3-day, 2-night trip to the most beautiful beach in Northern Vietnam.

Co To Island has long been known as a paradise of islands in Northern Vietnam. With its crystal-clear waters, fine white sand beaches, and fresh air, Co To is an ideal destination for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in nature.

A 3-day, 2-night trip is the ideal amount of time to fully explore the beauty of Co To Island. You'll have plenty of time to swim in the sea, visit famous landmarks, enjoy delicious fresh seafood, and savor the peaceful atmosphere. Compared to a 2-day, 1-night trip, a 3-day itinerary allows you to relax more without rushing.

Detailed itinerary for a 3-day, 2-night trip to Co To Island from Hanoi.

Below is a detailed suggested itinerary, combining package tours and independent travel, suitable for both beginners and travelers who want to maximize their experience.

Day 1: Hanoi – Van Don – Co To Island

• 05:30–06:00:A tour bus or coach will pick you up at a designated meeting point in Hanoi (usually the Hanoi Opera House or Giap Bat bus station). The journey to Van Don takes approximately 4-5 hours via the Hanoi-Hai Phong-Van Don expressway. Suggestion: Book a limousine (200,000-240,000 VND/person) for a more comfortable ride.
• 07:30–08:00Stop for a rest in Hai Duong, have breakfast at your own expense (noodles, pho, approximately 30,000–50,000 VND).
• 11:00–11:30:Arrive at Cai Rong or Ao Tien port (Van Don). Have lunch at a local restaurant (price around 150,000 VND/person).
• 12:30–13:00:Take a speedboat to Co To Island (round-trip ticket price: 360,000–500,000 VND/person/trip, travel time approximately 90 minutes). Onboard, you can admire the stunning Bai Tu Long Bay.
• 14:30:Upon arriving at Co To Island, electric vehicles or motorbike taxis will pick you up and take you to your hotel (electric vehicle price: 1,200,000 VND/vehicle/day, can carry 10-12 people). Check in and rest.

• 16:00–18:30Sightseeingthe Path of LoveWith lush green casuarina trees, take photos here.Ho Chi Minh monumentand go swimming atLove BeachThis beach is near the town, the water is clear, the sand is fine, making it perfect for watching the sunset.
• 19:00:Have dinner at a restaurant on the island and enjoy delicious fresh seafood (price: 150,000–250,000 VND/person). Suggested dishes: sun-dried squid, stir-fried mantis shrimp with salt and chili, jellyfish salad.
• Evening:Feel free to explore Co To town at night, rent a tandem bicycle (30,000–50,000 VND/hour) or sing karaoke.

Day 2: Exploring Co To Island – Cau My Rocky Beach – Lighthouse

• 05:00–06:00:Wake up early to watch the sunrise atCau My rocky beachorOng Minh CapeThis is the ideal place to take Instagram-worthy photos with its unique sedimentary rock formations and waves crashing against the shore.
• 06:30–07:30Breakfast at the hotel (seafood noodle soup or pho, priced at 30,000–50,000 VND).
• 08:00–11:30:SightseeingCo To lighthouseLocated on a hill 100m high, 5km from the town center, this place offers panoramic views of the island with its blue sea and surrounding islets. Motorbike rental price: 200,000 VND/day (excluding fuel).
• 11:30:Have lunch at a restaurant and enjoy specialties such as abalone, sea urchin, or seafood hot pot.

• 14:00–17:00SightseeingHong Van beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Northern Vietnam with calm water and shimmering golden sand. You can participate in activities such as kayaking (150,000 VND/hour) or canoeing (300,000 VND/person).
• 17:30–19:00Swimming at the beachVan Chay beachThe area has large waves, making it suitable for recreational activities. If you're in a group, you can organize a BBQ party on the beach (approximately 250,000 VND per person).
• 19:30:Have dinner and relax. Suggestion: Try grilled sea worms – a rare specialty of Co To.

Day 3: Co To Con Island – Return to Hanoi

• 06:00–07:00:Have breakfast and check out of the hotel (usually before 12:00 to avoid extra charges).
• 07:30–11:00:Rent a boat outCo To Con Island(The price for the 3-island tour is approximately 750,000 VND/person, including lunch). Co To Con Island is pristine, uninhabited, with fine white sand beaches and crystal-clear water, ideal for swimming and taking photos.

• 11:30:Have lunch on the island or at a restaurant on the way back to Co To Island.
• 12:30–13:00:Take the speedboat back to Cai Rong/Ao Tien port.
• 15:00–16:00:On the bus back to Hanoi, stop to buy Hai Duong mung bean cakes as souvenirs (priced at 50,000–100,000 VND/box).
• 20:00–21:00:Back in Hanoi, the trip has ended.

Comparing the cost of a 3-day, 2-night self-guided trip to Co To Island vs. an all-inclusive tour.

Traveling independently gives you control over your schedule, but requires thorough preparation to avoid unexpected costs. Package tours save time and usually include services such as transportation, speedboat, meals, and a tour guide. Below is a cost comparison table:

Travel (Hanoi – Van Don – Co To)

Note:Package tour prices may vary depending on the time of year, and are 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 shouldn't miss:

• Sun-dried squid:Grilled over charcoal, priced at 500,000–700,000 VND/kg.
• Shrimp:Roasted with salt and chili or steamed, priced at 300,000–500,000 VND/kg.
• Sea worms:Grilled or stir-fried, priced at 1,000,000–1,500,000 VND/kg.
• Abalone, sea urchin:Steamed or grilled cheese chicken, priced at 200,000–400,000 VND per chicken.
• Seafood noodle soup:A popular breakfast dish, priced at 30,000–50,000 VND per bowl.

Suggested dining locations:

• Uy Thanh Restaurant:Famous for its cheap seafood, fast service, and proximity to Co To town.
• Co To Market:Buy fresh seafood and have it prepared on the spot; the price ranges from 150,000 to 250,000 VND per person.
• Hotel restaurant:Suitable for large groups, priced at 150,000–250,000 VND per person.

Tips for a budget-friendly and safe trip to Co To Island.

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Traveling to Co To Island

1. What is the ideal time to visit Co To Island?

April–June and September–October are ideal times, 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 their passports (original and two photocopies). Children need a birth certificate if traveling with a relative.

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

Hong Van and Tinh Yeu beaches have gentle waves, making them suitable for children to swim in. Additionally, you can rent tandem bicycles or enjoy a BBQ on the beach.

A 3-day, 2-night trip to Co To Island from Hanoi is the perfect way to explore its pristine beauty, enjoy delicious fresh seafood, and breathe in the fresh air. With the detailed itinerary suggested above, you can confidently plan your trip.