The exceptional beauty of the UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay is always what local and international tourists think of first when the name of Quang Ninh Province flashes through their mind. That is true but a trip to Quang Ninh will be more richly rewarding if visitors take the chance to drop by Co To Island, also in the province.

Fishing boats are seen at a beach on Co To Island in Quang Ninh Province 

From Hanoi, travelers are advised to take a coach to Van Don Crossroad in Bai Chay Ward in Quang Ninh Province with the fare of VND100,000 (US$4.4)  to VND150,000 per person, and then continue catching a taxi cab or local bus to reach Cai Rong Port. 

From Cai Rong Port, tourists can choose either high-speed boat or small wooden boat to take in the pristine Co To Island. High-speed boats depart from 1 p.m. on weekdays with the ticket price costing from VND180,000 to VND200,000 per passenger while wooden boats are in service on weekdays except Sunday at a cost of VND110,000 per passenger for a round trip.

On the way to the island, the pristine and untouched scenery surrounded by mountains, blue sky and crystal blue seawater in combination with the peaceful pace of life might make a deep impression on first-timers and help them relieve all the stress of the modern life.

Dawn and sunset are the the most ideal times for visitors to admire the charms of the island and for photographers to take the best photo shots.

The untouched beauty of Co To Island with crystal blue water awakes many tourists’ interest

One of the most memorable experiences not to be missed during their trip to the island should be to get up early to take a relaxing walk on the beaches and witness the bustling scene of fishing boats returning home from the sea in the early morning, where visitors can obtain an insight into daily lives of local fishermen full of hardship and danger.

Statistics from Co To Island District of the province shows that the number of visitors to the island last year amounted to 320,000, including 2,200 foreigners, generating VND570 billion (US$25 million) in tourism revenue, jumping 42.5% against a year earlier.

This year, Co To is expected to woo more than 330,000 visitors and fetch VND600 billion in tourism revenue, and tourism creates jobs for more than 1,500 islanders and those from neighboring areas.

Currently, Co To Island houses 300 accommodations with more than 2,500 rooms. Meanwhile, the water transport system has been strongly developed with the operation of 26 high speed boats, each of which can make four trips per day to cater to domestic and foreign tourists.

SGT