Things to do and what to eat in Co To Island
From beaches to landmarks, there are a lot of things to see and do in Co To. Below are the most popular and recommended things to do in Co To.
1. Co To Lighthouse
The Co To lighthouse is located on the archipelago’s east coast. It’s located on top of a mountain about 3 miles (5 kilometers) outside of town. It was built in the late 1800s and is the highest point on Van Don island. Hiking up the mountain to see the lighthouse is an experience in and of itself due to the thick and tropical jungle.
The lighthouse is a must-see because it has breathtaking panoramic views that can captivate your imagination.
2. Co To Church
This is the island’s newest and only church, having been dedicated in 2013. It’s a small church that’s 27 meters long and 10 meters wide, and it’s located at the bottom of a hill. Since it is the first and only church and was constructed so recently, it is a popular tourist attraction.
3. Cau My Rock
Cau My Rock is a romantic location frequented by young lovers in love. The rock is built like a mouse tail with its tail facing the ocean. Cau My, the product of thousands of years of erosion, is a one-of-a-kind sight on Co To.
4. Hong Van Beach
The beautiful Hong Van beach is located 4 miles (7 kilometers) outside of Co To town. Beautiful white sand beaches will assist you in relaxing and unwinding. Come to Hong Van for a relaxing beach day or to take a stroll after dinner as the sun sets.
Aside from Hong Van beach, Van Chai (Vàn Chi) beach is also highly recommended. Van Chai is a little similar to Co To.
5. Nature On Co To
There are a few islands where you can go camping and admire the unspoiled beauty of Co To.
Thanh Lan Island is about 20 minutes from Co To. It has ancient woodland, twisting lanes, and stunning sandy beaches. Thanh Lan’s water is pure and crystal clear. On the island, you can get fresh seafood.
Co To Con island is another wonderful place to visit. It is a military island with no permanent inhabitants. It’s a perfect way to spend the day hiking and seeing the local flora and fauna.
What to eat?
There are a lot of local specialties on Co To island. Find our three top picks below.
Abalone
Abalone is an exceptionally useful and endangered sea slug. It is a highly proprietary ingredient that is rich in nutrients. Abalone may be stewed, roasted, or fried and is often eaten with rice, porridge, or broth. Try the abalone if you’re in Co To.
Sea Urchin
While it does not seem appetizing due to its prickly nature, this menacing sea monster is turned into a tasty dish on Co To. It is best eaten fresh, fried, or with porridge, and is often mixed with ginseng. It has a high nutritious value and is a common item on the menus of Co To’s restaurants.
Holothurian
Water cucumber is also known as holothurian. This dish is especially common among women because it is believed that eating sea cucumber delays the aging process and gives you youthful skin. In general, holothurian is considered a part of a regular, well-balanced diet and should not be overlooked when visiting Co To.