Buzz
Co To Island (Quang Ninh) is one of the most beautiful coastal areas in Northern Vietnam. But before you come here, you should prepare yourself mentally if you don't want to be 'shocked' by some things.
Avoid 'Passing Out' in Co To Island!
The price of renting a boat to explore the small islands, going to the market to buy seafood souvenirs, or deciding what to eat is an essential consideration if you want to have a perfect Co To Island trip.
Renting a boat to the small islands
Co To Island has some small surrounding islands worth visiting such as Co To Con, Lion Island. The price of renting a boat for a tour to these two islands is about 600,000 VND, accommodating around 10-12 people per boat. Remember this to bargain and avoid being pressured into prices.
Co To Con is like the 'core' of Co To Island. During the tourist season, this place offers very enjoyable activities: parasailing, banana boat rides, high-speed canoeing, and even pearl diving without spending money and 'takeaway packages'.
Don't be tempted by beachfront accommodations
Based on experiences from some travelers who have been to Co To Island, accommodations near the beach may offer beautiful views, but they can easily turn into a nightmare due to mosquitoes, heat, and issues with electricity and water supply.
The small, simple homestays along with houses near the beach are often roofed with corrugated iron, so they can get very hot in summer. If the house has air conditioning, the price is also quite high.
Be cautious of tricks
Seafood in Co To Island or any other coastal area varies with the season, even day by day. On rough sea days, the amount of seafood caught is less, so prices are usually higher. Therefore, before buying, you should inquire about the prices carefully. Avoid misunderstanding '20,000 VND per oyster' as '20,000 VND per kilogram of oyster', and then be shocked when calculating the bill.
Stock up on plenty of snacks
Food and essential items are quite expensive on most islands in the North. If you're a fan of snacks, you should prepare plenty of them before heading to the island if you don't want to empty your pockets buying food.
Some things are worth spending on
The liveliest dining spot on Co To Island is Hong Van Beach. At night, this beach dazzles with colorful lights, bustling with family BBQ tables, and romantic with cafes for couples.
If you're traveling in a group and want to have many experiences, consider renting a boat for night squid fishing. The price for a squid fishing trip is around 800,000 to 1.2 million VND. You'll get to catch squid and grill them, along with freshly caught fish, enjoying them with a glass of wine or beer right on the boat. Don't hesitate to spend money on this unforgettable experience!
According to Duong Khiyet/Zing News
***
Reference: Travel Guide by Mytour
MytourJune 13, 2017
