Situated nearly 30 kilometers from Cua Viet Port in Gio Linh District, Quang Tri Province, Con Co Island - also known as Hon Co, Con Ho, or Hon Me - is gaining popularity as a tourist destination.

Rich in geological and ecological value, Con Co Island is often described as a natural museum, with unique basalt rock formations along its coast and small, unspoiled beaches composed of shells, sand, and coral fragments.

According to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, Con Co Island, positioned along the 17th parallel, serves as both a strategic outpost for national sovereignty and one of the most beautiful islands in Central Vietnam.

Covering an area of approximately 2.3 square kilometers, over 70% of the island is covered by pristine rainforest, making it one of the few places in Vietnam that still retains an intact three-layer tropical rainforest ecosystem.

Visitors to Con Co Island are encouraged to explore the lush rainforest, breathe in the fresh air, and discover the island's diverse flora and fauna.

Hoai An, a visitor from Dong Ha City, Quang Tri Province, shared his impressions after visiting Con Co Island during the summer. He was captivated by the island’s unspoiled and stunning scenery. From Dong Ha City, he took a taxi to Cua Viet Port at 7am, costing 200,000 VND ($8).

For those who prefer flexibility, visitors can travel to the island using personal vehicles and park them overnight at Cua Viet Port.

From the port, visitors take a ferry to Con Co Island, with ticket prices at 220,000 VND per person, one way, and a travel time of just over an hour. Tickets can be reserved in advance or purchased directly on the ferry.

To maximize their experience on the island, visitors can rent an electric vehicle for about 300,000 VND per day (from 10am to 7am the next day) or opt for a more budget-friendly option by renting a bicycle at Thanh Nien Village for half the price.

Despite its small size, Con Co is easily navigable by bicycle or electric vehicle, allowing visitors to explore the entire island with minimal effort and time.

In addition to its lush, serene environment, Con Co Island offers several attractions, including the National Flagpole, Da Den Beach, Song Huong Wharf, Con Co Lighthouse, and Ben Tranh.

In 2024, Con Co Island plans to introduce new tourism products, such as glass-bottom boat tours around the island (costing approximately 150,000 VND per person for up to 30 guests), coral reef diving (seasonal), campfire activities, and cultural exchanges between visitors and the island’s residents.

The island has also developed new tourist facilities, including the restoration of the Thai Van A Observatory, the renovation of Ben Nghe Wharf, and enhancements to several historical sites such as the Bang Vuong complex, military bunkers, and a traditional house, catering to the diverse needs of tourists.

Cuisine is another highlight that draws visitors to Con Co Island. The island offers a variety of fresh and delicious seafood, including rare dishes like king oysters and land snails, which are difficult to find on the mainland.

"When visiting Con Co, you must try the island's specialties made from the freshest seafood, such as cool fish porridge, seaweed salad, king oysters, or land snails. The food here is not only tasty but also affordable; you can enjoy three meals for less than 150,000 VND," suggested Hoai An.

After his two-day, one-night trip to Con Co Island, Hoai An estimated his expenses at around 1.5 million VND per person, including 440,000 VND for round-trip ferry tickets, 200,000 VND for a taxi from Dong Ha to Cua Viet Port, and 500,000 VND for one night’s accommodation, with the rest spent on food.

Visitors to Con Co Island can also purchase local dried seafood or rare medicinal herbs as gifts for family and friends, such as Con Co's jiaogulan tea or forest ginseng.

However, visitors should keep a few tips in mind to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on the island: carry personal identification, bring medication for motion sickness, insect repellent, and sunscreen; use freshwater sparingly; avoid taking photos, filming, or flying drones in restricted areas; and refrain from catching or eating land crabs.

Thao Trinh