Hoi An isn’t only about the Ancient Town. Just offshore, the Cu Lao Cham — Hoi An World Biosphere Reserve has just marked 17 years since UNESCO recognition (May 26, 2009 – May 26, 2026), celebrated with photo exhibitions and talks on protecting one of central Vietnam’s most precious natural treasures.

Clear turquoise water at Cu Lao Cham near Hoi An — Cu Lao Cham

A protected island paradise

The Cu Lao Cham archipelago pairs coral reefs and clear water with traditional fishing villages and forested hills. The biosphere reserve status recognises a rare balance — a place where conservation and community life support each other. Anniversary activities this year focused on raising awareness of that balance, from photo displays to discussions about safeguarding the reserve for the future.

A quiet beach on Cu Lao Cham, Hoi An's UNESCO biosphere island — Cu Lao Cham

What makes it special

Famously plastic-bag-free for over a decade, Cu Lao Cham is a model for sustainable tourism in Vietnam. Visitors come for snorkelling and diving over the reefs, fresh seafood, quiet beaches and a slower island rhythm — a refreshing contrast to the lantern-lit bustle of the mainland.

Boats heading to Cu Lao Cham (Cham Island) from the Hoi An coast — Cu Lao Cham

Riding to the boat: the easiest way in

Most trips to Cu Lao Cham leave by speedboat from Cua Dai, a short hop from central Hoi An. Having your own transport to the pier keeps the day stress-free — no waiting on pickups, and you can explore the coast on either side of your boat trip. A motorbike rental in Hoi An makes the ride to Cua Dai quick and scenic.

Spending the morning along the coast first? An electric scooter or bicycle from hoianit.com is an easy, eco-minded way to reach the beaches and the boat — fitting for a trip to a plastic-free island.

Why Cu Lao Cham is worth the trip

Cu Lao Cham is a cluster of eight small islands about 15 kilometres off the Hoi An coast, protected as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve since 2009. The water is some of the clearest in central Vietnam, with coral gardens just offshore, quiet sandy coves and a fishing village that still bans single-use plastic bags. A day trip usually mixes snorkelling, a fresh-seafood lunch and time to simply swim.

The islands are also a conservation success story — coral and seagrass have recovered noticeably since protection began, and Cu Lao Cham is now a model for community-led eco-tourism. It feels genuinely wild yet is easy to reach: ride out to the Cua Dai pier and hop on a morning speedboat.

Riding to the Cua Dai pier to catch the speedboat to Cu Lao Cham — Cu Lao Cham

FAQ

How do you get to Cu Lao Cham from Hoi An?

By speedboat from the Cua Dai pier, a short ride from central Hoi An. Many visitors ride to the pier by motorbike, scooter or bicycle.

Why is Cu Lao Cham famous?

It’s a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve known for coral reefs, clear water, fresh seafood and being one of Vietnam’s pioneering plastic-bag-free destinations.

Is Cu Lao Cham worth visiting from Hoi An?

Absolutely. Cu Lao Cham offers clear water, coral snorkelling and unspoilt beaches just a short speedboat ride from Hoi An, making it one of the area’s best day trips.

Explore Hoi An your way

Ready to explore Hoi An on your own terms? Rent a motorbike, electric scooter, electric bike or bicycle at hoianit.com — free delivery to your hotel and 24/7 support!

Part of our complete guide: Motorbike Rental in Hoi An — The Complete 2026 Guide.