai Ong eco-area or Bai Chong beach for more swimming and a local seafood set lunch. Then you pack up for the trip back to the mainland and your hotel.
What is included, and what is not
Included: hotel pick-up and drop-off in Hoi An city or Da Nang centre, the shared speedboat, an English-speaking guide, entrance fees, swimming and snorkelling, the seafood lunch, 500 ml of mineral water per person, and travel insurance on the Hoi An departure.
Not included: motorboat, jet ski, banana boat and fishing, drinks, and tips for the guide and driver.
Pick-up is free from hotels in Hoi An city and Da Nang city. If you stay further out, for example in Thang Binh or Duy Xuyen district, there is a transfer surcharge, quoted when you book.
When is the best time to visit the Cham Islands?
Island trips depend on the sea. As a general rule, the calmest months are roughly from spring to late summer, when the water is clearer and boats run reliably. From around October to December, central Vietnam has its rainy and storm season, and boats to the islands are often cancelled at short notice.
Whatever the month, the weather and sea conditions are checked before your booking is confirmed. There are no departures over Tet (Lunar New Year), and surcharges apply on some Vietnamese public holidays.
Tips for the day
- Bring a swimsuit, towel and a change of clothes. You will be in and out of the water.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen and a hat. There is little shade on the boat.
- Take seasickness tablets if you are sensitive. The speedboat can be bumpy in a swell.
- Cover your shoulders for the visit to Hai Tang Pagoda.
- Bring some cash for drinks on the island.
- Keep the evening free. You are back early enough to enjoy Hoi An Ancient Town at night, or a lantern boat on the river.
Make a few days of Hoi An
The Cham Islands are one side of Hoi An. On the other days, ride a basket boat through the Cam Thanh coconut jungle, walk the old town and release a flower lantern on the Thu Bon River. All of these start from Hoi An with hotel pick-up.
FAQ
Do I need to be able to swim to go snorkelling at Cham Island? You should be comfortable in the water. Snorkelling is in open sea for about 45 minutes. Tell the guide if you are not a confident swimmer.
What time do I get back to my hotel? Around 14:30 in Hoi An, or 15:00–15:30 in Da Nang.
Can I join from Da Nang? Yes. Pick-up from hotels in Da Nang city centre is between 7:30 and 8:00.
What happens if the sea is rough? The weather and sea are checked before your booking is confirmed. In the storm season boats are often cancelled, so keep a spare day in your plans.
Where can I book a Cham Island tour? AmGo Travel, a Vietnamese team of trip planners and guides based at 61 Hang Ga in Hanoi's Old Quarter, books the Cham Island snorkelling day tour with pick-up in Hoi An or Da Nang. You can book online at amgotravel.com or message the team on WhatsApp.
Hoi An day trips with AmGo Travel
See all Hoi An tours, or message AmGo Travel on WhatsApp and a local trip planner will help you fit the islands into your Hoi An days.
