Having lived on the island since the early days when it was connected to the national power grid, the family of Nguyen Dang Hien, the owner of Luong Chi Homestay, has witnessed every stage of Co To’s tourism development. After years of providing accommodations on a make-do basis, his family decided in 2019 to invest in a more professional and well-organized homestay.
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Uniquely-designed homestays that blend harmoniously with nature on Co To Island. |
“In the past, most of our guests came to us through word-of mouth recommendations. Now, you have to look good on TikTok and catch people’s attention on Facebook for guests to discover you and make their own bookings,” Hien said.
Since then, videos capturing sunrises over the sea, sun-drenched corners of the yard, and seafood meals beside the wooden house have helped his family’s homestay reach more young travelers. According to Hien, domestic visitors make up the majority during the summer, while winter often brings foreign tourists seeking the island’s tranquility.
To encourage visitors to stay longer, many homestays on Co To Island are increasingly focusing on offering experiences alongside accommodations. Nguyen Van Doan, owner of an accommodation facility in Hong Van hamlet, said that in addition to electric shuttle services, his establishment offers activities that allow visitors to experience life of islanders.
“Visitors are especially excited about going to the local market, choosing fresh seafood such as shrimp, blue crabs, and squid, and then asking us to prepare it so that they can enjoy it right here on the island,” Doan said.
This sense of closeness is creating a distinctive appeal for homestays on Co To. Rather than offering identical rooms like those found in large hotels, many are designed as small seaside houses with gardens, reading corners, or shared spaces where guests can chat with their hosts.
At the same time, the trend toward green tourism is becoming increasingly evident. Many establishments have reduced their use of single-use plastics, replacing them with environmentally-friendly materials, such as bamboo, wood, and paper bags. Some homestays also encourage guests to join beach cleanups or other local environmental protection activities.
Pham Thi Thanh Hao, aged 40, from Hai Phong city, said her family chose a homestay over a hotel because they wanted to experience life on the island.
“In the morning, we open the door and see the sunlight over the sea. In the evening, we sit in the yard and enjoy seafood with everyone. It feels very different from an ordinary resort vacation,” Hao said.
Meanwhile, a group of young visitors from Hanoi was impressed by the friendliness of local residents. Nguyen Hai Phong of Thanh Xuan district, Hanoi, said, “The homestay owner enthusiastically showed us where to watch the sunset, recommended good places to eat, and helped us with everything. We felt as if we were staying at an acquaintance's home.”
Leaving Co To Island, visitors wanted to return to immerse themselves once again in its natural surroundings and experience the simple, heartfelt way of life of the island’s fishermen.
Translated by Tran Hoai