Co To Island from Hanoi: How to Get There, Beaches, How Long and Best Season (2026 Guide)
Co To is an archipelago in Quang Ninh province, east of Ha Long Bay, known for its calm beaches and fishing villages. From Hanoi, allow about 3 to 4 hours by road to Van Don port, then about 1 h 30 by speedboat: in practice a day of transport each way, so at least 2 days on site. The speedboat costs about 250,000 to 300,000 VND one way according to sources. The most cited beaches are Van Chay, Hong Van and Bac Van. The best time is April to June and September to October, but those are also the busiest periods.
Highlights
The beaches
Van Chay and Hong Van are cited for calm water and few visitors; Bac Van completes the list. Photos of the coast also show rocks and coves.
The lighthouse and the Cau My rocks
Classic sites of the island, easier to reach by scooter or bicycle than on foot.
The fishing villages
A stroll to see daily island life.
Thanh Lan island
A small neighbouring island cited for island hopping.
Practical info
Tips
- Check the departure port on your ticket: most guides cite Cai Rong, but one guide says boats now leave from the more modern Ao Tien port (Van Don). Times and prices change with weather and season: confirm before booking. The speedboat takes about 1 h 30; a slower ferry costs 100,000 to 150,000 VND but takes 2 h 30 to 3 h with only one or two departures. The sea can be rough. On the island, hotel electric cars are cited at about 1 USD per km (minimum 2 USD); rent a scooter or bicycle through your accommodation for far beaches. Book accommodation early before holidays, as hotels fill up. If you are short of time, Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba can be done in a day from Hanoi; see also Bai Tu Long Bay and Ha Long Bay. The information comes from travel guides and official tourism sites, but times must be confirmed.
How to get there
From Hanoi, road to Van Don port (about 3 h on the new expressway according to one source, 3 h 30 to 5 h according to others) by limousine, bus or private car; then a speedboat of about 1 h 30 to the island. According to guides, the port is Cai Rong or Ao Tien (Van Don): check. See also Hai Phong for another gateway to the coast.
Opening hours
Nearby
See on the map →
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