Hon Con Coc – A Unique and Fascinating Landmark in Ha Long Bay
Hon Con Coc has long been a favorite destination for many tourists visiting Ha Long Bay due to its unique, whimsical, and strange shape. Additionally, the intriguing stories associated with the toad add a special allure to this lifeless rock that makes it stand out from any other destination.
Overview of Hon Con Coc
Hon Con Coc is located in the southeast of Ha Long Bay, about 12 km from Bai Chay tourist port. It is a limestone mountain approximately 9 meters high, shaped like a toad sitting and waiting for rain.
Although it is a relatively small island, its outstanding and interesting shape is enough to captivate any visitor. Due to its modest size, tourists can only admire it from their boats and cannot set foot on it.
Hon Con Coc – Ha Long
What Makes Hon Con Coc Attractive?
Historically, we are familiar with the story of the toad and other animals going to heaven to ask when the drought would end. Through its intelligence, the toad won the struggle for rain, leading to the saying, “the toad is the uncle of heaven.” Even in the folklore of Vietnam, the toad is considered a sacred and respected creature.
In Ha Long Bay, the image of a toad relaxing in the sea brings great joy to tourists, showcasing the magical beauty that nature and creation have bestowed. Among the numerous islands in Ha Long Bay, Hon Con Coc stands out with its unique charm.
The Unique Beauty of Hon Con Coc
Over the years, Hon Con Coc has maintained its original shape, enhancing the poetic beauty and deep human values that Ha Long possesses.
How to Get to Hon Con Coc
To reach Hon Con Coc, you can choose one of the following methods:
Method 1: Buy tickets at Bai Chay port and take a boat or rent a boat to Hon Con Coc. From the center of Ha Long city, follow Highway 18 for about 9 minutes to reach Bai Chay, a distance of 6.4 km. Alternatively, you can take the Cai Lan – Navy route, which takes about 10 minutes by car.
Method 2: Join a Ha Long tour or book a Ha Long cruise with an itinerary that includes Hon Con Coc. This way, you don’t need to prepare much; just focus on enjoying and exploring. During the Ha Long Bay tour, the boats will stop at Hon Con Coc for you to admire and take photos.
Tourists Exploring Hon Con Coc by Ha Long Cruise
Method 3: Explore Hon Con Coc from above by seaplane. The seaplane departs from Tuan Chau Island and flies at an altitude of 300 meters. This is a new and exciting experience, but it is also very expensive, so consider it if you can afford it.
Tips for Visiting Hon Con Coc
Here are some tips to ensure you have a perfect trip to Hon Con Coc:
According to Ha Long travel experience, the ideal time to visit Hon Con Coc is from April to June. The weather in Ha Long is warm and sunny, with no storms, making the sea beautiful and favorable for sightseeing activities.
Regarding attire: depending on the weather, choose appropriate clothing, but don’t forget to bring sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen.
As you will be viewing and photographing Hon Con Coc from the boat, the visit won’t take long. Therefore, consider combining it with visits to nearby attractions such as Trong Mai Islet, Dau Nguoi Islet, and Mat Quy Islet.
If you want to rent a boat to cruise around Hon Con Coc, negotiate the price beforehand.
Hon Con Coc is considered a marvelous work of nature bestowed upon beautiful Ha Long. So, if you have the opportunity, don’t miss this destination in your Ha Long travel itinerary!
