Once we reached Cu Lao Cham, our guide took us to Lang Beach, one of the three main beaches on Hon Lao, the biggest islet on the island. And there was more than the beach itself to enjoy there. At a small, local museum, we were able to learn a bit about the history and life on this island, and see many marine creatures exhibited there.

Cu Lao Cham covers an area of just over 15 square kilometers and is comprised of seven islets. With 1,549 hectares of natural forest and 6,716 hectares of open water, the island has a diverse ecosystem that hosts many kinds of plants and fish. Hon Lao Islet is also the most populated place on this island. Not surprisingly, locals mainly earn their living from fishing.

Leaving the museum, we took a stroll along a winding road to visit Au Thuyen, a storm shelter for boats, and then the Hai Tang Pagoda. Situated near a small green rice field, the church had an atmosphere that was very relaxing. A cup of special tea made with medicinal leaves found on the island added to the sense of well-being. The tea is very good for our digestive system, we were told.

Next, we followed our guide to a lively, bustling local market where we bought a lot of seafood. One of the most heartening parts of the visit here was the awareness of environmental protection and pollution among the locals here. All the roads were kept clean and the use of plastic bags avoided. The dried products sold were wrapped in paper and the fresh produce in straw or jute sacks.

Leaving this lovely islet, we boarded the speed boat again to get to another beach. Our guide informed us that the destination was Xep Beach and that we were to go snorkeling. He said Cu Lao Cham had some wonderful sites for snorkeling and exploring the coral reefs, including Xep Beach and the islets of Tai, Dai and Mo. 

The water was so clear I could imagine that snorkeling would be a breeze here. I was right. For those who can’t dive and have no snorkeling experience like me, our guide suggested that we wear our life-jackets and snorkel not too far away. The underwater world spread out like a vast, fancy aquarium. Everything looked sharp and clear. The colorful coral reefs undulated besides hundreds of beautiful fish and snails. I guessed this must beat an Imax movie experience.

I learnt that Cu Lao Cham was recently voted by many experts as a new paradise for snorkeling in Vietnam, adding to already well-known hot spots like Nha Trang, Phu Quoc and Con Dao. The island has also been recognized as a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.

After exploring the underwater world for more than an hour, we felt rather tired. Our helpful guide promised a relaxing time ahead. He said we were going to Chong Beach, which is one of the most beautiful beaches in Cu Lao Cham, to have some lunch and relax.

It was close to noon when we landed on the beach and the sun was blazing down on the white sands. Several hammocks were slung under the shade of some coconut trees and we lay down in them while waiting for our lunch. It was the best possible relaxation, being lulled by the sea breeze and the clear waters.

It was obviously a great place to go swimming and sunbathing, but we were happy where we were. The waiting had sharpened our hunger a bit, so the fabulous lunch with all types of seafood dishes prepared at a small restaurant was just what the doctor ordered.

I could not recall enjoying a meal more. After filling our stomachs, we relaxed for a bit longer and returned to the mainland at 2 p.m. It was difficult to imagine we had been away only for a few hours. The trip was an experience that would entice us into repeating it as often as we could.

By Phong Lan, Thanh Nien News (The story can be found in the July 29th issue of our print edition, Thanh Nien Weekly)

At the summer, if you reach for the island by normal boat, it takes 2 and half hour, but only 30 minutes by speed boat. There are 10 guesthouses for tourists who don’t want to spend the night in a tent on the beach. Transport from the mainland to the islet is quite comfortable.

Cham islands are supposed to be the first place where Cham people landed, coming to Quang Nam Province from Indonesia (small monuments, dikes and basin to grow up  rice on terraces are hidden in the forest, 17th century pagodas and small temples in the two villages). Therefore, being well-known since earlier Cham domination (from 4th to 14th century), the island became one of the main port of Champa Kingdom. Situated some eight miles  offshore Hoi An,  it was also part of Hoi An historical international trading. From  15th  century till the beginning of 20th century, the old city was a meeting point for  international vessels and junks.

According to archaeologists, Cu Lao Cham first settled there 3,000 years ago and established business contacts with external countries some 1,000 years ago. Up to now, Cu Lao Cham has preserved many architectural constructions which date back to the 18th and 20th century. They include the shrine dedicated to Than Yen Sao, built in 1843 at Bai Huong and Hai Tang Pagoda, built in 1753 on the western hillside of Hon Lao. Still, Cu Lao Cham has more to offer. After a three-hour canoe trip, one may hop over to the famed Well of the Cham people.

The island comprises an archipelago of one large island and seven smaller islands. The largest island – Hon Lao, covering 1,317 ha, is circle shape at the high of 500m. There are nice beaches at Bim and Ong beach. The topography of Cu Lao Cham Island is dominated by two peaks: a 517m peak in the centre of the island and a 326m peak at the western end. Natural forest here covers 532 ha of the nature reserve, equivalent to 35% of the total area, while plantation forest covers a further 30 ha.

The island is a place where shelter for value swallow birds. The natural vegetation of the islands is lowland evergreen forest, that is natural with a lot of woods and rare animals.

Scientists report the occurrence of macaques Macaca sp., monitor lizards Varanus sp. and pythons Python sp. To date, 265 vascular plant species have been reported from the nature reserve. Furthermore, a species of swiftlet Collocalia sp. is reported to nest on Hon Kho within the nature reserve.

Cu Lao Cham is also home to salanganes, birds whose nests have long been considered a delicacy by aristocrats and the wealthy. The nests may cost as much as US $4,000 per kilogram. In a beautiful day, tourists are able to see cliffs where salanganes build their nests and talk with salangane-nest takers.

Around the island has a lots of color corals under the water. Situated in a salty-water area, this square-bottom well, amazingly, provides clear fresh water all year round. Enjoyable extras include white-sand, pristine beaches and captivating attractions evocatively named  Bai Ong, Bai Bim, Bai Chong, Bai Bac, Suoi Tinh, Cau Mo, Suoi Ong and so on, where tourists can relax, go hunting, fishing even fishing octopuses.

Visiting Cu Lao Cham, you also have chances to view the sea swallows’ nests clinging to the towering cliff. Cu Lao Cham wins kudos for its seafood and delicacies (octopuses, lobsters, fish’s fin, abalone, kaki, hind, cholonia’s eggs, bird’s nests) and fascinating souvenirs (pearls, conches, tortoise-shells).

Moreover, you can take a tour to Lang beach for seeing some interest places as such Au Thuyen-a shelter for boats at bad weather, a 100-year Tay Tang Pagoda remarking the Puddhism that came here for long time ago, Ong temple – a place worshipping a big fish burried here.

Fishing boats lying on the beach

Emeraude water.

Many shoals in the water

Beautiful coral reef

Long-stretching beach

Star fish driven onshore

A view from Cham Islet.