Con Co Island is located about 15-17 nautical miles (around 30 km) from Cua Viet Port, in Quang Tri Province. With an area of only about 2.3 km², this small island boasts pristine beauty, a diverse marine ecosystem, and an important strategic position guarding the southern part of the Tonkin Gulf. Con Co used to be a military island during the anti-American war, recording heroic feats of arms. Today, the island has transformed into an attractive eco-tourism destination where visitors can submerge themselves in nature, explore history, and experience the simple life of local islanders.

To ensure a smooth and safe trip, choosing the right time is extremely important. According to Sovaba, the ideal time is from March to August, especially from May to July, when the weather is warm and sunny, the sea is calm, and waves are gentle—perfect for activities like swimming, snorkeling, or exploring the island.

Notes:

• From September to November is the typhoon season; weather in the sea off Quang Tri is often unpredictable and may affect boat schedules and your safety. Please check the weather forecast before departing to avoid getting stranded on the island.
• If you want to experience a peaceful atmosphere, avoid major holidays such as April 30 or May 1, when tourist numbers peak.

For a complete trip to Con Co Island, picking the appropriate time will help you enjoy its beauty to the fullest. 

Con Co Island is an appealing destination for those who love exploring untouched nature and learning about history. For a smooth trip, you need to understand how to get to the island, including transportation, departure times, and essential tips. 

Traveling to Quang Tri

To reach Con Co Island, you need to arrive in Dong Ha City or Cua Viet Port, Quang Tri. Here are popular means of transport:

• Sleeper Bus: From Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or neighboring provinces, you can take a bus to Dong Ha. Ticket prices range from 200,000 to 600,000 VND depending on the departure point. Reputable bus operators: Hoang Long, Camel Travel.
• Train: Dong Ha Railway Station is a convenient stop. Train ticket prices from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City range from 300,000 to 1,000,000 VND.
• Airplane: The nearest airports are Phu Bai Airport (Hue) or Dong Hoi Airport (Quang Binh). From there, take a bus or taxi to Dong Ha (about 1-2 hours travel time).

From Dong Ha, you can take a taxi or motorbike taxi to Cua Viet Port, about 15 km away, costing around 100,000 - 150.000 VND.

Traveling to Con Co Island

Currently, the only way to reach the island is by boat from Cua Viet Port. Here are some details:

• Boat schedule: Boats depart at 7:30 AM on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, and return to the mainland on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. In low season (September to February), frequency drops to 2 trips/week (Monday, Thursday).
• Travel time: About 60-90 minutes.
• Ticket price: 220,000 VND/person/way. Free for children under 6 years old; children aged 6-11 are charged 50% of ticket price.
• Transport operators: "Con Co Tourist" or "Chin Nghia Quang Tri" boats. Booking contact: 0966.196.012 (Ms. Tham) or 0935.758.884 (Mr. Hai).

Notes:

• Book tickets at least 1-2 days in advance, especially during peak season.
• Bring motion sickness medication and sit facing forward to reduce discomfort.

Although small, Con Co Island boasts many unique attractions blending nature, history, and culture. Here are the must-visit spots:

Con Co Lighthouse

Located on a high point of the island, the lighthouse is an ideal place to admire a panoramic view of Con Co from above. From here, you can gaze at the vast blue sea, feel the fresh breeze, and sense the tranquility of the island. This is also a favorite check-in spot for many tourists.

National Flagpole

Standing 38.8m high with a 24m² national flag, the flagpole is a sacred symbol of Vietnam's sovereignty. Standing before the flagpole, you will feel deep national pride and the resolve to protect the sea and islands.

Con Co Traditional House

The Traditional House preserves artifacts, photos, and stories about the heroic history of the army and people of Con Co during the war. It is a meaningful stop to learn more about the sacrifices and bravery of the island's defenders.

Hill 37 Memorial Monument

This site commemorates the heroic martyrs who sacrificed their lives to protect Con Co. Visitors often come to offer incense, express gratitude, and learn about the fierce war years.

Ben Nghe Wharf

Ben Nghe is where you welcome the first rays of dawn on the island, featuring unique rock formations and clear blue water. During the war, this was the landing site for unnumbered ships resupplying the island.

Primeval Forest and Coral Stone Road

The path through the primeval forest paved with fossilized coral stones is one of Con Co's unique highlights. The forest is home to many rare animal species, providing a fascinating nature exploration experience.

Besides sightseeing, Con Co also offers many exciting activities for you to enjoy:

Snorkeling to See Coral Reefs

Con Co possesses a diverse marine ecosystem with 109 coral species, including rare red and black corals. Snorkeling at Ben Tranh is a must-try experience, feeling like entering a colorful underwater world.

Night Squid and Fish Angling

Renting a boat to go night squid or fish angling (cost around 1,000,000 VND/boat for 5 people) is a fun activity to experience a fisherman's life. Afterward, you can organize a BBQ party right on the beach.

Swimming and Camping

Beaches on Con Co such as Ben Tranh or near the residential area are very clean and safe for swimming. If you like adventure, you can bring tents to camp overnight near local houses, which is safe and gives you a chance to interact with locals.

Exploring Seafood Cuisine

Seafood on Con Co is fresh and diverse, featuring dishes like grilled oysters, pearl snails, grilled squid, sea grapes, and sea cucumbers. Some reputable dining spots:

• Son Trang Restaurant: 0913 664 127 (Ms. Lan)
• Dao Xanh Restaurant: 0935 099 017 (Mr. Vinh)
• Than Thuong Restaurant: 0346 297 479 (Ms. Thuy)

Note: Order dishes in advance if traveling in a large group to ensure sufficient ingredients.

Accommodation on the island is developing, mainly consisting of guesthouses and homestays. Some popular choices:

• District People's Committee Guesthouse: 30 beds, basic amenities. Contact: 0232.652.8868.
• Provincial Military Command Guesthouse: 40 beds, clean, reasonable prices.
• Local Homestays: Suitable for an authentic local experience. Prices range from 100,000 - 200,000 VND/person/night.

Notes:

• Book in advance, especially during peak season.
• If you want to camp, consult island management or locals to choose a safe location.

To make your trip safe and meaningful, keep in mind:

• Items to bring: Personal documents, motion sickness medication, sunscreen, insect repellent, swimwear, hats, snorkeling goggles, power banks, camera.
• Save resources: Freshwater and electricity on the island are limited, so please use them reasonably.
• Protect the environment: Do not litter, do not use plastic bags. Garbage must be disposed of in designated areas (penguin-shaped trash cans).
• Respect regulations: Do not hunt rock crabs (fine of 1,000,000 VND/crab, taking them off the island fine of 2,500,000 VND/crab). Do not take photos or videos in military zones.
• Monitor the weather: Contact island management or transportation companies to update boat schedules and weather conditions.

Con Co Island is not only an ideal retreat amidst pristine nature but also a journey taking you to explore historical footprints, distinctive culture, and the peaceful rhythm of island life. With its untouched beauty, unique experiences, and reasonable costs, this is a perfect choice for a memorable vacation.

To fully enjoy the beauty of the "green gem" in the East Sea, you can join Sovaba Travel on our Con Co Island tours featuring professional services, or set off on a self-guided backpacking trip to feel every path and memorable moment on the island. Whichever way you choose, Con Co will always bring you unforgettable experiences!