Buzz
Cô Tô, known as the “emerald jewel” amidst the Northeastern seas, boasts pristine beaches stretching as far as the eye can see, lush greenery, and a tranquil, picturesque setting.
Embark on a remarkable journey to Cô Tô Island for 2 days and 1 night with your closest friends at an incredible price of just $80.
Cô Tô travel promises to offer you unforgettable moments with your closest friends and moments of relaxation in the cool, refreshing air here.
When is the best time to visit Cô Tô?
The best time to visit Cô Tô is from April to June. But it’s also a bit of luck! We went for 2 days, one day was brilliantly sunny, and the other day poured rain. It’s best to thoroughly check the weather or ask your homestay host in advance to be proactive!
Moving around
- We opted for a night journey to save time due to our tight schedule. We traveled by sleeper bus, Xuân Trường bus company. However, there were some unpleasant experiences, so next time, we'll choose a different bus company!
- To get to the island, we booked round-trip tickets with Havaco. Departure from the port was at 7:15, and we arrived on the island at 8:30. It's advisable to book tickets in advance to be proactive.
- Getting around the island, we rented a scooter from the Homestay. The roads on the island are quite easy to navigate, so it's a breeze to drive around! Oh, but there are still traffic police officers, so remember to bring your driver's license! Fuel here is sold by the bottle at convenience stores instead of gas stations like on the mainland. There are gas stations, but whether they're operational or not is hit or miss! Visitors can also opt for electric scooters as the prices are not significantly different.
Accommodation
We stayed at Cường Thịnh Homestay, which I highly recommend because everyone there is so friendly! Our first lunch on the island was a true home-cooked meal, 'tastes like mom's cooking.' The hostess is extremely attentive! Before leaving, the youngest son of the host family played the guitar and sang for us, super chill!
Detailed Itinerary for 2 days 1 night:
Day 1
– 1:30 AM: Departure from Hanoi. Boarding the sleeper bus, as it will make a few stops around Hanoi before departing, so we'll arrive at Cai Rong Port by 6 AM. Opting for the Limousine will cut down the travel time!
– 6:30 AM: Breakfast time. While waiting for the scheduled departure, let's grab breakfast right at Cai Rong Port. It's just a stone's throw away from the bus drop-off point to the dock; the seafood noodle soup here is absolutely delicious, worth a try!
– 7:00 AM: Boarding the boat. At 7:15 AM, the journey begins. Initially, the scenery in the bay is breathtaking, perfect for some mesmerizing photos! However, as the waves pick up, it gets a bit bumpy! Those prone to motion sickness will understand!
– 9:00 AM: Arrive at the homestay by electric car. Originally, we were supposed to check in at the lighthouse, but with everyone feeling a bit under the weather, we've decided to postpone and instead freshen up, have an early lunch, and shift everything to the afternoon.
At 11 AM: We enjoyed a delicious homemade meal prepared by our lovely host at the Homestay. The dishes were truly representative of the island's cuisine.
After our meal, we prepared ourselves and headed to Vàn Chảy Beach. Despite the scorching midday sun, the beach was deserted, offering us the perfect backdrop for some amazing photos!
By 3 PM: We ventured to Hồng Vàn Beach for a refreshing swim, followed by leisurely strolls until evening, when we dined by the shore. Everyone in the group was so captivated by the sea that we lost track of time!
In the evening, we treated ourselves to a seafood hotpot right by Hồng Vàn Beach, enjoying the comforting warmth of the pot while listening to the soothing sound of waves crashing. It was truly a serene experience, and the prices were reasonable too!
Day 2
As per our itinerary, we were supposed to visit Móng Rồng Rock Formation to catch the sunrise at 5 AM. However, upon waking up, we were greeted by heavy rain, so we opted to snuggle back into our blankets and catch up on sleep instead.
At 8 AM, the drizzle subsided, giving way to sunshine. Despite the host's assurance of a beautiful spot, our venture to the rocky beach was met with gloomy skies and a subsequent downpour, leaving us thoroughly drenched.
By 10 AM, we made a quick trip to the nearby market near the port to stock up on supplies. However, upon checking the weather forecast and hearing rumors of an impending storm, we promptly adjusted our plans from a 3-day, 2-night getaway to a condensed 2-day, 1-night escape, wary of being stranded by the impending tempest.
At 11 AM, we returned to the homestay to pack up our belongings before heading into town for lunch and to exchange our train tickets for the 1:45 PM departure.
Arriving back in Van Don at 3 PM, we were greeted by clear skies and pristine blue waters. Afterward, we boarded the vehicle back to Hanoi, concluding our 2-day, 1-night journey filled with sunbathing, dancing in the rain, and indulging in the rejuvenating embrace of the sea breeze.
Total Trip Expenditure:
Our party of five incurred a total cost of 9 million VND. Given our moderate spending habits, we believe this amount to be entirely reasonable.
One thing I absolutely love about Cô Tô is how incredibly friendly and welcoming everyone is here, from adults to children. There's none of the harshness you sometimes find in my hometown. I hope one day soon I'll be packing my bags for a week of pure bliss here!
Trần Hồng Nhung
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Reference: Travel guide Mytour
MytourJuly 20, 2022
