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 Special Zone, Quang Ninh Province. Far removed from dense residential areas and bustling tourist spots, Van Chay preserves its pristine, peaceful beauty, making it an ideal destination for those seeking relaxation and serenity amidst nature.

Van Chay Beach is famous for its fine white sand that gently curves along the shoreline, creating a poetic and charming landscape. The seawater here boasts a crystal-clear turquoise color, allowing you to clearly see the seabed with its coral reefs and diverse marine creatures.

The waves are calm and gentle, well-suited for swimming and water recreational activities. In addition, the beach is embraced by rolling mountains and lush green forests, creating an airy, refreshing, and nature-friendly environment.

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, approximately 200 km from Hanoi. Travel time by coach takes around 4-5 hours, with ticket fares ranging between 200,000 - 300,000 VND/person.

At Cai Rong Port, purchase a speedboat ticket to Co To Island. Speedboats operate daily, with a travel time of around 90 minutes and a ticket price of approximately 250,000 VND/person/one way. Note that during peak travel seasons, you should book tickets in advance to prevent 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, take an electric buggy, or hire a taxi to reach Van Chay Beach. The distance from the town center to the beach is about 6 km, relatively easy and convenient to navigate. If traveling in a group, renting an electric buggy or a taxi is an economical choice, with prices ranging from 200,000 - 300,000 VND/trip.

For travelers who enjoy self-guided exploration, renting a motorbike for around 150,000 - 200,000 VND/day offers a more exciting adventure. Along the way, you can admire the stunning natural scenery of Co To Island, lined with lush green forests and the vast blue sea.

3 Exciting Activities at Van Chay Beach

3.1 Beach Bathing and Swimming

With its clear turquoise waters and smooth sandy shores, beach bathing and swimming are activities you cannot miss when arriving at Van Chay Beach. The seawater here features moderate salinity and gentle waves, offering a comfortable and safe feeling for everyone.

You can immerse yourself in the refreshing cool water, gaze at the clear blue sky, and savor moments of sheer relaxation. In particular, early morning or late afternoon, when the sunshine is pleasant and gentle, is the prime time for swimming and capturing picturesque photos.

3.2 Kayaking

Kayaking is among the most favored activities among tourists at Van Chay Beach. With kayak rental services readily available right on the shore, you can independently explore the surrounding waters, admire the grand natural scenery, and relish the sense of waterborne adventure.

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

3.3 Coral Reef Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

The sea surrounding Van Chay Beach features a rich marine ecosystem, highlighted by diverse and brightly colored coral reefs. When participating in scuba diving or snorkeling, you will have the opportunity to discover the underwater world, admiring colorful coral gardens and playful schools of fish. This is a marvelous adventure for exploration enthusiasts wishing to immerse themselves in the ocean's untouched charm.

Diving excursions are commonly arranged by local tour operators, complete with safety equipment including life vests, diving goggles, and oxygen tanks. Tour rates vary between 500,000 - 800,000 VND/person, depending on dive duration and accompanying dive guides. If you have no prior diving experience, rest assured that instructors will teach you how to breathe and maneuver smoothly underwater for the best possible adventure.

4 Must-Try Specialty Dishes When Visiting Van Chay Beach

After hours of seaside entertainment, enjoying fresh seafood is an essential experience. Culinary offerings at Van Chay mainly comprise seafood caught fresh from the Co To waters, ensuring high freshness and bold oceanic flavors. Several culinary specialties you should definitely try include:

• Tamarind-glazed mantis shrimp: Firm, naturally sweet mantis shrimp meat paired with tangy-sweet tamarind sauce produces an irresistibly delicious flavor.

• Salt-and-chili grilled peanut worms: A distinctive delicacy from the Quang Ninh sea with a buttery, crispy-chewy texture, typically served with lime pepper salt.

• Beer-steamed blue swimmer crab: Fresh swimming crabs steamed with beer, lemongrass, and ginger to maintain the meat's intrinsic sweetness.

• Grouper grilled with galangal and fermented rice sauce: Firm-fleshed grouper marinated with galangal, fermented rice batch, and regional spices, grilled over hot charcoal for an aromatic treat.

• Garlic-sautéed razor clams: Tender-crisp razor clams permeated with aromatic sautéed garlic, accented with mild chili heat to make the dish even more delightful.

Additionally, you can also savor dishes such as scallion-oil grilled oysters, satay-sautéed squid, oyster congee, and sweet-and-sour jellyfish salad, all bringing forward the signature flavors of the Co To sea.

Because Van Chay Beach maintains its pristine setting without an abundance of large eateries, you can head into Co To Town for a wider gastronomic selection. Below are several reputable restaurants worth checking out:

• Hai Au Restaurant – Specializing in live seafood prepared in local styles at reasonable rates.

• Uy Thanh Restaurant – Well-known for tamarind mantis shrimp and galangal-grilled fish, featuring an airy ambiance and prompt service.

• Coto Garden Restaurant – A spacious setting suited for tour groups and families, with an extensive menu ranging from fresh seafood to traditional fare.

• Bien Dong Restaurant – Affordable pricing, fresh seafood, and hospitable service staff.

If you prefer having a beach BBQ party, you can purchase fresh seafood from Co To Market and rent a grill at nearby homestays or resorts. This will be an unforgettable experience that allows you to fully take in the nighttime sea breeze.

5 Accommodation Near Van Chay Beach – Where to Stay for Scenic Views and Comfort?

5.1 Homestays & Budget Motels

If you wish to optimize your budget while staying close to nature, homestays and budget motels across Co To are superb choices. Some recommendations include:

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

• Coto Eco Lodge – Eco-inspired homestay near the seaside, rates from 600,000 - 1,200,000 VND/night.

• Hoa Bien Motel – Simple yet fully equipped rooms, rates from 250,000 - 500,000 VND/night.

5.2 Luxury Resorts & Hotels

If you wish to indulge in an upscale retreat, luxury resorts and boutique hotels make excellent selections:

• Coto Life – Mini Resort – Elegant atmosphere, lovely ocean view, rates from 1,500,000 - 2,500,000 VND/night.

• Coto Eco Beach Resort – Upscale retreat featuring a private beach and refined dining restaurant, rates from 1,800,000 VND/night.

• Tuan Vu Hotel – A 3-star hotel located close to Co To Town Center, rates from 1,000,000 VND/night.

Whether you opt for a homestay or a resort, ensure you reserve early, especially during peak seasons, to avoid room shortages.

6 Travel Tips for Van Chay Beach

• Best time to visit: From April to October, when the weather is sunny and the sea is calm, perfectly suited for open-air recreational activities.

• Pack adequate essentials: Sunblock, wide-brimmed sunhat, sunglasses, swimwear, and comfortable walking footwear for ease of moving around.

• Reserve speedboat tickets early: Throughout peak tourist periods, boat tickets departing from Cai Rong to Co To sell out swiftly; booking in advance helps protect your travel schedule.

• Inquire about prices before purchasing seafood or vehicle rentals: To prevent overcharging, always verify prices prior to shopping or utilizing local services.

• Protect the marine ecosystem: Avoid littering and preserve general environmental cleanliness to keep the coastline clean and beautiful.

Van Chay Beach impresses not only with its soft white sands and crystal-clear waters but also provides a host of thrilling activities such as swimming, coral diving, kayaking, and coastal BBQ nights. On top of that, the local culinary scene is wonderfully diverse, featuring mouthwatering fresh seafood. If you are looking for a serene, untouched destination that still provides ample amenities, plan your journey to Van Chay Beach today. MIA.vn is confident that this destination will bring you unforgettable memories!