BRIGHT STAR - Hoi An & Cu Lao Cham

Bright Star isn't about depth or big fish. This is about history, plain and simple, and getting right up close to it. We love this site because it’s a living museum, sitting in just 5 metres of water, perfect for an extended rummage. You’re diving a genuine piece of World War II, a Japanese cargo ship that went down in 1944. The bow section is the most intact, still holding its shape, and it’s surprisingly big when you’re finning around it. Look inside; you can still make out the remains of machinery, and we've spotted pipefish and ghost pipefish tucked into the nooks. It’s also home to some impressively large lionfish, so keep your distance but enjoy the show. For photographers, it’s a dream, especially on a sunny afternoon when the light streams through the water, illuminating the ghostly form of the ship. We'd suggest getting there early to avoid any crowds, though it’s never overly busy. This site is definitely our pick for anyone who loves wrecks, history, or just wants a completely different kind of dive.

Location
Hoi An & Cu Lao Cham, Vietnam, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
15.363967, 109.118416
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

Wreck History - BRIGHT STAR

Vessel Type
unknown
Cause
unknown

The story behind the Bright Star is a mystery waiting to be explored by divers. Located in the warm, clear waters near Hoi An and the Cham Islands, this wreck sits in a shallow 5 meters, making it an ideal site for novice divers and snorkelers. While historical details are scarce, the wreck itself tells a new story as an artificial reef. The visible hull and superstructure have become a bustling metropolis for local marine life, attracting schools of colorful fish and a variety of macro critters. It's a perfect dive for those who love the combination of history, mystery, and vibrant underwater ecosystems.

Marine Protected Area: Dao Ly Son

Best Time to Dive in Hoi An & Cu Lao Cham

The warmest water temperatures in Hoi An & Cu Lao Cham occur in August, averaging 30.7°C. The coolest conditions are in January at 24.1°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 24.1°C
  • February: 24.3°C
  • March: 25.7°C
  • April: 27.0°C
  • May: 28.8°C
  • June: 30.3°C
  • July: 30.2°C
  • August: 30.7°C
  • September: 30.3°C
  • October: 29.2°C
  • November: 27.3°C
  • December: 25.4°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Hoi An & Cu Lao Cham

Nearest Dive Centres to BRIGHT STAR

Marine Life in Hoi An & Cu Lao Cham

Home to 41 recorded species including 28 reef fish, 7 sea snails & nudibranchs, 3 sharks & rays, 2 other, 1 crabs & lobsters.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for BRIGHT STAR

Based on average water temperature of 27.8°C, currents 8 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 28°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories