A Journey to Co To: Uncovering the Fascinating Secrets of the Emerald Isle

Venture to Co To Island and explore its enchanting secrets. Enjoy picturesque beaches, lush nature, and vibrant local culture on this emerald isle adventure. Hãy nghe Trần Thuỳ Thanh Xuân (Đồng Nai) một travel blogger nổi tiếng bật mí .

1. Where is Co To Island?

Co To Island is located in the northeast of Quang Ninh Province, 60 nautical miles from the mainland. It is an archipelago consisting of 50 small islands, with the main ones being Co To Island and Thanh Lan Island. The island district includes Co To town, Dong Tien commune, and Thanh Lan commune.

Co To Island boasts beautiful beaches with clear blue water, making it a highly attractive tourist destination, especially in the summer. In addition, Co To features pristine forests on mountainous terrain and historical sites of significant importance for national defense and security, marking the sacred sovereignty of the homeland.

Visiting Co To, you will enjoy the beautiful scenery of the island, the clear blue beaches, and the fresh climate, along with a sense of pride standing on this sacred land, proud of the S-shaped homeland.

                                                                                      (Source: Collector)

2. What is the best time to visit Co To Island?

If you ask people who have experience visiting Co To Island about the best time to travel, the answer is summer.

The period from April to August is the ideal time. During this peak summer tourist season, Co To Island is bustling with energy and activity. You can easily feel the lively, crowded atmosphere, with various events and games organized for young people to enjoy and relax. Moreover, you can immerse yourself in the crystal-clear blue waters or enjoy the wonderful feeling of resting on the white sandy beaches, basking under the golden summer sun.

However, being an island located in the sea, Co To is not immune to weather influences. Particularly around July, the island often experiences some storms that could disrupt your plans. Therefore, checking the weather carefully before planning your trip is an important tip for a smooth visit to Co To.

From September to October, Co To Island becomes quieter, making it an excellent time to enjoy the serene, peaceful ambiance of this paradise island during a winter beach vacation or simply to relax. The remaining period (November to March) is not ideal for visiting Co To Island, as the northern region enters a prolonged rainy season. During these months, visitors tend to avoid the island.

                                                                                      (Source: Collector)

3. How to Travel to Co To Island most efficiently?

Co To Island is 260 km from Hanoi and 22 km from Cai Rong Port. According to the experience of traveling to Co To Island, you must first reach Cai Rong Port from Hanoi before heading to the island. This port serves as a bridge between the mainland and the island, and also provides access to nearby islands such as Quan Lan, Hon Gai, and Thanh Lan.

3.1 Traveling from Hanoi to Cai Rong Port

Travel enthusiasts from the South or Central provinces usually fly to Hanoi or Hai Phong, then travel to Cai Rong Port. There are various transportation options from Hanoi:

- Coach Bus: This is the most popular and convenient choice. Several high-quality bus companies operate at different times, with ticket prices ranging from 170,000 VND to 220,000 VND. Some reputable bus companies include Duc Phuc, Hoang Long, Kuho Viet Thanh, and Phuc Xuyen. It takes about 4 hours to reach the port by bus.

- Limousine Bus: These buses, with 8-12 seats, are increasingly popular, especially for elderly passengers, children, or those with weaker health in the travel group. Due to the limited number of seats, it's advisable to book in advance to avoid sold-out tickets. Ticket prices are around 350,000 VND per one-way trip. Some limousine bus companies you can contact include:

   + Co To Limousine – Phone: 024 32 03 24 44

   + Minh Anh Limousine – Phone: 0977 71 96 66

   + Tam Bao Anh Limousine – Phone: 0961 80 28 02

   + Dream Transport Limousine – Phone: 0961 70 71 76

- Motorbike: For those who enjoy adventure and prefer more freedom, traveling by motorbike is a great option. Although it requires more time, it offers the flexibility to stop and take photos along the way. The route to Co To Island by motorbike includes: From Hanoi city center => Kim Ma => Dao Tan => Vo Chi Cong => Vo Nguyen Giap. At Vinh Ngoc, follow the Noi Bai => Ha Long expressway => Hoang Quoc Viet or National Route 18. Continue straight on Ly Thuong Kiet Street => DT334 to reach Cai Rong Port.

