Summary of tourism festivals, tourism events in the year

Overview of Co To Island

Co To Island is a beautiful archipelago located in the East of Quang Ninh province, considered a "green pearl" in the middle of the Northeast. Currently, this entire archipelago belongs to the administrative boundaries of Co To Special Zone under the province. The archipelago includes about 50 large and small islands, located about 60 nautical miles from the mainland, holding an extremely important strategic forward position in defense and security in the Gulf of Tonkin.

Co To Island

Co To is famous for its wild, poetic beauty, possessing long stretches of fine white sand beaches and characteristic emerald green sea water, favored by tourists as the "Maldives of the North". Unlike the limestone islands in Ha Long Bay, Co To has a land island terrain covered with lush green primeval forests. With famous landscapes such as Van Chay and Hong Van beaches or the ancient lighthouse, Co To Special Zone is the most attractive paradise for island tourism, relaxation and natural exploration in the North every summer.

Outstanding attractions in Co To Island

Cau My Rock Beach (Dragon Claw)

Cau Stone Beach My

Located in the south of Co To Lon island, Cau My Rock (also known as Mong Rong Rock) is known as the "geological wonder" of this sea. This place possesses a system of sedimentary rocks eroded over millions of years by ocean waves, creating colorful cascading rocks and strange shapes stretching out to the sea. This is considered the most beautiful sunrise spot on the island, where visitors can admire the sun slowly rising from the sea, dyeing the rugged rocks pink, creating a magnificent scene.

Hong Van Beach

Located on the east side of the island, about 7km from the central area, Hong Van is the calmest and most poetic beach in Co To. Because Thanh Lan Island is located in the distance, blocking the wind, the water here is always calm like a lake, the sand is smooth and clean. Hong Van is especially charming in the late afternoon when the sunset turns purple into the sky, and is an ideal place to experience kayaking, safe swimming or enjoy a romantic seafood BBQ party right on the sand.

Van Chay Beach

In contrast to the peaceful appearance of Hong Van, Van Chay beach located in the west of the island is famous for its long, gentle coastline and large, powerful waves. This is the most beautiful beach and attracts the most tourists in Co To, suitable for fun activities playing with the ocean waves, playing beach sports or organizing team building. The road to Van Chay goes through lush green primary forests, creating a feeling of relaxation even before setting foot in the sea.

Co To Lighthouse

Built at the end of the century 19, Co To Lighthouse is located on a hill more than 100m above sea level, known as the "night eye" of the Northeast sea. To reach the top of the light tower, visitors must cross a winding, steep road under the dense forest canopy and climb 72 spiral stairs. From the top of the lighthouse, you can see the entire panorama of Co To Special Zone with the vast sea and sky, large and small green islands and the bustling town below.

Co To Con Island

Located about 1km from Co To Lon island, Co To Con is a purely military island with no residents, so it still retains its absolute wild beauty. To get here, visitors must rent a wooden boat from Bac Van port (travel time about 15-20 minutes). Co To Con possesses clear water that can be seen to the bottom, pure white sand beaches and natural coral reefs. This is a paradise for those who want to find the feeling of "Robinson on a deserted island", completely separate from the outside world.

Road of Love

Co To Love Road

Located right near the center of the Special Zone, Love Road is a red brick road more than 2km long running along the coast, surrounded by two rows of green poplars whispering in the wind. The romantic and peaceful scenery here reminds visitors of Korean movies. This is an ideal place for couples to ride tandem bicycles, stroll to see the sea and enjoy the fresh air of the island.

In addition to the above destinations, Co To Special Zone has many other attractive places:

President Ho Chi Minh Memorial Area: Located in the center of the island, where there is a monument to Uncle Ho facing the East Sea (the only monument that Uncle Ho allowed to be built). when people were still alive).
Thanh Lan Island: The second largest island in the archipelago (belonging to Co To Special Zone), famous for its primeval forests and pristine Ba Chau beach.
Primary bamboo forest: Unique forest with ancient bamboo trees hundreds of years old, blooming brilliantly in April.
Uncle Ho's beach: Located right in front of Uncle Ho's monument, it is the most convenient beach for tourists staying in the central area.

