Co To Island: The Complete Guide

Overview

Consisting of approximately 35 islands, Co To is an archipelago located in the eastern part of Quang Ninh province, Vietnam. As of 2025, the population has grown to around 7,500 residents living across roughly 1,800 households. The area boasts significant tourist potential, and plans are underway to develop the islands into thriving tourist destinations. Currently, Co To remains largely unspoiled, making it an ideal time for visitors to explore its natural beauty. Situated just 6 miles (about 10 kilometers) from Halong Bay, Co To is a perfect complement to any Halong Bay itinerary, offering a unique blend of serene landscapes and rich cultural experiences.

How to get there

Traveling to Co To in 2025 offers various transportation methods, with the bus being the most common choice. Your journey will commence in Hanoi, and since Co To is situated on an island, an additional mode of transport is required for the final segment of your trip.

• First leg: Travel from Hanoi to Van Don or Cai Rong port by bus.
• Second leg: Take a ferry or speedboat from Van Don or Cai Rong port to Co To island.

Hanoi - Co To Island Trip Overview
Distance	300 Kilometers
Average travel time	4-6 hours
Price	350,000 VND to 450,000 VND

Bus

The most effective way to catch a bus to Co To is by heading to either My Dinh or Luong Yen bus station, based on your convenience. Ticket prices range from $5 to $9 USD, with buses departing approximately every 30 minutes, taking around 4 to 5 hours. The last stop on the route is Nga Ba Van Don (Bai Chay). When traveling to Co To, you should request the bus driver to drop you off at the Van Don post office, which is merely 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) from Cai Rong port. You can either walk or take a taxi from the Van Don post office to the port.

Moreover, there are also direct buses from Hanoi to Co To Island:

Bus Operator	Departure	Arrival	Price
VietKite Travel (46-seater bus)	Hanoi Opera House (01 Trang Tien) - 01:00 am	Co To Island - 08:30 am	430,000 VND
VietKite Travel (46-seater bus)	Cau Giay Park (Maps) - 00:30 am	Co To Island - 08:30 am	430,000 VND

Motorbike

Traveling by motorbike provides the freedom to tailor your trip. However, carrying a lot of luggage may be challenging, and it may be less comfortable or safe compared to taking a bus. This option is advised only for experienced riders, as the roads can be quite daunting.

The distance from Hanoi to Van Don is around 130 miles (200 kilometers). Follow highway 1A - 18 toward Quang Ninh. Turn right at the Van Don intersection and proceed across the Van Don bridge. After reaching the post office, take a right to follow the road leading to Cai Rong port. You can take your bike to the island for approximately 130,000 VND. Daily parking costs around 23,000 VND if you choose to leave your motorbike at the port.

Upon arrival at the port, you have two options to reach the island: speedboat or public boat.

• Speedboat: The high-speed boat operates between 1:00 and 1:30 p.m. on weekdays, taking about an hour and a half to arrive. The average ticket cost is 195,000 VND per person, and the service is operated by Manh Quang high-speed boat.
• Public Boat: The public boat departs the harbor on weekdays at 7:00 a.m., taking around 4 hours to reach Co To, with tickets priced at approximately 125,000 VND. Caution is advised for those prone to seasickness.

To book a ticket for the Manh Quang speedboat, visit their official website: taucaotocmanhquang.com.

Getting around

In 2025, the most convenient way to navigate the island remains either by motorbike or taxi. Rental prices for motorbikes now typically range from 200,000 VND to 300,000 VND per day, while the cost of a liter of gasoline has increased to roughly 36,000 VND.

If you prefer not to drive, opting for a taxi service is a solid alternative. Both car and motorbike taxis are widely available on the island, making it easy to get around.

When renting a vehicle, it is advisable to inquire about the rental price upfront and negotiate if you feel the initial offer is excessive. With the rise in tourism, it is not uncommon for some individuals to attempt to charge higher rates.

Where to stay

There are numerous hotels and homestays available on the island as of 2025. For planning your accommodation, visiting booking.com or agoda.com can be helpful. You may also find various options on AirBnB, which continues to offer unique stays on the island.

Here are three of the top-rated hotels on the island, updated for 2025.

1. Coto Center Homestay

Situated approximately 2 miles (3.5 kilometers) from the town center, this homestay receives high praise from previous guests. It features spacious, tranquil rooms equipped with air conditioning and provides free parking and Wi-Fi. An Asian breakfast is complimentary. The nightly rate for two people ranges from 600,000 VND to 800,000 VND.

Check rates on Booking.com

2. Lan Quan Hotel (Lan Quân)

This hotel is conveniently located just 400 meters from the town center. Guests frequently commend the excellent Wi-Fi, and all rooms include a private bathroom and air conditioning. The hotel also features a communal kitchen and lounge area. The nightly rate for two people starts at around 500,000 VND, with breakfast available for an additional 25,000 VND.

Check rates on Booking.com

3. Mai Linh Hotel

Located near the coast, this hotel offers rooms with stunning ocean views. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available, and there’s a terrace where guests can unwind and soak in the island atmosphere. Rooms with two double beds are priced between 800,000 VND and 1,400,000 VND per night. Breakfast can be added for an additional cost of 400,000 VND per person. When booking, ensure to select a sea view room, though mountain view options are also offered. For travelers with bicycles, parking can be arranged for an extra fee.

