Cô Tô Island: A 100% Authentic Getaway for the Adventurous Soul

Xin Chao,

It’s me again, ludovietnam, back to share my latest exploits in search of spots that are 100% authentic and untouched by mass tourism. And oh, miracle of miracles, I managed (well… hmmm… actually, my wife managed!) to unearth a MARVEL that will thrill you and offer moments of rare authenticity!!!

A prelude to this site: WARNING, this isn't for everyone. It’s a place that requires a bit of an initiation before you can fully enjoy it!!!!

We visited Ha Long Bay as a family (just a day trip for my family, who were visiting me specifically!), and we wanted to surprise them with an AUTHENTIC excursion: the island of Cô Tô, following a recommendation from one of my wife's relatives.

First, we headed toward Tuan Chau Island (a massive island, you’d think you were on a continent… WHAT, AM I EXAGGERATING? NOT AT ALL!!!! It’s 22km long, after all) passing by the "local Golden Gate" (a bridge that really does look like the Golden Gate, but built by the Japanese, earthquakes, please stay away!!).

We made our way to the pier where the shuttle to Cô Tô Island was waiting, well, it was waiting for everyone else, too...

It was an old but comfortable boat with air conditioning. To start our journey, we took a ride through the bay that was truly "off the beaten path." I forgot to mention that to reach this island, you have to cross the entire Ha Long Bay, and it’s just one surprise after another, it’s pure NIRVANA.

Then, the bay ends and the open sea awaits. That’s where the real adventure begins, and I’m begging you: ANYONE WHO GETS SEASICK, forget about this destination unless you take a dozen Dramamine... because the sea, I’d forgotten, rocks and rolls and keeps on rolling... and not just a little bit... (I figured out the purpose of the little plastic bags next to the seat within 3 minutes...).

I’ll spare you the gruesome details... Once on solid ground, I did as the Pope does: I kissed the earth before taking in the beauty of the beach (though there was some trash, I won’t lie to you, but I think at that point, you’re far from looking for flaws...).

But I had a GREAT WEEKEND in a cute, brand-new little hotel (tourism is starting to leave its mark, though...) that caters to Vietnamese tourists. The islanders couldn't believe their eyes... foreigners (TAYS!!! in Vietnamese)! One of them even spoke Vietnamese (well, tried to speak it!!!!), and it was such a joy for them, and for us, to strike up a conversation and discover their daily lives!!!

For your future plans for an authentic Vietnam trip, BE WARNED: FOR EXPERIENCED ADVENTURERS AND BACKPACKERS ONLY, and those who don't get seasick... hee hee hee.

Have a wonderful trip to Vietnam... SOLIDARITY AND RESPONSIBILITY...

http://ludovietnam.blogspot.com