Best time to travel

The most ideal time to fully explore the beauty of Co To Special Zone is in the summer and early autumn. From April to June. At this time, the weather in the North is warm, the sun is bright, the sea is calm and the water is clear as turquoise, extremely suitable for swimming activities, diving to see coral and taking boats to Co To Con island. In particular, April and May are considered the "golden" period because they have not yet entered the peak of intense heat, the number of tourists is not too crowded and the sea is very calm, making the journey by speedboat to the island convenient, without seasickness.

From June to August is the peak summer tourism season, the atmosphere on the island is very vibrant. However, this is also the annual rainy and storm season in the Gulf of Tonkin region. Tourists traveling during this time should pay special attention to carefully monitoring the weather forecast about 3-5 days before the trip. Because Co To is an offshore island, if there is a storm or strong monsoon, the authorities will prohibit ships from leaving the port to ensure safety, leading to the risk that tourists may have their trip canceled or be stuck on the island for several days. The winter months (from October to March of the following year) are cold, the sea is rough, not suitable for swimming but attracts tourists who love tranquility and want to experience the quiet beauty of the sea.

Transportation information

By air

Visitors from the South or Central region who want to go to Co To need to fly to nearby airports, then travel by road to Ao Tien High-class Port (belonging to Van Don Special Zone) to catch a boat to the island:

Airport Van Don International Airport (VDO): This is the closest airport to the port, only about 15-20 km from Ao Tien Port.
- Transportation: From the airport, visitors take a free taxi or bus to the port, travel time is only about 20-30 minutes.
Cat Bi International Airport (HPH) - Hai Phong: About 80 km from Ao Tien Port.
- Transportation: Take a taxi or rent a private car to follow Hai Phong - Ha Long - Van Don highway, time about 1 hour 30 minutes.
Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) - Hanoi: About 200 km from Ao Tien Port.
- Transportation: Take Limousines specializing in Hanoi - Van Don route, travel time is about 3.5 - 4 hours.

By road & ferry speed (Main route)

This is the most popular route. Tourists ride to Van Don, then board a boat to the island.

Phase 1: Move to Ao Tien Port (Van Don)

Ao Tien Port

Currently, all tourist ships going to Co To depart from Ao Tien high-class port (Ha Long commune, Van Don), replacing the old Cai Rong port.
Reputable Limousine: Van Don Xanh, Cua Ong Limousine, Xuan Truong, Trung Thanh. These companies all pick up in Hanoi and drop off passengers directly at Ao Tien Port lobby.
Reference ticket price: 250,000 - 300,000 VND/trip.

Phase 2: Speedboat to Co To Island

At Ao Tien port, tourists buy speedboat tickets to go to the island. Travel time at sea is about 60 - 90 minutes depending on the type of ship and weather.
Reputable shipping companies: Havaco, Ka Long, Manh Quang, Nguyen Viet. The current ships are all large, modern ships, minimizing seasickness.
Reference train ticket price: 250,000 - 300,000 VND/trip.
Train schedule: Trains run continuously from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (frequency 30-60 minutes/trip during peak season).

Movement on Co To Island

In Co To Special Zone, taxis are not as popular as in the mainland. The main means of transportation for tourists are electric cars and motorbikes:

Electric vehicle: This is the most popular means of transport, suitable for large groups and families. Electric cars are available at the wharf and hotels. Visitors can rent a car by route (to eat, go to the beach) or rent a full package by day to tour around the island.
- Reference price: 1,200,000 - 1,600,000 VND/car, full package to visit the main attractions of the day (7-12 seat car).
Motorbike rental: Suitable for young people who want to actively explore every corner of the island. Motorbike rental service is available at most motels and hotels.
- Reference rental price: 150,000 - 200,000 VND/day (excluding gasoline). Tourists refuel at the central gas station or retail gas stations (need to ask for prices in advance).
Motorbike taxis: Operate at the wharf area and town center, prices are negotiable.

