Tucked away in the Quảng Ninh province of Vietnam, Co To Island is an underrated paradise that’s slowly making its way onto travellers’ itineraries. Known for its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and vibrant marine life, this hidden gem has become a haven for water sports enthusiasts. From kayaking and snorkelling to jet skiing and diving, Co To offers endless thrills for adventure seekers while still retaining its untouched, serene charm.
Co To Island: Vietnam Beyond Tourist Rush
While Vietnam’s south or central regions have been winning the hearts of travellers in the last few years, the northern beauty of the country should not be left unnoticed! Beyond Halong and Lan Ha Bay lies Co To Island, which is perfect for you if you are yearning for a serene and peaceful getaway!
On this island, you won’t find throngs of tourists or a lot of nightlife, instead, beautiful, wide beaches, primaeval forests, and rustic fishing villages will welcome you here. This place is the true definition of a beach paradise.
According to Vietnam Tourism, Co To is an archipelago of about 40-50 islands. It is nestled almost 80km from the mainland in Quang Ninh Province and is perfect for travellers who are heading to Halong Bay.
To reach the island, you can hop on express boats from ports like Ao Tien, Cai Rong (Van Don District) or Tuan Chau (Ha Long City), and the best time to visit is September to October–while it’s still warm but with a low chance of storms. You can also plan a visit in April-May.
A Paradise For Water Sports Lovers
If you’re a beach lover, then Co To Island is the place for you! You can visit beaches like Van Chay, Hong Van, Tinh Yeu (Tau Dam) and Co To Con (Small Co To). If you’re looking for a peaceful time, then head to Hong Van as the waters are calm there.
Now, if you’re a water sports enthusiast or simply an adventurous soul, then you’d love the water sports facilities in this region. During peak season, you can enjoy watersports such as kayaking, jetskiing, snorkelling, parasailing, and coral diving along Co To’s coast. The best bit is that to meet the growing demand, the authorities here are taking an eco-friendly approach and have implemented a system to ensure the safety of the environment.
So, if you’re planning a trip to Vietnam soon, make sure you add Co To Island to your itinerary!
Cover Image Courtesy: website/Vietnam Tourism
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