Is Cô Tô Island worth the trip for 3 days and 2 nights?
Check your return ferry before booking accommodation, as off-season schedules sometimes offer just one departure a day. Ao Tien Port is 1-4.5 hours by road depending on where you start, April and May bring beach weather before the summer crowds, and three days cover Hong Van, Van Chay, and Cô Tô Con.
18 min read
Co To town wraps around a curved bay, with a long sandy shore running into the distance and a breakwater on the left where boats moor.
Already exploring Ha Long and wondering whether Cô Tô Island is worth a few extra days? Yes, especially if you enjoy clear water, wide sandy beaches, and the slower pace of island life. From Ao Tien Port in Van Don, a 70-90-minute speedboat ride takes you to an island where two nights are enough to see the main beaches without rushing.
Where is Cô Tô Island, and how is it different from Ha Long and Cat Ba?
Cô Tô Island lies off the northeastern coast of Vietnam, in Quang Ninh Province. Since July 1, 2025, the former Cô Tô District has been reorganized into the Cô Tô Special Zone, covering the areas previously known as Cô Tô Town, Dong Tien Commune, and Thanh Lan Commune.
Both Cô Tô and Van Don belong to Quang Ninh Province, not Haiphong. That distinction can be confusing for international travelers who have already visited Cat Ba or Ha Long and are looking for another island destination in northern Vietnam.
Cô Tô is a beach island: people come to spend hours swimming, walking along the sand, or sitting by the sea. While Ha Long is famous for cruises between dramatic limestone islands, Cô Tô is more about beach days, scenic scooter rides, and discovering different stretches of coastline.
Compared with Cat Ba, Cô Tô has fewer entertainment options and less developed tourism infrastructure. In return, beaches such as Hong Van and Van Chay offer plenty of open space, particularly outside busy summer weekends.
For international travelers staying in Hanoi, Ha Long, or Haiphong, Cô Tô works best with at least three days free. A single-day visit involves too much travel and waiting for ferries to make the journey worthwhile.
How to get to Cô Tô Island from Hanoi, Haiphong, or Ha Long
First, travel to Ao Tien Port in Van Don
Tourist speedboats to Cô Tô Island depart from Ao Tien Port in Van Don, Quang Ninh Province.
Depending on your starting point, these are the most practical options:
| Starting point | Approximate road travel time | Recommended transport |
|---|---|---|
| Hanoi | 3.5-4.5 hours | Limousine minibus, coach, or private car |
| Haiphong | 1.5-2 hours | Private car, transfer service, or connecting coach |
| Ha Long | 1-1.5 hours | Taxi, private transfer, or rental car |
These estimates exclude waiting time, rest stops, and unexpected traffic delays.
From Hanoi, many limousine services travel toward Van Don. Ask whether the operator can drop you directly at Ao Tien Port or whether you’ll need a short taxi ride from central Van Don.
Ha Long is the more convenient starting point because the port is relatively close. From Hanoi, an early-afternoon ferry is often easier to catch than a morning departure, unless you’re leaving extremely early or spending the previous night in Van Don.
Take a speedboat from Ao Tien to Cô Tô
Once you arrive at the terminal, collect your ferry ticket, pay the port passenger fee if it hasn’t been included, and present your identification at the boarding checkpoint.
Several companies operate the Ao Tien - Cô Tô route, including Havaco (Tuan Chau Express), Ka Long, Quang Minh, and Hoang Quan.
The crossing takes approximately 70-90 minutes, depending on the vessel and sea conditions. Ferries arrive at the main passenger port on Cô Tô Island, close to the town center.
Arrive at least 45 minutes before departure. During public holidays and busy summer weekends, you need that time for collecting tickets, completing boarding checks, and finding the correct boat.
How much are Cô Tô ferry tickets in 2026?
In 2026, a standard adult speedboat ticket between Ao Tien and Cô Tô costs VND 300,000-350,000 one way depending on the operator: VND 300,000 with Ka Long, VND 350,000 with Havaco and Hoang Quan. Some booking channels offer Havaco fares closer to VND 330,000, depending on the travel date.
For Havaco’s Tuan Chau Express service, the published fares effective April 10, 2026, are:
| Ticket category | One-way fare |
|---|---|
| Adult, Economy (Eco) | VND 350,000 |
| Adult, VIP | VND 500,000 |
| Child, within the operator’s eligible age range | VND 200,000 |
| Young children eligible for free travel | Free |
Children’s tickets with other operators generally range from VND 160,000 to VND 200,000. Each ferry company has its own rules regarding age limits, height, seating, and free travel for infants or toddlers. Families should confirm the applicable policy before purchasing tickets.
