Cu Lao Cham: The Legendary Green Island

Known for its beautiful scenery, rich ecosystem, and ancient architecture

Cham Island port by Tran Tuan VietQuang Binh Tourism Department

Cham Island, the legendary green island, is located about 18km east of the mainland and consists of 8 small islands including Lao, Dài, Mồ, Tai, Ông, Lá, Khô mẹ and Khô con. It has a total natural area of 16,42km2, with a population of 2.241, living on Lao Island. With its cultural and historical depth, along with its values, Cham Island, Hoi An was recognized by UNESCO Man and Biosphere Council as World’s Biosphere Reserve on May 26th, 2009.

Boat to Cham Island by Tran Tuan VietQuang Binh Tourism Department

Thanks to the influence of the monsoon climate and tectonic movement, Cham Island has very beautiful, poetic and unique scenery.

Cham Island port by Tran Tuan VietQuang Binh Tourism Department

It takes 20 minutes for boat to travel from Cua Dai Port to Cham Island

Xep Beach, Cham Island by Tran Tuan VietQuang Binh Tourism Department

The island’s ecosystem is rich and diverse with typical species, including the salangane and the Macaca mulatta are listed in Vietnam’s Red Data Book.

Walking on the water tour experience by Tran Tuan VietQuang Binh Tourism Department

Walking on the water, a way to call for swimming while you can see through to the seabed.

The marine plants gallery of Cham Island's Museum by Tran Tuan VietQuang Binh Tourism Department

There are many relics of Sa Huynh, Cham Pa and Dai Viet cultures on the island. The ancient architecture of Cham people and Vietnamese people on the island dates back hundreds of years.

The marine creatures gallery of Cham Island's Museum by Tran Tuan VietQuang Binh Tourism Department

The marine creatures gallery of Cham Island's Museum

Hai Tang Pagoda's gate by Tran Tuan VietQuang Binh Tourism Department

Hai Tang Pagoda, an ancient temple built in 1758 on Cham Island.

Hai Tang Pagoda, Cham Island by Tran Tuan VietQuang Binh Tourism Department

This is a very sacred pagoda, a place for practicing the beliefs of the people of Cham Island.

Red-flower sycamores of Cham Island by Tran Tuan VietQuang Binh Tourism Department

Red-flower sycamores is a symbol of Cham Island

The iconic sycamore by Tran Tuan VietQuang Binh Tourism Department

The sycamore tree is considered a symbol of Cham Island. The Cham Island's red-flower tree was recognized as a heritage by the Vietnam Heritage Tree Council.

Banh it la gai by Tran Tuan VietQuang Binh Tourism Department

Banh it la gai, a famous sweet cake of Cham Island

Artisan making banh it la gai by Tran Tuan VietQuang Binh Tourism Department

Artisan making banh it la gai

Banh it la gai, Cham Island by Tran Tuan VietQuang Binh Tourism Department

Banh it la gai is steamed in the boiling water for about 30 minutes.

Wrapping banh it la gai by Tran Tuan VietQuang Binh Tourism Department

The filling of banh it la gai is made of green beans steamed, finely mixed with a little sugar.

Knitting sycamore hammock by Tran Tuan VietQuang Binh Tourism Department

Mrs. Le Thi Ke, 80, has the craftsmanship of knitting sycamore hammock for more than 60 years.

Ong Ngu mausoleum by Tran Tuan VietQuang Binh Tourism Department

Ong Ngu mausoleum was built in the late nineteenth century in the middle of Xom Dinh neighborhood in Bai Lang village, where they worshiped whales. This is a national monument of Vietnam.

Cham ancient well by Tran Tuan VietQuang Binh Tourism Department

On Cham Island, there are 3 ancient wells built in the Cham period, which is the main source of drinking water for people on the island

Cham ancient well, Xom Cam neighbors by Tran Tuan VietQuang Binh Tourism Department

The most famous Cham ancient well on Cham Island is the Xom Cam Well, which is ranked as a national monument in 2006. Legend has it that when drinking this well water, people can find their true love, as well as cure for infertility.

Credits: Story

Tran Tuan Viet

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