Accommodation information

Luxury class

CoTo Starlight Boutique Hotel: Area 4, center of Co To Special Zone - price from 1,200,000 VND/night

CoTo Starlight Boutique Hotel

CoTo Starlight Boutique Hotel is the largest and most luxurious hotel on the island today, located right in the center of town, convenient to move to the wharf. The hotel possesses a magnificent neoclassical design with 9 floors, providing spacious rooms, high-class furniture and panoramic views of the sea and islands. Guests can enjoy cuisine at the large-capacity restaurant, use modern conference rooms and enjoy professional, dedicated service.

Tuan Vu Co To Hotel: Area 4, center of Co To Special Zone - price from 900,000 VND/night

Tuan Vu Co To Hotel is a modern hotel, located far from Uncle Ho's monument and Love Street. Love just a few minutes walk. The hotel stands out with its luxurious glass architecture, dominant white color scheme and clean, comfortable rooms. Guests staying here are supported by electric cars to take them around, enjoy fresh seafood at the first floor restaurant and easily access the busiest entertainment spots of the island center at night.

Resort

Coto Life - Mini Resort: Hong Van Beach, Dong Tien commune - price from 1,000,000 VND/night

Hidden under the green canopy of casuarina forests right next to the water edge of Hong Van beach, Coto Life offers a rustic resort space and absolute closeness to nature. The resort consists of bungalows made entirely of natural wood, thatched roofs, with large glass doors overlooking the sea. Here, visitors only need to take a few steps to touch the clear blue water, enjoy a romantic beach BBQ party and watch the brilliant sunrise right from their bed.

Coto Gardens: Nam Dong village, Dong Tien commune - price from 800,000 VND/night

Coto Gardens makes a strong impression on visitors with its unique architectural design and yard space. tree-lined garden. The resort has rooms modeled after train carriages, duck huts and wooden stilt houses interspersed among flower-filled walkways. This is an ideal destination for tourists who love tranquility, greenery and want to have unique "check-in" photos. The resort also provides free shuttle service to beaches and ports.

Other experiences

Thuy Thinh Coto:Hong Van beach, Dong Tien commune - price from 600,000 VND/night

Thuy Thinh Coto is a suite of bungalows located right on the beach Hong Van sand, providing a true "sleeping with the ocean waves" experience. Although the rooms are simply designed, they are fully equipped (air conditioning, self-contained bathrooms) and have large glass windows facing the sea. The space here is airy, with a strong sea breeze, very suitable for groups of young people or couples who want to find a feeling of relaxation, separate from the noise of the city.

Coto Center Homestay:Vu Van Hieu Street, Dong Tien Commune - price from 500,000 VND/night

Coto Center Homestay is located at the intersection of the central area. center and beaches, convenient for traveling and exploring the island. The homestay is designed in a modern, youthful style with many cozy common living spaces and a kitchen for guests to cook freely. The biggest plus point here is the friendliness and hospitality of the host, ready to advise on schedules and assist with booking cars and train tickets for visitors.

Beach bungalows

The resort experience at beach bungalows is a "specialty" of Co To tourism, where visitors can live fully in the midst of pristine yet romantic nature. When night falls, you can clearly hear the sound of the waves crashing, and in the early morning, just open the door to welcome the sunrise on the sea.

Below are some famous wooden bungalow areas that are loved by tourists at Hong Van and Van Chay beaches:

Coto Village - A unique wooden dome tent located in a poplar forest, with a new "Mongolian tent" style.
Hong Van Homestay - A row of brightly colored wooden houses located close to the sea, where vibrant BBQ parties are often held.
Thanh Nguyet Homestay - Located right on Hong Van beach, stands out with its spacious campus and attentive service.

