Hoi An to Cua Dai Port: Book a Car to Catch the Cu Lao Cham Ferry

Cu Lao Cham — a pristine island archipelago 18km offshore from Hoi An — is a world-class snorkeling and beach escape recognized by UNESCO as part of a biosphere reserve. The gateway is Cua Dai Port, just 4km from Hoi An Ancient Town.

Since ferries depart on schedule and won’t wait for late passengers, booking a car to the port on time is the crucial first step to making your island day count.

🏝️ Read more: Complete Cu Lao Cham Guide from Hoi An — full breakdown of ferries, diving, and one-day itineraries.

Where Is Cua Dai Port? How Far from Hoi An?

Cua Dai Port sits at the end of Cua Dai Road in Hoi An — 4km from the Ancient Town center, 8km from An Bang resort beach.

Ferry Schedule to Cu Lao Cham (Reference)

[!IMPORTANT] Ferry times change with season, weather, and operator. Always confirm exact departure times before booking your car to calculate the right pickup time.

Ferry operators: Cua Lao Cham Ferry Terminal (Thaco), Binh Minh Cruise Company, and private operators at the port.

Transportation Costs to Cua Dai Port

[!TIP] For a full island day: Book a round-trip car with Faifo Express — morning drop-off at the port timed perfectly, afternoon pickup right when your ferry docks. No scrambling for a Grab when 200 other tourists are doing the same.

Why Booking a Car to the Port Matters

Ferries Don’t Wait for Late Passengers

Speed boats depart exactly on schedule — being 5 minutes late means missing your boat. No refunds, no next trip until later (if there is one). Your entire island day hinges on those 15 minutes of travel time.

You Need to Arrive 30 Minutes Early

Factor in time to:

• Buy ferry tickets (if not pre-booked online)
• Check in, put on a life jacket
• Board and find your seat

Rule of thumb: Arrive at the port at least 30 minutes before departure time.

Sample Itinerary: Full Day at Cu Lao Cham

Morning:

07:00 — Faifo car picks you up at your Hoi An hotel
07:10 — Arrive at Cua Dai Port (15 min buffer before ferry)
07:30 — Speed boat departs for Cu Lao Cham
08:45 — Arrive at island

Afternoon:

14:30–15:00 — Return ferry departs island
15:15–15:30 — Dock at Cua Dai Port
15:30 — Faifo car picks you up
15:45 — Back in Hoi An — shower, dinner in the Ancient Town

Round-trip car cost: 200,000–280,000 VND ($8–11) per trip (varies by vehicle type)

Important Tips for Cu Lao Cham Visits

Check Weather 24 Hours Before

Cu Lao Cham closes to ferries when seas are rough (waves over 2 meters). This typically happens during monsoon season (September–December). Check updates at culaocham.vn or call the port directly.

No Plastic Bags on the Island

Cu Lao Cham is a biosphere reserve — single-use plastics, plastic bags, and bottled water are prohibited. Bring reusable bags and a refillable water bottle.

Book Snorkeling Tours in Advance

Summer (June–August) snorkeling tours fill up fast — book through a Hoi An travel agency or the island’s official website if diving is on your agenda.

Book Your Car Now

📱 Zalo: 0387.913.152
📞 Hotline: 0387.913.152 (24/7)

When booking, say: “I’m going to Cu Lao Cham — I need a round-trip to Cua Dai Port, drop-off at 7 AM, pickup at 3:30 PM” — we’ll arrange your car and confirm within 15 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a ferry ticket to Cu Lao Cham?

One-way speed boat tickets run 100,000–150,000 VND ($4–6) per person, depending on the operator. Many agencies sell all-inclusive tour packages (ferry + guide + lunch) from 400,000–700,000 VND ($16–28) per person.

Can I book Faifo Express from Da Nang Airport straight to Cu Lao Cham?

Yes. Route: Da Nang Airport → Cua Dai Port, Hoi An (35km, ~50 min drive). If your flight lands early (before 6:30 AM), you can make the 7:30–8:00 AM ferry.

What’s the best season to visit Cu Lao Cham?

April–August: calm seas, crystal-clear water, best coral viewing. September–December: monsoon winds and choppy seas. January–March: varies yearly — always check the ferry status before booking.

Can young children go?

Yes, kids from age 2 can ride the ferry with a life jacket. Children under 2 depend on operator policy — ask the ferry operator when buying tickets.

If the ferry is delayed due to bad weather, will Faifo refund my car booking?

Yes — Faifo provides full refunds if the ferry closes due to weather (verified closure). Notify us before the car departs to arrange a refund or reschedule.