Half a million visitors are fascinated by the "island paradise": An unforgettable journey of memories

Co To, a green pearl in the heart of the Gulf of Tonkin, is an ideal destination for those who love blue sea, white sand, and fresh air. With beautiful beaches such as Hong Van, Van Chai, majestic Cau My rock beach, and fresh seafood such as squid, salt-roasted mantis shrimp, Co To attracts more than 500,000 visitors each year, according to Quang Ninh tourism statistics 2024. In 2025, tours from Hanoi to Co To are expected to increase by 15% thanks to modern high-speed boat services and attractive promotions.

This article provides a detailed 3-day, 2-night Co To tour itinerary, cost-saving tips, and updated information, suitable for both beginners and professional travelers who want to optimize their experience. Let's explore the emotional journey in the northern island paradise!

Why choose Co To 3 days 2 nights tour from Hanoi?

Co To, in Quang Ninh province, about 260km from Hanoi, is famous for its wild beauty, fine white sand beaches, and clear blue water. This island is considered the "northern island paradise" thanks to its diverse ecosystem with nearly 1,000 species of fish and activities such as coral diving and kayaking. A 3-day 2-night tour from Hanoi allows you to fully explore prominent destinations such as the Lighthouse, Cau My rock beach, and Uncle Ho's memorial, while enjoying fresh seafood. The average cost is from 2.5-3.5 million VND/person, suitable for families, friends, or businesses organizing team building.

Prepare before joining the 3 days 2 nights Co To tour

To make your trip go smoothly, you need to prepare carefully. Here are the specific steps:

Transportation: The tour uses new tourist cars (Hyundai County, Ford Transit) from Hanoi to Ao Tien port (Van Don, 5-6 hours, 200,000-400,000 VND/trip). High-speed boat from Ao Tien port to Co To (90 minutes, 600,000-720,000 VND/round trip). On the island, electric cars or motorbikes (150,000 VND/day) are the main means of transportation.

Accommodation: 2-3 star hotels such as Co To Golden, Thanh Mang Hotel (800,000-1,800,000 VND/night, 2-4 people/room) or homestay near the beach (400,000-600,000 VND/night). Book through Traveloka, Booking.com to receive discounts.

Bring: Swimsuit, sunscreen (SPF 50+), hat, sneakers, digestive medicine, and ID card/passport. Prepare cash because ATMs on the island are limited.

Supported applications: Use Google Maps, Vietmap for location. Book train tickets via Klook, bus tickets via Vexere. Track the weather on AccuWeather to avoid storms (July-October).

Tip: Book your tour 1-2 months in advance to receive a 10-15% discount. Bring cold and stomach medicine because the weather on the island changes. Contact the travel agency hotline (PYS Travel: 1900 3440) to confirm the boat schedule.

Detailed itinerary of 3 days 2 nights Co To tour from Hanoi

Day 1: Hanoi – Ao Tien Port – Co To Island – Hong Van Beach

6:00: Car and tour guide pick you up at Hanoi Opera House or meeting point (Hung Yen: 6:45, Hai Duong: 7:15). Depart for Ao Tien port (Van Don) via Hanoi - Hai Phong - Van Don highway. Car stops at Hai Duong rest stop for breakfast (VND 30,000-50,000/portion).

11:30: Arrive at Ao Tien port, have lunch at Lam Hong 2 restaurant (150,000 VND/meal) with seafood dishes such as stir-fried squid, fried fish. Check in for the speedboat (Ka Long, Phuc Thinh, 250,000-360,000 VND/trip) to Co To island, admire the poetic Bai Tu Long bay for 90 minutes.

14:00: The ship arrives at Co To wharf, electric car (1,200,000 VND/car/12 people) takes the group to Co To Golden Hotel (3 stars, 800,000 VND/night). Check in and rest.

15:30: Visit Hong Van beach (Hong Hai village), famous for its fine white sand, calm water, and purple sea hibiscus flowers. Swim in the sea, kayak (100,000 VND/hour), or take photos to check-in.

18:30: Dinner at Sua restaurant (Co To town, 150,000-200,000 VND/meal) with specialties such as grilled sea urchin with scallion oil, stir-fried cockles with tamarind. Freely explore Ky Con walking street (19:00-23:00), buy specialties such as dried squid (500,000 VND/kg), dried sea worms (1,000,000 VND/kg). Overnight at hotel.

Tip: Book a table at Jellyfish restaurant via hotline (0936 123 456) to avoid running out of seats. Bring a light jacket when walking on the walking street because the sea breeze is cold.

Day 2: Cau My Rock Beach - Lighthouse - 3-island tour (Co To Con, Carp Island, Lion Island)

5:00: Wake up early, take the electric car (1,200,000 VND/car) to Cau My rock beach (south of the island), watch the sunrise with sedimentary rock layers eroded over tens of thousands of years, creating a majestic scene. Take photos at Ong Minh cape.

6:30: Have breakfast at the hotel (seafood noodles, pho, 30,000-40,000 VND/portion). Prepare equipment (swimsuit, diving goggles) for the 3-island tour.

7:30: Join the 3-island tour (750,000 VND/person, book through Kavo Travel: 0962 705 533) including wooden boat, electric car, and lunch. Visit Co To Con Island (Robinson Beach), Carp Island, Lion Island. Experience snorkeling, catching snails, and oysters. Have lunch on the island with seafood (200,000 VND/meal).

