Bãi Làng, Cham Island: The Heart of UNESCO Biosphere – A Local’s Perspective
Hello there, I’m… well, never mind the name. Just call me “The Bai Lang Guy.” I’ve been living and working in tourism here for over a decade. So, when people ask me, “What’s in Bai Lang beach?”, I can’t help but chuckle. What’s in it? Everything!
It’s not just the ferry terminal where the boats dock, as you see. It’s the epicenter, the gateway to this UNESCO cluster of islands. (Yes, the spectacular World Biosphere Reserve title, granted back in 2009!)
I live here, so I know. Bai Lang belongs to Tan Hiep Commune, Da Nang City. Bai Lang beach might not be as stunningly beautiful as Bai Ong or Bai Chong, but it is the true heart—where everything begins.
See more >>> The speedboat from Cua Dai port to Bai Lang Cham Island
How to Get to the Island? (My Honest Opinion!)
I see young travelers these days all taking the speedboat. True, the speedboat is fast—only 20 minutes, costing around 250,000 VND/person. Zipping across the waves gets you there looking fresh and handsome/beautiful. If you’re prone to slight seasickness, this is the right choice; it saves time, no question.
But me? I prefer the smell of the Wooden Boat. The wooden boat is slow, taking about 2 hours (price around 200,000 VND/person, plus 200,000 VND to send a motorbike). That feeling of floating on the sea, watching Cham Island Hoi An slowly emerge in the distance, is incredibly emotional.
Small Tip from a Local: Summer, from March to September, is the best time. The sea is calm, the sun is warm. Outside of that, it’s a gamble—rough seas can lead to cancellations instantly!
Bai Lang, Cham Island: What to Do That’s Better Than the Guidebooks? (My Personal View)
Do you want beautiful check-in photos? Cultural exploration? Or just something new? Bai Lang delivers it all; you just need to be willing to walk.
5 AM: Head to Bai Lang Pier to “Hunt” for the Sunrise (The Most Insta-Worthy Shot!)
The moment people step onto the Bai Lang Pier, everyone pulls out their cameras. But I’m telling you honestly, don’t take photos in the harsh midday sun! You must wake up early, at 5 AM, and head to the pier to catch the Sunrise! The sun slowly rises, casting a golden glow on the water, on the basket boats, and on your face. That angle is better than any editing app. It’s a picture that needs no composition or logic—it’s real.
The Ancient Cham Well and the “Finding Love” Story! (Drink 7 Sips for Luck!)
The Champa Ancient Well (also called Xom Cam Well) is located right in the residential area. The well is round and ancient. The water is always sweet and never runs dry. We islanders are very proud of it.
But the “Finding Love” rumor is the fun part. There’s a legend that if you’re single and drink a sip of this well water, you’ll be blessed with luck in love. I don’t know if it’s true, but many of my friends eagerly take a drink. Those who are infertile drink 7 sips… it sounds a bit made-up, but better safe than sorry, so give it a try. Who knows, you might find a partner right on the island!
Hải Tạng Pagoda: The “Unique” Temple on the Island (Instant Peace!)
Hai Tang Pagoda is located right behind Bai Lang. This ancient pagoda holds a sacredness that is truly its own. It’s not noisy or ornate like the temples on the mainland. When you step inside, you suddenly feel an inexplicable sense of tranquility. This is where islanders seek solace when things get tough.
Tan Hiep Market: What to Buy Without Being Overcharged? (You MUST Buy Wild Vegetables!)
The market is right next to the pier. Fresh seafood, dried goods, *Banh It La Gai* (Glutinous Rice Cake)… It’s a tiny market but sells everything.
My secret: Don’t forget to buy Wild Vegetables! Everyone knows stone crab is good, and turban snail is excellent. But boiled Wild Vegetables, dipped in the fishermen’s local fish sauce, are sweet and wild (natural). That flavor? You won’t find it in Hoi An.
Other Must-Try Experiences You Can’t Miss!
Honestly, Bai Lang is where you rest, but if you want to let loose, you have to go to the other beaches. However, the soul of the island still starts here:
- Cham Island Snorkeling: A Must! Our island is a conservation area, and the coral is breathtakingly beautiful. Best to go around midday for maximum sunlight penetration. However, due to the high volume of speedboats and vessels in Bai Lang, tours usually take you to Bai Xep or Hon Dai for snorkeling during the Cham Island Group Tour.
- Night Squid Fishing: This is a must-try. Go out to sea with the fishermen in the evening, drop your line. Then eat it right there. The squid is still twitching in your hand, lightly grilled, dipped in mustard. I swear, no restaurant can replicate that taste. That experience is worth more than any service!
- The No-Nylon Bag Rule: Please, do not bring plastic bags onto the island. We strictly prohibit it to protect the marine environment. If you accidentally bring one, please take it back with you—don’t litter. Our Cham Island is very clean; please help us keep it that way!
Bai Lang, Cham Island, Da Nang, is not a luxurious place, nor is it pristine like a 5-star resort. It’s messy and clunky, just like this post of mine. But it’s authentic, it’s welcoming, and it has the sincerity of the islanders. Well, I’m off to brew some Wild Vegetable tea now. I’m exhausted! See you all in Bai Lang!
