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中文 (中国)Cu Lao Cham Island is a pristine and poetic archipelago located about 15 km off the coast of Hoi An. It boasts smooth white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and an incredibly diverse marine ecosystem. This article by Hoi An Wonders will provide you with all the detailed information about the cham island ferry, including ticket prices, schedules, tips for booking speedboats, and important notes to ensure you have the most fulfilling trip.
1. Types of Boats to Cu Lao Cham You Need to Know
To travel from the mainland to Cu Lao Cham, tourists have two main transport options departing from Cua Dai Port. Each vehicle has its own pros and cons, catering to different needs and budgets.
1.1 Speedboat
The speedboat is currently the most popular choice for travelers searching for information on the cham island ferry.
- Travel time: It takes only about 15 to 20 minutes to cross the waves from Cua Dai Port to Bai Lang (Cu Lao Cham).
- Pros: Fast travel time and a smooth ride, which minimizes seasickness. Modern speedboats are fully equipped with life jackets and safety gear.
- Cons: Higher ticket prices compared to local wooden boats.
1.2 Wooden Boat
The wooden boat is a traditional means of transport, primarily used to carry goods and locals between the island and the mainland.
- Travel time: It takes about 60 to 90 minutes to reach the island.
- Pros: Very cheap tickets, making it ideal for those who want to experience a slow ocean cruise and maximize cost savings.
- Cons: Long travel time. The rocking waves can easily cause seasickness, making it unsuitable for people in poor health, the elderly, and children.
Advice: If you are traveling independently and want more time to explore the island, you should prioritize the speedboat to save time and ensure your well-being.
2. Latest Schedule and Operating Hours of the Cham Island Ferry
To avoid missing your trip, it is essential to know the operating schedule of the cham island ferry routes departing from Cua Dai Port (Hoi An) and Bai Lang (Cu Lao Cham). Please note that schedules may change depending on weather conditions and the tourist season.
2.1 Speedboat Schedule
During the peak tourist season (from March to September), speedboat routes operate continuously every day with a high frequency.
| Route | Estimated Departure Time | Notes |
| Cua Dai Port -> Cu Lao Cham | 08:00 – 08:30 – 09:00 | Popular timeframe for day-trip tourists |
| Cu Lao Cham -> Cua Dai Port | 13:00 – 14:00 – 17:00 | Timeframe for returning to the mainland |
2.2 Wooden Boat Schedule
Wooden boats usually run only one fixed trip per day, so you need to note the exact time if you want to experience this option.
- From Cua Dai Port to the island: Departs at 08:00 AM.
- From Bai Lang to the mainland: Departs at 01:00 PM.
3. Updated Cham Island Ferry Ticket Prices (Round-Trip & One-Way)
Ticket costs are one of the top concerns for travelers. Below is the latest cham island ferry ticket price list compiled by Hoi An Wonders to help you easily plan your budget.
3.1 Speedboat Ticket Prices
| Ticket Type | Passenger | Price (VND) | Includes |
| Round-Trip (Same day) | Adult | 350,000 – 400,000 | Two-way ticket, ecological fee, port fee |
| Round-Trip (Same day) | Child (1 – 5 years) | 100,000 | Insurance and safety fees |
| Round-Trip (Same day) | Child (6 – 9 years) | 50% of adult price | Separate seat on the boat |
| Round-Trip (Different days) | Adult | 450,000 – 500,000 | Suitable for overnight guests |
| One-Way | Adult | 250,000 | Single trip ticket |
3.2 Wooden Boat Ticket Prices
Ticket price for Vietnamese tourists: 100,000 VND / trip.
Ticket price for foreign tourists: 150,000 VND / trip.
Fee for bringing a motorbike to the island: 50,000 – 80,000 VND / vehicle (depending on the type).
Important Note: The prices above include the Cu Lao Cham entrance fee and environmental sanitation fee (about 100,000 VND/person). When buying individual tickets, you should clarify whether the price covers these mandatory fees to avoid incurring extra costs at the port.
4. How to Book a Ferry to Cham Island Quickly and Safely
To secure a cham island ferry ticket without waiting in long lines at Cua Dai Port—especially on weekends or holidays—you can use the following booking methods:
4.1 Buying Tickets Directly at Cua Dai Port
You can go directly to the ticket counter at Cua Dai Tourist Port. This method suits small, spontaneous groups. However, during peak seasons, the risk of tickets selling out or having to wait for a later boat is very high.
4.2 Booking Online via Reputable Agencies
This is the preferred method for many savvy travelers. Booking in advance helps you control your schedule, secure good seats, and often get better rates than buying directly at the pier.
4.3 Booking an All-Inclusive Cham Island Tour with Hoi An Wonders
If you want a service that includes door-to-door pick-up, skips the ticket lines at the port, provides a fluent English-speaking local guide, and features fresh seafood, a cu lao cham tour or a cham island snorkeling tour from Hoi An Wonders is the perfect choice for you. We offer cham island ferry booking services combined with private transfers from Da Nang or Hoi An, bringing ultimate convenience and peace of mind to your journey.
