ℹ️ Information about Co To
🚢 How to get to Co To Island
☀️ Weather in Co To Island
🏡 Where to stay on Co To
🔍 Activities + Best Places
🎫 Book a Tour in Ha Long
🎫 Book Tickets to Van Don
Pristine beaches
Quiet beaches, crystal-clear water and a relaxed island atmosphere in northern Vietnam
Beach hopping
Visit Van Chay and Hong Van beaches with calm water and fewer tourists
Lighthouse & coast
Enjoy sea views from the lighthouse and explore Cau My rock formations
Accessible only by ferry
Accessible by ferry from Cai Rong Port or Ao Tien Port, weather may affect schedules
Quick answer: Co To Island is one of the most beautiful islands in northern Vietnam, located in Quang Ninh Province. Known for its white-sand beaches, turquoise water, dramatic coastal viewpoints, and peaceful atmosphere, it’s an excellent destination for beach holidays, island hopping, fresh seafood, and exploring the Co To Archipelago.
At a glance:
- 📍 Location: Island district in Quang Ninh Province.
- 🏖️ Beaches: Van Chay, Hong Van and Bac Van Beach.
- 🎯 Main attractions: Lighthouse, Cau My rocks and fishing villages.
- 🚣 Activities: Swimming, kayaking, snorkeling and island hopping.
- 🌿 Atmosphere: Less crowded than other islands in Vietnam.
- ⛴️ Transport: Accessible by ferry from Cai Rong Port or Ao Tien Port.
Last updated in August 2026
Co To Island – Northern Vietnam’s Beach Paradise
Co To Island is a peaceful island in Quang Ninh Province, known for its white-sand beaches, turquoise water, scenic coastline, and relaxed atmosphere. Compared to nearby Quan Lan Island, it offers more attractions and a wider range of activities.
Relax on beautiful beaches, visit the Co To Lighthouse, explore the impressive Cau My rock formations, or take a boat trip to nearby Co To Con. It’s an ideal destination for anyone looking to enjoy nature, beaches, and authentic island life.
🌿 Why Visit Co To?
- Beautiful white-sand beaches
- Co To Lighthouse & Cau My cliffs
- Fresh seafood and island atmosphere
- Easy to explore by motorbike
- Boat trips to Co To Con
⚠️ Why Not Visit?
- Ferry schedules depend on the weather
- Busier on summer weekends
- Limited nightlife
- Some services are seasonal
- Not ideal during winter
⭐ Is Co To Island Worth Visiting?
Definitely. Co To combines some of northern Vietnam’s best beaches with scenic viewpoints, fresh seafood, and a relaxed island atmosphere. It’s an ideal destination for a 2–4 day getaway away from the crowds.
This Co To Island travel guide covers the best beaches, attractions, transport, accommodation, weather, and practical travel tips to help you plan your visit.
Best Things to Do on Co To Island
Co To Island offers much more than beautiful beaches. From scenic viewpoints and dramatic coastal cliffs to peaceful fishing villages and nearby islands, there’s plenty to explore. Whether you’re looking for relaxation or adventure, these are the experiences you shouldn’t miss.
🏖️ Relax on Beautiful Beaches
Spend your day at Van Chay, Hong Van, or Tinh Yeu Beach, all known for soft white sand and crystal-clear water.
🗼 Visit Co To Lighthouse
Climb to one of the island’s highest viewpoints and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the coastline and surrounding islands.
🪨 Explore Cau My Cliffs
Discover the island’s famous rocky coastline, also known as Dragon Claws, shaped by waves over thousands of years.
🚤 Take a Trip to Co To Con
Visit this small uninhabited island with crystal-clear water, quiet beaches, and excellent swimming opportunities.
🏍️ Explore the Island by Motorbike
Ride along scenic coastal roads, discover hidden beaches, and stop at viewpoints and fishing villages at your own pace.
🍤 Enjoy Fresh Seafood
Taste freshly caught squid, shrimp, crab, and other local seafood specialties served in family-run restaurants.
Book a TOUR / CRUISE in Lan Ha Bay ➜
💡 Travel Tip
Plan to stay at least 2–3 days to experience the best of Co To Island. Rent a motorbike, explore several beaches, visit the lighthouse and Cau My cliffs, and don’t miss a boat trip to nearby Co To Con.
Best Beaches on Co To Island
Co To Island is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in northern Vietnam. From long stretches of white sand to quiet bays with crystal-clear water, every beach has its own character. Whether you’re looking for swimming, sunsets, or a peaceful place away from the crowds, Co To has plenty of excellent options.
