Co To Island is a stunning, 47-square-kilometer paradise of beautiful pine-fringed beaches, vibrant coral shallows, and a peaceful, authentic fishing community, all located about 80km from the mainland. It offers a wonderfully pristine and “off-the-beaten-path” counterpoint to the bustling energy of Ha Long. For our Indian travelers who are seeking a true escape, who love snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, and who dream of witnessing breathtaking lighthouse vistas, Co To is the perfect addition to a Northern Vietnam itinerary.
A jewel of the gulf: Co island’s location and beautiful geography
Co To Island is the largest island in a beautiful archipelago located in the eastern part of our Quang Ninh Province. Its remote location is the very reason it has remained so pristine and beautiful.
The island is located about 60km to the east of the serene Bai Tu Long Bay. The main Co To island is about 10km long and serves as the beautiful anchor for an archipelago of over 50 smaller islets, including the lovely Thanh Lan island.
Co To is a stunning blend of powdery white-sand beaches, rolling hills that rise up to 170 meters, and lush, green tropical forests. It is a true natural paradise.
Reaching Co Island – “Jade Pearl”: Your strategic access
For our travelers coming from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, or Bangalore, Vietnamstory.in recommends integrating a visit to Co To as a wonderful 2-day extension after your Ha Long Bay cruise, or as a direct transfer from Hanoi. Getting here is an exciting journey across the sea. Here are your best options.
The modern gateway
Most of the boat departures to Co To now use the new and modern Ao Tien International Port in Van Don. This beautiful, new facility offers premium, air-conditioned waiting lounges and easy electronic check-in, and it has replaced the older, more rustic Cai Rong Port.
The speedboat
This is the fastest and most popular way to reach the island, taking only 60–90 minutes.
- Cost: A one-way ticket costs approximately 230,000 – 300,000 VND (around ₹800 – ₹1,050).
- The schedule: There are several daily slots, typically at 7:00 AM, 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM, and 1:30 PM.
The wooden boat
For a more leisurely and budget-friendly journey, you can take the traditional wooden boat. It takes about 2.5 – 4 hours and costs between 95,000–150,000 VND. This is the best option for photographers who want to capture the beauty of the Bai Tu Long archipelago at a slow, relaxed pace.
The Van Don Airport (VDO) connection
For those of you flying in from Southern Vietnam, the journey is incredibly convenient. It is just a short, 15-minute taxi ride from the Van Don Airport to the Ao Tien Port.
Your must-visit spots and the island’s unique geological wonders
Co To is blessed with some of the most unique and beautiful natural landscapes in all of Northern Vietnam. From a “Dragon’s Tail” of rock to pristine, uninhabited islets, here are the places you must not miss.
The “Dragon’s Tail” (The Cau My Rocks)
This is a true natural masterpiece. It is a stunning stretch of stratified, sedimentary rock that dates back thousands of years. In 2026, it remains the island’s #1 most beautiful sunrise photography spot. The way the early morning light highlights the vivid ochre and grey layers of the rock is absolutely breathtaking.
The Co To Lighthouse
For the best view on the entire island, you must visit the lighthouse. Perched at 118 meters above sea level, it requires a short trek through the forest and a final climb up 72 internal steps. From the top, you are rewarded with an incredible 360-degree panoramic view of the entire Gulf of Tonkin.
The “Path of Love”
This is a wonderfully romantic, 2km-long brick-paved walkway that is lined with beautiful, shady casuarina trees. It runs parallel to the beach and is the ideal spot for a peaceful and romantic evening stroll.
READ MORE: Is Ha Long Bay Worth Visiting in 2026? The Honest Truth for Indian Travelers
The Island’s Pristine beaches
- Hong Van Beach: This beach is famous for its incredibly calm, lake-like waters, as it is protected by the nearby Thanh Lan islet.
- Van Chai Beach: This beach faces west and often has bigger waves. It is the absolute best spot on the island for watching the sunset.
The uninhabited Co To Con (Small Co To)
A short, 20-minute boat ride will take you to this strictly protected and completely uninhabited islet. In 2026, this is the premier and most pristine spot for snorkeling, as it features beautiful and resilient coral reefs in very shallow depths.
Your activities and unforgettable experiences
Co To is an island for active, nature-loving travelers. Here are the best things to do to experience the island’s beauty.
- Snorkeling and diving: The clear, shallow waters, especially around Co To Con, are perfect for exploring the marine life, especially from May to October.
