Con Co

Cồn Cỏ (Con Co Island) is a special administrative region of Quảng Trị province, located 27 km east of the mainland in the Gulf of Tonkin. The island has an area of just 2.3 km² and a population of around 400, making it one of the smallest and least-populated districts in Vietnam. Known as "The Jade," it is a young volcanic island with basalt cliffs rising to 63 metres, surrounded by pristine waters.

Cồn Cỏ has a long history of human habitation dating back to the Stone Age, with Cham people later inhabiting the island. During the Nguyễn dynasty it was used as a penal colony. In the Vietnam War, it served as a North Vietnamese military base and coastal artillery position, and was heavily bombarded. Since November 2015, the island transitioned from a military zone to a civilian administrative area, opening the door for tourism and economic development. The local culture includes a unique tradition of holding memorial services (lễ truy điệu sống) for fishermen and sailors before they embark on dangerous voyages.

Cồn Cỏ has a tropical monsoon climate with a dry season from February to August. The hottest months are June through August, with mean daily highs around 33°C. The rainy season from September to January brings heavy rainfall, particularly in October and November.

By Plane

The nearest airport is Phu Bai International Airport (HUI) near Huế, about 100 km south-west. Alternatively, Da Nang International Airport (DAD), 200 km south, offers more flight connections.

By Train

There is no railway station on Cồn Cỏ. The nearest station is in Dong Ha on the mainland.

By Car / Road

There is no road access; the island is reachable only by boat. From Cửa Tùng or Đông Hà ports on the mainland, regular passenger and cargo ferries serve the island. The crossing takes approximately 1.5–2 hours depending on sea conditions. Boat schedules are limited and weather-dependent.

The island is compact and walkable. Local boats are available for trips around the coastline and to nearby islets.

• Cồn Cỏ Island coastline — Volcanic cliffs, rocky coves, and sandy beaches ring the island. The clear waters are ideal for viewing coral reefs.

• War relics — Remains of North Vietnamese coastal artillery positions and bunkers from the Vietnam War era are scattered across the island.

• Hoa Phong Ba Kindergarten and Primary School — The most notable modern building on the island, built between 2011 and 2015, symbolising the island's civilian development.

• Snorkelling and diving — The waters around Cồn Cỏ contain coral reefs and diverse marine life. The tourist season runs from April onwards.

• Fishing — Local fishermen offer trips. The surrounding waters are rich in seafood.

• Island hiking — Walk to the island's highest point (63 m) for panoramic views of the Gulf of Tonkin.

Seafood is the mainstay — fresh catches including fish, squid, crab, and shrimp are prepared simply by grilling or steaming. Basic restaurants cater to the small resident population and occasional visitors.

Soft drinks, beer, and bottled water are available from the island shop. There are no dedicated bars or cafes on Cồn Cỏ; visitors should bring any preferred drinks from the mainland. Tap water is not available; bring sufficient bottled water for the duration of your stay.

Accommodation is very limited on Cồn Cỏ, with a few basic guesthouses for government workers and tourists. Most visitors visit as a day trip from the mainland. It is advisable to arrange accommodation through the Cồn Cỏ Tourism service in advance.

There is a small shop serving the island's residents and visitors, selling basic provisions, bottled water, snacks, and toiletries. Fresh seafood can be bought directly from local fishermen at the jetty. For more extensive shopping, visitors should stock up on the mainland before the ferry crossing.

• Cửa Tùng — 27 km west (2 hours by ferry), a beach town on the mainland with the Mỹ Thủy shipwreck monument.
• Dong Ha — The provincial capital and transport hub for the DMZ, reachable via Cửa Tùng.
• Vinh Moc Tunnels — An extensive tunnel network used during the Vietnam War, located on the mainland near Cửa Tùng.