Cham Islands (Cu Lao Cham)

The Cham Islands, Cu Lao Cham in Vietnamese, are a group of eight small islands lying about 15 km off Cua Dai Beach, east of Hoi An. They cover around 15 square kilometres and are home to more than 2,900 people, living separately from the mainland communities. Over the centuries the islands have also been known by older names, including Chiem Bat Lao and Pa-lau-cham. The islands are part of a UNESCO world biosphere reserve and a marine protected area, which is the main reason to make the trip.

The protected waters hold hundreds of species of fish along with coral reefs, seaweeds and sea grasses. Coral viewing by boat or glass-bottom boat takes around 45 minutes, and diving is also possible. On land, the islands have 1,549 hectares of forest, and two of the animal species found here, the salangane and the long-tailed monkey, are listed in Vietnam's Red Book of threatened species, and the heritage centre describes the island climate as cool all year round.

The islands also have a long human history. Archaeological research shows that people lived here more than 3,000 years ago, and the islands are linked with the Sa Huynh, Champa and Dai Viet cultures and with the maritime trade routes that brought ships to Hoi An. Religious sites built mainly in the 17th and 18th centuries include Hai Tang Pagoda, Xom Cam Well and the Thanh Hoang, Tien Hien, Than Nong and Dai Can temples, all small enough to see on a short walk.

Island residents committed to stop using plastic bags from mid-2009, and the conservation centre reports that rubbish and plastic bags are no longer seen on the island. Visitors can help keep it that way by taking their rubbish back with them and avoiding single-use plastic.

The crossing from the mainland takes about 30 minutes by boat. Beyond the reefs, the islands offer beaches with hammocks strung between coconut palms and the chance to join fishing at dawn, and the travel management office is at Bai Ong hamlet. The trip suits active travellers and anyone who wants a day on the water as a contrast to the old town.