Ca Chep Island in Co To is an idyllic destination for those who have a passion for exploring coastal nature. This tiny islet is located just a 15-minute boat ride from Co To Lon Island. Ca Chep Island boasts a pristine, rustic beauty, remaining largely untouched by mass tourism.
Read more: Co To Island: The Ultimate Travel Guide from A to Z
General Introduction to Ca Chep Island
Ca Chep Island is a small islet spanning approximately 1.5 km², situated just behind Co To Con Island, angled towards the northeast of Dong Tien Commune. It is an uninhabited islet, home only to lush vegetation, rugged rocks, and the sea. Ca Chep Island is shaped like a giant carp proudly facing the sun and the breeze, with its head pointing southeast and its tail northwest. Ca Chep Island is a distinct highlight of the beautiful Co To island group, revered for its favorable feng shui as a symbol of good luck, prosperity, and success.
Ca Chep Island
The most striking feature of Ca Chep Island is its beach, which features a pristine strip of white sand that stretches into the sea, appearing and disappearing with the tides, framed by ancient sedimentary rock formations eroded over thousands of years. Visitors can immerse themselves in the crystal-clear blue water and capture stunning photographs. In the distance, mysterious high mountains create an incredibly captivating landscape. While Ca Chep Island remains rugged and lacks developed amenities, these very qualities are exactly what draw adventurous travelers and explorers to this tiny, hidden gem.
How to Get to Ca Chep Island
Since Ca Chep Island is located roughly 15km offshore from Co To Island, you will need to travel from Co To town to Bac Van pier, located about 4km to the north of the island district. You can rent a motorbike, a motorbike taxi (xe om), or an electric buggy to reach the pier in about 10–15 minutes. From Bac Van pier, on a clear day, you can see Co To Con Island and the more distant Ca Chep Island. You must hire a local fisherman’s wooden boat to reach the islet, as it lacks a large harbor. The boat ride takes approximately 20–25 minutes, depending on weather and sea conditions.
Bac Van Pier
To get from Bac Van pier to Ca Chep, you must use a local wooden boat, as there is no large terminal. The cost is 700,000 VND per trip, regardless of the number of passengers; however, for safety reasons, it is recommended not to exceed 13 people on a small boat. Therefore, it is advisable to travel in a large group or organize to share the ride with others to optimize costs.
When hiring a fisherman’s boat, keep the following in mind:
- Check the boat’s condition, including its durability, cleanliness, and safety equipment, before boarding. It is also wise to negotiate the price and schedule before departure to avoid any potential disputes.
- Bring life jackets in case of emergency and ensure you have motion sickness medication, as the waves in Co To can be quite strong, which may affect those prone to seasickness.
Top Check-in Spots on Ca Chep Island
1. The Sandbar
One of the most distinctive features of Ca Chep Island is its captivating sandbar, located on the island’s eastern side. This natural path emerges when the tide recedes to a moderate level, revealing a strip of golden sand that connects Ca Chep Island to the rocky outcrops on the other side. Stretching approximately a few hundred meters in length and about 10 meters in width, the sandbar is a fleeting phenomenon, appearing only for a brief window between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM. This rare natural occurrence never fails to pique the curiosity and wonder of travelers.
2. Swimming
Swimming beach on Ca Chep Island
The island boasts a picturesque beach, characterized by fine white sand and ancient sedimentary rock formations. The crystal-clear, refreshing waters are perfect for swimming and capturing stunning photographs. Taking a dip at Ca Chep Island is an exhilarating and memorable experience. The beach here remains remarkably pristine and tranquil, offering a secluded escape from the crowds. With water so clear you can see the seabed, you are guaranteed a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. While you can swim at any time of day, we recommend avoiding high tide or periods of strong winds.
Co To Con Island
Co To Con Island is located just one kilometer off the shore of Ca Chep. Spanning just over 200 hectares, this small island is home to the most beautiful beach in the entire Co To archipelago. As a designated military island protected by a local garrison, Co To Con remains uninhabited, with only the occasional fishing boat anchoring nearby. Consequently, the island has preserved its original, untouched beauty. This makes it an idyllic destination for travelers seeking solitude and an authentic connection with the wild.
