Summary of tourism festivals, tourism events in the year

Overview of Cu Lao Cham

Cu Lao Cham is a large island cluster in Tan Hiep commune, Da Nang City. Located about 15 km from the coast of Da Nang, this archipelago includes 8 large and small islands, the largest of which is Hon Lao, forming a diverse and rich island ecosystem. Cu Lao Cham is not only famous for the wild beauty of blue sea, white sand, golden sunshine, but is also home to many Champa and Vietnamese cultural relics, with a history associated with the busy Hoi An trading port.

Cham Island

Cu Lao Cham was recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve in 2009, thanks to the excellent conservation of coral reef ecosystems, seaweed and seagrass beds, along with the diversity of rare seafood species. This is Da Nang's leading eco-tourism center, attracting tourists with scuba diving, coral exploration and swimming activities at beaches such as Bai Chong and Bai Ong. Visitors to Cu Lao Cham also have the opportunity to learn about the lives of local fishermen and visit relics such as the ancient Cham Well and Hai Tang Pagoda.

Outstanding attractions in Cu Lao Cham

Bai Chong

Bai Chong is one of the most beautiful and Most famous on Hon Lao island. This beach has fine white sand, clear blue sea, along with rows of coconut trees and a restaurant area serving seafood cuisine. Bai Chong is very suitable for swimming, relaxing and camping overnight.

Bai Ong and Bai Huong

Bai Ong

Bai Ong and Bai Huong are two developed areas Concentrated tourism development, located near the center. Ong Beach has many services for scuba diving, coral diving and underwater games. Bai Huong is a gathering place for fishing villages, where visitors can observe the lives of fishermen and buy fresh seafood.

Cham Pa ancient well

Cham Pa ancient well (also known as Forbidden Hamlet Well) is an important historical relic, dating back about 200 years, located near Bai Lang residential area. The well has a square architecture, built of bricks, and is an important source of fresh water on the island. In particular, local people believe that this well water has the ability to cure diseases and bring good luck.

Hai Tang Pagoda

Hai Tang Pagoda is located right on the beach The village was built in 1758. The pagoda is a place to worship Buddha and worship local gods, demonstrating the interference of cultural beliefs. The pagoda's architecture is ancient, with yin and yang tiled roofs and exquisitely carved statues, horizontal panels, and parallel sentences.

Museum of Cu Lao Cham Marine Protected Area

Museum of Cu Lao Cham Marine Protected Area is where visitors can learn comprehensively about the marine ecosystem and historical and cultural values of this island. The museum displays specimens, images and documents about more than 300 species of coral and rare seafood, along with information about conservation efforts and the values that led to Cu Lao Cham being recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve. This is an important educational attraction, helping visitors gain a deeper understanding before participating in marine exploration activities.

Swallow Conservation Area (Hon Lao)

Swallow Conservation Area

Ecological area on the island Hon Lao is the residence of swiftlet birds. Although it is not possible to directly visit bird's nests to ensure conservation, visitors can learn about the process of exploiting bird's nests, a famous specialty of Cu Lao Cham, at local information centers.

Here are suggestions for other attractions in Cu Lao Cham (Tan Hiep commune):

Cu Lao Marine Museum Cham: A place to display artifacts, marine life samples and detailed information about the Biosphere Reserve.
Tan Hiep Market: Traditional market where visitors can buy dried and fresh seafood specialties, especially one-sun seafood.
Hon Kho, Hon Dai: The islands Small surrounding area, suitable for fishing and exploring pristine rocky beaches.

Best time to travel

The most ideal time to visit Cu Lao Cham is during the Dry season, lasting from March to the end of August. During this period, the weather on the island is characterized by beautiful sunshine, little rain, calm sea and calm waves, extremely convenient for traveling by canoe or boat to the island. In particular, the mild sea water temperature and highest clarity of the year create perfect conditions for underwater experience activities such as snorkeling and diving and swimming at beautiful beaches.

Although the Dry season is the golden time to enjoy marine activities, visitors should note that September to the end of February next year is the rainy season in this area. At this time, the sea is rough, with frequent heavy rains and gusts of wind, leading to canoe tours to the island being often canceled or limited to ensure the safety of tourists. Therefore, if you want to have the most complete and safe experience with marine activities, you should avoid going in winter and early spring.

