Buzz
If you're still wondering where to go this weekend, let me suggest Coto Island as your destination ❤️
1. Transportation
From Hanoi to Cai Rong Port, we took the Xuân Trường sleeper bus (160k/one-way/person), sleeping for a straight 4-5 hours and arriving promptly. At the port, we purchased tickets for the high-speed ferry to the island (250k/one-way/person). These ferry tickets start selling at 6 a.m., with the first departure at 6:30 a.m. If you're prone to seasickness, opt for seats in the middle section. On Coto Island, we all moved around by motorbike rental (150k/day, excluding fuel). – For larger groups, electric scooters might be a cheaper option. ❗️Gas stations are located right in zone 3 of the township.
2. Accommodation Options
+ When in Coto Island, you have the choice of staying in hotels, homestays, or guesthouses.
We opted for guesthouses since we spent most of our time exploring outdoors. Our guesthouse (priced at 300/night) was conveniently located in the township for easy access to sightseeing spots ????
3. Dining
+ Don't miss out on indulging in seafood delicacies when in Coto Island, such as seafood hotpot and crab. ????Some notable dining spots include: Uy Thanh, Binh An Kitchen (open-air dining by the beach),… We dined on seafood at Binh An Kitchen, where a meal costs 300k/person, and it was absolutely delicious ❤️❤️
+ For breakfast, we tried out Coto Plus, Co Nghia,… which were not only delicious but also reasonably priced.
Additionally, there are various bubble tea shops and snack spots like Kai Tea, World of Desserts,…
Day Plan
Day 1
We took the Xuân Trường sleeper bus from Hanoi the previous night. Around 1 a.m., we were picked up at the Sở Thanh Xuân intersection (Hanoi).
+ At 5:30 a.m., we arrived at Cai Rong port, rested, and bought high-speed ferry tickets ????
+ At 6:30 a.m., we departed from the port to the island (make sure to contact your hotel or homestay for pickup upon arrival at Coto Island).
+ By 8 a.m., we reached Coto Island, checked into our accommodation (early check-in was free, otherwise, you can leave your luggage and explore),
+ We rested and had lunch until 2 p.m., then rented motorbikes ???? to explore: around the township, Hai Dang Peak, Van Chay Beach (I got a bit itchy from jellyfish stings).
+ In the evening, we had seafood hotpot and explored around the township.
Day 2
+ The weather on the second day was splendid. We had breakfast at 8 a.m. and started our journey:
* My Bridge Rock Beach (Dragon Claw Rock Beach)
* Wave Watching Hill (right next to the beach)
* European Port (3km from the rock beach)
+ We had lunch in the township and rested at our accommodation during noon.
+ At 2 p.m., we visited:
* Uncle Ho Statue (in the township)
* Love Road, Love Beach (for photos)
* Hong Van Beach (for swimming and relaxation). I loved swimming here because the water was crystal clear, the sand was white, and there were no itch-inducing jellyfish like at Van Chay Beach. ????
+ In the evening, we dined and explored around the township.
Day 3
+ We had breakfast in the township and headed to Bac Van Port to start our journey to Coto Con Island.
The cost of the boat to Coto Con Island is 700k/boat/12 people (round trip). You can share the cost among fewer people, just group together to make up 12 people for a cheaper fare.
+ Around noon, we returned to our accommodation, had lunch, bought souvenirs, checked out, bought high-speed ferry tickets, and returned the motorbikes.
+ In the early afternoon, we headed to the port and took the sleeper bus back home.
❗️Make sure to inquire about the high-speed ferry schedule from the island to the port in advance to prepare accordingly, otherwise, you might miss the ferry and have to stay overnight on the island.
5. The Most Important: Budget Breakdown
* Sleeper bus ticket: 320k/person
* High-speed ferry ticket: 500k/person
* Accommodation cost: 300k/person
* Motorbike rental: 150k/2 days/person
* Fuel cost: 50k
* Food expenses: 600k/person
* Miscellaneous expenses: 120k/person
* Coto Con Island boat: 60k/person
❤️So, the total expenses amount to 2100k/person.
That's what we spent. However, your expenses might vary depending on conditions and preferences ????????
❤️Above are the details of our trip for your reference. Coto Island is still quite pristine and incredibly beautiful, with friendly locals. Wishing you a delightful journey ❤️
Author: Mai Hann
See more: Travel Experience on Coto Island
