Buzz
Thanh Lan Island is a renowned tourist destination of Co To Island. Known for its raw and tranquil landscapes, this island offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle. With its pristine blue waters and pure white sands, Thanh Lan Island is often likened to a hidden oasis in the open sea. A single visit here will leave an unforgettable impression.
About Thanh Lan Island
Thanh Lan Island spans approximately 20 km2 and lies to the east of Co To district. It's situated about 4 km from the central area of Co To along the coastline. The island is home to around 1,500 inhabitants and captivates visitors with its lush vegetation, with natural forest covering up to 70% of the island.
The island is the ideal destination for your summer getaway (Image Source: Collection)
This is why Thanh Lan Island appears like a pearl amidst the blue sea. The island plays a crucial role in our country's security and defense strategy. Despite its modest size, it harbors abundant and diverse resources. The beaches on the island retain their pristine beauty, largely untouched by human intervention. Even the islanders are warm, friendly, and hospitable.
When is the best time to visit Thanh Lan Island?
The best time for travelers to visit Thanh Lan Island is during the summer. During this period, the island basks in sunlight, and its crystal-clear waters are exceptionally beautiful. The climate, temperature, and weather are perfect for outdoor activities. Moreover, you can sunbathe and immerse yourself in the cool sea waters.
Don't forget to check the weather forecast for an island adventure beyond expectations (Image Source: Collection)
Absolutely avoid visiting Thanh Lan Island in winter. The northern winter weather is extremely cold, enveloping the island in mystical fog. Consequently, recreational activities will be somewhat affected, depriving you of much excitement during your trip.
How to get to Thanh Lan Island
Currently, there are no direct ferry routes to Thanh Lan Island. Therefore, your journey will take quite some time. It's convenient for travelers coming from Hanoi, but for those from farther provinces, flying to the capital city is a necessity. From there, follow the suggested route provided by Mytour below.
1. Route from Hanoi to Cai Rong Port, Van Don
There are several ways to reach Cai Rong Port, Van Don. Among them, the most popular choice is by bus. You can catch a bus at My Dinh or Nuoc Ngam bus stations. Alternatively, you can pre-arrange a ride with private drivers, with prices ranging from 150,000 to 200,000 VND.
There are plenty of bus companies available with various departure times. However, to ensure you get a ticket at the right time, it's advisable to book early, especially during peak seasons like holidays or Tet. Most buses will only take you to the Van Don intersection. From there, you'll need to catch another bus to Cai Rong Port.
The motorcycle route is incredibly scenic, often favored by adventure enthusiasts (Image Source: Collection)
Additionally, some individuals opt for independent travel using private vehicles such as motorcycles or cars. This allows you to save time and have more autonomy, as well as the flexibility to make stops along the way. Moreover, you can directly experience and appreciate the natural scenery. However, if you choose this method, you must be a skilled driver.
2. Cai Rong Port, Van Don - Co To Island
Next, to reach Thanh Lan Island, you must first travel to Co To Island. There are two ways to get there: by wooden boat or high-speed ferry. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket counters at the port.
Wooden Boat
Wooden boats are traditional vessels with very affordable fares, typically around 100,000 VND per trip. If you enjoy the experience and the scenic beauty of the sea, opt for a wooden boat. However, this mode of transportation takes quite a bit of time, ranging from 3 to 4 hours. If you're prone to seasickness and prefer a faster option, consider carefully!
High-speed Ferry
There are numerous high-speed ferry companies serving Co To Island, offering early morning departures starting from 6 a.m. and the latest departure at around 4 p.m. Be sure to pay attention to these departure times to plan accordingly. Ticket prices range from 230,000 VND to 250,000 VND.
High-speed ferries are a popular choice among travelers for their convenience (Image Source: Collection)
The travel time by high-speed ferry is 1 hour and 30 minutes, significantly shorter than by wooden boat. If you plan to explore
3. Co To Island - Thanh Lan Island
After arriving at Co To Island, you'll need to take another ferry to reach Thanh Lan Island. The journey can be somewhat challenging, so make sure to prepare yourself well! Depending on the travel season and your chosen mode of transportation, there are various ways to get there.
