Con Co Island Travel Guide: Where to Go, Eat, and Stay

Con Co Island is the smallest island district in Vietnam, located about 15 miles (approximately 28 km) off the mainland from Cua Viet Port in Quang Tri Province. Covering an area of around 2.3 km², the island boasts unspoiled natural beauty with lush primary forests, crystal-clear beaches, and a rich marine ecosystem. It is also a historic site, closely tied to Vietnam’s resistance against the U.S.

What to See and Do on Con Co Island

1. National Flagpole: Standing 38.8 meters tall with a 24m² national flag, this is a sacred symbol of sovereignty and a must-visit photo spot.
2. Con Co Lighthouse: Known as the "emerald eye" of the sea, offering panoramic views of the island and the vast East Sea.
3. Island District Traditional Room: A museum preserving artifacts and images of Con Co’s struggle and development history.
4. Hill 37 Memorial: Honoring over 100 martyrs who died defending the island, featuring two artistic reliefs reenacting the battle.
5. Ben Nghe & Ben Tranh Beaches: The island's most beautiful beaches, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and watching the sunrise or sunset.
6. Primary Forest & Volcanic Geology: Explore the island’s diverse forest ecosystem and unique basalt rock formations created by volcanic activity.

What to Eat on Con Co Island

Con Co is known for its fresh seafood and unique local specialties:

• Black sea cucumber: Considered the "bird's nest of the sea" – a premium delicacy with medicinal value.
• Gem-eyed snails, cone snails, and rock snails: Local shellfish varieties distinctive to the region.
• Lobsters, fresh squid, ocean fish: Freshly caught and simply prepared to highlight the natural flavor of the sea.
• Sea grapes and jiaogulan herb: Nutritious sea vegetables known for their health benefits.

There are currently around five restaurants on the island, including:

• Than Thuong Restaurant
• Tram Anh Restaurant
• Dao Xanh Quan Restaurant
• Sao Hai Restaurant

Hàu - Rong nho

Where to Stay on Con Co Island

Although accommodation is limited, the island offers a few options:

• Guesthouses: There are 5 guesthouses with a total of 73 rooms, accommodating up to 250 guests.
• Homestays: Six homestays (e.g., Tram Anh, Sao Bien, Hoang Lien, Hung Phuong, Hai Au, Thanh Duyen) offer a closer experience to local island life.

Where to Stay on Con Co Island

Although accommodation is limited, the island offers a few options:

• Guesthouses: There are 5 guesthouses with a total of 73 rooms, accommodating up to 250 guests.
• Homestays: Six homestays (e.g., Tram Anh, Sao Bien, Hoang Lien, Hung Phuong, Hai Au, Thanh Duyen) offer a closer experience to local island life.

Getting to Con Co Island

• To Quang Tri: Travel options include coach, train, or flight (via Phu Bai Airport in Hue or Dong Hoi Airport in Quang Binh), then continue to Cua Viet Port.
• To the island: From Cua Viet Port, high-speed boats depart at 7:30 AM on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The journey takes about 1 hour 30 minutes. Ticket price is approximately 220,000 VND/person/way.

Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to explore Con Co is from March to August, when the weather is calm and favorable for outdoor activities. Avoid the stormy season from September to November for safety and the best experience.

Con Co Island is a perfect destination for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a peaceful island escape. Start planning your journey to this “emerald gem” in the middle of the sea

• Phong Nha Việt