Traveling to Cham Island on Your Own: Speedboat Ticket Prices, Departure Times, and How to Book Without Overpaying
I went to Cham Island in early March 2023 to be exact. The weather was dry, sky was clear, and the heat hadn’t hit full throttle yet. I booked a speed boat ticket two days before the trip. Didn’t use a big tour agency, just messaged a local Ms Tina on +84 916 528 884 and Click to book via WhatsApp › who runs bookings out of Hội An. Her number came from a website travel group. Price? 500,000 VND round trip, no extras, no guide, no lunch. Just a seat on the boat, and that was all I needed.
See more details >>> Time and schedule Cham Island speedboat Hoi An Da Nang
Could I have shown up and bought the ticket on the spot? Maybe. But I didn’t want to risk it. speedboats do get full, especially during weekends or holidays. I went on a Tuesday, and even then, the 8:00AM trip was nearly packed. Local operators prioritize tour groups, so if you’re solo or going in pairs without booking ahead, you might get bumped to a later boat.
They told me to be at Cửa Đại Port by 7:45AM. I got there at 7:30. There’s a shaded waiting area, a few food stalls selling bánh mì and cà phê sữa đá. I paid in cash on arrival — no deposit needed. Got a paper ticket and a plastic wristband. We boarded around 8:00left at 8:10 sharp.
The boat fit about 32 people. No air conditioning, just open windows and sea breeze. Ride took 20 minutes, give or take. It was fast. Rough in parts — you feel every slap of the water. No one got sick, but I saw a few people close their eyes the whole way. If you’re prone to seasickness, don’t wing it. Take something before you board.
On the way back, same deal. I messaged the operator the night before to confirm return time — 1:00PM — and they replied within minutes. Boat left exactly on time. No waiting, no confusion. No loud speakers either, which I appreciated.
In terms of cost, 500,000 VND for round trip is a decent price. Some places quote 450,000 VND, especially if you book through hotel front desks or online tour websites in English. Those usually include some markup. If you want to go cheap and direct, reach out to a local contact on Zalo or get a referral from someone who’s been. Also — prices can go up around big holidays like Lễ or summer weekends.
Some Cham Island speedboats include bottled water, some don’t. Mine didn’t, but I always bring my own anyway. Also, don’t expect dry shoes. You’ll step through a bit of water getting on and off the floating pier. If your bag isn’t waterproof, stuff it in a plastic bag.
So yeah — yes, you should book your Cham Island speed boat tickets in advance, especially during peak season. It’s not about being over-prepared. It’s about saving yourself the stress of standing at the pier hoping there’s a spare seat. Booking early doesn’t cost more. It just gives you peace of mind.
