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Follow the Lights: Night Squid Fishing Tours in Cù Lao Chàm, Hoi An
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Hoi An is famous for its lights. Every evening, lanterns glow above the Ancient Town and reflections shimmer across the Thu Bon River. But just off the coast, around the Cù Lao Chàm (Cham Islands), another kind of light appears after dark.
Fishing boats head onto the water and switch on bright lamps, creating small points of light across the black sea. They’re not there for decoration. They’re part of the night’s work—and travelers can head out to experience it for themselves.
Just Beyond Hoi An
Located off the coast near Hoi An, Cù Lao Chàm is an archipelago within the Cù Lao Chàm–Hoi An UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. During the day, visitors come for beaches, snorkeling and clear water. By evening, the day boats begin to disappear and the islands settle into a much quieter rhythm.
Fishing has long been part of life here, with generations of island families relying on the surrounding waters for fish, squid, shellfish and other seafood. Today, night squid fishing tours give travelers a small glimpse into that relationship with the sea.
Why Squid Fishing Happens After Dark
The first thing you’ll notice is the light.
Squid fishing boats use powerful lamps to attract squid toward illuminated areas of the water. Once the boat reaches its fishing spot, the engine slows and the darkness around you makes those lights feel even brighter.
A local fisherman or guide will show you how to work the lure through the water. It looks simple until you try it yourself. You watch the line, adjust your movements and wonder whether anything is happening beneath you. Then there might be a sudden pull, and everyone nearby starts watching to see whether you’ve actually caught something.
You won’t necessarily be hauling squid aboard every few minutes, but that’s part of the experience. Half the fun comes from waiting, trying again and watching someone who has spent years doing this make it look ridiculously easy.
More Than Just Catching Squid
Night squid fishing could easily be treated as another fun activity to squeeze into a Hoi An itinerary, but its connection to Cù Lao Chàm goes much deeper.
The island community has long depended on the sea for food and income. Today, Cù Lao Chàm is also part of a protected marine environment, where conservation, fishing and tourism increasingly exist alongside one another.
Some local fishermen now participate in tourism as well, sharing their knowledge of the water with visitors. The tour itself may be adapted for travelers, but the activity behind it comes from a real maritime livelihood.
That makes the experience more interesting. You’re not just learning how to catch a squid; you’re getting a brief introduction to a side of Cù Lao Chàm that daytime beach trips rarely reveal.
What the Evening Feels Like
You don’t need fishing experience, and you don’t even need to catch anything to enjoy it.
Once you’re out on the water, Hoi An’s crowds feel very far away. There’s the sound of water against the boat, the bright lamp overhead and scattered fishing lights across the horizon. Someone inevitably thinks they’ve caught something when they haven’t, while another person suddenly pulls up the catch everyone has been waiting for.
Depending on the tour, you may even get to prepare or eat the catch afterward. It’s difficult to find a seafood dinner with a fresher story behind it.
How to Experience It
Several operators offer night squid fishing experiences around Cù Lao Chàm, either as dedicated evening trips or as part of longer island tours. Before booking, check where the boat departs from, whether local fishermen are involved, what’s included and whether the experience requires staying on Cù Lao Chàm that evening.
Weather and sea conditions can affect departures, so plans may change. It’s also worth choosing an operator that respects local fishing regulations and the protected marine environment surrounding the islands.
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