Bai Huong Fishing Village: A True Local Experience on Cham Islands

Are you looking for Bai Huong on the Cham Islands? If you’re searching for soft white sand and brightly lit services, I’ll be honest: our Bai Huong can’t compete with Bai Ong. We don’t even have a wooden bridge for ‘virtual living’ photos like them. But if you are seeking a feeling of peace and genuine hospitality from honest fishermen, then please, step right in. Our Bai Huong beach welcomes you!

See more >>> The speedboat from Cua Dai port to Cham Island (Bai Huong beach)

Bai Huong is not ideal for swimming (due to the presence of rocks and many anchored boats), but it is a fishing village in the truest sense. The guesthouses and eateries here are all run by me, my family, and the aunties and uncles in the village. It’s not chaotic, and we don’t rush. Take your time and enjoy!

Where is Bai Huong and the Old Name Phu Huong?

Location

It’s also part of Tan Hiep island commune, Cham Islands, Da Nang. It is located on the Southeast side of the main island, Hon Lao. It sits right at the foot of the mountain, very sheltered from the wind. During typhoon season, boats large and small from all over the island often anchor here for safety, making it an ideal typhoon shelter. But seriously, don’t come during typhoon season!

The Name Phu Huong

This is the old name of my village. In the past, the whole village lived by fishing, aquaculture, and swallow nesting (swiftlet farming). It’s the same now, but with the addition of small homestay services. Over a hundred households live here; everyone knows everyone. It’s a simple life! We’ve lived like this for generations, through all the sun and rain.

How to Get to Bai Huong Fishing Village?

I must warn you: the route to our Bai Huong is a bit convoluted and takes a little effort. But it’s worth it!

From the Mainland to the Island

This is the same as everywhere else. Speed boat, Canoe (20 minutes), or Wooden Ferry (2 hours, cheaper, for those with more time). Both dock at Bai Lang first. Remember to bring sufficient personal identification papers!

From Bai Lang to Bai Huong (This is the Important Part)

• By Road (Hard but Fun): Rent a motorbike at Bai Lang and ride out. It takes about 15-20 minutes. You will go over slopes and winding mountain roads… But I must warn you, some sections are very bumpy and rough; drive carefully! Only ride if you are confident in your skills, or you might fall.
• By Water (Quick and Convenient): From Bai Lang, hire a wooden boat or a speed canoe from the fishermen to take you across. It takes about 15 minutes. It’s fast, neat, and less tiring.

What to Do at Bai Huong? (Don’t Look for a Swimming Beach, Look for Experiences!)

Since our Bai Huong is not the ideal place for swimming, you should use your time to experience the culture and the life of the fishermen.

Unmissable Experiences

• Greeting the Boats at the Pier: Early in the morning (around 5-6 AM!), you must go to the Bai Huong Pier to greet the boats. They are packed with fish, shrimp, and squid; the atmosphere is buzzing. This pier is also the best photo spot in my village. But don’t stand in the middle of the pier to take pictures; the boats need to come in!
• Basket Boat/Kayak Ride: Sitting in a basket boat, it rocks and circles around—it’s fun. Kayaking is easier; paddle past the anchored boats and enjoy the sea view.
• Night Fishing/Squid Fishing (A Must-Try!): If you stay at a Bai Huong homestay, remember to ask your host about the Cham Islands night squid fishing tour. You catch the squid yourself and then grill and eat it right on the boat.

Spiritual and Historical Sightseeing

• Swallow Nest Ancestor Temple (Miếu Tổ Nghề Yến): This is where the Ancestors of the Swallow Nesting trade are worshipped. Every 10th day of the 3rd lunar month, my village holds a grand ceremony. Visit here to understand the arduous history of the swallow nest profession for the people of Quang Nam. It’s a touching history!
• Swallow Cave (Hang Yến): Hire a boat to go to the Swallow Cave (about 15 minutes by boat). Admire the magnificent cliffs. Don’t try to enter the cave! It’s too dangerous.

Cham Island, Hoi An, Viet Nam

What to Eat, Where to Sleep, and My Advice

Food and Drink

Incredibly fresh seafood! Although there are fewer restaurants, the food is always guaranteed to be fresh and delicious. You can buy seafood directly from the fishermen early in the morning (rock crab, nipple snails, rock oysters…) and ask your homestay host to cook it for you. This is the absolute best choice.

Accommodation

Bai Huong mainly has homestays opened by the villagers. They are not luxurious, but they are clean and cozy. Just look for any homestay in Bai Huong. The rooms have basic amenities, but don’t expect powerful air conditioning!

Critical Warnings (Must Remember)

• No Plastic Bags: It’s banned. Use cloth bags.
• Cash is King: There are no ATMs or card readers on this island! You must bring cash with you.
• No Swimming: The seawater at Bai Huong is clear, but because many boats are anchored and there are many hidden rocks, swimming is not recommended.
• Safety: Ah, wherever you go, you must inform your host so we know your whereabouts!

That’s all I have to say. Bai Huong, Cham Islands, is for people who want to live life at a slower pace. Put down your phone, take a walk, enjoy the scenery, and talk to the locals. Come and visit our Bai Huong. I guarantee you’ll have a very different Cham Islands tour experience! We are waiting for you!