🏖️ Van Chay Beach
The island’s most famous beach, known for its wide shoreline, soft white sand, and beautiful sunsets.
🌊 Hong Van Beach
A peaceful beach with calm, shallow water that’s perfect for swimming, especially during the summer season.
🌴 Tinh Yeu Beach
Located within walking distance of Co To Town, this beach is ideal for a morning swim or an evening stroll.
🌅 Bac Van Beach
A quieter stretch of coastline surrounded by nature, offering a more peaceful beach experience.
🏝️ Co To Con Beaches
Small, unspoiled beaches with crystal-clear water on the nearby island of Co To Con, perfect for a day trip.
📸 Hidden Coastal Spots
Explore quiet coves and scenic coastal viewpoints scattered around the island, many just a short ride from the main roads.
💡 Travel Tip
Visit the beaches early in the morning or before sunset for the calmest sea, fewer visitors, and the best light for photography. During weekdays, Co To is usually much quieter than on summer weekends.
Top Attractions Beyond the Beaches
While Co To Island is best known for its beautiful beaches, there are plenty of other places worth exploring. Scenic viewpoints, dramatic rock formations, peaceful temples, and nearby islands make Co To an excellent destination for travelers who enjoy combining beach time with sightseeing.
🗼 Co To Lighthouse
One of the island’s best viewpoints, offering panoramic views of the coastline, forests, and surrounding islands.
🪨 Cau My Cliffs
Also known as Dragon Claws, these impressive rock formations are one of Co To’s most photographed natural attractions.
🚤 Co To Con Island
A small uninhabited island with crystal-clear water and pristine beaches, perfect for a half-day boat trip.
⛩️ Co To Pagoda
A peaceful Buddhist temple surrounded by greenery, offering a quiet break from the island’s beaches.
🇻🇳 Ho Chi Minh Memorial
A historic monument commemorating President Ho Chi Minh’s visit to Co To Island in 1961.
⚓ Co To Town
Stroll along the harbor, enjoy fresh seafood, and experience the relaxed atmosphere of the island’s main town.
💡 Travel Tip
Most of Co To’s top attractions can be visited in a single day by motorbike. Start early with the lighthouse, continue to Cau My Cliffs, and finish the day watching the sunset from Van Chay or Tinh Yeu Beach.
Island Hopping from Co To – Co To Con & Thanh Lan
Besides its beautiful beaches, Co To is also a great base for exploring nearby islands. The two most popular boat trips are Co To Con Island, famous for its untouched beaches and crystal-clear water, and Thanh Lan Island, a peaceful island known for quiet fishing villages, scenic coastline, and authentic local life. Both are easy to visit and make excellent half-day or full-day excursions.
🏝️ Co To Con Island
- Departure: Bac Van Port
- 15–30 min by local boat
- Uninhabited tropical island
- White-sand beaches & crystal-clear water
- Ideal for swimming and snorkeling
🌴 Thanh Lan Island
- Departure: Thanh Lan Port or Bac Van Port
- The largest island in the Co To Archipelago
- Peaceful fishing villages and local life
- Ideal for a relaxing day trip
- Long, uncrowded sandy beaches
Best Hotels & Resorts on Co To Island ➜
💡 Travel Tip
If you’re staying on Co To for 3–4 days, visit both islands. Co To Con is the best choice for swimming and relaxing on pristine beaches, while Thanh Lan offers a quieter experience with beautiful coastal scenery and authentic local island life.
Best Seafood & Local Food on Co To Island
Fresh seafood is one of the highlights of visiting Co To Island. Every morning, local fishing boats bring in fresh squid, shrimp, crab, oysters, and fish, which are served in restaurants across the island. Most eateries are located in Co To Town, while seasonal seafood restaurants can also be found near Hong Van and Van Chay beaches.
🦑 Local Specialties
- Grilled squid
- Steamed crab
- Fresh oysters
- Grilled shrimp
- Sea snails & shellfish
🍽️ Where to Eat
- Seafood restaurants in Co To Town
- Family-run local eateries
- Beachfront restaurants (seasonal)
- Hong Van Beach cafés
- Fresh seafood markets
💡 Travel Tip
Visit a local seafood restaurant in the evening when the day’s catch arrives at the harbor. Asking for the catch of the day is often the best way to enjoy the freshest seafood at a reasonable price.
Getting Around Co To Island
Getting around Co To Island is easy and part of the adventure. The island is relatively small, with quiet roads connecting beaches, viewpoints, and villages. Renting a motorbike is the most popular option, but electric carts, bicycles, and taxis are also available, especially around Co To Town.