5. Route Guide: From Da Nang / Hoi An to Cua Dai Port
To take the hoi an to cham island ferry, you first need to reach Cua Dai Port. Here is a detailed route guide.
5.1 Departing from Da Nang City
The distance from downtown Da Nang to Cua Dai Port is about 30 km. You can travel along the beautiful coastal route of Vo Nguyen Giap – Truong Sa – Lac Long Quan. This road is straight, scenic, and easy to navigate. Travel time is about 45 minutes by car or 60 minutes by motorbike.
5.2 Departing from Hoi An Ancient Town
If you are staying in the center of Hoi An Ancient Town, the distance to Cua Dai Port is only about 5 to 7 km. You can take Tran Hung Dao – Cua Dai street or the road passing through Tra Que Vegetable Village. It only takes about 10 to 15 minutes by motorbike or taxi to arrive.
6. Procedures and Security Checks at Cua Dai Port
When using the cham island ferry service, all passengers must comply with the inspection procedures of the Port Management Board and the Border Guard to ensure waterway safety.
6.1 Personal Information Declaration
Before boarding, a representative of the ferry operator or travel agency will ask you to provide basic personal information, including your full name, year of birth, and nationality. This information is submitted to the port’s Border Guard station to manage visitor numbers and for travel insurance purposes.
6.2 Luggage Inspection and the “No Plastic Bags” Rule
Cu Lao Cham is a UNESCO-recognized World Biosphere Reserve, which strictly enforces a “Say no to plastic bags and plastic waste” campaign.
- Rule: Security forces at the port will inspect passengers’ luggage. You are absolutely prohibited from bringing plastic bags containing food or drinks onto the island.
- Solution: You should replace plastic bags with canvas bags, paper bags, or reusable backpacks. If you accidentally bring plastic bags, you must leave them in the designated trash bins at the pier before boarding.
7. Useful Tips for First-Timers Taking the Cham Island
The ocean voyage will be much more enjoyable if you keep in mind these valuable, practical tips from the tour operators at Hoi An Wonders.
7.1 Effective Tips to Prevent Seasickness
Although speedboats travel fast and glide smoothly, those with sensitive constitutions may still experience seasickness.
- Take motion sickness medication at least 30 minutes before departure.
- Avoid eating a heavy meal or traveling on an empty stomach before boarding.
- When seated, choose a spot near the back of the boat or close to a window. These areas experience the least rocking compared to the bow.
- Look out toward the horizon and avoid looking down at the splashing water or staring at your mobile phone.
7.2 Choosing the Right Outfits
- Wear neat, comfortable clothes such as shorts, T-shirts, or light maxi dresses.
- Wear sneakers, sandals, or flip-flops to make it easy to step on and off the boat and walk on the sand.
- Don’t forget to bring a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and apply high-SPF sunscreen to protect your skin from the harsh Central Vietnam sun.
7.3 The Ideal Time to Book a Ferry to Cham Island
The weather is the deciding factor in whether the cham island ferry is permitted to operate.
- Ideal season: From March to September is the golden time to visit Cu Lao Cham Island. During this period, the weather is sunny, the sea is calm, the water is crystal clear, and speedboats operate continuously.
- Season to avoid: From October to February of the following year is the storm season in Central Vietnam. Rough seas and large waves cause waterway transport to be suspended. You should avoid planning an island trip during this time.
8. Must-Visit Tourist Attractions on Cu Lao Cham Island
After stepping off the cham island ferry at Bai Lang, an exciting journey of discovery awaits you. Below are the island’s iconic landmarks that you definitely must visit.
8.1 Cu Lao Cham Marine Protected Area
This is the first stop for most tourists. Here, you can admire a scale model recreating the entire archipelago and view fossils of rare marine life. It is a great place to gain a deeper understanding of the history and marine ecosystem of this region.
8.2 Hai Tang Pagoda
This centuries-old pagoda rests solemnly against the mountains and forests, facing lush green rice fields. Hai Tang Pagoda is where locals and fishermen come to pray for safe voyages and smooth sailing. The temple features unique ancient architecture and houses a historic bronze bell of great value.
8.3 Ancient Cham Well (Xom Cam Well)
This ancient well bears the distinct architectural marks of the ancient Cham people, dating back about 200 years. Miraculously, the water supply here is abundant year-round. It is the only freshwater source on the island that is not contaminated by salt or alum. Legend has it that drinking a sip of water from this ancient well can cure seasickness and bring good luck in love.
8.4 Tan Hiep Market (Cu Lao Cham Market)
Located right by the Bai Lang pier, Tan Hiep Market is the most bustling spot on the island. Here, you can find an endless variety of freshly caught seafood, dried seafood, and delicious sun-dried squid. You can also shop for unique souvenirs made from seashells to bring home as gifts for your loved ones.
8.5 Beautiful Beaches: Bai Ong, Bai Chong, Bai Xep
- Bai Ong: The most vibrant beach, featuring a long stretch of sand and cool green coconut trees. It is a bustling hub for dining and water sports.
