QUẢNG NAM — Visitors to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Hội An often visit Cù Lao Chàm (Chàm Islands), an archipelago off the coast of Hội An in central Quảng Nam Province.

The islands include eight islets of different sizes with picturesque landscapes.  Recognised as a world biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 2009, the archipelago has many rare and valuable flora and fauna species and historic sites associated with the development in the past of the port town of Hội An. 

After arriving on Chàm Island, nature enthusiasts should explore the largest islet, Hòn Lao (Lao Islet), home to more than 3,000 residents, who earn a living mostly from catching fish and catering to tourists. A prominent venue on the island is Hải Tạng Pagoda, which was built 250 years ago.  — VNS