Co To Island Travel Guide - Exciting Things Waiting for You to Discover

1 “Hunting” for Co To Island travel tips for an ideal summer vacation

With these Co To Island travel tips, you will set foot on a land likened to the Hawaii or Maldives of Vietnam – Co To Island. This island possesses pristine beauty and peaceful scenery, harmoniously combined with crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches. Not to mention numerous great check-in spots that enchant the hearts of countless travelers, especially young people. This is the most ideal travel and vacation destination in summer, so "hunting" for Co To Island travel tips is truly essential.

Co To Island is located east of Van Don Island, Quang Ninh Province. Co To Island is widely known as an island district with an area of 47.3 km2, about 260 km from Hanoi city center (by both road and waterway). Just like other islands in Vietnam, Co To attracts visitors with the boundless blue of the sky and the sea. In addition to its majestic, untouched natural beauty, the local people here are extremely hospitable and friendly.

See more: Quan Lan Island travel tips within your reach, why hesitate to grab them?

2 Based on Co To Island travel experience, what is the most suitable time to choose?

If you ask experienced travelers when the best time to visit Co To Island is, you will receive the answer: Summer.

From April to August (solar calendar) is the most perfect time. During this period, Co To Island enters the peak summer tourism season. You will easily feel the bustling, vibrant atmosphere, along with numerous lively activities and games organized for young people to freely have fun and relax with everyone on the trip. In addition, you can immerse yourself in the crystal-clear blue water or enjoy the wonderful feeling of lounging on the white sandy shore, basking under the golden summer sun.

However, because it is an island out at sea, Co To inevitably experiences weather impacts. Especially around July, Co To often experiences a few storms that may disrupt your schedule. Therefore, checking the weather carefully before embarking on your itinerary will also help ensure a smooth Co To trip for you.

From September to October specifically, Co To Island is quieter, making it a suitable time to enjoy the winter sea or simply soak up the tranquility and peace of this paradise island during a vacation. The remaining period (November to March of the following year) is not suitable for traveling to Co To Island because the North enters a prolonged rainy season. People also tend to avoid visiting Co To Island for leisure during these times.

3 How should you travel for the most reasonable Co To Island trip experience?

Co To Island is 260 km from Hanoi and 22 km from Cai Rong Port. According to Co To Island travel experience: From Hanoi, you must first reach Cai Rong Port, and then head out to the island. This port is also considered a bridge between the mainland and the island, while also serving as an access point to visit nearby islands such as Quan Lan, Hon Gai, Than Lan…

3.1 Traveling from Hanoi to Cai Rong Port

Travel enthusiasts from the South or Central provinces usually take a flight to Hanoi or Hai Phong, then travel to Cai Rong Port. Departing from Hanoi, there are many means of transportation to choose from, such as motorbikes, passenger coaches, self-drive cars, limousine vans…

- Passenger coach: The most popular and most chosen option due to its convenience and comfort. Many high-quality bus companies operate on various schedules, with reference prices ranging from 170,000 VND – 220,000 VND. Some reputable bus operators you can choose from are Duc Phuc, Hoang Long, Kuho Viet Thanh, Phuc Xuyen. It takes about 4 hours if traveling by coach

- Limousine van: These vehicles have 8 – 12 seats and are attracting more and more attention because they are suitable for the elderly, young children, and those with weaker health in the travel group. However, because of the limited number of seats, you need to contact them early before tickets sell out. Reference ticket prices start from 350,000 VND / one-way. You can contact the following operators to book tickets:

o Co To Limousine – Phone: 024 32 03 24 44

o Minh Anh Limousine – Phone: 0977 71 96 66

o Tam Bao Anh Limousine – Phone; 0961 80 28 02

o Dream Transport Limousine – Phone: 0961 70 71 76

- Motorbike: According to self-guided Co To Island travel experience shared by travel enthusiasts: If you are a fan of backpacking and love the road trip experience, don't hesitate to consider traveling by motorbike. This means of transport gives you more flexibility and freedom, but in return, it takes quite a bit of time since we will have to stop along the way for photo check-ins, right?

o Motorbike route to Co To Island: From Hanoi city center > Kim Ma > Dao Tan > Vo Chi Cong > Vo Nguyen Giap. At Vinh Ngoc, head toward Noi Bai highway > Ha Long > Hoang Quoc Viet or National Highway 18. Then go straight on Ly Thuong Kiet > DT334 to reach Cai Rong Port

