3 days 2 nights tour to the most beautiful beach in the North

Co To Island has long been known as the northern island paradise. With clear blue beaches, smooth white sand, and fresh air, Co To is an ideal destination for those who want to escape from urban life to immerse themselves in nature.

The 3-day 2-night itinerary is the ideal time to fully explore the beauty of Co To. You will have enough time to swim, visit famous landmarks, enjoy fresh seafood and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Compared to the 2-day 1-night trip, the 3-day itinerary helps you relax more without having to rush.

Detailed itinerary for 3 days 2 nights tour to Co To from Hanoi

Below is a detailed suggested itinerary, combining package tours and self-guided tours, suitable for both beginners and travelers who want to optimize their experience.

Day 1: Hanoi – Van Don – Co To Island

• 05:30–06:00:Tourist cars or coaches will pick you up at the meeting point in Hanoi (usually the Opera House or Giap Bat bus station). The journey to Van Don takes about 4-5 hours via the Hanoi-Hai Phong-Van Don expressway. Tip: Book a limousine (VND 200,000-240,000/person) for more comfort.
• 07:30–08:00:Stop to rest in Hai Duong, have breakfast on your own (noodles, pho, about 30,000-50,000 VND).
• 11:00–11:30:Arrive at Cai Rong port or Ao Tien (Van Don). Have lunch at a local restaurant (about 150,000 VND/meal).
• 12:30–13:00:Take a speedboat to Co To Island (round trip ticket price: 360,000–500,000 VND/person/trip, travel time about 90 minutes). On the boat, you can admire the beautiful Bai Tu Long Bay.
• 14:30:Arriving at Co To Island, electric car or motorbike taxi will pick you up at the hotel (electric car price: 1,200,000 VND/car/day, can carry 10-12 people). Check in and rest.

• 16:00–18:30:Sightseeingthe road of lovewith green pine trees, take pictures atUncle Ho's statueand swimming atLove BeachThis beach is near town, clear water, fine sand, very suitable for watching the sunset.
• 19:00:Have dinner at a restaurant on the island, enjoy fresh seafood (price 150,000–250,000 VND/person). Suggested dishes: dried squid, salt and chili mantis shrimp, mixed jellyfish.
• Evening:Free to explore Co To town at night, rent a tandem bike (VND 30,000–50,000/hour) or sing karaoke.

Day 2: Explore Co To Island – Cau My Rock Beach – Lighthouse

• 05:00–06:00:Get up early to watch the sunriseCau My rock beachorOng Minh Cape. This is an ideal place to take "virtual life" photos with unique sedimentary rocks and waves lapping the shore.
• 06:30–07:30:Breakfast at hotel (seafood noodles or pho, price 30,000–50,000 VND).
• 08:00–11:30:SightseeingCo To lighthouse, located on a 100m high hill, 5km from the town center. From here, you can see the whole island with the blue sea and the surrounding small islands. Motorbike rental price: 200,000 VND/day (excluding gas).
• 11:30:Have lunch at the restaurant, enjoy specialties such as abalone, sea urchin, or seafood hot pot.

• 14:00–17:00:SightseeingHong Van beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the North with calm water and sparkling golden sand. You can participate in activities such as kayaking (150,000 VND/hour) or canoeing (300,000 VND/person).
• 17:30–19:00:Swimming at the beachVan Chay beach, where the waves are big, suitable for fun activities. If you go in a group, you can organize a BBQ party on the beach (price about 250,000 VND/person).
• 19:30:Dinner and rest. Suggestion: Try grilled sea worms – a rare specialty of Co To.

Day 3: Co To Con Island – Return to Hanoi

• 06:00–07:00:Breakfast and check out of hotel (usually before 12:00 to avoid surcharges).
• 07:30–11:00:Charter a boat outCo To Con Island(3-island tour price is about 750,000 VND/person, including lunch). Co To Con Island is pristine, uninhabited, with fine white sand and clear water, ideal for swimming and taking photos.

• 11:30:Lunch on the island or at the restaurant upon returning to Co To Lon.
• 12:30–13:00:Take the speedboat to Cai Rong/Ao Tien port.
• 15:00–16:00:Take the bus back to Hanoi, stop to buy Hai Duong green bean cake specialty as a gift (price 50,000-100,000 VND/box).
• 20:00–21:00:Arrive in Hanoi, end of trip.

Compare the cost of a 3-day, 2-night self-guided tour to Co To vs a package tour

Traveling on your own allows you to be more in control of your schedule, but requires careful planning to avoid unexpected costs. Package tours save time and often include services such as transportation, speedboats, meals, and tour guides. Here is a cost comparison table:

Travel (Hanoi – Van Don – Co To)

Note:Package tour prices may vary depending on the time, usually higher during peak season (June–August).

What to eat in Co To?

Co To is famous for its fresh seafood, caught directly from the sea. Here are some dishes you should not miss:

• Dried squid:Charcoal grill, price 500,000–700,000 VND/kg.
• Surface:Roasted with salt and chili or steamed, price 300,000-500,000 VND/kg.
• Sandworm:Grilled or stir-fried, price 1,000,000–1,500,000 VND/kg.
• Abalone, sea urchin:Steamed or grilled cheese, price 200,000–400,000 VND/piece.
• Seafood noodles:Popular breakfast dish, price 30,000-50,000 VND/bowl.

Suggested places to eat:

• Uy Thanh Restaurant:Famous for cheap seafood, fast service, near Co To town.
• Co To Market:Buy fresh seafood and have it cooked on the spot, price from 150,000-250,000 VND/person.
• Hotel restaurant:Suitable for large groups, price 150,000-250,000 VND/meal.

Tips for safe and economical travel to Co To

1. Book early:Bus, train, and hotel tickets should be booked at least 2 weeks in advance, especially during peak season.
2. Check the weather:Avoid traveling during typhoon season (July–September). If a typhoon hits, follow the instructions of authorities or your tour guide.
3. Ask for price first:When buying seafood or renting a car, always ask the price to avoid being "ripped off".
4. Bring personal belongings:Sunscreen, hats, and basic medication are essential.

Frequently asked questions about Co To tourism

1. What is the ideal time to go to Co To?

April–June and September–October are ideal, with cool weather and little rain. Summer (June–August) is crowded but more expensive.

2. Do I need to bring any documents?

Foreign visitors need to bring passport (original and 2 photocopies). Children need birth certificate if traveling with relatives.

3. Are there any activities for families with young children?

Hong Van and Tinh Yeu beaches have gentle waves, suitable for children to swim. In addition, you can rent tandem bikes or join BBQ on the beach.

Traveling to Co To Island for 3 days and 2 nights from Hanoi is the perfect journey to explore the wild beauty, enjoy fresh seafood, and enjoy the fresh air. With the detailed itinerary suggested above, you can confidently plan your trip.