Bai Chong Beach: The Untouched Soul of Cham Islands – A Local’s Guide

To all my dear guests visiting Cham Islands, aunties, uncles, brothers, sisters, and friends—I’m sure you’ve all heard the buzz about Bai Ong beach and Bai Lang. I’m a tourism worker right here at Bai Chong, and frankly, it pains me to see so many people overlook our “youngest child.” To be honest, Bai Chong on Cham Islands has a beauty that is truly its own.

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

Bai Chong doesn’t have the clamor or the rows of restaurants that you find at Bai Ong. But if you are someone who craves tranquility and wants to see the original, pristine Cham Islands of the old days, then trust me: Bai Chong is exactly where you need to be. Its beauty is quiet, mysterious, not the “bustling” kind! It is one of the beaches on the Cham Islands tour (Da Nang) that has retained the most of its unspoiled nature.

Why Choose Bai Chong?

I understand that when you travel from Hoi An to the island, you want convenience. But if it’s too convenient, where is the wilderness? Sometimes, visiting an island feels just like being on the mainland, which is utterly boring.

Where is our Bai Chong located? It belongs to Tan Hiep commune, Da Nang City, and is also on the main island, Hon Lao. Its area is modest, but it has everything: soft white sand, a cool freshwater stream flowing down from the mountain, and, most importantly, the legendary Bai Da Chong (Stacked Rocks Beach).

Cham Islands Speedboat Tickets

My Personal Perspective on Bai Chong

• Quiet and Peaceful: Very few people live here; there is only one tiny restaurant/guesthouse. Tourists on pre-booked group tours often don’t stop by. So, it always feels serene, and you can clearly hear the sound of the waves. Take a walk early in the morning, and it feels like the whole beach belongs to you. Swifts often fly out here.
• Mysterious: Have you seen the stacked rocks? They sit right on the shore. Locals often tell the sad legend of Bai Chong, a tale of faithful marital love. I’ve heard it since I was a child. Come here and ask me; I’ll tell you the story! Those rocks are naturally stacked like that; no one knows how!
• Best for: Couples seeking privacy, young travelers who love overnight camping, or groups who want to do team-building without disturbing anyone. It’s not suitable for those looking for shopping or bustling nightlife.

How to Get to “Paradise” Bai Chong

I must warn you: the route to Bai Chong is not as convenient as Bai Ong. It involves a few steps. Remember to visit between March and August; during the rainy season, don’t even try to come to the island.

From Bai Lang to Bai Chong (Pay Attention Here!)

• Walking/Motorbike: If you are fit, you can rent a motorbike at Bai Lang and ride out. The road isn’t too long but is a bit steep and secluded. Be careful with your steering! This suits independent backpackers. But honestly, the road is winding, and there aren’t clear signs! And the motorbikes on the island are quite old.
• Canoe/Boat: The most convenient way. Hire a canoe or a wooden boat from a fisherman at Bai Lang. Remember to ask them to take you directly to Bai Chong. The canoe is faster, but it may require a minimum number of passengers. Just ask the fishermen about the wooden boat; they are very friendly. My Bai Chong travel tip is: If you take a wooden boat, take your time and enjoy the sea view.

What’s Fun at Bai Chong?

Don’t just swim! You must Savor the Experience! Swimming is a given, and the water here is clean. But at Bai Chong, you should do these things:

• Photo Ops with Bai Da Chong (Stacked Rocks Beach): The piled-up rocks, along with the white sand and lush coconut groves, create the perfect backdrop. It’s beautiful in a wild, mystical way—not like a man-made wooden bridge. I see young people posing with the rock formations all the time.
• Overnight Camping (A Must-Try!): This is the “specialty” of Bai Chong that Bai Ong doesn’t have. In the evening, light a campfire, grill fresh seafood, and watch the stars… The night sky over Bai Chong, Cham Islands, is always sparkling, and it’s so quiet you can clearly hear the crickets and the waves. Utterly relaxing! *Remember to clean up all your trash before you leave! This is crucial.
• Find the Freshwater Stream: Near the swimming area, there is a small stream flowing down from the mountain. The freshwater is icy cold. After swimming in the sea, go and shower in the stream. It’s such a refreshing feeling!

What to Eat Well at Bai Chong?

Indeed, Bai Chong doesn’t have as many restaurants as Bai, Ong beach only area that serves tourists. But the seafood here is second to none; it’s incredibly fresh! It’s caught and prepared immediately.

Must-Eat Dishes (I’m telling you, these are vital!)

• Da Crab (Rock Crab): Every island has this, but eating it at Bai Chong when you’re hungry is the best! The meat is firm and sweet.
• One-Sun-Dried Squid: Absolutely magnificent! Grilled or fried with fish sauce—it’s delicious either way.
• Oc Vu Nang (Nipple Snail): Remember to visit Bai Chong during the full moon days! The Nipple Snails are fattest and tastiest then. That’s the local island secret!
• Rau Rung (Wild Vegetables): A special mixed salad that provides a cooling relief for a hot summer day.

Reminders from a “Local” (Straight Talk, No Roundabouts!)

• NO Plastic Bags: This is the law. Absolutely forbidden. Anyone bringing them will have them confiscated at Bai Lang. Please use paper or cloth bags! Protecting our marine environment is our shared responsibility!
• Accommodation: Bai Chong does not yet have well-developed lodging services (official guesthouses/homestays). If you want to sleep on the island, you should either camp at Bai Chong (ask the restaurant owner!) or go back to Bai Lang or Bai Ong to rent a homestay. Homestays are the easiest type of lodging to find.
• Safety First: Bai Chong is secluded. Swim close to the shore only. There are no lifeguards. Groups doing team-building should have fun, but not venture too far out. Be advised not to walk around Bai Chong alone late at night. Crucially, if there’s a storm or heavy rain, don’t try to get to the island. It’s too dangerous.
• Personal ID: This is a small but critical detail. Remember to bring your ID/Passport for the boat/canoe procedures. Those who forget may not be allowed to travel at all.

In conclusion, Bai Chong, Cham Islands, is a distinct beauty, dedicated to those who appreciate quietness and untouched nature. If you’re tired of the city’s noise, pack your bags and come visit Bai Chong.

We are always welcoming! Meet me at Bai Chong, and I’ll take you to see the legendary stacked rocks! Don’t hesitate! Oh, and one last thing: if you are on a 1-day Cham Islands tour, you must hire an extra boat to get to Bai Chong; it’s not on the main itinerary! Wishing you a pleasant trip! Remember to bring cash, too, as few places on the island accept card payments.