In addition, if you want more options for your vacation in Co To Special Zone, below are a few other accommodation suggestions worth considering - suitable for many different styles and budgets:

Golden Coto Hotel - Area 2, center of Co To Special Zone
Green Coto Hotel - Love Beach, center of Co To Special Zone
Thai Ha Hotel – Area 3, opposite Co To wharf
Hoang Trung Hotel - Area 3, center of Co To Special Zone
Thanh Mang Guesthouse - Wharf intersection, center of Co To Special Zone
Coto Eco Lodge – Hong Van Beach

Cuisine and festival culture

Famous restaurants

Uy Thanh Restaurant: Area 3, center of Co To Special Zone

Uy Thanh Restaurant

Uy Thanh Restaurant is one of the oldest and most famous culinary addresses on the island, always on the "must try" list of tourists. The restaurant has a spacious, casual space but scores absolute points thanks to fresh seafood imported directly from local fishermen every morning. The dishes are richly prepared, preserving the natural sweetness of the sea, notably fried squid in butter, geoduck grilled with onions and seafood hotpot. Reference price is about 200,000 - 400,000 VND/person, clearly listed, avoiding "cutting corners".

Hai Au Restaurant: Area 3, center of Co To Special Zone

Hai Au Restaurant is located right in the center of town, featuring a large fresh seafood tank right in front for diners to choose for themselves. The restaurant has a cool, clean space, suitable for both large groups and families. The menu here is very diverse, from snails, crabs, shrimp to high-class sea fish. The plus point is that the service staff is agile and enthusiastic even during peak hours. Reference prices range from 250,000 - 500,000 VND/person, depending on the type of seafood you choose.

Local cuisine

Cuong Thinh Seafood Vermicelli – Area 3, center of Co To Special Zone: This is the most famous breakfast restaurant on the island. A full bowl of vermicelli with sweet broth, toppings filled with shrimp, shrimp, fish cakes and especially cu ky meat (a specialty stone crab of this region) will provide enough energy for your journey to explore the island.

Cu Ky and Mong Tay Snail - Available at most restaurants and Co To Market: When you come to Co To, you must definitely try two famous specialties hey. Nail snails in Co To sea are famous for being bigger, thicker and sweeter than other places. Cu Ky (a type of crab with two very large claws) with firm and fragrant meat, often steamed or in tamarind sauce, is a typical sea gift of the Northeast.

Cuisine discovery experience

BBQ party on the beach - Along Hong Van and Van Chay beaches: The most "expensive" culinary experience in Co To is not in a luxury restaurant important, but to enjoy a BBQ party right on the sand when sunset falls. Rows of tables are placed close to the water's edge, sparkling with lights and the aroma of grilled squid, oysters, and shrimp spreading in the sea breeze, creating an extremely romantic space.

In addition to the above restaurants, people can refer to some other famous restaurants such as:

Jellyfish Restaurant (Coto Hotel Group) - Central area of Co To Special Zone (Luxury, specialized space Industry).
Coi Xay Gio Restaurant – Area 3, Co To Special Zone (Serving snacks, drinks and fast food).
Co To Seafood Market – Area 2, Co To Special Zone (Buy fresh seafood and dried foods as gifts).

Experiencing the culture of Co To Special Zone

Co To Tourism Festival: Usually held in April every year to open the beach tourism season. The festival includes a series of attractive activities such as: culinary walking street, marathons around the island, street music festivals and folk games. This is the occasion for Co To Special Zone to put on its most brilliant clothes to welcome tourists from all over the world to the vibrant summer.

Co To Tourism Festival

Some other cultural experiences in Co To:

Visit the sovereignty flagpole on Co To Con island: Affirming love for the homeland at the head of the storm.
Experience night squid fishing with fishermen: An interesting activity to understand the hard working but joyful life of coastal people.
Visit Uncle Ho's Memorial House: A place to store images and memorabilia of Uncle Ho's historic visit in 1961.

