Travel experience in Co To from someone who has stayed on the island for many days

Co To was once a quiet island off the coast of Van Don, but today it has become a destination that many travelers prioritize in their schedules. However, not everyone enjoys a fulfilling trip here. Those who truly understand and appreciate the island do not seek flashy attractions but choose to slow down, eat the right meals, stay in the right places, and travel at the right times. That is what makes the journey to Co To unforgettable beyond curated images on social media.

Getting to Co To requires careful planning to avoid delays or unnecessary costs. The first step is reaching Cai Rong Port in Van Don, Quang Ninh. From Hanoi, limousine buses offer the best balance between comfort and price, ranging from 220,000 to 280,000 VND per trip, with travel time around 4 hours. From central or southern regions, flying into Van Don airport is possible if flights are available and can save significant time. Booking tickets at least 2 weeks in advance is recommended for better fares. From Cai Rong, travelers take a high-speed boat to Co To Island, with ticket prices between 250,000 and 300,000 VND and a travel time of around 90 minutes. Morning and late-afternoon departures are preferable to avoid rough seas, especially from June to August when waves are typically stronger. Booking tickets through mainland agents in advance is advised to avoid crowding on weekends or holidays.

Cuisine in Co To is not loud or overly commercial. Instead, it reflects the refined, authentic taste of the northern sea. One signature dish is sea cucumber soup, made with freshly caught sea cucumber and local seaweed, producing a naturally sweet and clear broth. Other must-try dishes include steamed mantis shrimp, grilled geoduck with scallion oil, and stir-fried peanut worms. In the early morning, clam porridge and seafood noodles are popular at small eateries near the island's central market. These local spots, often without signage and filled with residents, are the best places to find the freshest seafood caught just hours earlier. A good tip is to dine in groups and order shared dishes for better pricing and variety. Many homestays also offer home-cooked meals tailored to the day’s catch.

Accommodations vary across the island, but not all places live up to expectations. Hotels near the town center such as Coto Center or Golden Coto offer full amenities, with prices from 700,000 to 1,200,000 VND per night, ideal for families or older travelers. For a more tranquil setting, the Hong Van area has wooden homestays just steps from the shore, perfect for sunrise views. Camping at Van Chay Beach is increasingly popular among younger visitors. With 300,000 to 500,000 VND per person, guests can rent tents, enjoy beach BBQs, and have access to basic lighting and night security. However, weather should be checked in advance, and travelers should bring insect repellent and high-capacity power banks since this area is far from central facilities.

Co To offers more than just clear water and white sand. There are unique experiences for those willing to explore deeper. One of the most remarkable is hiking through the forest to Co To Con Island, which has no electricity or accommodations, only untouched nature and the sound of waves. This trip requires good fitness and preparation, but the reward is a setting that feels truly remote. Another popular activity is paddleboarding at sunrise on Love Beach, where light reflects off calm water in golden streaks. Further south, travelers can rent electric cars or motorbikes to visit the Co To Lighthouse. From the hilltop, panoramic views reveal dozens of surrounding islets, especially striking during early morning or sunset when the sky shifts in color and atmosphere.

Photographers will find Co To a treasure trove. Mong Rong Rock Beach is known for its layered stone formations, best captured between 5:00 and 6:30 in the morning when moss is dewy and sunlight is soft. Hong Van Beach is ideal at sunset, with long shadows cast across the sand. Drone users should fly around 16:00 from the sea facing inward toward the island to capture dramatic water tones and village rooftops. A lesser-known technique is photographing the starry sky using a wide-angle lens with long exposure settings on clear nights. Due to low light pollution, Co To remains one of the rare places in the north where star photography is still possible.

Choosing the right time to visit makes all the difference. April to early June offers calm seas, mild sun, and fewer crowds. Avoid national holidays like April 30 or September 2 to prevent overcrowding and price hikes. Bringing a large power bank is essential, as some remote homestays occasionally experience power outages. When buying seafood, avoid overly cheap or pre-cooked items. Instead, ask locals for their trusted vendors, often small boats that return early morning with the freshest catch. Always check the coastal weather forecast 3 to 5 days ahead to avoid trip cancellations due to sudden storms.

Co To is not a place to visit once and forget. It must be felt with patience, subtlety, and perhaps a bit of luck. Slowing down amid the stillness of the island allows one to connect with something simpler yet deeply memorable. It is not about noise or luxury but about quiet moments that linger long after the journey ends.