Conquering Van Chay Beach with an A-to-Z Guide

1 Introduction to Van Chay Beach

Van Chay Beach is located in the former Dong Tien commune, situated in the west of the Co To special zone, Quang Ninh province. With its location far from residential areas and bustling tourist hubs, Van Chay retains its pristine, peaceful beauty, making it an ideal destination for those seeking relaxation and tranquility amidst nature.

Van Chay Beach is renowned for its smooth, fine white sand curving along the coastline, creating a poetic and charming landscape. The sea water here boasts a crystal-clear emerald hue, allowing you to see the seabed with its coral reefs and diverse marine life.

The gentle, moderate waves are perfect for swimming and water activities. In addition, the beach is surrounded by lush green mountains and forests, creating an airy, cool space intimately close to nature.

2 How to Get to Van Chay Beach

2.1 From the Mainland to Co To Island

To reach Van Chay Beach, you first need to travel to Co To Island. From Hanoi, you can take a coach or drive yourself to Cai Rong Port, Van Don District, Quang Ninh Province, approximately 200 km from Hanoi. Travel time by coach takes about 4-5 hours, with ticket prices ranging from 200,000 to 300,000 VND per person.

At Cai Rong Port, you can purchase a speedboat ticket to travel to Co To Island. Speedboats depart daily, taking about 90 minutes with ticket prices around 250,000 VND per person per way. Note that during peak travel season, you should book tickets in advance to avoid sold-out situations.

2.2 From Co To Island Center to Van Chay Beach

Upon arriving at Co To Port, you can rent a motorbike, an electric buggy, or hail a taxi to get to Van Chay Beach. The route from the town center to the beach is about 6 km long, quite convenient and easy to navigate. If you are traveling in a group, renting an electric buggy or taking a taxi is a reasonable choice, costing around 200,000 to 300,000 VND per trip.

For those who prefer freely exploring on their own, renting a motorbike for about 150,000 - 200,000 VND/day will offer a more exciting experience. Along the way, you can admire the stunning natural scenery of Co To Island, featuring lush green forests and the vast blue sea.

3 Fun Activities at Van Chay Beach

3.1 Beach Bathing and Swimming

With crystal-clear waters and smooth sandy shores, sea bathing and swimming are unmissable activities when visiting Van Chay Beach. The seawater here has moderate salinity and gentle waves, offering a comfortable and safe experience for everyone.

You can immerse yourself in the cool water, gaze at the clear blue sky, and enjoy wonderful moments of relaxation. In particular, early morning or late afternoon, when the sun is not too harsh, is the ideal time to swim and take beautiful photos.

3.2 Kayaking

Kayaking is one of the favorite activities among many tourists at Van Chay Beach. With kayak rental services right on the beach, you can explore the surrounding waters on your own, admire the majestic natural scenery, and enjoy the thrill of adventure on the water.

This activity is suitable for both beginners and experienced paddlers, offering a novel and exciting experience. Kayak rental prices range from 100,000 - 200,000 VND/hour, depending on the type of boat and rental duration.

3.3 Diving to admire coral reefs

The waters around Van Chay Beach boast a rich marine ecosystem, especially diverse and vibrant coral reefs. When participating in diving, you will have the chance to explore the underwater world, admire colorful coral reefs and schools of fish swimming around freely. This is a wonderful experience for those who love exploration and want to enjoy the pristine beauty of the ocean.

Diving tours are usually organized by local service companies, fully equipped with safety gear such as life jackets, diving goggles, and oxygen tanks. Service prices range from 500,000 - 800,000 VND/person, depending on the dive duration and accompanying guide. If you do not have any diving experience, do not worry, as instructors will guide you on how to breathe and move underwater so you can have the best experience.

4 Specialty dishes not to be missed when visiting Van Chay Beach

After hours of fun on the beach, savoring fresh and delicious seafood is an indispensable experience. Dishes at Van Chay are mainly seafood caught directly from the Co To sea, ensuring freshness and rich ocean flavors. Some specialties you definitely must try include:

• Tamarind stir-fried mantis shrimp: Firm, sweet mantis shrimp meat combined with sweet and sour tamarind sauce creates an irresistibly appealing flavor.

