Cham Island Ferry: Schedules, Routes & Real Tips from the Dock
Let’s get this straight: If you’re going to Cham Island (Cù Lao Chàm), you’ll need to think about how to get there before you get too caught up in beach daydreams or diving videos on YouTube. The ferry situation isn’t hard, but it’s something you’ll want to sort out early — especially if you’re not into last-minute surprises.
Cham Island speedboat
Getting to the Cua Dai Ferry Port
Start from Hội An’s Old Town. From there, Cửa Đại Pier is where most of the boats leave. It’s a 20-minute ride, give or take. We took a Grab car and it cost around 150,000 VND ($6.50). Easy.
There’s also An Hội Pier right in town, but that’s more for small group tours or private boats, not your typical ferry or speedboat. Stick with Cửa Đại unless someone local tells you otherwise.
Public Ferry: Slow but Scenic
This is the wooden ferry boat that locals use. It’s not fancy, but it’s authentic — you’ll be sitting among crates, locals carrying baskets, maybe even a chicken or two if it’s that kind of day.
- Departs: ~8:00 a.m. daily
- Duration: 1.5–2.5 hours (depends on weather)
- Price: 250,000 VND ($9–$9.50)
- Extra: 70,000 VND ($3) for the marine conservation fee
If you’re not in a rush, this is honestly a chill way to get there. Bring a hat and water though — it gets hot. We brought a motorbike one time, and they charged about 150,000 VND extra for it. Worth it if you want to explore the island freely.
Speedboat: Fast, Fun, and a Bit Bumpy
If you want to be on the island in under 30 minutes, this is your move.
- Departs: Multiple times a day, starting around 8:00 a.m.
- Duration: 15–20 mins
- Price: ~500,000 VND round-trip (includes conservation fee)
We did this on a random Tuesday in April — booked it online the night before. It was fast but also very splashy. If you’re prone to motion sickness or have a bad back, maybe skip this. But if you’re on a tight schedule, it’s solid.
See more detail >>> Cham Island speedboat time and CHEAP prices
Private Charter: If You Want to Splurge
Last year, a couple in our group booked a private speedboat for their honeymoon. It was about 8,000,000 VND ($315) total for the two of them, with some flexibility on timing and stops.
Was it worth it? For them, yes — they didn’t have to wait around for other passengers and they had the boat to themselves. If you’ve got a group or want to avoid the crowds, this can actually make sense cost-wise.
Where You Land on the Island
All boats dock at Bãi Làng, which is the main village. There’s a pier, a few shops, some homestays, and the Cham Island Museum — small, but gives a decent overview of local history and marine life.
If you’re craving quiet, take a local boat (or hop on the back of a xe ôm) to Bãi Hương, a fishing village that feels like time stopped there 20 years ago. Great spot for photography or just… doing nothing.
What to Actually Do Once You’re There
Snorkeling & Diving
The reefs are still in pretty good shape. Snorkeling tours start from $55, diving from around $80. We went with a guide named Linh, who’s been running tours since 2005 — knew all the good spots, including one area with these massive, electric-blue starfish.
Beach-hopping
Best beaches? Bãi Chồng and Bãi Ông. Soft sand, shade, a few seafood stalls nearby. Nothing fancy, but real.
Temples, History, and Wandering
Check out Hải Tạng Pagoda, built in 1848. Feels peaceful — no big tourist crowds. And walk the back lanes of Bãi Làng — you’ll pass old wells, mossy walls, and people fixing nets or drying fish.
Seafood, Obviously
Grilled squid with lime and chili. Abalone if it’s fresh. Prices are fair — we paid 250,000 VND for a plate of grilled prawns and steamed clams, enough for two.
A Few Honest Tips
- Best time to go: March to September. Sunny, calm sea. Avoid October–February — storms cancel boats a lot. We got stuck once in November for two days.
- Book ahead on weekends. Especially the speedboats. They fill up fast. Some locals still just walk to the dock and ask around, but don’t risk it if you’re tight on time.
- Bring: Sunscreen, a power bank, snacks, flip flops, light clothes, and maybe a dry bag for your phone/camera. It gets splashy on the boat.
- Respect the island. Don’t litter. Don’t take shells or corals. There are signs, but people still ignore them. Don’t be that person.
Ferry vs Speedboat: What We’d Actually Pick
Honestly? If we’re not in a rush, the public ferry wins. There’s something about that slower ride, the breeze, the quiet — and it’s easier to get nice photos. One time we caught the sunset coming back and it was just… calm. Like actually calm, not Instagram calm.
But if we had to catch a flight or only had a day — yeah, we’d go speedboat. Just brace your back and maybe don’t sit right up front.