🏍️ Rent a Motorbike
- Most popular way to explore
- Easy access to beaches and attractions
- Affordable daily rental
- Ideal for independent travelers
🚖 Other Transport
- Electric carts in Co To Town
- Local taxis
- Bicycle rentals
- Walking around the town center
💡 Travel Tip
Renting a motorbike gives you the freedom to visit the island’s beaches, lighthouse, and scenic viewpoints at your own pace. Most attractions can be reached within 10–20 minutes from Co To Town.
Discover the History & Culture of Co To
Beyond its beautiful beaches, Co To Island has a rich maritime history shaped by generations of fishermen and its strategic location in the Gulf of Tonkin. Today, visitors can experience a relaxed island lifestyle, explore cultural landmarks, and discover traditions that have remained part of local life for centuries.
⚓ Fishing Heritage
Fishing remains the island’s main livelihood, and every morning the harbor comes alive as local boats return with fresh seafood.
🇻🇳 Ho Chi Minh Memorial
The island is home to a memorial honoring President Ho Chi Minh, who visited Co To in 1961, making it one of the island’s most important historical landmarks.
⛩️ Co To Pagoda
A peaceful Buddhist temple surrounded by trees, offering visitors a quiet place to experience the island’s spiritual traditions.
🌊 Island Life
Life on Co To moves at a slower pace, with small fishing villages, friendly locals, and a relaxed atmosphere throughout the year.
💡 Travel Tip
Visit the harbor early in the morning to watch local fishing boats return with the day’s catch, or explore the island’s cultural landmarks in the late afternoon when the weather is cooler.
Getting to Co To Island – Ferries & Transport
Although Co To Island is located about 50 km off the coast of Quang Ninh Province, getting there is relatively easy. Most travelers first reach Van Don District and then board a high-speed ferry from Ao Tien Cruise Terminal or Cai Rong Port. The scenic ferry journey across Bai Tu Long Bay usually takes between 90–120 minutes, depending on the boat service and weather conditions.
From Hanoi, you can travel by bus, limousine van, or private car to Ao Tien or Cai Rong before continuing by ferry to Co To Island. The road journey takes about 3 hours, and there is no railway connection to Van Don. During the summer season, ferry departures are more frequent, while outside the season it’s recommended to check schedules in advance.
Book Tickets to Cai Rong / Ao Tien Port ➜
🚤 Ferry Routes
- Cai Rong Port → Co To Island
- Ao Tien Cruise Terminal → Co To Island
- High-speed ferries & speedboats
- Ferry time: 90–120 minutes
- Ferry Tickets from US$8–15
- Slow wooden boat from US$5-7
ℹ️ Visitor Information
- 📍 Departure from Van Don District
- 🚌 Easy bus & limousine access from Hanoi
- ⚓ Ao Tien: newest and main departure terminal
- ⚓ Cai Rong: regular daily ferry services
- 🌊 Ferry schedules depend on sea conditions
- ⚓ Read: Ha Long to Quan Lan / Co To
🌤️ Weather on Co To Island – Best Time to Visit
The weather on Co To Island is warm and humid for most of the year, with hot summers and mild winters. Located in the Gulf of Tonkin, the island enjoys a pleasant coastal climate that’s ideal for beaches, swimming, island hopping, and outdoor activities during the warmer months.
🌸 Spring (March–May)
Temperatures range from 20–29 °C, with lower humidity and plenty of sunshine. Spring is one of the best times to visit, offering excellent weather for sightseeing, boat trips, and relaxing on the island’s beaches.
☀️ Summer (June–August)
Warm temperatures of 28–33 °C make summer the busiest season on Co To Island. It’s perfect for swimming, beach holidays, and island hopping, although tropical showers and rough seas may occasionally affect ferry services.
🍂 Autumn (September–November)
Temperatures stay between 24–31 °C, while the sea remains warm and visitor numbers begin to decrease. Autumn is an excellent time to enjoy quieter beaches and comfortable sightseeing conditions.
❄️ Winter (December–February)
Cooler temperatures of 15–22 °C bring a peaceful atmosphere to the island. While swimming is less common, winter is ideal for enjoying local culture, fresh seafood, and uncrowded coastal scenery.
💡 April to June and September to October are the best times to visit Co To Island, offering warm weather, calm seas, and excellent conditions for beaches, boat trips, and exploring the island.
🏡 Accommodation on Co To Island – Where to Stay
Co To Island offers a wide variety of accommodation, from modern beachfront resorts and boutique hotels to budget guesthouses and cozy homestays. Most visitors stay in Co To Town, while Hong Van Beach and Van Chay Beach are perfect for those looking for a quieter seaside escape with easy access to the island’s best beaches.
