Top 12 Essential Travel Tips for Your Cô Tô Adventure

Accommodation is a key highlight of visiting Cô Tô, offering options to suit all types of travelers. The hotels on the island tend to be pricier due to limited availability, but they offer high-quality service compared to guesthouses and homestays. If you're not too particular, you might consider staying at a guesthouse or homestay, which are generally more affordable. Beachfront hotels tend to have the highest rates, and booking can be difficult during peak seasons.

• Phương Thúy Hotel. Phone: 0989628944 - 01678931796
• Trung Vũ Hotel. Phone: 0934234677
• Thái Hà Hotel. Phone: 0976551688 - 0962981688
• Hoàng Anh Hotel. Phone: 0916229302
• Hải Âu Hotel. Phone: 033 3500090
• Thanh Trung Hotel. Phone: 033 3889244

• Phương Thảo Guesthouse. Phone: (033)3 793888
• Thái Hoàng Guesthouse – Cái Rồng Port. Phone: 033.3793383
• Quang Minh Guesthouse, Khu 9, Cái Rồng Town. Phone: 033 793 793
• Nhật Thăng Guesthouse, Khu 9, Cái Rồng Town. Phone: 033 793 383
• Việt Linh Guesthouse. Phone: 033.793898

• Hồng Vàn Homestay. Phone: 01638687298 – 0886108568. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/H%E1%BB%93ng-V%C3%A0n-Homestay-241657802966892
• Coto Eco Host. Phone: 0988071100
• Coto Village. Phone: 0988071100. Website: http://cotovillage.vn/
• Thủy Thịnh Coto. Phone: 01682726433. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cotothuythinh
• Coto Eco Lodge. Phone: 0988071100
• Coto Life. Phone: 098 872 26 88. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cotoresorts

Your participation in various activities here depends on your schedule. Every game brings its own thrills, fun, and excitement. Consider these carefully before jumping in. If you're looking for adventure, Cô Tô Waterpark is the perfect place to showcase your daring spirit.
Banana Boat Ride: This exhilarating water sport offers a thrilling experience. The banana boat, which seats 5-7 people, is attached to a speedboat by a cable. The boat races across the water at speeds of 50-80 km/h, pulling you along as other passengers cheer. It's like surfing on the water's surface.

Parasailing at Cô Tô Con Island: If you want to feel the wind and take in a breathtaking view from above, parasailing is for you. Introduced in April 2015, this adventure has quickly become a favorite among thrill-seekers.

Kayaking: A new and unique activity, kayaking in Cô Tô is sure to excite you.
Paragliding: A combined experience of parasailing and speedboating that lifts you to remarkable heights.
Night Squid Fishing: This fun activity might not suit those who suffer from seasickness, as you'll be fishing from small fishing boats. If you're up for it, arrange with local fishermen.
Camping, Singing, or BBQ: You can bring your own tent, gather firewood, and enjoy a BBQ on a quiet beach, or find local services to set this up for you.

Cầu Mỵ Rock Beach: Located 3 km south of Cô Tô’s center, Cầu Mỵ Beach boasts the most beautiful rock formations on the island. It’s the perfect spot for unforgettable photos, especially for those looking for a unique wedding album. It’s also the first place on the island to catch the morning sun.
Ho Chi Minh Statue: The only statue approved by President Ho Chi Minh after his visit to Cô Tô in 1961. The statue is a cultural hub, hosting community events and performances during holidays and weekends.

Love Path: A romantic destination for couples to stroll by the sea, also a popular spot for entertainment and BBQ gatherings.
Cô Tô Church: The first church built on the island, inaugurated in 2013, now a growing tourist attraction.
Cô Tô Lighthouse: One of over 30 lighthouses along Vietnam's coast, standing 101 meters tall and in operation since 1961.
Fishing Village and Fisheries Support Area: Here, you can experience firsthand the island’s fishing industry—catching squid, fish, shrimp, and sea worms. You can fish, catch squid, and enjoy fresh seafood straight from the local fishermen.
Primitive Forest: A pristine forest filled with diverse plant and animal life, including rare trees. This natural haven provides cool, fresh air for the island.
Trần Island: A remote village on Thanh Lân Island, Trần retains its untouched beauty, with white sand beaches and lush forests. Its 500-meter beaches offer a perfect place to relax, swim, and connect with the local military.