• Grilled peanut worms with chili salt: A unique dish from the Quang Ninh sea, featuring a rich, chewy texture, typically dipped in lime pepper salt.

• Beer-steamed flower crab: Fresh, delicious flower crabs steamed with beer, lemongrass, and ginger to retain the natural sweetness of the meat.

• Grilled grouper with galangal and fermented rice: Firm grouper meat, marinated with galangal, fermented rice, and distinctive spices, grilled over charcoal to create a delicious flavor.

• Stir-fried razor clams with garlic: Crunchy razor clams, fragrant with fried garlic, plus a hint of spicy chili that makes the dish even more appealing.

In addition, you can also enjoy dishes such as grilled oysters with scallion oil, stir-fried squid with sate, oyster porridge, and sweet and sour jellyfish salad, all bringing the signature flavors of the Co To sea.

Because Van Chay Beach still retains its pristine charm and does not have too many large restaurants, you can travel into Co To town to enjoy a richer culinary scene. Below are some famous eateries that visitors can check out:

• Hai Au Restaurant – Specializing in fresh live seafood, prepared in local style, with reasonable prices.

• Uy Thanh Restaurant – Famous for tamarind-glazed mantis shrimp and grilled fish with galangal and fermented rice, airy space, prompt service.

• Coto Garden Restaurant – Spacious space, suitable for groups of friends and families, diverse menu from seafood to traditional dishes.

• Bien Dong Restaurant – Affordable prices, delicious fresh seafood, friendly staff.

If you like the experience of a beach BBQ party, you can buy fresh seafood from Co To market and rent a grill at homestays or resorts near the beach. This will be a memorable experience, helping you fully enjoy the night sea atmosphere.

5 Accommodation at Van Chay Beach – Where is beautiful and convenient?

5.1 Budget homestays & guesthouses

If you want to save costs and enjoy a space close to nature, budget homestays and guesthouses in Co To will be an ideal choice. Some suggestions:

• Hong Van Homestay – Prices from 400,000 - 800,000 VND/night, clean rooms, well-equipped, close to the beach.

• Coto Eco Lodge – Eco-style homestay, close to the beach, prices from 600,000 - 1,200,000 VND/night.

• Hoa Bien Guesthouse – Simple rooms with full amenities, prices from 250,000 - 500,000 VND/night.

5.2 High-end resorts & hotels

If you want to enjoy a luxurious vacation, high-end resorts and hotels will be the perfect choice:

• Coto Life – Mini Resort – Luxurious space, beautiful sea view, prices from 1,500,000 - 2,500,000 VND/night.

• Coto Eco Beach Resort – High-end resort with a private beach, luxurious restaurant, prices from 1,800,000 VND/night.

• Tuan Vu Hotel – 3-star hotel near the center of Co To town, prices from 1,000,000 VND/night.

Whether you choose to stay at a homestay or a resort, book in advance, especially during peak season to avoid being sold out.

6 Van Chay Beach travel tips

• Best time to travel: From April to October, when the weather is sunny and beautiful, and the sea is calm, suitable for outdoor activities.

• Prepare essential items: Sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, swimwear, and comfortable footwear for easy movement.

• Book speedboat tickets early: During the peak tourist season, boat tickets from Cai Rong to Co To often sell out quickly, so you should book in advance to avoid disrupting your plans.

• Negotiate prices when buying seafood or renting vehicles: To avoid being overcharged, ask for prices before deciding to buy goods or use services.

• Protect the marine environment: Do not litter indiscriminately, and maintain public hygiene to keep the beach clean and beautiful.

Van Chay Beach not only stands out with its fine white sand and clear blue water, but also offers many exciting activities such as swimming, snorkeling to see coral reefs, kayaking, and hosting beach BBQ parties. In addition, the cuisine here is extremely diverse with fresh, delicious seafood dishes. If you are looking for a peaceful, pristine destination that still offers full amenities, plan your trip to explore Van Chay Beach today. MIA.vn is certain this place will bring you unforgettable experiences!