Are you searching for a pristine, peaceful island with fine white sand beaches, astonishingly clear blue waters, and vibrant coral reefs? Welcome to Co To – this beautiful island district in Quang Ninh province, a rough gem gradually shining brightly in Vietnam’s East Sea. With its captivating natural beauty, fresh air, and simple pace of life, the island promises a wonderful retreat, helping you escape the urban hustle and bustle.
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Co To: Wild and Serene Beauty
This destination not only attracts visitors with its stunning island landscapes but also with its rare tranquility. Unlike overly familiar tourist destinations, this isle still retains the wild, rustic charm of an island not yet overly commercialized. It’s a perfect blend of long stretches of beaches, contemplative rocky cliffs, lush primeval forests, and traditional fishing villages with the simple lives of their fishermen.
Leveraging its geographical location and natural beauty, Co To is gradually asserting its position as one of the most attractive destinations in Northern Vietnam, especially for those who love exploring nature and seeking serenity. Every moment spent here is a valuable experience, from watching the sunrise over the sea and snorkeling to admire coral, to savoring fresh seafood.
Must-Visit Spots When Traveling to Co To
When you set foot on Co To, you’ll have many options to explore the diverse beauty of this island and its neighboring islets:
- Hong Van Beach: Famous for its fine white sand, crystal-clear water, and rustling casuarina trees. Notably, Hong Van features charming wooden bungalows right by the sea, offering a romantic and private atmosphere. This is an ideal place for swimming, relaxing, and watching breathtaking sunsets.
- Van Chay Beach: Located on the western side of the main Co To island, Van Chay boasts a long sandy beach with larger waves than Hong Van, making it perfect for water sports and invigorating swims. Van Chay Beach is also one of the ideal spots to watch the sunset on the island.
- Co To Lighthouse: Perched on its highest peak, this landmark is not only the oldest lighthouse in the region but also offers panoramic views of the island and surrounding sea from above. The sunrise from here is incredibly impressive.
- Love Road (Con Duong Tinh Yeu): A nearly 2km long red-bricked road lined with two rows of lush casuarina trees, located right in the center of Co To town. This is an ideal spot for walking, cycling, and taking memorable photos.
- Cau My (Dragon’s Claw Rock Beach): A unique geological wonder of Co To, with colorful sedimentary rock cliffs eroded by sea waves over millions of years, creating strange and beautiful formations. This is an “epic” spot for sunrise views and photography.
- Co To Con Island (Small Co To Island): A small island located near the main Co To island, famous for its incredibly beautiful pristine beach, fine white sand, and water so clear you can see the bottom. This smaller isle is a paradise for snorkeling, swimming, and exploring diverse marine ecosystems. You will need to hire a boat to reach this island.
- Bac Van Beach: A quiet, lesser-known beach, possessing a wild and simple beauty.
Co To Cuisine: Fresh and Delicious Seafood Flavors
When you come to Co To, you absolutely cannot miss its fresh, rich seafood cuisine. Seafood here is always fresh, caught and prepared on the same day:
- Razor Clams (Oc Mong Tay): A famous specialty of the area, these large clams have crunchy, sweet meat, often grilled with spring onion oil or stir-fried with tamarind.
- Mantis Shrimp (Be Be / Tom Tich): Its mantis shrimp are large, firm-fleshed, and intensely sweet, often steamed, grilled, or stir-fried with salt.
- Grilled Oysters with Spring Onion Oil (Hau Nuong Mo Hanh): Co To’s oysters are incredibly fresh and plump; grilled with fragrant spring onion oil, they are a favorite dish of many visitors.
- Sun-dried Squid (Muc Mot Nang): Fresh squid dried for just one day, retaining its natural sweetness and chewiness. This dish is delicious whether grilled or fried.
- Sea Urchin (Cau Gai / Nhum Bien): A valuable delicacy, which can be eaten raw with wasabi, grilled with spring onion oil, or cooked into porridge.
- Peanut Worm (Sa Sung): A rare and precious seafood with high nutritional value, often used in soups or stir-fries.
- Flower Crab (Ghe): This island’s flower crabs are firm and fresh, often steamed and dipped in a salt, pepper, and lime sauce.
Unique Experiences When Traveling to Co To
Co To offers not only beautiful scenery and delicious food but also countless exciting experiences to enrich your trip:
- Watch Sunrise and Sunset: Don’t miss the spectacular sunrise at Cau My or Co To Lighthouse, and the romantic sunset at Van Chay Beach or Hong Van Beach.
- Rent a Motorbike to Explore the Island: Enjoy the freedom of riding along coastal roads, venturing into villages, and discovering the peaceful hidden corners of this paradise.
- Overnight Beach Camping: Experience sleeping in a tent under a starry sky, listening to the gentle lapping of waves, and enjoying a fresh seafood BBQ party.
- Snorkeling in Co To Con Island: Explore the underwater world with colorful coral reefs and schools of swimming fish.
- Kayaking: Leisurely paddle on the clear blue sea, exploring rocky outcrops and small caves.
- Night Squid Fishing: An exciting experience with local fishermen, where you can catch squid yourself and enjoy your catch right on the boat.
- Visit Co To Market: Early morning is the ideal time to visit the market, buy fresh seafood, and feel the rhythm of local life.
Useful Tips for Traveling to Co To
- Ideal Time: Summer (from May to August) is the best time to visit Co To, with beautiful sunshine, calm seas, little rain, and perfect for beach activities. However, this is also peak season, so it’s advisable to book services early. Avoid visiting during typhoon season (September – November).
- Transportation:
- From Hanoi: Take a bus to Cai Rong Port (Van Don, Quang Ninh), then take a high-speed boat to Co To island (about 1.5 – 2 hours). There are multiple boat trips daily.
- On the island: Renting a motorbike, electric car, or taxi are popular options for getting around between tourist spots.
- Accommodation: Co To offers a variety of accommodation, from charming homestays and budget guesthouses to hotels and resorts. It’s advisable to book in advance, especially during peak season.
- Attire: Pack swimwear, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect your skin at the beach. Bring comfortable, easy-to-walk-in shoes.
- Environmental Protection: Be a responsible traveler; do not litter, especially avoid touching coral when snorkeling, to protect the marine ecosystem. Ask for permission from locals before taking photos, especially of children.