Cu Lao Cham Island

Cu Lao Cham is an archipelago of eight islands 20 km east of Hoi An, in Quang Nam Province. The main island, Hon Lao, covers 1,317 hectares with a central peak of 517 metres. Natural forest covers about 35% of the island and supports macaques, monitor lizards, pythons, and salangane swiftlets — the birds whose nests are harvested for bird's nest soup at up to $4,000 per kilogram. The island group was designated a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in 2009 for its coral reef ecosystems.

Snorkelling is the most common activity for day visitors. Depths of 2–6 metres over hard and soft coral, with parrotfish, lionfish, and occasional sea turtles. Certified divers can access deeper walls and sites with more varied marine life — June to August is the best window for visibility. The main beaches are Bai Ong, Bai Xep, and Bai Chong, each used by different tour operators. A Marine Museum on Hon Lao covers the island ecology and the bird nest harvesting industry.

Single-use plastic bags are banned on the islands. The crossing is only practical March to August — winter northeast swells make the sea rough and some operators suspend service entirely November to February.

There are no hotels on Cu Lao Cham. Accommodation is homestays only — family-run guesthouses on Hon Lao, mostly near the main beaches. Options include Tam Hien's, Hiep's, and Thu Trang's homestays. Expect basic rooms, shared or en-suite bathrooms, and meals cooked by the host family. Most day visitors return to Hoi An in the afternoon; staying overnight means much quieter beaches in the early morning and evening.