To ensure a smooth journey, it's essential to stay informed. Pay attention to the last departure time of the day to avoid missing your ride. If traveling in a large group, consider hiring a private boat. This allows your group to have more control over the schedule.
Must-visit Attractions on Thanh Lan Island
What makes Thanh Lan Island so unique? Nature has bestowed upon this place many remarkable attractions, making it a promising destination for tourism development. Here are some points of interest you can consider adding to your itinerary:
1. Navy Beach
Navy Beach is one of the renowned beaches on Thanh Lan Island. Situated at the island's far end, it's considered the farthest point from the pier. Its pristine beauty has attracted many travelers. Navy Beach is well-known for its convenient location along the main route.
Navy Beach unfolds before travelers with its rugged beauty (Image Source: Collection)
You can swim here or take a leisurely stroll. The fresh air, filled with the scent of the sea, will bring you tranquility. If you search on Google Maps, you'll see an image displaying a small bridge extending from the trail to the beach. Along the way, before the military camp gate, you'll also encounter a similar bridge. But that's not Navy Beach yet! You'll have to walk a bit further to reach the destination.
2. C76 Beach
C76 Beach on Thanh Lan Island is located behind a military base. The path to C76 Beach is quite challenging and rocky. If you're driving, you need to be a skilled driver. You'll need to pass through the military area with guard dogs and a small trail before reaching the destination.
C76 Beach consists of several interconnected crescent-shaped beaches. They are separated by rocky outcrops, forming different sections of beaches. The majestic scenery and serene atmosphere will leave you deeply impressed. Don't forget to strike a pose and capture some beautiful photos when you're here!
3. Ba Chau Beach
Ba Chau Beach, also known as Dong Beach, is another notable destination. The journey here is similarly challenging, akin to the route to C76 Beach. Ba Chau Beach on Thanh Lan Island boasts stunning curved coastline. Lined with meandering sandy stretches, it looks incredibly picturesque.
Ba Chau Beach with its crystal-clear water (Image Source: Collection)
The landscape is vivid with lush greenery and dreamy purple flowers. In the afternoon, the water often rises to half of the sandy beach, while the evening sun makes the sea shimmer even more. As dusk falls, the scenery suddenly becomes tranquil and breathtakingly beautiful.
4. Community Church
When you visit Thanh Lan Island, don't forget to stop by the community church. The Cô Tô parish was established in 2004 with over 300 members. Similarly, the Thanh Lan parish was established in 2009 with more than 500 members. Currently, the Cô Tô parish also has a solid church consecrated by Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli in 2013. It is the largest community church on Thanh Lan Island.
A corner of the community church captured from a side angle (Image Source: Collection)
Surrounding the church is a residential area, lush vegetation, and vast sea. Here, you will marvel at the unique architecture of the church. Moreover, this destination brings peace and relaxation to visitors' souls.
5. Mai Cong Dam Jellyfish Workshop
Jellyfish is considered one of the economic resources bringing high income to the people of Thanh Lan Island. On average, a jellyfish season usually lasts for 3 months. After being caught from the sea, jellyfish are sold to producers. To understand more, visit the Mai Cong Dam Jellyfish Workshop to discover these interesting facts.
After being thoroughly processed, jellyfish are soaked in salt, stirred evenly to reduce viscosity. Jellyfish are soaked in the filtering tank for the last time for about 1 day. Then, they are put into nylon bags with salt and placed in tightly sealed wooden barrels. The packaging process is somewhat complicated, but it creates job opportunities for many workers.
Mai Cong Dam is a prominent jellyfish workshop on Thanh Lan Island (Source: Collection)
Jellyfish on Thanh Lan Island is highly favored. Because they are chewier and crunchier than elsewhere. This is also a delicacy on the island that you cannot miss. Don't forget to indulge in dishes made from jellyfish during your island trip! Surely, that taste will leave an unforgettable memory.