Travel information

By air

Da Nang International Airport (DAD)

Popular flight route:
- HCMC (SGN) to Da Nang (DAD) – Flight time about 1.5 hours.
- Hanoi (HAN) to Da Nang (DAD) – Flight time is about 1 hour 20 minutes.
Operating airlines: Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways, Pacific Airlines and many international airlines.
Arrival airport: Da Nang International Airport (DAD), located in the region Hoa Thuan Tay Ward.
Transportation from the airport to Cua Dai Port (departure point to the island): Taxi, technology vehicle, or private rental car (about 45 - 50 km).

Note:

DAD Airport is the only destination for tourists who want to go to Cu Lao Cham by air.
After landing, visitors have to travel about 1 hour more to reach the port.
Reference ticket price (excluding taxes and fees):
- HCMC to and from Da Nang: about 1,500,000 - 2,500,000 VND/way (general).

By road (Go to Cua Dai Port)

Popular route:

From Da Nang center (Hai Chau Ward) to Cua Dai Port: About 45 km, travel time 1 hour.
From Hoi An Ward (Da Nang City) to Cua Dai Port: About 5 km, travel time 10–15 minutes.
Reputable car companies: Taxi (Mai Linh, Tien Sa), tourist cars of travel companies.
Reference ticket price:
- Da Nang to and from Cua Dai Port: about 500,000 - 700,000 VND/way (Taxi/Car).

Departure bus station:

In Da Da Nang: Da Nang Central Bus Station (belongs to Hoa Minh Ward).
Port to the island: Cua Dai Port (belongs to Hoi An Dong Ward).

Note:

There is no direct railway to the port area.
Tourists should go to the port before 8:00 am to catch the canoe to the island.

Travel by sea (To Cu Lao Cham Island)

Popular means:
- High-speed canoe: Fast (15–20 minutes), price about 350,000 – 450,000 VND/round trip.
- Wooden boat (Market boat): Slower (45–60 minutes), price about 100,000 – 150,000 VND/time.

Rent a motorbike/Car on the island (Hon Lao Island)

Motorbike: Suitable for visiting beaches and monuments.
Boat/Canoe: Used to move between small islands and coral diving areas.
Reference motorbike rental price:
- Motorbike: 100,000 - 150,000 VND/day
- Scooter: 150,000 - 200,000 VND/day
Address for renting a car / tourist vehicle (Moving from the mainland to the port):
- Tourists should contact major travel and transportation companies in Da Nang (for example: Tourism Joint Stock Company DANAGO calendar, Vietravel Travel Company - Da Nang Branch) to rent a 4-45 seat tourist car to pick up from the airport or hotel to Cua Dai Port.

Accommodation information

Cu Lao Cham is a Biosphere Reserve, there are no 4-5 star hotels/resorts on the island. The main forms of accommodation are motels and homestays. Luxury and resort options are added in the mainland neighborhood (Hoi An Ward) near the harbor.

Luxury (4–5 stars) – Near the Port

Muong Thanh Grand Holiday Hoi An Hotel

Muong Thanh Grand Holiday Hoi An Hotel

Muong Thanh Grand Holiday Hoi An Hotel is located in Hoi An Dong Ward (Da Nang City), about 1–2 km from Cua Dai Port (departure point to the island). This is a modern 4-star standard hotel. Luxurious designed space, with swimming pool, restaurant and conference area. According to booking pages, room prices at Muong Thanh Grand Holiday Hoi An range from 1,800,000 - 3,000,000 VND/night, depending on room type and time of booking.

Hotel Royal Hoi An - MGallery

Hotel Royal Hoi An - MGallery is located in Hoi An Ward, about 5–7 km from Cua Dai Port. This is a high-class 5-star hotel, designed in a modern style combining Asian features, with a swimming pool and high-quality culinary services. According to Agoda and booking sites, the average room price is about 2,800,000 - 5,000,000 VND/night, depending on room type. If you want more options for a luxury vacation in the center of Da Nang, you can consider other quality hotels:

Novotel Danang Premier Han River (Hai Chau Ward) - 4-5 star hotel in the city center - Price about 2,500,000 - 4,000,000 VND/night.
Sanouva Danang Hotel (Hai Chau Ward) – Central 4-star hotel – Price about 1,500,000 – 2,500,000 VND/night.