Ferry fares generally include VAT and passenger insurance, but they do not include the Ao Tien Port passenger fee.
Ao Tien Port passenger fees
Passenger fees in 2026 are:
- Passengers aged 6 and above: VND 50,000 per port entry.
- Children aged 3-5: VND 20,000.
- Children under 3: Free.
Passengers aged 70-80 pay VND 20,000, while those over 80 are exempt. Certain island residents are eligible for additional exemptions or discounts.
For a normal Ao Tien - Cô Tô - Ao Tien journey, the VND 50,000 passenger fee is collected once, when departing from Ao Tien, not on each leg like the ferry fare. Some ferry operators or booking agents include this fee in their packages, so check your total payment before purchasing it separately.
For an adult traveling in economy class at VND 350,000 each way, the round-trip ferry tickets and Ao Tien passenger fee come to approximately VND 750,000, excluding other services.
What time do ferries leave Ao Tien for Cô Tô?
Cô Tô ferry schedules vary considerably with the season, passenger demand, and weather conditions. A timetable that works during summer may be completely different a few months later.
During peak summer, there can be dozens of sailings per day. For example, on June 26, 2026, departures from Ao Tien to Cô Tô were scheduled between 7:00 AM and 1:45 PM, while return services ran between 8:45 AM and 4:00 PM.
Outside the peak season, the planned November schedule has only one or two sailings each way on some days:
| Travel date | Ao Tien → Cô Tô | Cô Tô → Ao Tien |
|---|---|---|
| November 3, 2026 | 1:30 PM | 8:00 AM |
| November 6, 2026 | 7:30 AM, 1:30 PM | 8:00 AM, 4:00 PM |
| November 8, 2026 | 1:30 PM | 8:00 AM, 1:30 PM |
These timetables are for reference only; confirm the sailings for your travel date with the ferry operator.
Schedules are also listed on Cô Tô Digital, a local tourism mini app available through Zalo without installing a separate application. It provides ferry schedules, weather information, accommodation listings, restaurants, attractions, and emergency contacts.
Can foreign tourists visit Cô Tô Island?
Yes. Foreign travelers who have legally entered Vietnam and hold valid immigration or residence documents can visit Cô Tô Island without obtaining a separate permit for the maritime border area solely for tourism.
Since 2016, following Cô Tô’s recognition as a local tourism area, the separate border-area entry permit requirement for eligible international visitors to the tourist destination has been removed.
Your immigration status in Vietnam must remain valid. International visitors should bring their original valid passport, together with any applicable visa, e-visa, temporary residence card, or other relevant immigration documents.
Travelers entering Vietnam under a visa exemption still need to meet the conditions and permitted length of stay associated with that exemption.
For example, a South Korean visitor legally staying in Hanoi under Vietnam’s visa-exemption policy or an Australian tourist holding a valid e-visa can book a ferry to Cô Tô through the normal tourist process, with no special Cô Tô entry permit.
The ferry company may ask to see your passport during boarding. After check-in, your hotel or homestay will use your passport information to complete the required temporary residence registration.
When is the best time to visit Cô Tô Island?
The best period for an independent Cô Tô trip is April to May. The weather is becoming warmer, sunny days are increasingly common, and the island is generally less crowded than during the height of summer.
Swimming can still feel a little chilly in April, while late May tends to be more comfortable for beach activities.
June through August is the busiest tourism season. The water is warm, businesses are active, ferry departures become more frequent, and popular beaches fill up during weekends.
This is also part of northern Vietnam’s tropical storm season. Typhoons and tropical depressions can occur, including during June and July.
On July 3, 2026, ferry operations in Quang Ninh were temporarily suspended as authorities responded to a tropical storm, leaving thousands of visitors on Cô Tô waiting for safe transport back to the mainland.
September and October are generally cooler and less crowded, with more attractive accommodation prices. Rain and wind conditions still need careful attention.
From approximately November to March, cold air and northeast monsoon winds make Cô Tô better suited to sightseeing and quiet retreats than swimming holidays.
What happens when ferries are canceled due to storms?
When strong winds, high waves, or storms threaten maritime safety, port authorities can suspend permission for passenger vessels to depart.
Because Cô Tô lies relatively far offshore, the route is particularly sensitive to rough conditions.
Visitors already staying on the island must wait until ferry operations are officially allowed to resume. Depending on the operator’s policy and the reason for cancellation, purchased tickets may be rescheduled or refunded.
