Cu Lao Cham Island

Cu Lao Cham is an archipelago of eight islands 15 km east of Hoi An, designated a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in 2009 for its well-preserved coral reef ecosystems. The main island, Hon Lao, has a small permanent community of fishing families and a handful of guesthouses for overnight stays. The snorkelling is the best easily accessible from Hoi An: depths of 2–6 metres over gardens of hard and soft coral with parrotfish, lionfish, and sea turtles. Certified divers can reach walls and deeper sites with more advanced marine life.

Speedboats depart from Cua Dai Beach daily (45 min, approximately 250,000 VND return). Full-day snorkel tours with equipment and lunch: 350,000–500,000 VND per person. Only accessible March–September — winter swells make the crossing rough or impossible. Single-use plastic bags are banned on the islands.

Hotel recommendations coming soon.