Transportation: Car + Speedboat + Electric vehicle

Reference tour price: 2,680,000 - 3,200,000 VND/person (Depending on hotel class)

Organizer: PYS Travel (No. 1 travel agency specializing in sea and island tours in the North)

Adventure - discovery tour

Tour "Robinson on a deserted island" – Co To Con (During the day)

Itinerary: Center of Special Zone - Bac Van Port - Take wooden boat to Co To Con island - Free swimming, diving to see coral, camping - Return to the big island.
Transportation: Electric car + Wooden boat/Canoe
Reference tour price: 600,000 - 800,000 VND/train (Private charter) or 150,000 VND/person (individual passengers joining trains).
Organizer: Hoang Gia Travel / Co To Wooden Train Union

Family tour

>Co To Family Package Tour (Daily Departure)

Itinerary: Van Don - Co To Special Zone - Electric shuttle to visit main attractions (Lighthouse, Stone Beach, Beach) - Dining at reputable restaurants - Travel insurance.
Transportation: High-speed boat + Private electric car
Reference tour price: From 2,450,000 VND/person
Organizer: Vietnamese Desire (Kavo Travel)

Shopping and Souvenirs

Co To Sunshine

Co To sunny ink

Compared to The "white gold" of the island, Co To squid is famous for being thick, fragrant and sweet thanks to the high salinity of the sea water. The squid is dried in the sun, the outside is shriveled but the inside is still fresh and supple, making it the most luxurious gift. Visitors should choose type 1 (straight stem, pink layer, 2-3 shrimp/kg) at reputable dry food stalls.

Address to buy: Co To Market or Thanh Mang Processing Factory.
Reference price: 1,400,000 - 1,800,000 VND/kg.

Co To Seafood Market (Area 2)

Located right in the center of the Special Zone, this is the largest fresh seafood hub on the island. The market opens early in the morning with countless types of seafood just caught overnight. Small businesses here have professional packing and ice packing services for tourists to bring back to the mainland to ensure freshness.

Items to buy: Cu Ky (specialty stone crab, big claw, firm meat), Blue crab, King claw snail.
Note: Should go from 5:30 – 7:00 am to choose the best food.

Some other specialties and souvenirs:

Sunshine mackerel: Lean fish, sliced and dried, convenient to prepare (Price: 250,000 - 350,000 VND/kg).
Dried sea worms: Rare "natural MSG", high nutritional value (Price: 3,000,000 - 5,000,000 VND/kg).
Sear sea worm fish sauce: OCOP Van Don - Co To specialty, sweet taste, high protein high.
Snail shell souvenirs: Wind chimes, bracelets made from sea shells, sold along Love Road (Price: 50,000 - 200,000 VND).

Support information and other information

Culture and Information Department Co To Special Zone news

Address: Area 2, center of Co To Special Zone, Quang Ninh province (In the headquarters of the People's Committee of the Special Zone).
Function: State management agency for local tourism. A place to receive feedback from tourists about service quality, price gouging and official tourism information support.
Hotline number: 0365 871 479 (Tourist support) or 0203 3889 409.

Military and Civilian Medical Center of Co To Special Zone

Address: Area 3, center of Co To Special Zone, Quang Ninh province (Near the market area).
Function: This is the largest and only medical facility on the island, combining military medicine and medical people. The center is capable of receiving first aid, basic surgical surgery and treating health problems for tourists (such as heat stroke, food poisoning, drowning accidents) before referral if necessary.
Emergency phone number: 0203 3889 229

Police of the Special Region of Co. To

Address: Area 2, center of Co To Special Zone, Quang Ninh province.
Function: Ensuring security and order throughout the entire archipelago, supporting tourists in cases of property loss, administrative procedures or other emergency incidents related to safety.
On-call phone number: 0203 3889 226

With the wild, seductive beauty of the blue sea, white sand and the warmth of the island's people, Co To Special Zone is not only a "resort paradise" in the middle of the ocean but also a place for tourists to temporarily put aside daily worries and fully immerse themselves in nature, worthy of being the most ideal summer rendezvous in the North.