According to archaeologists, Cu Lao Cham first settled there 3,000 years ago and established business contacts with external countries some 1,000 years ago. The islands was more well-known when Hoi An - one of the most ancient cities of Southeast Asia has been recognized as a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999; the Cu Lao Cham Natural Reserve was set up in 2003 and the national sea reserve was  found here in 2004 - the second island reserves in Viet Nam.

The first was the Mun Islet reserve in Khanh Hoa Province - established in 2001. However, the green Cu Lao Cham seem to really awake as suddenly receive hundreds of visitors every day after UNESCO recognized the islands as a global biosphere reserve in 2009.

The reserve includes 165 hectares of coral reefs and 500 hectares of underwater plant life. They are also home to 947 aquatic species. The islands are also considered as one of the few places in Viet Nam that still has a large area of vegetation and a wide range of rare and endangered animals. The protection of the environment and the natural habitat of rare and precious species of fauna and flora here are paid more and more special attentions.

Cu Lao Cham has still preserved many architectural constructions which date back to the 18th - 20th century such as the shrine dedicated to Than Yen Sao, built in 1843 at Bai Huong and Hai Tang Pagoda, built in 1753 on the western hillside of Hon Lao.

◊ Activities for Visitors

Various tourist activities are offered to meet almost all demands of tourists. Visitors can relax, go hunting, fishing even fishing octopuses... Visitors also have chances to view the sea swallows' nests clinging to the towering cliff. Especially, tourists can admire the beauty of coral by diving. The best season for diving is the summer (from June to the end of August) when sun light is strongest. Cu Lao Cham is popular for its seafood and delicacies (octopuses, lobsters, fish's fin, abalone, kaki, cholonia's eggs, birds' nests...) and fascinating souvenirs (pearls, conches, tortoise-shells...).