3.2 Traveling from Cai Rong Port to Co To Island

From Cai Rong Port, there are three main types of boats that can take you to Co To Island: wooden boats, speedboats, and additional boats. Speedboats and wooden boats are the most popular choices. You can buy tickets directly at the port or pick them up at the counter if you've booked online. Here are the details:

- Speedboats: The journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. The ticket price is around 250,000 VND per person per trip.

- Wooden Boats: The journey takes more than 2 hours to 2 hours and 30 minutes. The ticket price is around 95,000 VND per person per trip. Alternatively, if you take a canoe, the trip will take just over an hour.

Some reputable boat operators you can consider:

- Kalong Boats: Departure times are at 6 AM, 7 AM, 10 AM, and 12:15 PM; return times are at 10 AM, 12 PM, 1:30 PM, and 3 PM. Round-trip ticket price: 500,000 VND. Phone: 0342 16 81 68

- Havaco Boats: Departure times are at 6 AM, 8:30 AM, 9 AM, 11 AM, 12 PM, 2:30 PM, and 3 PM; return times are at 7:30 AM, 10 AM, 10:30 AM, 1 PM, 1:30 PM, 4 PM, and 4:30 PM. Round-trip ticket price: 500,000 VND. Phone: 0338 56 67 89

- Minh Quang Boats: Departure times are at 6:30 AM, 8:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 2:30 PM; return times are at 8:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 2:30 PM, and 4 PM. Round-trip ticket price: 500,000 VND. Phone: 0363 66 57 68

                                                                                      (Source: Collector)

3.3. Getting Around on Co To Island

When you arrive on Co To Island, there are several transportation options available for exploring the island. Active travelers might prefer renting bicycles, while scooters and electric cars offer greater convenience. Here’s a breakdown of your options:

- Scooters: With a scooter, you can easily explore all the roads and corners of the island. Rental prices start at around 150,000 VND per day (fuel not included). You can rent a scooter directly from your hotel, guesthouse, or accommodation.

- Bicycles: For a more romantic and leisurely experience, especially for couples who enjoy a slow-paced tour, renting a bicycle is a great choice. There are several rental points around the island with prices ranging from 30,000 VND to 50,000 VND per day.

- Electric Cars: Suitable for larger groups (6-17 seats), electric cars are popular among groups traveling together. They offer an open space for comfortable sightseeing and enjoying the fresh air of Co To Island. Rental prices start at approximately 1,200,000 VND per vehicle for a full day. You can rent electric cars from most hotels on the island or contact these rental companies: Phuc Xuyen (020 33 88 99 99), An Tam (0965 15 47 80), and Bon Vuong (0335 85 85 70).

- Boats and Ferries: These are ideal for visiting the surrounding islands and are often provided by local residents on Co To Island. You can use services such as Hoang Tuan Ferry (0985 89 08 46), Van Gioi Ferry (0979 20 02 43), or book boat trips at 6:30 AM, 12 PM, and 3:30 PM.

                                                                                      (Source: Collector)

4. Tips for Travel Enthusiasts Visiting Co To Island

4.1. Tips for Visiting Co To Island with the Best Spot on the Island – Van Chay Beach

Visiting Van Chay Beach is an incredibly exciting experience for travelers to Co To Island. This location is celebrated as the most beautiful beach on the island and also the most vibrant, as it is a popular spot for organizing and participating in various summer activities and team-building games. With its smooth, expansive sandy shores and frothy, large waves, Van Chay Beach is also a perfect place for water sports.

                                                                                      (Source: Collector)

4.2. Hong Van Beach

Located 7 km from Co To town and away from residential areas, Hong Van Beach is not too crowded. According to travel enthusiasts’ tips for visiting Co To Island, this beach stands out for its romantic and serene atmosphere along with its long stretch of sand. No one can miss Hong Van Beach when visiting Co To Island. The experience of gently walking on the white sandy shore, with the peaceful sea in sight, makes it hard to leave. What’s more, you’ll find unique wooden houses on the shore, designed with elegance and creativity. Here, you can wake up, open your door, and immediately immerse yourself in the clear blue sea.

