Cu Lao Cham’s Red Coral Tree Season: The Ngo Dong Festival and Heritage Hammocks

Each summer, the islands of Cu Lao Cham off Hoi An blush red as the ngo dong (red coral tree) bursts into bloom. The Cu Lao Cham ngo dong season is short but spectacular — a window when the biosphere reserve trades its usual green for vivid crimson, and the islanders celebrate with a dedicated festival.

When the islands turn red

The ngo dong trees shed their leaves through May and June, then explode into vivid red blossom across July and August. It’s one of central Vietnam’s most striking natural displays, draping the island’s hillsides and old stone paths in colour — a magnet for photographers and nature lovers.

The “Cu Lao Cham — Red Ngo Dong Season” festival

To celebrate, Hoi An’s Tan Hiep island commune hosts the “Cu Lao Cham — Red Ngo Dong Season” festival in July, with cultural performances, local food and craft displays. It’s a wonderful time to combine the blooms with the island’s beaches and clear waters.

The heritage ngo dong hammocks

The festival also honours a remarkable craft: islanders strip the bark of the ngo dong tree and weave it, entirely by hand, into durable hammocks. Each one takes more than a month to make and sells for millions of dong. In 2024 the craft was added to Vietnam’s list of National Intangible Cultural Heritage — a fitting tribute to a skill passed down through generations.

How to visit

Cu Lao Cham is reached by speedboat from the Cua Dai pier, a short ride from central Hoi An. Riding to the pier on your own bike keeps the day flexible — arrive early for the boat and explore the coast on either side. A motorbike rental in Hoi An makes the trip to Cua Dai quick and scenic, and an electric scooter from hoianit.com suits this eco-minded, plastic-free island trip beautifully. Learn more about the islands in our guide to Cu Lao Cham, the UNESCO biosphere reserve.

Why the Cu Lao Cham ngo dong season is worth the trip

The Cu Lao Cham ngo dong season turns an already beautiful UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve into something magical: hillsides and village lanes flush deep red as the coral trees bloom, usually in early summer. Beyond the photos, the flowering marks a genuine local tradition — islanders weave the tough ngo dong bark into the heritage hammocks the islands are famous for.

For visitors it pairs perfectly with everything else the island offers: clear water for snorkelling, quiet beaches and fresh seafood. If you are planning the trip, our guide to visiting Cu Lao Cham covers how to reach the island and what else to see while the ngo dong is in bloom.

FAQ

When is the best time to see the red ngo dong flowers on Cu Lao Cham?

July and August, when the red coral trees are in full bloom. The island’s Ngo Dong Season festival is usually held in July.

What are ngo dong hammocks?

Hammocks hand-woven from the bark of the ngo dong tree on Cu Lao Cham. Each takes over a month to make and the craft is recognised as Vietnamese National Intangible Cultural Heritage.

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