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What impresses visitors most about Co To Island is its beautiful, wild beaches with smooth white sand, a unique ancient stone ground and friendly islanders, so it is no surprise it has become a popular tourist destination.
We embarked on a high-speed boat trip from Van Don to Co To Island at 4pm. It was the fourth and last boat of the day, but the wharf was still crowded with people wanting to go to the island.
Huong, the owner of the Manh Quang high-speed boat company, met us at the port, saying, “Hurry up, the boat is arriving! I have doubled the boat to run each day for the last two months, but all boats have been fully packed.”
As the boat began leaving the port, Huong gave each passenger a flyer on travel information for Co To Island including food prices and room rates, as well as the cost of “Xe om” (motorbike taxi) rides on the island.
While sitting on board the boat, I really enjoyed the vast expanse of sea after the hot, stuffy atmosphere of the city. We reached Co To Island in about an hour and a half.
After a good night’s sleep at a guesthouse, I met Nguyen Duc Thanh, Party Secretary and Chairman of Co To Island District, for a tour of the island. He said, “The best way to enjoy this fascinating island is to discover it your own way. You should start at dawn to see the sunrise over the island.”
He showed me My Bridge, the highest point on the island, from which people can enjoy a spectacular view and welcome the light of a new day.
Thanh then led me to visit other beautiful places, including Van Chay Beach to see the waves running up to the shore, Hong Vam Beach with its natural beauty and smooth white sand, the impressive geological formations of the Pheralit stone ground, and the romantic coast road, which is a favourite with lovers.
The lighthouse is also a must-see site for visitors and offers a panoramic view of the island.
Following Thanh’s advice, I made my own tour of the island over the next few days. I was told that a “home stay” project was started on the island in 2011 as a unique tourism initiative and has proven to be quite successful.
Nguyen Duc Thanh is credited with creating this friendly and hospitable tourist environment, where visitors stay at the homes of local residents and experience daily life on the island.
Co To Beach was the most charming at night. On the last day of my trip, I strolled along the beach until 3am.
I lost my way as I was returning to my guesthouse but I saw that all of the houses were still open. I asked a passing motorbike rider to show me the way to my guesthouse and even though it was very late, he took me there on his motorbike.
I was fascinated by the beautiful landscape of Co To Island, but the friendliness and sincerity of the local people impressed me the most. This is why anyone who visits the island once will surely want to return.
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