Considered an island tourism paradise, for the summer 2026 travel season, Co To is focusing on refreshing and rolling out many unique tourism products tied to local strengths, opening up a romantic and captivating experiential space.
As the province's island tourism focal point, the Co To special zone expects to welcome around 400,000 visitor arrivals in 2026, including over 3,300 international visitors. Preparing for summer, the locality is focusing on refreshing products and upgrading transport and tourism infrastructure. Mr. Nguyen Hai Linh, Head of the Culture and Social Affairs Division of the special zone, said: Co To is focusing on innovating experiences, developing new products, and organizing vibrant activities to enhance the destination's appeal.
Accordingly, the President Ho Chi Minh Memorial Site on the island, a familiar stop for many tourists, is also becoming the starting point for new experiences. Here, the “Flag Raising Ceremony at Sovereignty Flagpoles” is being developed, centered at the monument square and expanding to Thanh Lan and Tran Island. Beyond its ceremonial significance, this activity is linked to a journey back to the roots, helping visitors better understand history and the journey of safeguarding the islands and seas. This solemn yet intimate atmosphere creates a gentle and profound start to the journey.
From the central area, the journey to explore the sea and islands continues to expand with many appealing choices. The highlight is the 3-island interlinked tour of Co To - Thanh Lan - Tran, which is being actively promoted. Moving beyond a simple “photo check-in” itinerary, the tour is oriented around multi-layered experiences, blending ecology, historical culture, community life, and marine sports. Interspersed are peaceful moments for swimming, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) amidst the vast open sea and sky, delivering a relaxing yet invigorating feeling.
Complementing that journey are marine ecological experience products at the Co To Port Basin area, near Hon Ngang, connecting to neighboring islets such as Co To Con, Ca Chep Islet, Su Tu Islet, and 7 Sao Islet. This is a new product line launched for the summer 2026 season, adding a distinctive touch to local tourism.
The allure of this experience lies in its authenticity: Tourists follow local fishermen to learn about marine aquaculture models, observe breeding and commercial farming processes, directly feed and care for the stock, participate in harvesting; and then go fishing, squid jigging, and enjoy fresh seafood on the spot. It is this “authenticity” that elevates the journey beyond mere exploration into an experience of truly living with the island.
Not only that, the summer vibe is further enlivened by a continuous series of cultural, sports, and artistic activities. Kicking off is the summer tourism opening program (April), followed by the “Song of Reunification - Echoing Across the East Sea” program on the occasion of April 30 and activities commemorating the 65th anniversary of Uncle Ho’s visit to the island. Events continue into May with the Pencak Silat Tournament, July with the 1st-anniversary celebration of the special zone's establishment, along with swimming, athletics, football, and soft volleyball competitions, creating an energetic atmosphere throughout the tourist season.
Alongside products and activities, Co To is also stepping up the application of technology in tourism management. Hong Hai Smart Tourism Village, data digitization, finalizing directional signs, upgrading infrastructure, and standardizing beaches are being implemented step by step; the “Co To Digital” app provides utilities such as weather updates, boat schedules, accommodation, maps, and check-ins, helping visitors plan their journeys proactively and enhancing their experience.
Along with that, service management, price listing, food safety assurance, and search and rescue operations are strengthened, combined with maintaining a tourist support hotline; the “plastic-free” initiative is also being actively promoted, contributing to building the image of a green, clean, and friendly destination.