Check the marine weather forecast and transport announcements shortly before departure. Boats can stay in port on a sunny day if the sea is rough.
Which beaches are best on Cô Tô Island?
Hong Van Beach
Best for swimming and relaxing
Hong Van Beach is approximately 8 km from the town center and is one of Cô Tô’s most popular stretches of coastline.
Its location offers some natural shelter thanks to nearby Thanh Lan Island, so the water can be relatively calm on suitable days.
The pale sand, gently sloping shoreline, and clear blue-green water on sunny days make Hong Van a place to spend a whole morning in the water.
There are places to eat and accommodation options nearby. You can arrive early, choose a designated swimming area, and spend the rest of the morning relaxing by the sea.
Van Chay Beach
A beautiful place for sunset
Van Chay sits toward the far end of the island, with an open coastal setting and waves that can be stronger than those at Hong Van.
Come in the late afternoon, when the sunlight softens and stretches across the sand, to walk the shoreline, take photos, or watch the sun move toward the horizon.
Sea conditions here can include strong waves and dangerous currents. Swim only in permitted areas, follow lifeguard instructions, and avoid entering the water after dark.
Bac Ho Beach and Tinh Yeu Beach
Conveniently close to town
Bac Ho Beach lies close to the island’s main settlement, making it easy to reach on foot and a convenient spot for watching the sunrise.
Islanders use it every day, so it feels more like a village beach than a resort.
Tinh Yeu Beach, also known as Love Beach, and the nearby coastal walking area are pleasant places for an early-morning or late-afternoon stroll.
These locations combine easily with the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Site, the central square, and local cafés or restaurants.
Beach improvements and construction projects take place from time to time, so the areas available for swimming may change.
The National Flagpole, Ho Chi Minh monument, and Cô Tô Lighthouse
In the town center, you’ll find the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Site, connected to President Ho Chi Minh’s visit to Cô Tô on May 9, 1961.
The memorial complex was recognized as a Special National Historical Relic in January 2022.
One of its main features is the Ho Chi Minh statue. The first statue was inaugurated in 1968, while he was still alive. The monument was subsequently replaced and improved, with a granite statue installed in 1996.
Nearby stands the National Flagpole, measuring 27.9 meters high and inaugurated on April 26, 2022. Its height matches that of the flagpole at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi.
You can explore the memorial complex, flagpole, and central square during the same morning.
Flag-raising ceremonies follow local schedules and are not held every morning.
Also worth a visit is Cô Tô Lighthouse, which dates back to the late nineteenth century.
The lighthouse sits on an elevated, green hillside, offering views across parts of the island and surrounding sea.
Some sections of the access road are steep, so take care when riding a motorbike. As the lighthouse remains part of the maritime navigation system, visitor access may be restricted to designated areas.
How to visit Cô Tô Con Island
Cô Tô Con is a small island north of the main Cô Tô Island, known for its attractive beaches and relatively untouched natural scenery.
It has no permanent residential community, which means accommodation and tourist services are much more limited than on the main island.
To reach Cô Tô Con, first travel from the town center to the Bac Van boat landing, approximately 7 km away. From there, visitors hire a local wooden boat.
The crossing takes around 15-20 minutes in suitable sea conditions.
A reference price for hiring a boat for a group of approximately 10-12 people is VND 700,000-1,000,000 per boat, depending on the arrangement.
Before paying, confirm the landing beach, your agreed return pickup time, whether the quoted price covers both directions, and whether the boat is authorized and properly equipped to carry passengers.
For solo travelers or couples, hiring an entire boat can be expensive. Sharing the cost with a small group, arranged through your accommodation or a licensed local operator, is often more economical.
Cô Tô Con works particularly well as a morning or half-day excursion.
You can spend time on the sand, swim where conditions and local restrictions allow, and enjoy a coastal setting with relatively little development.
Bring drinking water, sun protection, and anything else you need for a few hours away from the main town. Take your rubbish back with you when leaving.
Boat services to Cô Tô Con depend on the weather. During rough seas or when local authorities restrict landings, switch to an activity on the main island.
Where to stay on Cô Tô Island
Cô Tô has a growing selection of small hotels, homestays, and guesthouses.
By September 2026, the special zone had recorded 292 accommodation establishments with a total of 3,282 rooms.
Staying in central Cô Tô is the easiest choice for first-time visitors. You’ll be close to the ferry terminal, restaurants, shops, and historical attractions. It’s also convenient for arranging transport to the beaches or catching an early return ferry.
