Heading to the ancient city of Hoi An in Quang Nam province this summer holiday, Cham islet, or Cu Lao Cham, is an ideal destination for guests to escape a bustling and hustling daily life as well as to escape the summer heat thanks to its wonderful sandy beaches, forested hills and clean, blue sea. The place is great for camping, swimming and scuba diving to explore coral reefs and beautiful marine life.
Cham Islet, 20 kilometers offshore Hoi An, has been named a global biosphere reserve by UNESCO’s International Coordination Council of Man and the Biosphere Program. It takes about twenty minutes by boat or canoe.
Cham Islands consist of eight islets with a total surface area of 40,000 hectares. Lao, Dai, Mo, Kho Me, Kho Con, La, Tai and Ong islets are home to only about 3,000 souls leaving the landscapes largely in pristine condition. The islet has 1,549 hectares of tropical forest and 947 species of marine life.
The islets are cool and fresh round year, even in summer. The immense green of the forests harmonizes with the blue of the sea to create an endless green airspace. Cham islet’s Huong and Ong beaches are popular options for tourists because of the smooth sand and the small waves. Cham Islet is also home to diverse flora and fauna, especially abalone and sanglaganes, birds which have long been considered a delicacy by aristocrats and the wealthy. The islet also boasts 135 species of coral which are exciting discoveries for tourists.
Since being recognized as a world biosphere reserve, local authorities have informed the public about environmental protection. Laws have been passed to protect the forests from decimation and investment opportunity has been limited to environmentally safe projects. Tourists are required to keep the island clean, said Le Van Giang, chairman of Hoi An city.
Local authorities have also asked residents and tourists to use paper bags instead of plastic bags.