Located in Co To Island District, Quang Ninh Province, Co To Island is a must-see attraction of Vietnam. In general, Co To Island District is comprised of 40 islands varying in size. Three ofthe largest islands are Co To Island, Thanh Lan Island and Tran Island.
In the northeast, Co To Island is the furthest inhabited island from the mainland. Its highest peak reaches a respectable 170m. There are numerous other hills, and a large lighthouse. The coastline is mostly cliffs and large rocks, but there’s at least one sandy beach.
Co To Island is usually referred to as “Large Co To Island,” which can be explained by its relatively large area. Despite the growth of Vietnam modern industry, the island still has deserted and aesthetic beaches, one of which is Trinh Sat Beach. This beautiful tropical beach has a wonderful shore with white sands and blue, crystal-like water. The sea at Co Toseems to be so nice no matter when you look at it: day or night, sunrise or sunset, under the moonlight or in the morning mist. Whenever you walk on a Co To beach, you are about to experience many unforgettable emotions. There is even a romantic path which leads to the lighthouse, the highest peak of Co To Island. Only 1km long, this path goes within the pine tree forest full of fresh and aromatic wild flowers. When you reach that lighthouse, which is 70 metres above sea level, you can hear the breath of the ocean and fill your mind with the peaceful scenery of Co To. Sometime during harvest time, you can even smell the fragrance of oranges from the nearby Thanh Lan Island, which has turned a splendid orange-yellow color.
The perfect ecotourism tours in the forest of Co To Island are another option to consider when you stay in Co To. Besides, you can actually hire a boat to discover the islands, go fishing or snorkelling (in the company of the boatman, of course!). When you are tired of walking around, sit down and enjoy the incredibly tasty seafood. You can choose to either cook by yourself or to hire a native to cook for a very good price!
There are a couple of newly built hotels and guesthouses on Co To, including the Coto Lodge Hotel. The attached Jellyfish restaurant is surprisingly chic, and the hotel can arrange beach barbecues and island tours. Rates include breakfast. The hotel also rents out camping gear including tents and portable stoves.
Slow ferries bound for Dao Co To depart Cai Rong Pier at 7am daily (70,000d, three hours). There are also slow ferries departing Cai Rong at 1pm on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
A faster speedboat departs Cai Rong daily at 1.30pm (125,000d, two hours).
