Co To Island lies off the coast of Quang Ninh, beyond Bai Tu Long Bay, and is famous for its sandy beaches, rocky shores, rustic fishing villages and primeval forest. During your discovery of this destination, you will enjoy a peaceful atmosphere and join several interesting local activities.
This blog provides a comprehensive guide to Co To Island: the best time to visit, how to get there from Hanoi, and the top things to do. Our local travel experts also share useful tips to help you have the most wonderful experience.
Co To Island at a glance (updated November 2026)
- Location: Co To Special Zone, Quang Ninh Province, in the Gulf of Tonkin, about 80 km off the mainland.
- Co To Island from Hanoi: about 3–4 hours by road to Ao Tien Port in Van Don, then 70–75 minutes by speedboat.
- Speedboat fare: about 350,000 VND (≈ ₹1,280) one way in economy class, 500,000 VND (≈ ₹1,830) in VIP (2026).
- Best time to visit: April and May; June to August is the busy domestic season; storms can stop boats from June to October.
- Top things to do: Van Chay and Hong Van beaches, Co To Lighthouse, the Dragon Claw rocks (Cau My), the Path of Love and the President Ho Chi Minh Monument.
- Foreign visitors no longer need a special permit; bring your passport and enough cash.
What Sets Co To Island Apart From Other Destinations?
Much of Co To’s coastline is a mix of rocky cliffs and white-sand beaches, which gives it a wild and unique beauty. In some places you can see golden sand along the foot of the hills, adding colour to the island landscape.
Another interesting aspect of the island is local life. It reflects the traditions of Vietnamese fishing villages, with drying squid, seaweed and nets along the lanes. Casuarina-lined roads and purple sim (rose myrtle) flowers in early summer make the villages even more charming.
Fishing boats and the breakwater at Co To harbour.
Location
Co To Lon (Big Co To) is the largest island of the archipelago, which has more than 70 islands and islets. Since 1 July 2025, the former Co To District has become the Co To Special Zone of Quang Ninh Province. The archipelago lies in the Gulf of Tonkin, about 80 km from the mainland and beyond Bai Tu Long Bay, with nearby islands such as Co To Con, Thanh Lan and Tran.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Co To Island is April and May, when the sea is calm, the weather is warm and sunny, and storms are rare. April is also when the Choi forest blooms.
June to August is the peak season for Vietnamese families, so boats and homestays sell out quickly, especially at weekends. From June to October, storms can cancel boat trips at short notice, so keep a spare day in your plans. Winter (December to February) is cool and windy, with fewer visitors.
How To Get There
To reach Co To Island from Hanoi, travel about 3–4 hours by road to Ao Tien Port in Van Don, Quang Ninh, then take a 70–75 minute speedboat to Co To. The trip has 2 stages:
Route 1 (Hanoi – Ao Tien Port, Van Don) | about 215 kilometres
Limousine vans run from Hanoi to Ao Tien Port in about 3–4 hours, for around 300,000 VND (≈ ₹1,100) per person; regular buses are cheaper. You can also hire a private car, which lets you stop in Ha Long on the way. Van Don International Airport is close to the port if you prefer to fly from southern Vietnam.
Route 2 (Ao Tien Port – Co To Island) | about 50 kilometres
| High-speed boat (2026) | |
| Time | About 70–75 minutes |
| Ticket | About 350,000 VND (≈ ₹1,280) economy; 500,000 VND (≈ ₹1,830) VIP; port fee extra |
| Typical departures | Ao Tien – Co To: 7:00, 10:00, 13:00 Co To – Ao Tien: 10:00, 13:00, 16:00 |
| Operators | Havaco, Hoang Quan, Ka Long, Quang Minh |
Schedules change by season and weather; book tickets in advance and confirm departure times a day before.
Since the port is about an hour from Ha Long, many travellers combine Co To with a Ha Long Bay cruise, a beach stop on tuan chau island or a few days on cat ba island. For more ideas, see our list of things to do in halong bay.
What To Expect During Your Trip To Co To Island
Admire the stunning beauty of beaches
The island has a long string of beaches for relaxing and unwinding.
- Van Chay Beach: the most loved beach on the island, with soft sand and a peaceful, pristine feel.
- Tinh Yeu Beach (also called Tau Dam Beach): a small, quiet cove that is popular for photos.
- Hong Van Beach: a long, wild beach that is great for walks and sunsets.
- Bac Van Beach: next to the Choi forest, with clear water and space for camping.