13:00: Return to the hotel, rest. Afternoon free swimming at Van Chai beach, pristine with big waves, fine white sand. Participate in team building (free for groups of over 60 people) or rent a bicycle (50,000 VND/hour) around the island.

18:30: Have BBQ seafood dinner at Van Chay restaurant (250,000 VND/meal) with salt-roasted mantis shrimp, steamed grouper. Freely explore Co To night market, sip coffee at Co To Santorini Bar (50,000-80,000 VND/cup). Overnight at hotel.

Tip: Do not step on the coral when diving. Book a 3-island tour in advance through Kavo Travel to get a discount. Wear protective shoes when going to Cau My rock beach.

Day 3: Lighthouse – Uncle Ho Memorial – Return to Hanoi

6:30: Have breakfast at the hotel (seafood noodles, 30,000 VND/portion). Take the electric car to Co To Lighthouse, 100m above sea level, climb 72 steps to see the whole island. Visit Uncle Ho's memorial area, listen to the tour guide tell about the history of Uncle Ho's attachment to Co To fishermen.

8:30: Check out of hotel, pack luggage. Buy specialties at Co To market (dried squid: 500,000 VND/kg, dried mackerel: 300,000 VND/kg).

10:00: Take the speedboat to Ao Tien port (250,000-360,000 VND/trip). Lunch at Lam Hong 2 restaurant (150,000 VND/meal).

13:00: Get on the tourist bus back to Hanoi, stop by Hai Duong to buy green bean cakes (50,000-100,000 VND/box) as gifts. Expected to arrive in Hanoi at 18:00, tour guide says goodbye to the group, end of tour.

Tip: Check your belongings before boarding. Book your train tickets early through Klook to secure your departure time.

Compare Co To tour and self-sufficient

Choosing a tour or going on your own depends on your needs and budget. Here is a comparison table:

Form	Cost (VND/person)	Preparation time	Advantage	Disadvantages
Package tour	2.5-3.5 million	1-2 weeks	Save time, tour guide support, including car, train, food, hotel	Fixed schedule, little flexibility
Self-sufficient	2.3-3 million	1-2 months	Flexible, free to choose destination, more economical	Time consuming planning, weather risks, booking services

Tips for choosing: Package tours are suitable for beginners, families, or businesses that need team building. Self-sufficient travel is ideal for young people who love freedom, but you need to book tickets early through Traveloka, Vexere.

Tips to save money when joining Co To tour

To optimize your budget, apply the following tips:

Book early: Book through PYS Travel, Song Hong Tourist 1-2 months in advance to receive a 10-15% discount. Check the tour cancellation policy (free 7 days in advance, 30-50% if cancelled 3-6 days in advance).

Choose a 2-star hotel: Stay at a homestay or hotel like Thuan Thue (400,000-600,000 VND/night) instead of a 3-star resort to save 30%. Book through Traveloka.

Eating at the market: Enjoy seafood at Co To market (100,000-150,000 VND/meal) instead of restaurants near the beach (200,000-250,000 VND/meal).

Getting around the island: Rent a bicycle (50,000 VND/hour) or motorbike (150,000 VND/day) instead of an electric car (1,200,000 VND/car) if traveling in a small group.

Join a group tour: 3-island tour (750,000 VND/person) including car, boat, lunch, cheaper than renting a boat yourself (1,200,000 VND/trip).

Note: Follow the weather on AccuWeather to avoid storms. Bring cash as ATMs on the island are limited. Contact your tour guide if you get stuck due to boat bans (additional cost of about 500,000 VND/day).

Frequently asked questions about Co To 3 days 2 nights tour

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

April-June and September-October are ideal, cool weather, few storms. Avoid July-August due to risk of storms. Book a tour every Friday to fit your schedule.

2. How much does a 3-day, 2-night tour to Co To cost?

Package from 2.5-3.5 million VND/person, including car, train, hotel, food. Self-sufficient about 2.3-3 million VND, but need to book the service yourself.

3. Is the tour suitable for families with young children?

Yes, children under 5 years old are free (sleeping with parents), 5-9 years old get 50% off tour price. Activities such as swimming at Hong Van beach, visiting Uncle Ho's memorial are suitable for families.

4. What to do if stuck on an island due to a storm?

Contact tour guide to extend stay (500,000 VND/day). Monitor weather and follow instructions from authorities. Tour company will support tour guide costs, but guests are responsible for additional food and accommodation costs.

5. Are there any outstanding activities besides swimming?

Snorkeling, kayaking, cycling around the island, visiting the lighthouse, and enjoying seafood BBQ. The 3-island tour (VND 750,000) is a popular choice.

Conclusion: Discover Co To with a memorable 3-day, 2-night tour

Co To Island Tour 3 days 2 nights from Hanoi is a great journey to explore Hong Van, Van Chai beaches, Cau My rock beach, Lighthouse, and enjoy fresh seafood. With detailed itinerary, cost-saving tips, and updated information for 2025, you can easily enjoy the island paradise without worrying about exceeding your budget.

Source: https://baodanang.vn/nua-trieu-luot-khach-me-man-thien-duong-bien-dao-lo-trinh-ky-niem-kho-phai-3298111.html