Co To Island Guide: Getting There, Permits and Best Beaches
Co To island guide: speedboats from Van Don, whether foreigners need a permit, the best beaches and lighthouse, when to go and how many days to stay.
Co To island is a quiet island group off Quang Ninh in the far northeast, reached by a speedboat of about 90 minutes from Cai Rong port in Van Don. This guide from our Vietnam travel blog answers whether foreigners need a permit, explains how to get there, what to do, when to go and how to combine it with Ha Long Bay.
The islands are popular with Vietnamese families in summer but still see few foreign visitors. You need a valid Vietnam visa or visa exemption to enter the country first; if you need one, apply for a Vietnam e-visa online.
Co To at a glance:
| Topic | What to know |
|---|---|
| Location | Quang Ninh province, northeast of Ha Long Bay |
| Getting there | Speedboat from Cai Rong port, Van Don, about 90 minutes |
| From Hanoi to the port | About 4 to 5 hours by road |
| Best months | April to June, September to October |
| Time needed | 2 to 3 days |
Do foreigners need a permit for Co To island?
No. Foreign tourists no longer need a separate permit to visit. Since 15 July 2016, foreigners have been allowed to visit without a permit, according to Vietnam's National Authority of Tourism.
Before that, the islands counted as a border area that required a Co To island permit. You still need your passport, which boat operators and hotels check when registering guests, and a valid Vietnam visa or exemption.
How to get to Co To island
To get there, travel to Cai Rong port in Van Don, then take a speedboat of about 90 minutes. Several boats run daily in the main season, fewer in winter.
From Hanoi, the drive to Van Don takes about four to five hours by bus or private car on the expressway. From Ha Long city, it is about an hour. Book boat tickets a day ahead in summer and on Vietnamese holidays, and check departures the evening before, as sailings stop in rough seas.
Things to do
Co To is about simple island days: beaches, cycling and viewpoints, with seafood in the evenings. Rent a bicycle or scooter to get around the main island.
Hong Van and Van Chay are the main beaches, with clear water and rocky headlands. Climb to the Co To lighthouse for views over the islands, and walk the coastal road at sunset. Thanh Lan, a smaller island next door, is even quieter and reached by a short boat ride.
Best time to visit
April to June is the best time to visit Co To, with warm, calm seas before the peak of summer. September and October are also good, with fewer crowds.
July and August are hot and busy with domestic tourists, and storms can cancel boats at short notice. Winter is cold and windy, with many guesthouses closed. Two more planning questions remain: flying in, and adding Ha Long Bay.
Planning your Co To trip
Co To fits well with other trips in Quang Ninh. Here is how to connect it.
Flying in via Van Don
Van Don International Airport, close to Cai Rong port, is one of the airports that accept the Vietnam e-visa, as our list of e-visa airports shows. International flights there are limited, so most visitors still fly into Hanoi.
Combining with Ha Long Bay
Co To pairs well with a cruise on Ha Long Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay, both reached from Ha Long city or Van Don. Our Ha Long Bay guide explains which bay to choose.
VietnamVisa-Easy.com is a private visa service operated by H2 Global Travel JSC since 2012, not a government website, and you can apply directly at evisa.gov.vn for US$25. If you would like your application checked first, start your application with us.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need on Co To?
Two or three days is enough for Co To: one for the beaches and lighthouse, one for cycling the coast or visiting Thanh Lan, and a spare half-day in case the boat schedule changes. Add travel days for the journey from Hanoi to Van Don.
Are there ATMs on the island?
There are a few ATMs on the main island, but they can run out of cash in busy periods and many small places take cash only. Bring enough dong from the mainland for your stay, boat tickets and meals.
Is Co To crowded?
Co To is busy on summer weekends and Vietnamese holidays, when domestic visitors fill the guesthouses and boats. On weekdays and in spring or autumn it is much quieter. Book accommodation early if you travel in July or August.
Do I need a visa to visit Co To?
You need a valid Vietnam visa or visa exemption to enter the country, but no extra permit for the islands. Read Do I need a visa for Vietnam? for your passport, and carry your passport on the island.