Address: Ngã 3 cảng, Cô Tô District, Quảng Ninh. Check rates on Booking.com

Things to do

From stunning beaches to iconic landmarks, Co To Island offers a multitude of activities and sights for everyone. Here are the top things to do in Co To in 2025.

1. Co To Lighthouse

Situated on the east side of the archipelago, Co To Lighthouse stands proudly atop a mountain approximately 3 miles (5 kilometers) from town. As the highest vantage point on Van Don Island, this historic lighthouse was constructed in the late 1800s and is an integral part of the island's maritime history. The trek to the lighthouse is an exciting adventure, as the path winds through dense tropical forests teeming with wildlife.

A visit to the lighthouse is essential, as it provides breathtaking panoramic views that are sure to inspire and captivate any visitor.

2. Co To Church

Consecrated in 2013, Co To Church holds the distinction of being the youngest and only church on Co To Island. This quaint structure measures 27 meters in length and 10 meters in width, nestled at the base of a hill. Its unique status and recent construction make it a significant attraction for both locals and tourists alike.

3. Cau My Rock

Cau My Rock is a picturesque spot that is particularly popular among couples. Shaped like a mouse's tail extending toward the ocean, this remarkable rock formation has been sculpted by thousands of years of natural erosion. It's a captivating destination worth exploring while visiting Co To.

4. Hong Van Beach

Located about 4 miles (7 kilometers) from Co To town, the stunning Hong Van Beach is known for its pristine white sandy shores where visitors can relax and rejuvenate. It's an ideal spot for a day at the beach or a leisurely stroll at sunset after dinner.

In addition to Hong Van Beach, Van Chai Beach (Vàn Chải) is another highly recommended destination, as it is slightly closer to Co To town and also offers beautiful views and a tranquil atmosphere.

5. Adventure in Co To’s Nature

Co To is not only about beautiful beaches; it boasts several islands that are perfect for hiking and immersing yourself in unspoiled nature.

Just 20 minutes away from Co To is Thanh Lan Island, which features ancient forests and scenic beaches ideal for exploration. The waters around Thanh Lan are crystal clear, and fresh seafood is readily available, making it a delightful stop for any traveler.

Another must-visit location is Co To Con Island, a military island devoid of a permanent population. This island teems with a rich diversity of flora and fauna, offering visitors an exceptional opportunity to hike and experience nature at its finest.

What to eat?

Co To Island, known for its stunning scenery and rich marine life, offers a variety of local specialties that delight visitors. Below are our top three recommendations for 2025.

Abalone

Abalone is a rare and highly prized sea creature, valued for its unique flavor and abundant nutrients. In 2025, this exclusive ingredient can be found in various preparations, including stews, grilled dishes, and stir-fries, often served alongside rice or as part of a flavorful soup. When visiting Co To, savoring abalone is a must for an unforgettable culinary experience.

Sea Urchin

Despite its uninviting prickly exterior, sea urchin is transformed into a delectable dish in Co To. Frequently paired with ginseng to enhance its flavor, this delicacy is best enjoyed raw, grilled, or in congee. With its rich nutritional profile, sea urchin has solidified its status as a favorite among the local dining scene, appearing on menus throughout Co To's restaurants.

Holothurian

Also known as sea cucumber, holothurian is particularly favored among health-conscious diners, especially women, due to its reputation for promoting youthful skin and potentially slowing the aging process. In 2025, this delicacy continues to be celebrated as part of a nutritious diet and remains an essential dish to experience while in Co To.

Before departing from Co To, don't miss the opportunity to purchase fresh seafood directly from local fishermen. It’s a wonderful way to take a piece of this culinary paradise home with you.

Weather & when to visit

Co To features a tropical hot climate, characterized by two main seasons: wet and dry. Summers are typically hot and humid, while winters are somewhat cooler and dry. The average annual temperature hovers around 23°C, reflecting slight changes in climate patterns over the years.

The spring and autumn months see an influx of tourists as many favor the mild, dry conditions. Co To is particularly busy from March to April and September to October. During these periods, visitors can expect more sunny days and relatively dry weather. Summer months can reach high temperatures of up to 33°C, but they are also associated with significant rainfall, making them a mixed experience for outdoor enthusiasts.

Winter spans from December to March, with average temperatures around 19°C. This season is characterized by a drop in participation and a relatively dry atmosphere. A quick overview indicates that March, April, September, and October are the most favorable months for travel.

Co To weather averages for 2025/2026:

Month	High / Low (°C)	Rainfall (Days)
January	20° / 13°	4 days
February	19° / 14°	3 days
March	24° / 18°	6 days
April	27° / 21°	4 days
May	30° / 24°	8 days
June	32° / 26°	9 days
July	33° / 27°	12 days
August	32° / 26°	11 days
September	31° / 24°	10 days
October	30° / 22°	5 days
November	25° / 19°	3 days
December	22° / 15°	4 days

Source: nchmf.gov.vn/web/vi-VN/62/19/120/map/Default.aspx