Resort (Resort, Villa) – Area near the Port

Anantara Hoi An Resort

Anantara Hoi An Resort is located along the Hoai River, in Hoi An Ward, about 6–8 km from Cua Dai Port. This is a 5-star resort, offering separate suites and bungalows in a green space. The buildings have classic French architecture, very suitable for relaxation. According to Booking.com and Vigotrip, room prices at Anantara Hoi An Resort usually range from 3,500,000 - 6,000,000 VND/night, depending on room type and tourist season.

For diverse options for tourists who love nature and want to find a peaceful space, you can refer to some other resorts:

Sunrise Premium Resort & Spa Hoi An (Ngu Hanh Son Ward) – Large coastal resort in Da Nang – Price from 2,800,000 – 5,500,000 VND/night.
Boutique Hoi An Resort (Hoi An Dong Ward) – 4-star coastal resort near the port – Price from 1,800,000 - 3,500,000 VND/night.
Hoi An Garden Palace & Spa (Hoi An Ward) - Quiet resort in the middle of nature - Price from 1,500,000 - 2,800,000 VND/night.

Experience (Homestay, Motel on the island)

Thuy Trang Guesthouse

Thuy Trang Guesthouse Cu Lao Cham is located in Bai Lang residential area (Tan Hiep commune). The motel has clean rooms, complete with basic amenities (air conditioning, hot water), suitable for visitors who want to spend the night on the island. Enthusiastic and friendly service staff regularly assist tourists participating in scuba diving tours. According to booking sites, the average price is about 700,000 - 1,200,000 VND/night for 2 adults.

Hong Van Homestay

Hong Van Homestay is located in Bai Ong area (Tan Hiep commune), with a strong community and ecological identity. Homestays offer traditional stilt-style accommodation or simple private rooms, often including catering and camping services. Visitors can experience fisherman's life and enjoy fresh seafood. Room prices range from 350,000 - 700,000 VND/person/night (may include dinner), depending on room type and included services.

For tourists who love a cozy space and reasonable costs on the island, the following places are worth a try:

Tu Trang Guesthouse Cu Lao Cham (Bai Lang) - Near Bai Lang port area - Price from 600,000 - 1,000,000 VND/night.
Homestay Huynh Van Cu Lao Cham (Bai Lang) - Near the market, clean - Price from 500,000 - 850,000 VND/night.
Bai Chong camping service (Bai Chong) - Price from 400,000 - 600,000 VND/person/night (full package of tents and meals).

Festival cuisine and culture

Famous restaurants

Hai Quynh Restaurant

Hai Quynh Restaurant

Hai Quynh Restaurant is located in the system of restaurants at Bai Ong (Cu Lao Cham, Tan Hiep commune). The restaurant was built as a prototype of thatch, bamboo, leaves and building materials close to nature, suitable for the landscape and marine environment here. The menu serves seafood dishes according to set menu or request, with a team of well-trained chefs. The average price is from 100,000 - 350,000 VND/person.

Mai Khoa Restaurant

Located less than 200m from Hai Quynh Restaurant, Mai Khoa Cu Lao Cham Restaurant also has an original design made of thatch, bamboo, leaves and construction materials suitable for the landscape. The restaurant has a direct view of the sea, serving delicious and attractive specialties such as: stone crab, abalone, sea urchin, snails... Average price 100,000 - 400,000 VND/person.

Some other culinary places you can refer to in Cu Lao Cham:

Bai Lang raft restaurant: Experience cuisine right on the water, serving fresh seafood on the spot.
Bai Chong night BBQ services: Often include camping and party services Charcoal-grilled seafood.
Tan Hiep Market Restaurant: Rustic cuisine area, affordable prices, famous for wild vegetables and dried seafood.

Local cuisine

Oc Vu Nang

Oc Vu Nang is a rare type of snail, a specialty of Cu Lao Cham waters. Snail meat is chewy, sweet, and has a unique flavor, often grilled with onions or steamed with lemongrass. This is a dish that tourists can hardly find on the mainland and should be enjoyed when coming to the island.

Suggested address:

Tan Hiep Market (Bai Lang): In the early morning, fresh snails or dried seafood are sold.
Bai Ong coastal restaurants: Prepared according to tourists' requests, ensuring freshness.

Cu Lao Cham Forest Vegetables

Wild Vegetables are a rustic but very famous dish of the island, including naturally growing vegetables such as cilantro and pennywort. Vegetables are often boiled, mixed with salad with special sauce or dipped in fish sauce. This dish has a mild, refreshing taste and is a great cooling dish.

