Regarded as a paradise for island and seaside tourism, in the 2026 summer travel season, Co To is focusing on refreshing and launching distinctive tourism products tied to its local advantages, opening up a romantic and enchanting experiential space.
As the province’s key island and seaside tourism destination, Co To Special Zone is expected to welcome around 400,000 visitors in 2026, including more than 3,300 international visitors. In preparation for summer, the locality is focusing on refreshing its products and upgrading transport and tourism infrastructure. Mr. Nguyen Hai Linh, Head of the Special Zone’s Department of Culture and Social Affairs, said: Co To is focusing on renewing visitor experiences, developing new products and organizing numerous lively activities to enhance the destination’s appeal.
Accordingly, the Memorial Site of President Ho Chi Minh on the island, a familiar stop for many visitors, is also becoming a space where new experiences begin. Here, the “Flag-Raising Ceremony at Sovereignty Flagpoles” is being developed, centered on the square within the historic site and expanded to Thanh Lan and Tran islands. More than a ceremonial event, this activity is also connected to an experience of learning about the nation’s origins, helping visitors better understand the history and the journey of safeguarding the islands and seas. Its solemn yet intimate atmosphere creates a gentle, profound beginning to the trip.
From the central area, the island and seaside exploration journey continues to expand with many appealing options. The highlight is the three-island loop tour of Co To - Thanh Lan - Tran, which is being actively developed. No longer merely a “check-in and photo-taking” journey, the tour is designed as a multilayered experience combining ecology, cultural history, community life and sea sports. Interspersed are relaxing moments of swimming, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding amid the open seascape, bringing a sense of tranquility while remaining full of energy.
Complementing this journey are marine ecotourism experiences in the Au Port area of Co To, near Hon Ngang and connected to neighboring islands such as Co To Con, Hon Ca Chep, Hon Su Tu and Hon 7 Sao. This is a new line of products introduced for the 2026 summer season, creating an additional distinctive highlight for local tourism.
The appeal of this experience lies in its authenticity: Visitors follow fishermen to learn about marine farming models, observe the processes of raising juveniles and commercial stock, feed and care for them firsthand, and take part in harvesting; they can then fish, catch squid and enjoy seafood on the spot. It is precisely this “realness” that makes the journey more than an exploration—it becomes an experience of living alongside the island.
At the same time, the summer atmosphere is enlivened by a continuous series of cultural, sports and artistic activities. It begins with the summer tourism opening program in April, followed by the “Song of Unity - Echoes across the East Sea” program on 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 and into July with a program marking the first anniversary of the establishment of the Special Zone, along with numerous swimming, athletics, football and volleyball tournaments, creating a vibrant atmosphere throughout the tourism season.
Alongside its products and activities, Co To is also accelerating the application of technology in tourism management. The Hong Hai Smart Tourism Village, data digitization, the completion of directional signage, infrastructure upgrades and the standardization of beaches are being implemented step by step; the “Co To Digital” application provides utilities such as weather updates, boat schedules, accommodation information, maps and check-ins, helping visitors manage their itineraries proactively and enhance their experience.
In addition, the management of services, price listings, food safety, search and rescue, and other areas is being strengthened, together with the maintenance of a hotline to assist visitors; the “no plastic waste” orientation is also being promoted, contributing to the development of a green, clean and friendly destination image.