- Bai Chong: Known for its natural stones uniquely stacked on top of one another by nature. It offers a peaceful atmosphere, making it perfect for swimming and taking photos.
- Bai Xep: A pristine beach with crystal-clear water. It is the premier destination for a cham island snorkeling tour to admire the vibrant coral reefs.
9. All-Inclusive 1-Day Cu Lao Cham Island Tour Price List
Hoi An Wonders is a direct tour operator, guaranteeing no middlemen, to bring you the most competitive Cu Lao Cham tour prices available.
9.1 Cu Lao Cham Island Tour Price List
| Pick up Location | Price |
| From Da Nang | 35 USD (910.000 VNĐ) |
| From Hoi An | 30 USD (780.000 VNĐ) |
| From Cua Dai Port | 27 USD (702.000 VNĐ) |
9.2 Price details
Children’s prices are calculated as a percentage based on the original base price:
- Kids 1y to 4y: pay 50%
- Kids from 5y to under 10y : pay 80%
- Kids from 10y and older: as adults.
9.3 Tour Includes
- Air-conditioned vehicle for hotel pick-up and drop-off in Da Nang or Hoi An.
- Round-trip high-speed boat transfer between the mainland and the island.
- All entrance tickets and sightseeing fees according to the tour itinerary.
- Professional English-speaking or Vietnamese-speaking local tour guide.
- Fresh seafood lunch at a local restaurant on the island.
- Complimentary bottled mineral water during the tour.
- Snorkeling equipment for coral reef exploration.
- Life jackets and necessary safety equipment.
- Free time for swimming, relaxing, and exploring the island.
9.4 Tour Excludes
- Personal expenses.
- Additional food and beverages not included in the program.
- Tips for the guide and driver (optional).
- Travel insurance.
- Any services not specifically mentioned in the “Tour Includes” section.
Cu Lao Cham Island is a true hidden gem of Central Vietnam, offering a perfect blend of unspoiled nature, rich history, and thrilling water activities. We hope this comprehensive guide has provided you with all the essential information you need to plan a smooth and memorable getaway.
Contact Information
- Address: Van Lang, Hoi An Dong, Hoi An, Da Nang
- Phone/Zalo/Whatsapp: +84 932414309
- Website: https://hoianwonders.vn
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dulichhoianwonders
Whether you are simply looking for reliable Cham Island Ferry schedules or want a completely hassle-free experience with an all-inclusive cu lao cham tour, Hoi An Wonders is here to assist you every step of the way. Pack your bags, leave your worries behind, and get ready to explore this beautiful island paradise!
I am Nguyen Truong Gia Khang, a travel enthusiast with a passion for exploring new horizons. With over 10 years of experience documenting and sharing my journeys, I am dedicated to providing readers with practical insights, authentic experiences, and inspiring tips to ensure every trip becomes a lasting memory.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Cham Island Ferry & Tours
Quick answers before booking tours, private cars, hotels or villas in Hoi An.
The speedboat is the most popular and highly recommended option. It takes only 15 to 20 minutes, offers a smooth ride, and minimizes seasickness. While wooden boats are cheaper, they take 60 to 90 minutes and are not suitable for people prone to seasickness, the elderly, or children.
During peak season (March to September), speedboats depart from Cua Dai Port between 08:00 AM and 09:00 AM, and return from the island between 01:00 PM and 05:00 PM. If you take the wooden boat, there is only one trip daily: departing Cua Dai at 08:00 AM and returning from the island at 01:00 PM.
A same-day round-trip ticket for an adult costs between 650,000 and 800,000 VND. For children aged 1 to 5, the fee is 100,000 VND, and children aged 6 to 9 pay 50% of the adult price. A one-way adult ticket is 250,000 VND. Always check if the mandatory ecological and port fees (around 100,000 VND) are included when buying individual tickets.
No. Cu Lao Cham strictly enforces a "No Plastic Bags" policy to protect its UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Security forces at Cua Dai Port will inspect your luggage. Please use canvas bags, paper bags, or reusable backpacks. Any plastic bags must be left in designated bins before boarding.
The golden time to visit is from March to September. The weather is sunny, the sea is calm, and the water is crystal clear. You should avoid traveling from October to February, as this is the storm season with rough seas, and ferry operations are often suspended.
To prevent seasickness, take motion sickness medication at least 30 minutes before departure. Avoid traveling on an empty stomach or eating a heavy meal. Choose a seat near the back of the boat or close to a window, and look out toward the horizon rather than staring at your phone or the water.
Our all-inclusive tour costs 35 USD if picked up from Da Nang, 30 USD from Hoi An, and 27 USD directly from Cua Dai Port. This includes round-trip speedboat transfers, an English-speaking guide, fresh seafood lunch, snorkeling equipment, and all entrance fees.
Yes! Children aged 1 to 4 pay only 50% of the base price. Children from 5 to under 10 years old pay 80%. Children aged 10 and older are charged the standard adult rate.
Yes. Before boarding, you must provide basic personal information (full name, year of birth, and nationality) to the port's Border Guard station. This is mandatory for waterway safety management and travel insurance purposes.