No matter how many times we visit Co To Island, we are always captivated by its picturesque natural scenery, long stretches of fine white sandy beach and deep blue waters.
At the port, high-speed boats arrive one after another, bringing thousands of visitors to the island Upon stepping off the pier, visitors are immediately greeted by a cool sea breeze and the bustle of the waterfront seafood market. Together, the island’s picturesque scenery, fresh local food and the warm smiles of its residents form an signature “speciality” for anyone visiting Co To.
According to local statistics, from December 15, 2025 to July 24, 2026, Co To welcomed more than 313,000 tourist arrivals, equivalent to 100.81% of the figure recorded in the same period last year. This included 2,080 international tourist arrivals, equivalent to 107% year on year. Tourism revenue was estimated at more than VND 1 trillion, equivalent to 106.81% of the figure in the same period.
While walking along the beach with a group of visitors, Pham Thi Huyen from Hai Phong said: “This is my first visit to Co To. I find the island very beautiful, with a refreshing climate, clear blue waters, beautiful, pristine beaches, and very friendly local people.”
The lively atmosphere comes not only from the natural appeal of the island, but also well-coordinated preparations by the local authorities.
Tran Thi Thuy, owner of Phuong Linh Homestay in Hai Tien village, said: “Before the peak season began, we proactively refurbished the rooms, added amenities, cleaned up the surroundings and improved service quality, ensuring the highest possible standards of cleanliness so that visitors could enjoy the most comfortable experiences.”
Beyond its infrastructure preparations, Co To created further highlights through a series of activities welcoming the summer of 2026 and marking the 65th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh’s visit to the island. These included a photo exhibition featuring Co To, an ornamental flora and fauna exhibition, an OCOP product market, kayak racing, the “Co To – Flying with the Blue Sea” kite-flying festival and the “Green Co To - A Symphony of Aspirations” art programme. Co To has introduced plans for three new signature tourism products: flag-raising ceremonies at sovereignty flagpoles; visits to the shrine in Village 2; and experiential tourism linked with the development of marine eco-agriculture. These products help enrich visitors’ itineraries while adding cultural depth to the destination.
The locality has also put the “Co To Digital” platform into operation and upgraded the application with features providing weather information, boat schedules, hotel information, maps, check-in locations, feedback functions, hotline lists and visitor satisfaction surveys. At the same time, all eligible accommodation establishments and restaurants have been added to the tourism database. Co To is striving to welcome 392,000 tourist arrivals, including 3,300 international tourist arrivals, and generate revenue of VND 1.176 trillion.
Nguyen Danh Ha, Chairman of the Co To Special Zone People’s Committee, emphasised: “As Co To enters the autumn and winter tourism season, the special zone will implement a coordinated range of measures, including upgrading infrastructure, improving service quality, ensuring security and safety, protecting the environment and renewing tourism products.”
As autumn arrives, the bustle of crowded ferries subsides, and Co To welcomes visitors with a clean and a peaceful island atmosphere and attentive services. Thanks to thorough preparations, from boat scheduling to destination management, Co To is affirming its position as a safe, well-managed and year-round marine tourism destination.
By Nguyen Chien