3.2 Traveling from Cai Rong Port to Co To Island

Sharing Co To Island travel experience at Cai Rong port: There are about 3 types of boats taking you to the island: Wooden boats, speedboats, and supplementary boats. Speedboats and wooden boats are the most favored choices. You can buy tickets directly at the port or pick up tickets at the counter if you booked online. Details of the boat types are as follows:

- Speedboat: Travel takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Reference ticket price: 250,000 VND / person / one-way

- Wooden boat: Travel takes over 2 hours to 2 hours and 30 minutes. Reference ticket price: 95,000 VND / person / one-way. In addition, if you take a speedboat canoe, it will take over 1 hour

Some reputable boat companies you can refer to:

- Kalong boat: Departures start at 6:00, 7:00, 10:00, 12:15; return trips at 10:00, 12:00, 13:30, 15:00. Reference ticket price: 500,000 VND / round trip. Phone: 0342 16 81 68

- Havaco boat: Departures at 6:00, 8:30, 9:00, 11:00, 12:00, 14:30, 15:00; return trips at 7:30, 10:00, 10:30, 13:00, 13:30, 16:00, 16:30. Reference ticket price: 500,000 VND / round trip. Phone: 0338 56 67 89

- Minh Quang boat: Departures at 6:30, 8:30, 11:30, 14:30; return trips at 8:30, 11:30, 14:30, 16:00. Reference ticket price: 500,000 VND / round trip. Phone: 0363 66 57 68

3.3 Getting around Co To Island

A few more tips for visiting Co To Island won't hurt, right? Once on Co To Island, you have quite a few transportation options to choose from to explore the island. Energetic youngsters can rent bicycles, or more conveniently, motorbikes or electric trams… are all good choices:

- Motorbike: With just a motorbike, you can be more independent and comfortably cruise along every road and alley on the island. Rental price is from 150,000 VND / day (self-refueling), and you can rent directly at your hotel, guesthouse, or accommodation

- Bicycle: Adds romance for couples who like to take it slow, sightsee, and relax. There are quite a few bicycle rental spots priced from 30,000 VND – 50,000 VND / day along the routes around the island

- Electric tram: Able to carry many people (from 6 – 17 seats), so large tourist groups often prefer exploring by electric tram above all; electric trams also "score points" with their open space for comfortable sightseeing while enjoying the fresh air of Co To island and sea. Reference price from 1,200,000 VND / vehicle / package. You can rent one at most hotels on the island or contact rental providers: Phuc Xuyen (020 33 88 99 99), An Tam (0965 15 47 80), Bon Vuong (0335 85 85 70)

- Small boats and ferries: Suitable means of transport to visit surrounding islands, usually provided by local households on Co To Island: Hoang Tuan boat (0985 89 08 46), Van Gioi boat (0979 20 02 43), or take scheduled boat trips at 6:30 – 12:00 - 15:30

4 Co To Island travel tips for travel enthusiasts

4.1 Co To Island travel experience at the island's most beautiful spot – Van Chay Beach

Having fun at Van Chay Beach is an extremely exciting Co To Island travel experience. This spot is praised as the island's most beautiful beach, as well as its liveliest, because many people choose it to organize and join in group games and summer team-building activities. Boasting smooth, stretching sand along with big, white-capped waves, Van Chay Beach is also an ideal place for water sports.

4.2 Hong Van Beach

Located 7 km from Co To town and far from residential areas, Hong Van Beach is not overly crowded. However, according to the Co To Island travel experiences of travel lovers, this place stands out with its romantic, peaceful atmosphere and long sandy shore. No one can miss Hong Van Beach when visiting Co To Island. Enjoying the feeling of stepping lightly onto the white sand with a peaceful sea view before your eyes, who could bear to leave? Even more special, you will see unique wooden bungalows on the shore with delicate, creative designs, where upon waking up, all you have to do is open your room door to immerse yourself in the clear blue sea.

4.3 Love Beach

Photo lovers certainly often share their Co To Island travel experiences featuring popular check-in locations. And Love Beach is never missing from the list; located near the center right by the pier, this beach is quite easy to find. While it cannot be called extraordinary—the sand is not excessively white and the water is not overly blue—what impresses many young people is the abundance of shops and food stalls around Love Beach. Isn't this super convenient for your trip?