Best Hotels & Resorts on Co To Island ➜
🏨 Hotels & Resorts
Choose from modern beachfront resorts, boutique hotels, and comfortable seaside accommodation with easy access to Co To Island’s most popular attractions.
🏡 Homestays
Experience authentic island life in a family-run homestay, where friendly hosts and home-cooked Vietnamese meals create a memorable stay.
🛏️ Guesthouses
Affordable guesthouses offer clean rooms, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and convenient locations close to beaches, restaurants, and the ferry terminal.
🌊 Beachfront Stays
Stay just steps from the sea and enjoy peaceful beaches, beautiful sunrises, and a relaxing atmosphere away from Vietnam’s busiest beach destinations.
Check availability ➜
Check availability ➜
Check availability ➜
💡 Good to know: If you’re planning to visit Co To Island between May and August or during Vietnamese public holidays, book your accommodation well in advance. Hotels near Hong Van Beach and Van Chay Beach are especially popular and often sell out during the peak summer season.
🔍 Top Attractions & Things to Do on Co To Island:
- Van Chay Beach: Co To’s most famous beach with soft white sand and beautiful sunsets.
- Hong Van Beach: Calm turquoise water, perfect for swimming and relaxing.
- Tinh Yeu Beach: Popular beach within walking distance of Co To Town.
- Cau My (Dragon Claws): Spectacular rocky coastline and one of the island’s best viewpoints.
- Co To Lighthouse: Panoramic views over the island and surrounding archipelago.
- Co To Con Island: Uninhabited island with pristine beaches and crystal-clear water.
- Thanh Lan Island: Peaceful island with fishing villages and uncrowded beaches.
- Ho Chi Minh Memorial: Historic landmark commemorating President Ho Chi Minh’s visit in 1961.
- Co To Pagoda: Quiet Buddhist temple surrounded by lush greenery.
- Co To Town: Explore the harbor, local cafés, restaurants, and seafood markets.
- Motorbike Adventure: Ride scenic coastal roads and discover hidden beaches.
- Fresh Seafood: Enjoy lobster, crab, squid, oysters, shrimp, and local specialties.
- Boat Trips: Visit nearby islands or cruise around the Co To Archipelago.
- Sunrise & Sunset: Watch unforgettable coastal views from beaches and viewpoints.
- Swimming & Snorkeling: Relax in crystal-clear water on some of northern Vietnam’s best beaches.
📍 Ha Long / Co To Map – Location & Top Attractions:
❓ Co To Island Travel FAQ: Beaches & Visitor Information
Where is Co To Island located?
Co To Island is part of Quang Ninh Province, about 50 km by ferry from Cai Rong Port.
How can you travel from Hanoi to Co To Island?
Travel by bus or private car to Cai Rong Port or Ao Tien Port, then take a ferry to Co To. You can also read this article: How to get from Ha Long to Quan Lan / Co To.
Where is the best place to stay on Co To Island?
Most visitors stay in Co To Town, where you’ll find hotels, guesthouses, restaurants and cafés.
How do you return from Co To Island to Cai Rong?
Regular ferries depart from Co To’s main harbor and return directly to Cai Rong Port or Ao Tien Ferry Terminal.
Can you travel from Co To Island to Quan Lan?
Local boats may operate between the islands, but schedules vary and should be checked at the harbor.
What is the closest airport to Co To Island?
Van Don International Airport is the nearest airport, located close to Cai Rong Port.
How large is Co To Island?
The island measures about 15 × 8 km and is easy to explore by motorbike.
Which beaches are the most beautiful on Co To Island?
Van Chay Beach and Hong Van Beach are the island’s most popular sandy beaches.
Where can you rent a motorbike on Co To Island?
Most hotels and guesthouses can arrange affordable motorbike or bicycle rentals.
Is Co To Island crowded with tourists?
It is quiet outside summer, while weekends and holidays attract more domestic visitors.
Can you buy food and drinks at Co To beaches?
Yes, during the tourist season, although bringing your own drinks is still recommended.
Do foreigners need a permit to visit Co To Island?
No special permit is required. Travelers simply present their passport before boarding the ferry.
Which nearby islands can you visit from Co To?
You can easily visit Thanh Lan Island and Co To Con by local boat.
Which other Vietnamese islands are worth visiting?
See our guide to the best islands in Vietnam.
Is Vietnam a good destination for solo travelers?
Read our guide to solo travel in Vietnam for useful travel tips.
What should first-time visitors expect from Vietnamese culture?
Learn about local traditions and hospitality in our guide to Vietnamese culture.
📸 Co To Island Photo Gallery:
