Cong Do Island: An Enchanting Escape on the Ha Long Bay Discovery Route

Ha Long Bay is one of the world’s natural wonders, drawing millions of travelers to explore its splendor each year. Among the thousands of limestone islands scattered throughout the bay, there lies an island of pristine beauty and serene charm: Cong Do Island. With its poetic landscapes and vibrant coral reefs, it is a true sanctuary for those seeking tranquility and timeless allure.

Cong Do Island – A Pristine Heritage Site

An Introduction to Cong Do Island

Located in the southeastern part of Ha Long Bay, approximately 25 km from the Bai Chay tourist wharf, Cong Do Island sits within the **Bai Tu Long Bay** area—a World Natural Heritage site. Covering an area of 23.363 square kilometers with a peak reaching 172 meters, the island features numerous winding, submerged lagoons that form natural saltwater lakes. These basins serve as thriving habitats for a rich variety of marine life, including shrimp, crabs, fish, squid, seaweed, and algae.

The most captivating feature of Cong Do Island is its rare and diverse coral reef ecosystem. Along the southwestern coast, you will find expansive reefs bursting with color. Stretching over 700 meters in length and 300 meters in width, this ecosystem hosts precious species such as red coral and horn coral. Largely preserved in its original state, the reef provides a home to schools of ornamental fish, seahorses, and more. With the potential to become a premier underwater ecotourism destination, the area invites visitors to dive and snorkel, allowing you to witness the vibrant, flourishing life beneath the sea.

A visit to Cong Do Island would be incomplete without exploring Cong Do Lake—a tranquil, crystal-clear natural lagoon. Spanning approximately 5 hectares, the lake is reminiscent of Dong Tien Lake, with its waters connected to the open sea. The surface, still and translucent like a giant mirror reflecting the sky, offers a unique, intimate landscape within the grander scope of Ha Long. The ecosystem here is remarkably diverse, teeming with algae, moss, bivalve mollusks, and various marine creatures. Whether kayaking across the calm waters or observing the rich marine life, visitors will find a profound sense of peace and relaxation.

For those interested in local history and culture, the ruins of the ancient Van Don trading port remain a testament to the island’s vital role in historical international commerce. Though the traces on the southeastern side of the island have faded over time, they stand as a reminder of the island’s former importance in foreign trade. Exploring these ruins offers a fascinating glimpse into the past and present of the island, as well as the distinct cultural heritage of its people.

A trip to Cong Do Island opens the door to a wealth of experiences: kayaking through hidden lagoons, snorkeling among coral reefs, or hiking to elevated viewpoints for panoramic vistas. Immersing yourself in the raw beauty of nature and breathing in the crisp, salt-kissed sea air is a truly rare and rejuvenating experience.

Top Attractions and Experiences on Cong Do Island

Cong Do Island is an idyllic destination for travelers seeking to explore the pristine beauty and tranquility of Ha Long Bay. Beyond its magnificent and diverse natural landscape, the island offers an array of engaging tourism activities and experiences, ensuring unforgettable memories for every visitor. Below are some curated suggestions for your journey:

Coral reef ecosystem in Cong Do, Ha Long

Kayaking to explore lagoons and coral reefs: This is one of the most beloved activities for visitors to Cong Do Island. You can freely paddle across the emerald waters, marveling at charming islets, mysterious hidden caves, and vibrant coral reefs. You may also pause at picturesque beaches for a refreshing swim, a moment of relaxation, or a picnic. Kayaking is the finest way to immerse yourself in the intimate natural beauty of Ha Long Bay.
Scuba diving to view corals and marine life: For those passionate about the underwater world, the opportunity to dive and witness the corals and marine species at Cong Do Island is unmissable. This area boasts one of the most diverse and rare coral reef ecosystems in Ha Long Bay. You will have the chance to admire precious species such as red coral and horn coral, along with vibrant schools of tropical fish and seahorses thriving in their natural habitat. You may also capture photos, record videos, or simply observe these wonders to cherish the memory.
Hiking for panoramic views and mountain breezes: If you are an adventure seeker, you can conquer the 172-meter peak of Cong Do Island. From the summit, you are rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of Ha Long Bay, where scattered islands glisten under the sun, accompanied by a refreshing coastal breeze. You can also explore the pristine forests, discovering unique flora and fauna native to the island. Hiking is an excellent way to enhance your physical fitness, stamina, and endurance.
Visiting the ancient Van Don trading port ruins: For those interested in local history and culture, a visit to the ancient Van Don trading port site is a must—a testament to the island’s vital role in historical international trade. Although the remnants on the southeast side of the island have faded over time, they stand as evidence of the significant position Cong Do once held in foreign commerce. You can visit this site to delve into the past and present of the island, as well as the distinct cultural heritage of the local people.

How to get there and essential tips for visiting Cong Do

Cong Do Island is located on Route No. 4 of the Halong Bay cruise itinerary (encompassing Co Cave, Thay Cave, the Cong Do Island area, Cap La Cave, the Tung-Ang Cong Do ecological zone, Hon Xep Park, and the Vung Vieng area). As this route is exclusively designed for overnight Halong Bay cruises, there are no daily group boat tours to this island. Therefore, visitors may consider the following two options to reach this destination:

Private boat charter: Since there are no shared daily vessels for this route and it involves multiple stops located quite a distance from the main piers, guests interested in visiting only one or two highlights may choose to charter a private boat. Prices typically range from 5,000,000 to 10,000,000 VND per boat per day. You will then need to purchase a Route 4 entrance ticket at cruise ports such as Tuan Chau, Hon Gai, or Bai Chay for 200,000 – 250,000 VND per person. The travel time to reach this area is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Overnight cruise: This is the premier way to experience Cong Do Island. By booking an overnight Halong Bay cruise, priced from 1,500,000 to 5,000,000 VND per person per night, you will enjoy luxurious amenities and exquisite seafood dining. Without the pressure of a limited timeframe, you can leisurely explore every highlight of the Cong Do Island route.

Cong Do Island is an unmissable destination for those looking to uncover the true splendor of Halong Bay. You will enjoy unique and unforgettable experiences on the island, ranging from kayaking and snorkeling among coral reefs to hiking for panoramic views, exploring historical sites, and engaging with local culture. Visit Cong Do Island to immerse yourself in the magic of its nature and people.