Unmissable Activities on Thanh Lan Island
You can combine exploring Thanh Lan Island with exciting activities. This helps you bring back unique and meaningful experiences. Let's take a look at some activities that Mytour suggests below!
1. Beach Bathing
The first activity you can't miss when visiting Thanh Lam Island is beach bathing. There's nothing better than immersing yourself in the cool blue water, especially during the scorching summer. The beaches on the island are mostly beautiful, quiet, and free of trash. This place is not as crowded and bustling as Coto Island. Therefore, it's extremely suitable for those who love tranquility.
The beaches on Thanh Lan Island are crystal clear, an ideal place for beach bathing (Source: Collection)
You can choose to bathe at Hai Quan Beach, C76 Beach, or Ba Chau Beach. No matter which beach you choose, they are all clean and offer equally magnificent scenery. Or simply strolling along the beach and listening to the gentle waves is also incredibly relaxing. Don't forget to take some check-in photos with the majestic and picturesque natural scenery here.
2. Watching Sunset on Thanh Lan Island
Once you're on Thanh Lan Island, don't miss the sunset scenery here. At that moment, the sky turns pink with fluffy clouds floating. The sun shines its rays down on the sea, making the water sparkle. In the distance are the fishing boats of fishermen going out to sea.
The sunset scenery on the island is breathtaking (Source: Collection)
Your emotions at this time are like being immersed in the island's scenery. Combined with the cool breeze from the ocean, it dispels all worries. If you're lucky, you'll see flocks of white egrets strolling along the beach. Above, the kites sway gracefully in the sky. It's a pristine natural beauty that will leave you in awe.
3. Organize Camping, Beach BBQ
Many tourists visiting Thanh Lan Island love to organize camping and beach BBQ parties. If you're traveling with friends or family, this will surely be a meaningful activity. You'll have moments of togetherness with your loved ones, chatting and sharing.
The natural scenery here is perfect for organizing camping trips (Source: Collection)
Don't forget to prepare fresh seafood and refreshing drinks. These will make the camping experience more enjoyable and relaxed. These will be precious memories that are hard to come by in everyday life. It will help bring people closer together.
4. Squid Fishing at Night
One of the most beloved experiences for tourists visiting Thanh Lan Island is squid fishing at night. Squid fishing seems to be a common activity in coastal areas. However, experiencing this on Thanh Lan is quite different. Because the boats here are not crowded, it's quiet enough for you to enjoy the spaciousness. At that moment, you will fully feel the mystery of the ocean.
Things to Note When Visiting Thanh Lan Island
If it's your first time visiting Thanh Lan Island, there are some things you need to keep in mind. These will make your journey to the island easier and more complete. Here are some suggestions that Mytour wants to share with you.
The breathtaking 'watercolor sky' scenery of Thanh Lan Island captured through the lens of a tourist (Photo source: Collection)
- Before boarding the boat, it's advisable to take motion sickness medication.
- Prepare and bring along some basic medications as there are not many pharmacies on the island.
- If possible, prepare rechargeable lights, flashlights, and a rechargeable fan to prevent power outages at night.
- Check the weather forecast before departing. Because on rainy and stormy days, the boat trip may be delayed by several hours or even days.
- Don't forget to bring snacks and other beverages!
- The journey to Thanh Lan Island takes quite a long time and consumes a lot of time. Therefore, you need to ensure good health for yourself.
- On the way to the island, you should strictly adhere to the regulation of wearing life jackets when boarding the boat.
Traveling always brings many benefits and exciting experiences. It's a great opportunity for you to explore new things. If you're looking for a peaceful place, visit Thanh Lan Island. Come here and fully enjoy the beauty of nature. To book a tour to Thanh Lan Island, contact Mytour via hotline Mytour right away!