                                                                                      (Source: Collector)

4.3. Love Beach

For social media enthusiasts, sharing travel tips for Co To Island often includes popular check-in spots, and Love Beach is always on the list. This beach is located near the center of the island, right by the pier, making it easy to find. While it may not be exceptionally outstanding—with less white sand and not as clear water—what impresses many young travelers is the abundance of local eateries around Love Beach. This convenience adds a great touch to your trip, doesn’t it?

                                                                                      (Source: Collector)

4.4. Vung Tien Beach

Vung Tien Beach remains pristine and relatively quiet. From Hong Van Beach, head to the right, and as you near the end, you’ll arrive at Vung Tien Beach. The water here is so clear that you can see the rocks beneath. The stretch of rocks along the sandy shore creates a visually stunning and interesting landscape.

                                                                                      (Source: Collector)

4.5. Cau My Rock Beach

Here’s another tip for your Co To Island adventure. Explore Cau My Rock Beach (also known as Mo Hong Rock Beach), located in the southern part of the large Co To Island. This spot is a result of natural geological processes over thousands of years, with sea erosion creating various sediments and fossils stacked in unique formations. From this location, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the expansive Co To Island and marvel at the majestic, pristine natural scenery that resembles a painting. Additionally, the sunrise and sunset here are sure to impress and will not disappoint.

                                                                                      (Source: Collector)

4.6. Co To Lighthouse

For young travelers with experience visiting Co To Island, the Co To Lighthouse is an unforgettable landmark. Standing 118 meters above sea level, this lighthouse is situated on the central mountain peak of the island and was built with 72 steps in the late 19th century. From the Co To Lighthouse, you can enjoy stunning panoramic views in all directions. You'll see the vast blue sea right in front of you, distant islands in the background, and even the mainland farther away.

                                                                                      (Source: Collector)

4.7. Truc Lam Co To Pagoda

Truc Lam Co To Pagoda is considered a spiritually significant project and holds an important position. It is located next to the historical site of the Dai Doi Ky Temple on Truyen Hinh Hill. Covering an area of 5 hectares, the pagoda includes nine areas: the main gate, bell tower, gong tower, Tam Bao Hall, ancestral hall, monk's quarters, guesthouse, Matriarchal Hall, and the scenic grounds.

                                                                                      (Source: Collector)

4.8. Thanh Lan Island

Thanh Lan Island is located 4 km by sea from the center of Co To District and covers an area of 27 square kilometers. To reach this relatively pristine and intriguing destination, you need to take a 40-minute boat ride from Co To. The island is famous for its clear, blue beaches such as Vung Ba Chau, Hai Quan, and C6. Additionally, the island's primary forest system is home to a diverse range of plant species.

                                                                                      (Source: Collector)

4.9. Harbor

The Harbor is located about 2 km south of Co To town center. It serves as a shelter for boats during storms and is also the departure point for trips to Thanh Lan Island. This spot offers a fresh check-in opportunity with picturesque views. It’s a memorable experience to sit on the breakwater, taking in the overall natural scenery and observing the daily life of the local people in this area.

                                                                                      (Source: Collector)

4.10. Pedestrian Street and Ho Chi Minh Historical Site

The Pedestrian Street is located in the center of Co To town. Spanning 205 meters, it provides a space for visitors to leisurely stroll and enjoy local cuisine every evening on the island. Nearby is the Ho Chi Minh Historical Site. This location preserves memories of President Ho Chi Minh and is the only place where he agreed to have a monument built during his lifetime.

                                                                                      (Source: Collector)

Whether it’s a short or extended vacation, Co To Island offers unforgettable experiences. From relaxing on white sandy beaches to exploring historical sites and scenic spots, every moment here is worthwhile. Co To is the perfect destination for anyone wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and connect with the unspoiled beauty of nature.

Trần Thuỳ Thanh Xuân (Đồng Nai)