Co To Island in the Quang Ninh Province of northern Vietnam is a fair way offshore from Cai Rong Town. It encompasses dozens of islands in the Van Don Island District and is perfect for getting away from it all.
The largest islands in the group are Co To Island, Tran, and Thanh Lan. Trinh Sat Beach on Co To is the main attraction, a quiet beach that is totally unpolluted and great for swimming. There is also some good walking inland on Co To Island, with an easy walk to a lighthouse on a hill where there are some pretty nice views.
The snorkeling on Co To Island is also quite special along with the excellent seafood. Catching a fish on a spear and cooking it yourself is the way to go. Thanh Lan Island is known for its fruit orchards.
Getting There & Away
Co To Island is best visited by boat from Cai Rong, which itself is an island that is just offshore and is connected to the mainland by a bridge. The boat ride to Co To Island is about three hours, while Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport is a four-hour transfer from Cai Rong.