Suggested address:

Homestays and motels at Bai Lang/Bai Ong: Most serve boiled wild vegetables.
Tan Hiep Market: In the morning, they sell bunches of wild vegetables picked by people.

Bird's Nest

Bird's Nest is the top specialty of Cu Lao Cham (Hon Yen), exploited and processed into nutritious products. The exploitation of Bird's Nest here is carried out according to strict procedures to protect the bird's nest and maintain the ecological balance of the Marine Protected Area.

Suggested address:

Tan Hiep Market (Bai Lang): Sells processed bird's nest products.
Bai Chong Seafood BBQ Party

Many camping services at Bai Chong offer seafood BBQ parties at night. Visitors can eat outdoors and enjoy charcoal-grilled seafood (squid, fish, shrimp) in the romantic atmosphere of the beach.

Culture & Festival Experience

Cau Ngu Festival (Cau An Ceremony)

Cau Ngu Festival is the biggest festival of Cu Lao Cham fishermen, usually taking place in March or April of the lunar calendar. The festival aims to pay respect to Ca Ong (whale) and the sea gods, praying for a safe trip to the sea and a bountiful harvest of seafood. The festival takes place solemnly with a palanquin procession.

Festival of the Nest Craft

Feast of the Nest Craft

Organized around the 3rd lunar month at the temple worshiping the ancestors of the bird's nest craft on Hon Lao island. This is a traditional ritual of bird's nest harvesters, to pay tribute to their ancestors and pray for a good harvest. Other cultural festivals in Cu Lao Cham:
- Fairy Temple Festival: Held in the second lunar month, associated with the belief of worshiping Fairy.
- Visit Hai Tang Pagoda: Visitors can worship and learn about Buddhist beliefs combined with worshiping the sea god at the ancient pagoda
Amusement and experience area

Diving to see coral

Diving to see coral

Diving to see coral is an activity not to be missed on Cu Lao Cham. The marine reserve here possesses a rich and diverse coral ecosystem. Visitors will be equipped with diving goggles and snorkel (or oxygen tank for deep diving) to admire the beauty of coral reefs and colorful marine species. This is an activity that brings high ecological and relaxation value.

Bai Ong beach sports activities

Bai Ong is one of the beaches with the most developed tourism services. Here, visitors can rent water sports services such as SUP (stand-up paddle board), windsurfing, or canoeing and paragliding (depending on weather conditions). Bai Ong is also an ideal place for swimming and organizing group games on the sand.

Cu Lao Cham also has many attractive places to visit and experience suitable for tourists who want to relax and explore:
- Bai Chong: An ideal area to camp overnight, organize seafood BBQ parties and watch the sunrise on the sea.
- Swallow Conservation Area: An area to introduce bird nests and the bird's nest exploitation process (no direct visit to the nest).
- Cu Lao Cham Marine Museum: A place to display detailed information about the ecosystem and history of formation of the World Biosphere Reserve.
- Trekking trails on the island: A walking route to explore the primeval forest on Hon Lao island, for tourists who love adventure.
Suggested tour

Experience tour

>Tour to explore Cu Lao Cham Biosphere 1 day
- Itinerary: Depart from Da Nang/Hoi An -> Cua Dai Port -> Canoe to the island -> Visit Cham ancient wells, Hai Tang Pagoda -> Diving to see coral (Bai Ong or Hon Dai) -> Lunch with seafood -> Swimming -> Canoe back to the mainland.
- Characteristics: Focus on island activities and exploring historical relics on the island.
- Transportation: Tourist car + High-speed canoe.
- Reference tour price: 650,000 – 850,000 VND/person (Included round-trip canoe, sightseeing tickets, lunch).
- Suggested organizer: Green Da Nang Tourism Company, Cu Lao Cham Travel.
Adventure - discovery tour

Deep Diving Tour (Scuba Diving) Cu Lao Cham 1 day
- Itinerary: Departure -> Canoe to the island -> Basic diving instructions -> Deep Scuba Diving at licensed coral reef area -> Lunch -> Swimming and free exploration.
- Features: For tourists who want to experience deeper diving than regular snorkeling Usually, explore the deep sea ecosystem.
- Transportation: Car + High-speed canoe + Specialized diving equipment.
- Reference tour price: 1,500,000 - 2,000,000 VND/person (depending on diving time).
- Suggested organizer: Professional scuba diving centers in Da Nang/Hoi An.
Cu Lao Cham Night Camping & BBQ Tour 2 days 1 night
- Itinerary:
  - Day 1: Visit Ancient Well, Hai Tang Pagoda -> Coral diving -> Seafood BBQ dinner -> Camping at Bai Chong.
  - Day 2: Welcoming the sunrise -> Breakfast -> Explore the island freely -> Cano back to the mainland.
- Transportation: Car + High-speed canoe.
- Reference tour price: 1,800,000 - 2,500,000 VND/person (including tent, 3 meals, canoe).
- Suggested organizer: The Homestay/Motel at Bai Ong, Danang Explore Travel.
Family tour

