2. Hoi An: Boat Trip to the Cham Islands with Snorkeling
After being collected from your accommodation at 8:00AM, you will depart for the Cham Islands (locally known as Cu Lao Cham), which feature some of the most beautiful seascapes and landscapes in the area. This island complex has only 3,000 inhabitants and most of them make a living from fishing.
You can take a trip of only 25 minutes by speedboat from Hoi An Town (Cua Dai Quay) for this amazing beach and nature excursion. Snorkel or dive to experience the beautiful coral reefs, enjoy a delicious seafood lunch on the island or walk along the eco-tour trail. The island is rich in aquatic resources, with 165 hectares of coral and 500 hectares of seaweed. The waters around Cu Lao Cham are home to 135 species of coral, 4 species of tiger shrimp and 84 species of mollusk, many of which are listed in the World’s Red Book of endangered species.
There are many other interesting attractions for visitors, including fresh seafood, traditional crafts, swimming and sightseeing. Recently, important archaeological remains were found and these are now exhibited in a small museum near the main jetty.
The cluster of islands that make up Cham island are also a Marine Protected Area (MPA) due to numerous important marine inhabitants, particularly beaches and coral reefs, and rich biodiversity. The Marine Protected Area includes eight islands; the largest island being Hon Lao, featuring magnificent beaches and forests. You can also experience the township of Bai Lang, a small harbor, a Traditional Fishing Village (Bai Lang), temples, shrines and a pagoda. At the conclusion of your tour, you will be returned to your accommodation at 3:00PM.