Discover unique islets nearby
To visit the smaller islands around Co To, such as Co To Con, Thanh Lan or Tran Island, hire a local boat. Along the way you can snorkel, see coral and enjoy quiet beaches with very few visitors.
>> Explore other beautiful islands in vietnam from north to south.
A sandbar and clear water among the islets near Co To.
Visit the President Ho Chi Minh Monument
President Ho Chi Minh visited Co To Island on 9 May 1961, and a monument stands near the sea to remember his visit. The current granite statue dates from 1996, and the memorial area is ranked a special national relic. It is a meaningful stop to learn about the island’s history.
Save impressive photoshoot with Co To Lighthouse
Co To Lighthouse was built in the late 19th century and stands on a hill about 100 metres above sea level, guiding ships in Vietnam’s north-eastern waters. Climb the spiral staircase of 72 steps for panoramic views of the island and the surrounding sea.
Co To Lighthouse on its hilltop.
Get the fresh feeling in Cau My Cliff
Cau My, renamed Dragon Claw Rock Beach (Bai Da Mong Rong) in 2015, is a 2 km stretch of layered rocks in many shapes and colours. It is especially popular at sunrise with young couples and photographers, so don’t forget your camera.
Layered rocks at Cau My, also called Dragon Claw Rock Beach.
Enjoy the romantic view of “The Path of Love”
The Path of Love runs for more than 2 kilometres along the coast, lined with green casuarina trees. Walk or cycle here to feel the sea breeze and listen to the waves. It is a favourite with honeymooners; our vietnam package for couples can include island stays like this.
The Path of Love, lined with casuarina trees.
Witness the magnificent beauty of Choi forest
In April, the Choi forest near Bac Van Beach blooms with pale green flowers that hang down like fireworks. The forest covers about 10 hectares, with trees up to 20 metres tall. Storm Yagi damaged much of it in September 2024, but it remains a peaceful place to hear birds and enjoy fresh air.
The Choi forest near Bac Van Beach.
Immerse yourself into the busy pace of life in Ky Con walking street
About 205 metres long, Ky Con Walking Street was the first pedestrian street on the island. It opens in the evening (around 7 PM to 11 PM), when you can try local snacks and drinks and buy souvenirs for family and friends.
Experience excellent local dishes
Co To is a paradise of seafood at reasonable prices. Popular choices include:
- Nail-shaped sea snails
- Jellyfish salad
- Grilled oysters
- Be be (mantis shrimp)
- One-day sun-dried squid
Vegetarian food is limited on the island, so ask your homestay to prepare vegetable dishes and carry some snacks.
Grilled oysters, a popular seafood dish on Co To.
Useful Tips
Below are our useful tips to help you have a wonderful time on the island.
- Rent a motorbike (about 200,000–250,000 VND per day) or an electric car to get around the island.
- Bring enough cash; ATMs are limited and many small shops accept only cash.
- Carry your passport; foreign visitors no longer need a special permit.
- Take an umbrella, sunscreen, a hat and walking shoes.
- Book boat tickets and homestays in advance, especially from June to August.
- If you prefer warm beaches in winter, consider the south instead; our phu quoc island packages are ideal from November to April.
- Go with a local guide for a detailed itinerary.
Planning to add Co To Island to your Vietnam trip? Share your travel details and our team will arrange transfers, boats and stays for you.
FAQs About Co To Island
How do I get to Co To Island from Hanoi?
Travel about 3–4 hours by road from Hanoi to Ao Tien Port in Van Don, then take a 70–75 minute speedboat to Co To Island.
How much is the boat to Co To Island?
Speedboat tickets cost about 350,000 VND (≈ ₹1,280) one way in economy and about 500,000 VND (≈ ₹1,830) in VIP class in 2026.
When is the best time to visit Co To Island, Vietnam?
April and May are best, with calm seas and fewer crowds. Avoid stormy periods from June to October, when boats may be cancelled.
Can foreigners visit Co To Island?
Yes. Foreign visitors can travel to Co To with a valid passport and Vietnam visa; no special permit is needed.
How many days do you need on Co To Island?
Two days and one night on the island is enough for the main sights, but three days lets you relax on the beaches and visit nearby islets.
Boat schedules, fares and travel details in this guide were last checked in November 2026 and may change.
Wrapping Up
Our blog has provided a full guide to Co To Island, together with useful suggestions to help you have a more wonderful vacation. You can also explore our vietnam land packages with our local travel experts to find an ideal plan for this destination.
