Detailed Travel Guide to Hong Van Beach

1 Introduction to Hong Van Beach

Hong Van Beach is located in Hong Hai Village, Dong Tien Commune, Co To District, Quang Ninh Province. Situated about 7km northeast of Co To town center, this beach stretches along the island's eastern coast, facing Thanh Lan Island. This special geographical location allows Hong Van to be sheltered by Thanh Lan Island, creating calm waters with gentle waves, ideal for swimming and vacationing.

Previously, Hong Van Beach was little known due to its distance from the center and undeveloped infrastructure. However, with its pristine natural beauty and great tourism potential, Hong Van has gradually attracted the attention of tourists and investors. Today, this area has been developed with numerous tourism services such as guesthouses, homestays, restaurants, and marine recreational activities, while still preserving its inherent pristine charm.

2 Natural Beauty of Hong Van Beach

Hong Van Beach stands out with its fine white sand stretching out to embrace turquoise waters as clear as emerald. The environment here retains its freshness and cleanliness, largely untouched by tourism activities. Along the coast, lush green casuarina groves rustle in the breeze, creating a poetic and peaceful scenery. In the distance, mountain ranges and small islets undulate across the sea, forming a magnificent and splendid natural landscape.

The climate at Hong Van Beach is typical of the northern coastal region of Vietnam, with warm summers and cool winters. The ideal time to visit Hong Van is from April to October, when the weather is dry, warm, and the sea is calm. In particular, early in the morning, visitors can admire the breathtaking sunrise over the sea, as the sun slowly rises above the horizon, painting both the sky and the sea in rosy hues.

3 Activities and Experiences at Hong Van Beach

3.1 Swimming and Relaxing at Hong Van Beach

With clear blue water and smooth sand, Hong Van is an ideal place for visitors to immerse themselves in cool waters, dispelling fatigue and stress. The beach slopes gently, making it safe for both adults and children. Visitors can bring along umbrellas and lounge chairs to relax, read a book, or simply lie back listening to the rhythmic murmur of the waves.

3.2 Participating in a Variety of Water Sports

In addition to swimming, Hong Van offers many exciting sports and recreational activities. Visitors can participate in kayaking, paddleboarding, or scuba diving to discover the diverse marine world. In particular, Co To Park – the largest inflatable water park in Vietnam – is located right on Hong Van Beach, offering visitors a unique entertainment experience with various fun water games. The park is open in the morning from 6:30 to 10:30 and in the afternoon from 14:30 to 18:30, with ticket prices ranging from 100,000 to 300,000 VND/person, depending on the game.

3.3 Camping and Outdoor BBQ

Hong Van Beach is an ideal venue for camping and BBQ parties with family and friends. Visitors can rent tents, barbecue grills, and buy fresh seafood from local fishermen to cook themselves. In the evening, sitting around the fire, enjoying aromatic grilled seafood, listening to the ocean waves, and gazing at the starlit sky will be an unforgettable experience.

3.4 Sightseeing and Exploring Surrounding Areas

From Hong Van Beach, visitors can easily travel to other attractions on Co To Island. Cau My Rock Beach with its uniquely shaped rock formations, Co To Lighthouse – where you can admire a panoramic view of the island from above, or Co To seafood market with an array of fresh seafood are all must-visit destinations.

4 Services and Amenities at Hong Van Beach

4.1 Accommodations at Hong Van Beach

Visitors to Hong Van Beach have a variety of accommodation options catering to different needs and budgets. From budget homestays to high-end resorts, each type offers pleasant experiences. If you love staying close to nature, beachfront homestays are an ideal choice, allowing you to enjoy fresh air and blue sea views right before your eyes. Conversely, if you desire a luxurious vacation with full amenities, upscale resorts offer comfortable spaces and top-notch services.

Here are some accommodation suggestions at Hong Van Beach:

• Hong Van Homestay: Prices from 400,000 - 800,000 VND/night, suitable for those who enjoy close contact with nature.