Staying near Hong Van Beach is a good option for couples, families, and travelers planning to spend plenty of time by the sea. Some homestays have outdoor spaces close to the beach, although restaurants and attractions in town will be farther away.
Staying around Van Chay Beach appeals to people who enjoy coastal scenery and quieter surroundings, particularly in the late afternoon.
As a price reference, rooms during the April 30 holiday period in 2026 were commonly listed at approximately VND 500,000-1,200,000 per room per night.
During summer weekends and public holidays, both availability and prices depend heavily on how early you book.
From October 1, 2026, through April 20, 2027, Cô Tô is running an autumn-winter tourism promotion, excluding major holiday periods.
Some participating accommodation providers offer rooms for around VND 400,000-600,000 per night, while selected restaurants provide additional discounts.
Renting a motorbike or electric shuttle
Motorbikes are convenient for exploring the main island, especially if you want the freedom to choose when to visit Hong Van, Van Chay, or the lighthouse.
Typical rental prices are around VND 200,000 per day without fuel, or VND 250,000 per day for a package that includes fuel under the rental provider’s conditions.
Basic manual motorcycles may cost less, while newer scooters can be more expensive.
Riders must hold a driving license legally valid in Vietnam and meet the requirements for the vehicle they use.
International visitors should check whether their home-country license and international driving permit are recognized under Vietnamese law before renting a motorbike.
Families with children or larger groups may find an electric shuttle more comfortable.
Hiring a vehicle for the entire day typically costs approximately VND 1.2-1.6 million for a vehicle seating around 7-14 people, depending on the service and itinerary.
Individual transfers between town and attractions may cost VND 200,000-400,000 per journey.
When booking a full-day vehicle, confirm the stops, waiting time, and final drop-off time to avoid unexpected charges.
Cô Tô Island 3 days 2 nights itinerary
For a three-day trip, spend the first day getting familiar with the island, the second day visiting Cô Tô Con, and the final morning enjoying the attractions near town before returning to the mainland.
- Day 1
Arrive, visit the memorial site, and watch the sunset at Van Chay
In the morning, travel from Hanoi, Haiphong, or Ha Long to Ao Tien Port.
Board the ferry you’ve booked for your travel date and check into your accommodation after arriving on Cô Tô.
If you land before noon, follow lunch and a short rest with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Site, the central square, and the National Flagpole.
These attractions are close enough to combine comfortably in one outing.
Later in the afternoon, rent a motorbike or arrange transport to Van Chay Beach.
Spend some time walking along the sand, taking photographs, and watching the evening light over the water.
On the 1:30 PM boat you reach the island around 3 PM, so check in, head straight to Van Chay, and move the memorial site to another morning.
Return to town for dinner.
Cô Tô’s restaurants commonly serve seafood such as squid, locally caught fish, shellfish, and mantis shrimp.
Prices depend on the season and daily supply. Check the price per kilogram or per serving before ordering, especially when choosing live seafood.
- Day 2
Cô Tô Con, Hong Van Beach, and the lighthouse
Set aside the morning for Cô Tô Con.
Travel to Bac Van, board your prearranged boat, and spend a few hours exploring the permitted landing area and nearby beach.
Return to the main island for lunch and a break.
In the early afternoon, head toward Cô Tô Lighthouse or another accessible viewpoint.
From the hillside you look down over trees, rooftops, and open sea around the island.
Later, travel to Hong Van Beach for a swim or a relaxed walk along the shore.
If the weather prevents boats from visiting Cô Tô Con, swap the morning excursion for Hong Van, the lighthouse, or the Cau My rocky coastline, depending on local safety restrictions and accessibility.
- Day 3
Sunrise, breakfast, and the ferry back to Ao Tien
With an early-afternoon return ferry, you’ll still have time for a morning stroll along Bac Ho Beach, breakfast, and perhaps some last-minute souvenir shopping.
Popular local products include dried squid and packaged seafood.
International travelers connecting to flights should check the airline’s baggage rules and the destination country’s restrictions on bringing in food products.
If your return ferry departs at 8:00 AM, skip the morning sightseeing and head straight to the port with plenty of time for boarding.
That is why the return ferry gets booked before the rest of the itinerary.
After arriving at Ao Tien, continue by road to Hanoi, Haiphong, or Ha Long.
How much does a 3-day, 2-night Cô Tô trip cost?
