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

1 Introduction to Van Chay Beach

Van Chay Beach is located in the former Dong Tien Commune, situated on the western side of Co To, Quang Ninh Province. Set far away from residential quarters and bustling tourist crowds, Van Chay preserves its pristine, peaceful beauty, making it an ideal destination for those seeking relaxation and tranquility amidst nature.

Van Chay Beach is renowned for its powdery white sand stretching and curving along the coastline, creating a poetic and charming landscape. The seawater here features a brilliant emerald shade and remarkable clarity, allowing you to easily observe the seabed with diverse coral reefs and marine life.

The waves are calm and gentle, making it well-suited for swimming and aquatic fun. Furthermore, the beach is embraced by lush green hills and forests, fostering an open, refreshing environment 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 to Cai Rong Port in Van Don District, Quang Ninh Province, about 200 km from Hanoi. Travel time by coach takes around 4-5 hours, with ticket prices ranging between 200,000 - 300,000 VND per person.

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

2.2 From Co To Island Center to Van Chay Beach

After arriving at Co To Port, you can rent a motorbike, take an electric buggy, or hail a taxi to reach Van Chay Beach. The road from the town center to the beach spans about 6 km, relatively convenient and easy to navigate. If traveling in a group, renting an electric buggy or taxi is a practical option, with fares ranging from 200,000 - 300,000 VND per trip.

For those who prefer independent exploration, renting a motorbike for about 150,000 - 200,000 VND per day offers a more thrilling experience. On your way, you will be treated to the gorgeous scenery of Co To Island, featuring cool green woodlands and the boundless blue sea.

3 Fun Activities at Van Chay Beach

3.1 Beach Bathing and Swimming

With its clear turquoise water and smooth sands, swimming and beach bathing are unmissable activities when visiting Van Chay Beach. The seawater here has moderate salinity and mild waves, ensuring comfort and safety for everyone.

You can immerse yourself in the cool water, gaze up at the clear sky, and cherish wonderfully relaxing moments. In particular, early morning or late afternoon, when the sunshine is gentle, is the ideal time to take a dip and capture picturesque photos.

3.2 Kayaking

Kayaking is among the most favored activities by travelers at Van Chay Beach. With kayak rental services right on the shore, you can freely explore the surrounding waters, take in the grandeur of nature, and embrace the sense of adventure over the sea surface.

This activity suits both novices and experienced paddlers, delivering a novel and engaging experience. Kayak rental fees range between 100,000 - 200,000 VND per hour, depending on the boat category and rental duration.

3.3 Snorkeling and Diving to Admire Coral Reefs

The sea around Van Chay Beach boasts a bountiful marine ecosystem, highlighted by diverse and colorful coral reefs. Joining a diving or snorkeling trip provides the opportunity to explore the underwater realm, admiring vibrant coral formations alongside schools of swimming fish. This is a wonderful adventure for those who love discovery and want to behold the pristine splendor of the ocean.

Diving excursions are commonly organized by local operators, complete with safety gear such as life vests, diving masks, and oxygen tanks. Prices range from 500,000 - 800,000 VND per person, depending on dive time and accompanying guides. If you are inexperienced, there is no need to worry, as instructors will guide you on breathing and underwater movement techniques to guarantee the best experience.

4 Must-Try Specialty Dishes When Visiting Van Chay Beach

After energetic hours on the sea, indulging in fresh seafood is an essential highlight. Culinary offerings at Van Chay mainly feature catches reeled in directly from the waters of Co To, guaranteeing premium freshness and authentic ocean flavors. Notable specialties you should definitely savor include:

• Mantis shrimp stir-fried with tamarind sauce: Firm, naturally sweet mantis shrimp meat infused with a tangy-sweet tamarind sauce produces an irresistible delicacy.

• Grilled peanut worms with chili salt: A distinctive delicacy from the sea of Quang Ninh, offering a rich, crunchy, and chewy mouthfeel, usually dipped in lime salt and pepper.

• Beer-steamed blue crabs: Fresh blue crabs steamed alongside beer, lemongrass, and ginger to lock in the meat's organic sweetness.

• Charcoal-grilled grouper with galangal and fermented rice: Firm-textured grouper marinated with galangal, fermented rice lees, and signature spices, then grilled over hot charcoal for an aromatic treat.

• Stir-fried razor clams with garlic: Crunchy razor clams scented with browned garlic, complemented by a dash of chili heat that makes the dish even more delightful.

Furthermore, you can also feast on grilled oysters with scallion oil, squid sautéed in satay sauce, oyster congee, and sweet-and-sour jellyfish salad—all delivering signature sea flavors unique to Co To.

Because Van Chay Beach still retains its raw wildness without many large eateries, you can head into Co To Town for broader dining selections. Below are several well-known dining spots for your reference:

• Hai Au Restaurant – Specializes in live fresh seafood cooked in local fashion at sensible prices.

• Uy Thanh Restaurant – Renowned for tamarind mantis shrimp and grilled fish with galangal and fermented rice, offering an airy setting and swift service.

• Coto Garden Restaurant – Generous venue suitable for family gatherings and travel groups, serving a versatile menu ranging from seafood to traditional recipes.

• Bien Dong Restaurant – Affordable pricing, fresh seafood delicacies, and welcoming staff.

If you relish beachside BBQ cookouts, you can buy fresh seafood from Co To Market and rent a grill at homestays or resorts near the shore. This creates a memorable experience, allowing you to immerse fully in the nighttime ocean breeze.

5 Accommodation at Van Chay Beach – Where to Stay for Comfort and Scenery?

5.1 Budget Homestays & Guesthouses

If you wish to optimize costs while staying close to nature, budget homestays and guesthouses on Co To make great options. Here are some recommendations:

• Hong Van Homestay – Prices from 400,000 - 800,000 VND/night, clean and well-furnished rooms near the beach.

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

• Hoa Bien Guesthouse – Modest rooms equipped with essential amenities, priced from 250,000 - 500,000 VND/night.

5.2 Upscale Resorts & Hotels

If you are aiming for a high-end vacation experience, upscale resorts and hotels will be your best match:

• Coto Life – Mini Resort – Elegant atmosphere with magnificent sea views, priced from 1,500,000 - 2,500,000 VND/night.

• Coto Eco Beach Resort – Premium resort featuring a private beach and refined dining venues, priced from 1,800,000 VND/night.

• Tuan Vu Hotel – A 3-star hotel situated close to Co To town center, priced from 1,000,000 VND/night.

Whether staying at a homestay or a resort, remember to book ahead, especially during peak travel months to avoid room shortages.

6 Useful Travel Tips for Van Chay Beach

• Ideal travel period: From April to October, when pleasant sunshine and peaceful seas favor all outdoor endeavors.

• Prepare essential supplies: Sunblock, wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, swimwear, and comfortable shoes for effortless movement.

• Book speedboat tickets early: In peak tourist season, ferry tickets from Cai Rong to Co To sell out rapidly; arrange them early to safeguard your travel plans.

• Clarify rates when buying seafood or renting vehicles: To prevent price inflation, always ask about costs upfront before agreeing to purchases or rentals.

• Protect the marine environment: Do not litter carelessly and preserve shared cleanliness so the beach remains clean and pristine.

Van Chay Beach shines not only with fine white sands and transparent waters, but also provides rich recreational pastimes including sea swimming, coral reef diving, kayaking, and beachfront BBQ nights. Besides that, the local culinary scene is equally inviting with fresh, delicious seafood. If you are seeking a peaceful, untamed destination that still retains complete modern convenience, start planning your trip to Van Chay Beach today. MIA.vn believes this destination will grant you truly unforgettable memories!