Cu Lao Cham Island, near Hoi An, has been attracting an increasing number of tourists thanks to its natural beauty and pristine beaches with clear blue waters.
Cu Lao Cham Island, near Hoi An, has been attracting an increasing number of tourists thanks to its natural beauty and pristine beaches with clear blue waters.
Nearly untouched beaches of Cu Lao Cham
Five years ago, Cu Lao Cham was still an emerging destination in Vietnam’s tourism map, especially in comparison with the centre of Hoi An. However, recently, more and more tourists who come to Hoi An opt to take a tour to Cu Lao Cham for a new experience.
Recognised as a world biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 2009, the island has become more attractive to tourists who come to discover peaceful natural beauty.
Visitors are advised to wear life jackets while aboard tourist boats and not to disturb natural environment in any way, such as touching coral or sea plants.
One tourist boat operator said, “Many people are surprised when they hear all the restrictions, but I do my best to enforce them and encourage the tourists to simply enjoy the experience.”
An express boat from Cua Dai to Cu Lao Cham Island takes about 40 minutes. Local residents of the island mainly live in Bai Lang, and earn a living by fishing.
In recent few years, together with the increasing number of visitors, many souvenirs shops and seafood restaurants have popped up. Local residents can also earn extra money from community-based tourism services, such as home-stays.
The development of tourism in Cu Lao Cham is relatively new, but the place still retains the appearance of untouched natural beauty and clear blue waters.
While Bai Lang beach is bustling with more visitors, Bai Ong, Bai Huong, Bai Chong and Bai Bac beaches remain relatively tranquil and are surrounded by lush mountains.
The Cu Lao Cham world natural biosphere reserve houses over 311 hectares of coral reef, which is home to around 300 species.
There is a 50-hectare area covered by sea vegetation of five species, in addition there are 76 different types of seaweed, 270 fish species, 97 species of shellfish and 11 species of echinoderms.
(Source:Dan Tri)