4.4 Vung Tien Beach

Vung Tien Beach is still pristine and quite uncrowded. Heading up to the right from Hong Van Beach, near the end, you will arrive at Vung Tien Beach. The sea here is so clear that you can see the strip of rocks underneath. The rocky area on the sand stretching along the coast creates a beautiful and fascinating landscape.

4.5 Cau My Rock Beach

Here is another Co To Island travel tip for you. Quickly explore Cau My Rock Beach (Mong Hong Rock Beach) located in the south of Greater Co To Island. This spot is the result of natural geological tectonic processes; after tens of thousands of years of erosion by seawater, it has created layers of sediments and fossils stacked on top of one another with many unique shapes. Standing here, you can also admire a panoramic view of the vast landscape of Co To Island, taking in the magnificent, pristine nature that looks like a painting. Furthermore, the sunrise and sunset here will never disappoint you.

4.6 Co To Lighthouse

Young travelers who have visited Co To Island will certainly never forget Co To Lighthouse. Standing at an altitude of 118 m above sea level, this spot is located atop the central mountain in the middle of the island and was built with 72 steps in the late 19th century. At Co To Lighthouse, you will witness perfect views in all directions: right before your eyes is the vast blue sea, in the distance are islands, and even further away lies the mainland.

4.7 Co To Con Island

An indispensable part of any Co To Island travel experience, do not forget to explore Co To Con Island. Unlike the developed and bustling Greater Co To Island, this place is completely uninhabited, with only a few fishing boats anchoring occasionally. Thanks to this, however, the destination still fully retains its pristine, primitive beauty. In addition, Co To Con Island is a paradise for those who enjoy a quiet, secluded relaxing space.

4.8 Truc Lam Co To Pagoda

Truc Lam Co To Pagoda is considered a spiritual project of great significance, holding an important position. The pagoda was built next to the historical relic of Ky Con Company Temple, on the Television Hill area. Covering an area of 5ha, the pagoda consists of 9 sections: the three-entrance gate (tam quan), bell tower, khanh tower, the Main Sanctuary (Tam Bao), ancestral house, monks' quarters, guest house, Mother Goddess house, and the landscaped grounds.

4.9 Thanh Lan Island

Thanh Lan Island is located 4km by sea from the center of Co To island district, with an area of 27km2. To reach this rather pristine yet interesting and fresh attraction, you need to take a 40-minute boat ride from Co To. The island is famous for many clear blue beaches such as Vung Ba Chau, Hai Quan, C6,... Not to mention, the primeval forest system here is home to a rich variety of plant species.

4.1 0 Port shelter

Au Cang Harbor is located about 2km south of Co To town center. This is a storm shelter area for boats, as well as the pier to travel to Thanh Lan. Au Cang is a fresh check-in spot with scenic landscapes. It will be an unforgettable moment if you sit on the breakwater, taking in the panoramic views of nature and the daily life of locals in this land.

4.1 1 Walking street and Ho Chi Minh historical relic site

The walking street is located in the center of Co To town. Stretching 205m in length, this is an area where visitors can leisurely take a stroll while enjoying local culinary delights on Co To Island every evening.

Near the walking street is the Ho Chi Minh historical relic site. This is a place that preserves memories of Uncle Ho, and is also the only place where Uncle Ho agreed to have a monument erected during his lifetime.

5 Activities when traveling to Co To Island

Parasailing: This is an adventure sport combining a speedboat and a parachute. Towed by the speedboat, visitors will fly high into the air with the parachute. At a safe altitude maintained by the boat, visitors will enjoy an exciting and beautiful view from above.

Kayaking: You can paddle with friends and family out onto the open water to admire the scenery of Co To Island.

Banana boat riding: Visitors will be instructed to put on life jackets and sit on a banana boat. Then, the boat will be towed by a speedboat at speeds of 70-80 km/h. This is considered an exciting activity for thrill seekers.

