A breathtaking cluster of granite islands, around 15km directly offshore from Hoi An, the serene Cham Islands offer as a day trip, dive or snorkel the reefs, or stay overnight.

These delightful islets, set in aquamarine seas, are only accessible for about seven months of the year (March to September), as the ocean is usually too rough at other times.

Only the main island, Hon Lao, is inhabited – the other seven Chams are tiny, rocky specks, covered in dense bush. Dip beneath the ocean and you’ll find a rich underwater environment, with 135 species of soft and hard coral and varied macrolife. The islands are now protected as a marine park. Fishing and the collection of bird’s nests (for soup) are the two key industries here.