Backpacking to Co To - a small island in the middle of the blue ocean

Backpacking allows travelers to experience the challenge and excitement of overcoming difficulties and exploring little-known places.

Together with Phuot - Co To, the frontier island district of the Northeast region of the country, is where the overwhelming natural landscape creates unexpected emotions. Spectacular wild sedimentary rocks, beautiful white sand beaches, walking paths right next to primeval forests, fresh seafood rich in sea flavor, hospitable people, romantic atmosphere or exciting entertainment activities are all available in Co To. Coming to Co To, you will have dreamy experiences, immersing yourself in pristine nature.

History of Co To Island

Co To's ancient name is Chang Son (Chang Mountain), and has long been the residence of fishermen's boats in the Northeast, but has not become a settled place because it is always harassed by Chinese pirates. At the beginning of the Nguyen Dynasty, some Chinese fishermen caught pirates and asked to immigrate to live.

In 1832, Nguyen Cong Tru, as General Governor of Hai An (Hai Duong - An Quang), asked the royal court to establish villages and appoint people to manage them. The first village here was named Huong Hoa village by Nguyen Cong Tru. Not long after, the Nguyen Dynasty ordered tax collection and established Huong Hoa station to guard against sea invaders. The population gradually increased, all of whom were from many ethnic minorities who had wandered from the coastal areas of Guangdong, Fujian and Hainan Island.

On October 16, 2013, Co To officially had electricity from the national grid after completing the project to bring electricity to the island.

When should you go to Co To?

If you want to swim, the best time to go to Co To is from March to May every year, at this time the weather is gradually warming up, you can swim and the sea is quite calm.

From June to August every year, it is a bit unlucky because it can encounter rough seas that prevent the ship from going to the island or returning to the mainland. If you go on this occasion, you need to pay attention to the weather forecast

Around the end of the year, September-October, the weather in the North gradually changes to autumn, the climate is cool, so if you go, it's probably just to see the scenery.

Directions to Co To

If traveling from Hanoi, you can take the bus routes to Cua Ong and Van Don, then get off at Van Don intersection and continue taking bus number 01 (Bai Chay – Van Don) to Van Don Post Office, from It's about 1km further to Cai Rong port, you can choose a motorbike taxi or walk.

When traveling to Co To, you have many choices of means of transportation to explore the island. If you are a sports lover you can rent a bicycle, otherwise you can use a motorbike or rent a car. Or rent an electric car to be environmentally friendly.

As one of the "hot" tourist destinations in the North every summer, Co To has no shortage of hotel, motel and even homestay services. When all of these services are "out of stock", many families living on the island are willing to take advantage of part of their family's living space to support tourists. Having said that, you can feel secure about the accommodation services here, but if you book early, you will have more options.

Thank you for your choiceiguide.aito accompany your exciting experience!