1-day Island & Old Town Tour (Combined)
- Itinerary: Morning: Early departure -> Cu Lao Cham (coral diving, swimming). Afternoon: Lunch -> Canoe back to the mainland -> Visit Hoi An Ancient Town (Hoi An Ward) -> Dinner -> Return.
- Features: Combining sea and island relaxation and exploring historical heritage on the mainland, suitable for families.
- Transportation: Tourist car 16–29 seats + High-speed canoe.
- Reference tour price: 850,000 - 1,200,000 VND/person (including canoe, sightseeing tickets and lunch).
- Suggested organizer: Vietravel - Da Nang Branch, Saigontourist.
Eco-tourism

Bay Mau Coconut Forest & Cu Lao Cham 1-day tour (River experience)
- Schedule Itinerary: Morning: Canoe -> Cu Lao Cham (coral diving, swimming). Afternoon: Return to the mainland -> Explore Bay Mau Coconut Forest (Hoi An Dong Ward area) by basket boat -> Experience fishing -> Return.
- Transportation: Car + High-speed canoe + Basket boat.
- Reference tour price: 750,000 – 1,000,000 VND/person.
- Suggested organizer: Hoi An Daily Tour, local travel companies.
Shopping and Souvenirs

Shopping activities and souvenirs in Cu Lao Cham mainly take place at Tan Hiep Market (Bai Lang), where island specialties gather. The most popular gifts are dried seafood like sun-dried squid and dried lychee fish, because they are easy to preserve and ensure freshness because they are processed right on the island. In addition, Bird's Nest is the most precious specialty, along with traditional Banh It Gai Gai, which are highly local culinary gifts that tourists often buy after the trip.

Tan Hiep Market

Besides cuisine, visitors can find ecological handicrafts. These are products made from seashells and snail shells, sold at souvenir stalls at Bai Ong and Tan Hiep Market. These gifts help preserve memories of the island trip. When shopping, visitors should be careful not to buy products from coral to help protect the World Biosphere Reserve.

Support information and other information

If you have problems needing support regarding security, health or service quality, visitors can contact the authorities of Da Nang City. These are accurate and active information focal points, concentrated in the central area (Hai Chau Ward):
- Da Nang City Police: 0236 3822 300 - 80 Le Loi, Hai Chau Ward.
- Da Tourist Support Center Da Nang: 0236 3550 111 - 108 Bach Dang, Hai Chau Ward.
- Da Nang City Market Management Department (Market Management): 0236 3624 190 - 327 Le Thanh Nghi, Hoa Cuong Ward. In case of emergency, you can quickly contact the national switchboards: 113 (Police), 114 (Fire), 115 (Emergency).
Support information at Cu Lao Cham Biosphere Reserve

Right in the Bai Lang area (Tan Hiep commune), which is the administrative center of the island, visitors can find See the following services and support:
- Cu Lao Cham Marine Protected Area Management Board:
  - Address: Bai Lang, Tan Hiep commune, City. Da Nang.
  - Phone: 0235 3867 086 (General contact information)
  - Function: Responsible for marine security, biological conservation and licensing of scuba diving and camping activities.
- Tan Hiep Commune Medical Station:
  - Address: Bai Lang, Tan Hiep Commune, City. Da Nang.
  - Function: Providing first aid and basic health care services right on the island.
- Beach Rescue Team:
  - Function: Operating at the beaches main areas such as Bai Ong and Bai Chong, ready to assist in case of underwater incidents.
- Guide: You can hire a tour guide or ask for support from local homestays/motels to explore the island.
End the journey to discover Cu Lao Cham, where the pristine sea and islands and fishermen culture are still intact. We hope that visitors will have profound ecological experiences. Wishing you to keep wonderful memories of natural beauty and be more aware of the importance of preserving the World Biosphere Reserve in Tan Hiep commune, Da Nang City.