In addition to its tourist spots, Cô Tô is also famous for its diverse beaches and swimming areas.

Hồng Vàn Beach: One of the most peaceful destinations, where the waves are gentle like a lake, shielded by Thanh Lân Island. The soft sand and clear water make it hard for visitors to leave.
Vàn Chảy Beach: A favorite for tourists, offering beautiful landscapes and lively summer activities.
Bắc Vàn Beach: Known for its large waves and a picturesque casuarina-lined path. It’s an ideal spot for beachgoers to enjoy the ocean and stunning views. Especially in the early morning, when the tide recedes, it reveals soft, smooth sand, creating a magical scene as fishing boats dock, and the gentle waves roll ashore.
Hải Quân Beach: A quiet, gentle beach with soft white sand and clear waters, much like Hồng Vàn. The beach gets its name because it’s managed by a naval unit.
C67 Beach: A 1-km stretch of soft, white sand located near a pristine forest, perfect for combining exploration and camping activities.

When visiting Cô Tô, you must try these famous local dishes:
Sá Sùng: A type of mollusk found on the sandy shores, similar to an earthworm, often cooked with vegetables or stir-fried. Dried sá sùng can be deep-fried to a golden crisp and eaten with chili sauce for a sweet, savory taste.
Tu Hài: Also known as the giant clam, with ivory-colored shells and a long cylindrical siphon that resembles an elephant’s trunk. Tu hài is prepared in many ways, such as grilled, stewed in porridge, or steamed.
Cù Kỳ: A species of crab, where only the claws are eaten. Cù kỳ is cooked in various styles, including boiled with noodles, steamed, stir-fried with tamarind, or grilled over charcoal.
Hải Sâm: Also called sea cucumber, it is cleaned and soaked in alum to preserve. It’s used in medicinal recipes, or cooked with celery, carrots, or added to liquor.
Jellyfish: A local delicacy known for its crunchy texture, often served in refreshing salads, soups, or hotpots, with the most popular being jellyfish salad.
Bề Bề: Also known as mantis shrimp, these crustaceans are sweeter, firmer, and meatier than regular shrimp. They can be grilled, steamed, stir-fried with tamarind or salted, offering an irresistibly delicious taste.

Cô Tô is not only blessed with breathtaking natural landscapes but also attracts visitors with its diverse and abundant seafood offerings. When visiting Cô Tô, buying seafood as a gift is a popular choice for many tourists.
Cô Tô Squid: Priced around 270,000 - 300,000 VND per kilogram, you can take home fresh squid as a gift for family and friends. Known for its unique flavor compared to other coastal regions, Cô Tô squid is popular for its delicious taste and health benefits such as improving blood circulation and boosting liver and kidney health.
Sea Jellyfish from Cô Tô: Known for its delicious jellyfish salad, this dish is not only tasty but also beneficial for the digestive system. At about 50,000 VND per kilogram, fresh jellyfish can be bought, offering a rich source of minerals and trace elements that enhance the immune system.
Sea Crab: A prized seafood, crabs are packed with nutrients like calcium, iron, vitamins, and minerals. Many tourists choose crabs as a healthy and delicious souvenir from their trip to Cô Tô.
Clams: A common shellfish in Cô Tô, clams are not only refreshing but also provide an excellent source of calcium and minerals. With a firm, flavorful meat, they are often prepared in various ways such as ginger-steamed, fried, or grilled.
Handmade Squid Cakes: Made from fresh ingredients and hand-pounded to preserve their distinct flavor, these squid cakes are a popular gift choice for visitors. Priced at around 350,000 VND, they offer a unique taste of Cô Tô that tourists love to share with friends and family.

This itinerary begins from Vân Đồn.

Day 1: Vân Đồn – Cô Tô

Take a boat from Vân Đồn to Cô Tô Island. Upon arrival, use electric cars, taxis, or walk to your accommodation to check in and relax. Afterward, head by car to visit Cầu Mỵ Beach, then return to your hotel for lunch around 12 PM.

After a rest, rent a motorbike around 2 PM to visit Cô Tô Lighthouse and the pristine Chõi Forest. Finish the day with a refreshing swim at Hồng Vàn Beach. In the evening, enjoy dinner and stroll along the beach to try local snacks.

