The charming island of Cam Kim is set in Quang Nam Province near the south central coast of Vietnam. It is renowned for being home to the master woodcarvers who produced the exceptional carvings of the merchants’ homes and public buildings in the ancient town of Hoi An.
Cam Kim Island can be reached by ferry from the pier east of the market alongside Bach Dang. It is possible to take a motorbike or bicycle with you, which is highly recommended to those who intend to see more than the wood-carving shops lined up a few hundred meters along the island’s pier road. Each shop has its own distinctive style and you can detect some brilliant wood carving on display while watching the artisans at work.
Cam Kim is a scenic rural island which is almost entirely free of tourists. The only main road leads along its middle to the eastern tip, from where ferries depart back to town. With your bike or motorcycle, you will be able to explore numerous picturesque pathways along with some marvelous bamboo bridges, nicknamed monkey bridges. These may look rickety but are strong as can be.
Should you be interested in a most unique and pleasant excursion, cross the bridge from Hoang Dieu street to the Sleepy Gecko bar on close-by Cam Nam Island, which offers daytrips, including bicycles and lunch. The best option is to drop by and talk to the owner Steve about hiring a guide.
Getting There & Away
By minibus or taxi, it is 30 minutes from Da Nang City and 45 minutes from Da Nang International Airport to Hoi An. The airport receives daily flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. In Hoi An, take a ferry from the pier east of Bach Dang to Cam Kim Island; the trip takes one hour.