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The charm of the Cham Islands

Several days ago, husband and I booked the Cham Islands CBT Snorkeling Day Tour. We knew it would be more than just snorkeling, but never expected the wonderful cultural experience. There’s so much to tell and share!

Itinerary

Early this morning, the English-speaking tour guide, Ms. Nguyen, picked us up at our apartment via taxi, transporting us to Bien Phong Guard, Cua Dai Street (Hoi Ann). While waiting for the speed boat, we had an opportunity to get to know Nguyen, who studied English at university. She’s a great translator and tour guide! I also purchased bon bons, a Vietnamese fruit also called Langsat, so Dane could try it. Delicious!

We boarded the speed boat to head to Cu Lao Cham (Cham Islands). There are seven islands, located about nine nautical miles due east offshore from the Hoi An river inlet. All are located inside the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Cu Lao Cham - Hoi An, in part to protect the living coral reef.

We arrived at Hon Tai Island, at the main village. We walked around the market a bit and also visited the small museum (links to pics below).

After a short visit to the large village, we boarded a smaller wooden boat, which belongs to a family in the smaller Bai Huong village. On the way to the village, we stopped on the reef to snorkel. It was husband’s first real experience snorkeling (playing in a pool with gear as a kid doesn’t count, though that was how I first did it also). It was wonderful to experience it with him, and the reef itself was beautiful! There were many species of coral, plus lovely fish.

After snorkeling, we headed to the village. We had a bit of time to explore, so we went to a Buddhist temple located right near the dock. I’ve visited several temples while in Vietnam, all of which were beautiful. Never, however, did I meet a monk as we did today. The young monk invited us to tea and talked with us (beautiful English) about our observations about the country and life. He was a wonderful host!

After leaving the temple, the boat captain and his wife welcomed us for a delicious vegan lunch inside their private village home. The couple is a member of the Bai Huong Tourism Cooperative and host visitors in their home throughout the year (homestay). We aren’t vegans, but we love vegetables, and the food was incredible!

After lunch, we explored the small village for a while, looking at another temple and peeking into the kindergarten and primary school. Once it was time to board the wooden boat, we found that the captain was taking additional passengers: Lovely village women who needed to go to the larger village market. Additionally, the boat was packed with produce to take back to the main land.

While we headed to the Bai Huong village from the speed boat, other tourists stayed in the large village. Sure, they were able to visit the market, swim, and eat at a restaurant, but we experienced real life in the village. It was a very special experience!

Pictures

I posted various pictures earlier:

Set 1

Set 2

Set 3

Set 4

Set 5

Set 6

Set 7

Responsible tourism

Karma Waters Tara Responsible Tourism hosts the day tour (and others). When we were researching trips, we found them. Dane and I respected much of what they do, especially providing substantial local community and environmental benefits as responsible tour operators. Read more about them.

#cham islands #vietnam #karma waters #Tara Responsible Tourism #tara