For two people traveling independently from Hanoi, sharing a room and motorbike, a reasonable sample budget is:
| Expense | Estimated cost per person |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport between Hanoi and Van Don | VND 600,000-900,000 |
| Round-trip speedboat tickets | VND 600,000-700,000 |
| Ao Tien passenger fee | VND 50,000 |
| Accommodation for 2 nights, shared | VND 400,000-1,200,000 |
| Motorbike rental for 2 days, shared | VND 200,000-250,000 |
| Cô Tô Con boat trip, shared with a group | VND 100,000-500,000 |
| Food and drinks for 3 days | VND 500,000-900,000 |
| Estimated total | VND 2,450,000-4,500,000 |
These figures are a planning estimate, not fixed package prices.
They exclude shopping, optional activities, and any additional accommodation needed because of bad weather.
Traveling alone, hiring a private electric shuttle, choosing premium accommodation, or visiting during a major holiday will increase the total.
Starting from Haiphong or Ha Long generally reduces mainland transport costs compared with Hanoi, while ferry tickets and most island expenses remain similar.
Are Cô Tô 3-day tour packages worth considering?
As part of the 2026-2027 autumn-winter tourism promotion, Cô Tô has advertised packages starting at VND 950,000 per person for two days and one night, and VND 1,150,000 per person for three days and two nights.
These lower-priced packages combine selected accommodation and transport services, including local electric shuttle arrangements, one-way speedboat travel, and the Ao Tien passenger fee.
The remaining ferry journey, meals, and optional activities may need to be paid for separately depending on the package.
There are also group packages starting at approximately VND 1.6 million per person for groups of at least 20 travelers. These include two nights of accommodation, specified meals, electric shuttle services, and round-trip ferry tickets.
Packages fix most of the cost in advance, which suits groups.
Before comparing a package with independent travel, check exactly how many ferry journeys are included, how many guests share each room, and whether a trip to Cô Tô Con is part of the itinerary.
Small things that make a Cô Tô trip easier
Many attractions are accessible by road, although some routes include steep hills or slippery rocky sections after rain.
Comfortable footwear with good grip is useful for visiting the lighthouse, rocky coastal areas, or boarding smaller boats.
Carry some cash for small purchases and local transport. Mobile signal is better around the main settlement than in remote parts of the island. Public Wi-Fi is available at the port and some designated public areas.
Cô Tô Digital on Zalo lists ferry schedules and also information about restaurants, accommodation, attractions, and contact numbers for assistance.
Weather decides a lot on the island, so keep the plan loose and give the calm, sunny days to Hong Van or Cô Tô Con.
Final thoughts
Once you know the way to Ao Tien Port, have the return ferry booked, and have split your three days on the island, Cô Tô comes down to two nights by the sea, with time for Hong Van, Van Chay, and Cô Tô Con.
Frequently asked questions
Where do ferries to Cô Tô depart, and how much do tickets cost?
Tourist speedboats depart from Ao Tien Port in Van Don, Quang Ninh Province. In 2026, standard adult tickets cost VND 300,000-350,000 one way depending on the operator, excluding the VND 50,000 Ao Tien passenger fee. Ferry schedules vary by date and season, with significantly fewer departures during quieter months.
Do foreign visitors need a special permit to visit Cô Tô Island?
Foreign tourists who have entered Vietnam legally and hold valid immigration documents do not need a separate maritime border-area permit to visit Cô Tô's tourist area. Bring your original passport or valid replacement travel document, together with the immigration documents applicable to your stay. Hotels and homestays are responsible for registering the temporary residence of foreign guests staying overnight.
What is the best month to visit Cô Tô, and when are ferries most likely to be canceled?
April and May are good choices for pleasant weather and generally smaller crowds than peak summer. June through August offers warmer water but also brings a greater risk of tropical storms. Outside the summer storm season, strong northeast monsoon winds during colder months can also disrupt ferry services.
Which is the best beach on Cô Tô, and how do I get to Cô Tô Con?
Hong Van is one of the best beaches for swimming and relaxing, while Van Chay is particularly attractive in the late afternoon. To visit Cô Tô Con, travel to the Bac Van boat landing and hire a local boat for the approximately 15-20-minute crossing when conditions are safe. Confirm the landing location, total boat price, and return pickup time before departing.
How much should I budget for 3 days and 2 nights on Cô Tô?
For two people traveling from Hanoi, sharing accommodation and a motorbike, a practical budget is approximately VND 2.5-4.5 million per person, depending on the season and spending preferences. Starting from Haiphong or Ha Long may reduce transportation costs. Keep additional funds available in case rough weather delays your return to the mainland.