Day 2: Cô Tô Island – Cô Tô Con

Around 8:00 - 8:30 AM, head to Bắc Vàn Harbor to catch a boat to Cô Tô Con Island. Enjoy the beach, have fun, and have lunch there. After a relaxing afternoon, return to Bắc Vàn Harbor, rent a vehicle to visit Vàn Chảy Beach, and then return to the hotel for rest. In the evening, explore the island’s town center.

Day 3: Cô Tô – Vân Đồn

Start the day with breakfast, buy some souvenirs if desired, check out, and head to the port to return to the mainland.

The island offers many unique and beautiful attractions, so don't miss out on any of these scenic spots due to lack of information or getting lost. Make sure to bring a map of Cô Tô or ask your accommodation for a local guide or travel brochure to help you navigate.

When using any services, always ask for the price upfront and negotiate. Be cautious to avoid overpaying. If there is no price list displayed and you feel you are being overcharged, contact the local tourism office for assistance.

Save the contact numbers for local security and support services in case of emergencies or any unforeseen circumstances. The island authorities are always ready to assist and protect tourists, so don't hesitate to ask for help if needed.

Pay attention to warnings and follow the guidelines at tourist sites. Some locations may have safety risks, so it's important to follow the instructions from staff to avoid any accidents.

Be mindful of the environment. Do not litter or damage the island's natural resources. Be a responsible tourist by avoiding actions like cutting down trees, starting fires, or polluting the area. Let's work together to preserve the beauty of Cô Tô Island.

Cô Tô is an island surrounded by the sea, and its weather can change unexpectedly. Without a clear plan or understanding of local weather patterns, it can be tricky to enjoy your trip. The best time to visit Cô Tô is from March to October. During this period, the weather is sunny with clear skies and fewer storms. However, be aware that sudden storms may still occur, so it's important to check the weather forecast before your trip for the most accurate updates.

If you’re planning to swim, the best months are from March to May, as the weather starts warming up, making it perfect for a dip in the sea. From June to August, the weather can be unpredictable with potential disruptions like storms, so be sure to monitor the forecast. Late September to October is an ideal time as the weather cools down and the climate becomes more pleasant for outdoor activities.

Cô Tô is relatively calm with minimal waves, making it a perfect destination for swimming. A swim mask is essential for those looking to enjoy the water. If you're into photography, the island offers stunning and unique landscapes, making it an ideal spot for capturing beautiful pictures. Don't forget your camera and a portable charger. Always carry your ID, and if you're a fan of street food, it's best to buy snacks in advance since prices on the island may be higher than on the mainland.

Health issues can arise unexpectedly, especially when traveling with children, so it's wise to pack necessary medicines for the entire family, as pharmacies are limited on the island. Preparing personal items in advance is crucial to avoid any inconvenience. Depending on the length of your trip, pack only what you need, so you're not burdened by excess luggage. For women, skincare is important, so items like hats, sunscreen, sunglasses, and umbrellas are essential to protect from the harsh sun, as the island’s weather can be quite hot.

There are many buses from Hanoi to Quảng Ninh. You can catch a bus from Mỹ Đình to Cẩm Phả or Cửa Ông for around 100,000 - 120,000 VND. From there, you can take a taxi, bus, or motorbike to the port. Alternatively, you can take a Limousine directly from Hanoi to Cái Rồng, which is a 16-seat minibus that picks up passengers daily at Kim Mã. The price is slightly higher than the regular 24-seat buses, ranging from 180,000 to 280,000 VND.

1. From Hanoi to Cái Rồng: To reach Cô Tô from Hanoi, you first need to get to Cái Rồng Port. If you ride a motorbike, you can manage your time more freely, but the journey is long and quite risky. You will also need to pay extra for loading the motorbike onto the ferry. A car is a more comfortable option, offering more time to rest and chat during the trip.
2. Speedboat from Cái Rồng Port to Cô Tô: The speedboat fare is 250,000 VND per person. Boats run from Vân Đồn to Cô Tô from 6 AM to 4:30 PM, and from Cô Tô to Vân Đồn from 5:30 AM to 4:30 PM. For booking assistance, it's better to contact your accommodation on the island rather than doing it yourself, as this can help avoid potential issues.
3. Wooden Boat from Cái Rồng Port: The fare is 95,000 VND per person. The boat departs from Vân Đồn to Cô Tô at 7 AM from Monday to Saturday, with an additional 1 PM trip on weekends.