6 Co To Island Travel Guide – Exploring island cuisine

How could you miss out on seafood dishes when looking for Co To Island travel tips? Mother Nature has blessed Co To Island with an expansive coastline and an extremely abundant source of seafood, so the seafood caught directly by local fishermen is both fresh, delicious, and affordable. However, the price of seafood dishes will depend on the season; in the off-season, you should expect higher prices than usual. Here are a few special seafood recommendations from MIA.vn for you to enjoy when visiting Co To Island:

- Ha Long sea cucumber: Everyone is familiar with this signature seafood when visiting Quang Ninh province, and the same goes for Co To Island. Dishes made from sea cucumber, such as soup cooked with crab meat, chicken head, shiitake mushrooms, and ginger, or sea cucumber stir-fried with sliced mushrooms served alongside crispy rice and broth, are always favorites among foodies

- Ha Long peanut worms (sa sung): Their appearance might scare you a little because of their rounded, elongated body somewhat resembling an earthworm. Also because peanut worms belong to the marine worm family and hide in rocky caves or sand crevices deep beneath the sea, they are very difficult to harvest. This type of seafood is rich in nutrients, making its price extremely exorbitant, reaching up to several million VND per kilogram

- Razor clams: A type of mollusk with an elongated shape resembling a fingernail, living mainly in the Co To sea area. The clam meat is rich, succulent, and extremely delicious, and can be prepared into various dishes such as: porridge, steamed with lemongrass, grilled, stir-fried with noodles... Most ideal is razor clams stir-fried with water spinach

- Grilled Ha Long mantis shrimp: In the South, people usually call mantis shrimp 'tom tit' or 'ngua bien'. Previously, mantis shrimp did not receive much attention, but now they are very popular and quickly favored, accompanied by quite expensive prices. This crustacean's meat is both firm and chewy and very sweet; it can be steamed, roasted with tamarind, roasted with salt, or grilled, but the most appealing is still grilled mantis shrimp.

- Co To sun-dried squid: Processed on the spot in a very distinctive way. Co To squid is thick and straight-bodied. When grilled, you will savor each sweet, tender, chewy layer of meat, not acrid like in other regions

Also, do not forget many other must-try delicacies such as: salt-grilled sea bream, Co To jellyfish, fan mussels, swimming crabs, stone crabs, abalone, banana prawns, sea urchins... You can visit one of the addresses below or prepare them yourself.

- Co Nghia Eatery: Nam Hai, Zone III, Co To Town. Reference price from 30,000 VND

- Hai Au Restaurant: Nam Hai, Zone III, Co To Town. Reference price from 150,000 VND

- Uy Thanh Restaurant: Le Quy Don Street, Zone III, Co To. Reference price from 200,000 VND

Well-rated restaurant locations on Co To Island:

- Sao Bien Restaurant, near the pier.

- Hai Au Restaurant: Zone 3, Co To Town - Tel: 0918 848 890

- Uy Thanh Restaurant: 33 Le Quy Don Street, Zone 3, Co To Town.

- Ngoc Quynh Restaurant (Van Chay Beach): Tel: 0914201580

7 Co To travel expenses

On average, visitors will incur the following travel expenses for Co To:

Transportation costs:

- Hanoi - Tuan Chau limousine: 200,000-25,000 VND/person/one way.

- Tuan Chau Express high-speed ferry: 380,000 VND/person/one way.

- Electric buggy/motorbike on the island: 250,000 VND/person.

- Boat to Little Co To Island: 500,000-700,000 VND/boat.

Hotel costs:

- 3-star hotel: around 350,000 VND/night.

- 2-star hotel: around 250,000 VND/night.

- Bungalow: around 500,000 VND/night.

Sightseeing ticket costs: Most tourist attractions are free of charge.

Food and dining costs: 150,000 VND/person/meal.

8 Important notes for traveling to Co To Island

Don't forget to note down a few Co To Island travel tips for first-timers:

- You should check the weather forecast before your departure and return dates to avoid getting stranded on the island. Because the weather on Co To Island is quite complex, boats cannot depart if the sea is rough

- Pack full luggage and personal belongings: swimwear, clothes, a phone for snapping photos... You should also bring backup medicines, insect repellent spray, and a power bank because the island frequently experiences power outages

- If you are prone to motion sickness, you should eat a light meal before departing and use motion sickness remedies such as: pills, patches...

- Dried seafood bought as gifts varies in price across specialized shops. Therefore, to avoid being overcharged, you should check prices beforehand

Hopefully, the Co To Island travel tips shared by MIA.vn will be somewhat useful for your upcoming Ha Long exploration itinerary. Don't forget to show off your super-chic check-in achievements with MIA.vn.