Budget Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors to Co To Island

1 Budget travel tips for Co To Island 2026

1.1 Getting to Co To Island

For this trip to Co To, MIA.vn chose to travel by coach. After having breakfast and packing, MIA.vn arrived at My Dinh Bus Station at 9 a.m. There are many bus companies serving routes to Quang Ninh, with departures every 15 minutes. So, if you haven't booked your ticket in advance, there's no need to worry. Two reputable bus companies that MIA.vn often chooses for trips to Quang Ninh are Hoang Long and Kumho Viet Thanh.

According to many travelers, Kumho Viet Thanh provides excellent service and does not pick up extra passengers along the way, so you won't need to worry about finding a seat or getting carsick. However, this bus company mainly serves routes to Yen Tu, Bai Chay, and Ha Long. Since Viet Thanh buses only stop in Cam Pha and don't go to Cua Ong, MIA.vn decided to take a Duc Phuc bus instead.

A Duc Phuc bus ticket is quite cheap, at around 220,000 VND per person. However, the main downside is that the buses often stop to pick up passengers and travel quite slowly, so your schedule may be delayed. It takes 6 to 7 hours to reach the Cua Ong area. If you want to go all the way to Cai Rong Port, you'll need to pay an additional 30,000 VND.

Once you arrive at Cai Rong Port, continue to Co To Island by speedboat. The journey takes about 4 hours, and tickets cost around 95,000 VND each. On the boat, you can relax, enjoy the scenery, and chat with your friends. Be sure to check the ticket price in advance, as Co To gets very crowded in summer and fares can vary. You can also opt for a speedboat, which costs a little more—around 200,000 VND per person—but only starts operating at 13:00.

See also: Save this detailed guide to exploring the caves of Ha Long

1.2 Getting around Co To Island

To get around the island, you can rent a motorbike for 200,000 VND per day. Fill it with about 2 liters of gas, and you're all set to explore. If you prefer cycling, you can rent a three-seat bicycle. Or, for a new experience, rent an electric vehicle, which is ideal for larger groups. In the evening, you can also take a squid-fishing boat trip for 1,700,000 VND per boat—it's quite an experience!

2 Where to stay on Co To Island

After checking travel forums, MIA.vn booked a room two weeks in advance to avoid having to look for one on arrival. The Co To District Party Committee Guesthouse was chosen because it is only 600 m from the port—a 10-minute walk—and is very affordable. A room without air conditioning costs around 450,000 VND, while a room with air conditioning costs around 700,000 VND per person. You can call 0912 658 659 to book in advance.

Another budget-friendly option is staying with a local family, for 100,000 VND per person. One advantage is that you can ask your hosts to prepare meals. If you like this option, call Ms. Thai, whose home is about 2 km from town, at 01663685664 to book a room.

You can also find affordable guesthouses and hotels on Co To, such as:

- Van Hai Green Hotel – Son Hao, Quan Lan, Van Don

- Coto Eco Lodge – Hong Van Beach, Hong Hai Hamlet, Dong Tien

- Minh Chau Resort – Ninh Hai, Minh Chau, Van Don, Quan Lan Island

- Robinson Ecolodge Minh Chau – Robinson Beach, Minh Chau Commune, Van Don District

- Le Pont Minh Chau Hotel – Minh Chau Beach, Quan Lan Island

3 Three-day, two-night Co To itinerary

3.1 Day 1

After checking in, freshening up, and resting, MIA.vn began exploring Co To at around 2 p.m., renting a motorbike for 150,000 VND per day to tour the island. The first day's destinations were the Ho Chi Minh Memorial near Bai Chay Bridge and Pealite Rock Beach.

3.2 Day 2

On the second day, MIA.vn decided to visit the lighthouse. The climb to the top is a fun experience, and you'll be rewarded with romantic views of Co To and plenty of photo opportunities with your friends. Then, continue straight and turn right to reach Hong Van Beach. Known as the most beautiful beach on Co To, it is a must-visit destination. Here, you can go snorkeling for just 180,000 VND per person, though this depends on your luck and the weather on Co To. After enjoying Hong Van Beach, MIA.vn continued to Vang Chay Beach, which has crystal-clear water. However, visitors are only allowed to stroll here and must not swim.

3.3 Day 3

Continuing the three-day, two-night trip to Co To, the final destination was Co To Con Island. The boat fare was 600,000 VND for two people. The scenery here is stunning, and there are many precious trees for you to admire. After exploring until around noon, MIA.vn left the island and returned to larger Co To, then headed to Cai Rong Port. The trip ended with a coach ride back to Hanoi at 2 p.m.

4 Where to eat on Co To

For this trip, MIA.vn chose Uy Thanh Restaurant. Based on customer reviews and MIA.vn's own experience, the food here is delicious and reasonably priced. Traveling in a group can help you save money. You should also book a table in advance to get the most comfortable seating. If you're traveling and craving beef noodle soup or pho, be sure to try Tien Beo restaurant. A bowl costs just 30,000–35,000 VND, and the food is very tasty.

5 Tips for visiting Co To

To make the most of your trip to Co To, keep these tips in mind:

- Bring mosquito and insect repellent when visiting Co To, as there are few pharmacies on the island and plenty of mosquitoes.

- Power outages are common on Co To, so choose accommodation near the sea to stay cool.

- Be sure to bring a power bank and a rechargeable lamp, as Co To often experiences power outages on weekends.

Were these budget travel tips for Co To from MIA.vn helpful? If so, what are you waiting for? Plan a trip with your friends and head to Co To to explore and have fun. MIA.vn hopes you have unforgettable moments on this beautiful island.