- Island hopping: You can easily hire a small boat (for around 200,000 VND) to take you on a trip to the nearby Thanh Lan island to explore its beautiful caves.
- Delicious seafood feasts: You must indulge in the incredibly fresh local seafood. Find a simple beach shack and enjoy delicious grilled squid, steamed clams, and other fresh catches of the day.
- Camping and stargazing: For a truly rustic and adventurous experience, you can go camping on one of the more primitive beaches. The lack of light pollution makes it a fantastic spot for stargazing.
A recommended 2-day itinerary for Indian tourists
- Day 1: Take the morning speedboat from Ao Tien. After checking into your hotel, have a delicious seafood lunch at Van Chai Beach. In the afternoon, make the rewarding trek up to the Co To Lighthouse, and then head to the Cau My Rocks to watch a spectacular sunset.
- Day 2: Wake up early to catch the incredible sunrise at the “Dragon’s Tail.” After breakfast, take a boat trip to the beautiful Co To Con for a morning of snorkeling. Before you leave, visit the local Mong Dieu Temple, and then take the afternoon ferry back to the mainland.
READ MORE: Ba Trai Dao Island: The Hidden Paradise of Lan Ha Bay
Vietnamstory signature: Our tailored tips for Indian travelers
At Vietnam Story, we are experts at tailoring the Co To Island experience to be perfectly comfortable and enjoyable for our Indian guests. We focus on the small details that we know make a big difference.
Eco-luxury and comfort
We understand that while mega-resorts are absent on the island, you still value comfort. We curate stays at the best available hotels, like the Golden Coto Hotel or the Bảo Ngọc Cô Tô, which provide high-standard, clean, en-suite facilities and, very importantly, reliable power and air conditioning, which can sometimes be a rarity on these frontier islands.
Your vegetarian and Jain dining needs
We know that finding vegetarian food can be a challenge when seafood is the local staple. As of 2025, we have built strong partnerships with the best “Eco-Lodges” on the island to offer you specialized vegetarian menus. We will ensure that delicious dishes like stir-fried mountain greens, braised tofu, and fresh island fruits are available for all our guests.
The “green” mandate
Co To is a leader in Vietnam’s “No-Plastic” initiative.
- A traveler alert: All visitors are strictly discouraged from bringing any single-use plastic bags or bottles to the island.
- Our Vietnamstory perk: To help you with this, we will provide each of our guests with a beautiful, reusable bamboo water bottle upon your arrival at the Ao Tien Port.
Cash and connectivity
Co To is a very cash-heavy economy, and there are very limited ATMs on the island. We will ensure that all of your major expenses, like your hotel and boat trips, are pre-paid, so you will only need a small amount of cash for local handicrafts or beachside snacks.
A quick comparison: Co To Island and the nearby Quan Lan Island
| Feature | Co To Island | Quan Lan Island |
| The vibe | It has a vibrant, “Frontier” energy and is more active. | It is a place of total silence, with a “Slow life” and more historical vibe. |
| The beaches | The beaches are narrower, beautiful, powdery arcs (like Hong Van). | The beaches are massive, flat, and are known as the “Singing Sands” (like Minh Chau). |
| Infrastructure | It is more well-developed, with electric cars for transport and more hotel options. | It is much more rustic, with fewer modern amenities. |
| The food | It is famous for its delicious grilled squid and clams. | It is famous for the rare local delicacy, Sá Sùng (Sea Worms). |
| Accessibility | The journey is a bit longer, taking 1.5 – 2 hours from Van Don. | The journey is shorter, taking only 45 – 60 minutes from Van Don. |
Conclusion
A journey to Co To Island is more than just a beach holiday; it is an authentic escape from the world of mass tourism. It is a chance to step into a place where the rhythm of life is still dictated by the fishing boats and the changing of the tides. It is a destination that rewards you not with flashy attractions, but with the simple, profound beauty of an untouched landscape, the taste of incredibly fresh seafood, and the warmth of a genuine, local community. For the traveler seeking a true, unfiltered taste of coastal Vietnam, Co To is the perfect antidote to the ordinary.
At Vietnamstory, our passion is to guide you to these kinds of authentic and meaningful escapes. Let us handle all the complex logistics of reaching this beautiful island, so you can simply immerse yourself in its pristine and peaceful atmosphere. Contact us today, and let’s start planning your journey to a true “Jade Pearl.”