Cu Lao Cham — the biosphere reserve

Cu Lao Cham is a cluster of eight islands off Hoi An, twenty minutes by speedboat from Cua Dai. UNESCO listed the Cu Lao Cham – Hoi An Biosphere Reserve in 2009.

Over 300 hectares of reef surround the islands, holding some 300 coral species. The usual day is snorkelling off Hon Lao and a seafood lunch on the beach; the island has banned plastic bags for years, so bring a refillable bottle.

The boat service depends on the weather and stops when the sea is rough, so this trip always needs a fallback in the itinerary.