• Coto Eco Lodge: High-end resort with prices from 1,200,000 - 2,500,000 VND/night, featuring stunning sea views and luxurious amenities.

• Hoa Bien Guesthouse: Prices from just 250,000 - 500,000 VND/night, suitable for backpackers or large groups of friends.

All accommodations are conveniently located near the beach, making it easy for visitors to get around and participate in beach activities. It is recommended to book rooms in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to avoid sold-out situations or elevated room rates.

4.2 Cuisine at Hong Van Beach

When coming to Hong Van, you will not only enjoy the scenic beauty but also have the opportunity to savor fresh seafood prepared in the unique style of local residents. Seafood here is caught directly from the sea, ensuring absolute freshness and preserving its natural flavors. Some must-try dishes when visiting Hong Van include:

• Grilled grouper: Grouper features firm, naturally sweet meat, seasoned and grilled over charcoal embers to deliver a rich, flavorful taste.

• Tamarind stir-fried mantis shrimp: Fresh, succulent mantis shrimp stir-fried with sweet and sour tamarind sauce, creating an irresistible flavor.

• Grilled peanut worms with chili salt: A unique specialty of the Quang Ninh sea, crunchy, chewy, and rich.

• Grilled sea urchin with scallion oil: A nutritious dish with a rich, buttery taste, paired with fried scallions to create an unforgettable flavor.

Notable restaurants near Hong Van Beach that visitors can consider:

• Uy Thanh Restaurant: Specializes in serving fresh live seafood at reasonable prices.

• Coto Garden Restaurant: Spacious setting, ideal for family meals or large groups.

• Hai Au Restaurant: Renowned for seafood dishes cooked in local style, with quick service.

If you want a more special dinner experience, you can join a BBQ party right on the beach. Several homestays and guesthouses here provide rental services for grills and ingredients, helping you enjoy a memorable beachfront dinner.

5 How to Get to Hong Van Beach

To reach Hong Van Beach, travelers typically go through two main legs:

From Hanoi to Cai Rong Port (Van Don, Quang Ninh):

• Coach/Bus: Bus operators such as Phuc Xuyen, Xuan Truong, and Ka Long with fares from 200,000 - 300,000 VND/person/way.

• Private vehicle: Takes around 4-5 hours of driving, with parking available at Cai Rong Port.

From Cai Rong Port to Co To Island:

• Speedboat: Ticket prices are around 250,000 VND/person/way, with travel time between 90 - 120 minutes.

• Wooden boat: Cheaper fares but takes more time (4 - 5 hours).

Getting around Co To Island:

• Renting a motorbike (150,000 - 200,000 VND/day) for flexible exploration.

• Renting an electric buggy (700,000 - 1,000,000 VND/day) if traveling in a large group.

If you want quick and convenient travel, you should book speedboat tickets in advance to avoid sold-out situations, especially during peak seasons.

6 Tips for Traveling to Hong Van Beach

• Best time to visit: From April to October is the most ideal time to enjoy Hong Van Beach. Avoid going during the stormy season (July - September) due to rough seas.

• Prepare necessary items: Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and wide-brimmed hats to protect your skin from harsh sunlight.

• Prepare thoroughly if camping overnight: Flashlights, sleeping bags, cooking utensils, and snacks are essentials.

• Book boat tickets early: If traveling during the tourist season, book your speedboat tickets and hotels in advance to avoid running out of vacancies.

• Negotiate prices when renting vehicles or buying seafood: Some tourist spots may charge higher prices than usual, so it is advisable to ask for prices before making a purchase.

Hong Van Beach is a wonderful destination for those seeking relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of city life. With turquoise waters, white sands, tranquil surroundings, and engaging activities, this place promises to give you an unforgettable vacation. From watching breathtaking sunrises and taking part in lively beach activities to savoring mouthwatering seafood feasts, everything comes together for a complete experience. If you are looking for a pristine beach that still offers full amenities, book a trip to Hong Van Beach today. It surely will not disappoint you!