I went Cham Island the summer of 2008 and it was great. We got a deal on the tickets ($18usd) when it was usually $24. The ride over there was fun and the island's beach was beautiful. I went snorkeling and found some cute fishes but watch out for those reefs and coral because they hurt if you get scratched. Food was provided for us and after the meal we just laid in hammocks and relaxed. It felt like our own island because it was so little and cozy. Remember sunscreen though because it's very easy to get burned there!

my wife and i have visited have now visited hoi an vietnam four times in the past four years
on each occasion but one we have gone out to cham island (off hoi an) with the cham island diving centre for an overnight stay on one of the most beautiful islands in the world - we are both in our sixties and love to snorkel - lodovico and his crew ensure that your stay on the island is an experience you will remember forever
fresh bbq seafood and vietnamese specialities along with cold drinks and safe diving (we are not into scuba but the that is their specialty) and lazing around on hammocks on the beach
the cost is most reasonable and overnight accommodation on the island is provided in a 3 story bungalow - basic but comfy
our first time was just a day trip but since then we just have to stay overnight - you dont want to leave this piece of paradise
a must if you are visiting hoi an

i arrived in Hoi An few days ago, looking for something "fun and relaxing", after 2 weeks of mountain in the north.
Walking in the old city i pass by Cham island diving Center office, interesting dive map on the wall.
I look at their excursions: they advise me that the conditions for scuba diving aren't good yet because of bad visibility ( season for diving in Hoi An they say starts beginning of march) : so book just one day excursion in the island with them.
We go by minivan down to the pier near the beach and we go out on the sea.
The day is sunny and the boat comfortable, had one coffee looking at the sea and small talks with the people on board . during the transfer: i feel good.
The islands are wild green, before landing on the beach we have a swim front of a small island ; i take mask and finns and approach the cliffs: they were right , visibility is not good , but in shallow water you discover a rich marine biodiversity in corals and fish.
The beach where we land for lunch is a tropical explosion: coconut trees , the jungle falling on the beach, bamboo roofs, and a small restaurant ; lunch fish based, traditional vnmese cuisine with a western touch ( seafood spaghetti and coffee) .
after a nap in a hammock the diving center offers different opportunities for the afternoon: canoeing along the coast, snorkeling in a shallow dive site near the beach, small trekking to visit a an untouched fishing village...i choose option 3, have a walk along the coast over the beaches and meet the fisherman in a small cafe in bay huong village where they are repairing fishing nets and preparing equipments for night fishing, a dive into local culture and sea traditions.
Going back to the beach with a small boat we have time for another bath before the departure back to Hoi An: 3 of us don't go back, just spend the overnight camping in tents on the beach , they say bye bye to us from the desert beach and i have the feeling that i should have spent the night there with them...
In the island i have appreciated the friendly atmosphere and the great service offerered by Cham Island Diving center, it's rare to have fun and relax at the same time ... front on the beach... underwater..on a hammock