Cong Do Area, Bai Tu Long Bay: Kayaking and How to Visit

Cong Do is an island of more than 23 km² in the south-east of the Halong Bay heritage area, about 21 km from Halong’s cruise port. It is one of the wildest parts of the bay, with coral reefs, caves that cut through the limestone and small white-sand beaches, and its calm water makes it a favorite place for kayaking. There are no roads: you reach it by boat, usually on an overnight cruise. Treasure Junk stops at Cong Do on both its itineraries, and on the 3 days 2 nights cruise you paddle there twice.

Quick facts

What Cong Do is like

On the way to Cong Do, the boat winds between limestone islands and small bays of clear green water. Steep islands, covered with trees, rise straight out of the sea. Look out for a group of rocks that looks like a swan leading its cygnets across the water.

The island is known for its caves. Many of them run right through the mountains, and the south-east side of the island has several large caves that few visitors know about. The best known is Thien Canh Son Cave, also called Hang Co, on Cong Do itself.

Scattered along the shore are small sand spits and beaches of white sand, where kayakers stop to rest. Under the water, Cong Do has some of the best-preserved coral reefs in Halong Bay, and the sea around it is home to a rich range of marine life, including geoduck clams and several kinds of grouper.

The waters around Cong Do are also an anchorage for overnight cruises. After dark, the lights of the boats shine across the bay, and the area feels calm and quiet.

Kayaking at Cong Do: what to expect

On the first afternoon of both Treasure Junk cruises, the boat anchors near Cong Do after lunch, and kayaks are ready at 15:00. You paddle at your own pace along the cliffs and into the small bays. Kayaking is shared with the other guests and included in the cruise price.

Kayaking is optional. If you prefer not to paddle, you can stay on board and enjoy the view from the sundeck.

What to bring:

• Swimwear or clothes that can get wet
• Sunscreen and a hat
• A small waterproof bag for your phone
• Sandals or shoes that can get wet

Cong Do on each itinerary

2 days 1 night: one kayaking session at Cong Do on the afternoon of day 1. The rest of the trip includes sunset on the sundeck, squid fishing and a bamboo boat to Vung Vieng Fishing Village on day 2. Read what one night in Bai Tu Long Bay feels like.

3 days 2 nights: kayaking at Cong Do on day 1, then a full day deeper in the bay on day 2:

With a second session of about 80 minutes, the 3 days 2 nights cruise suits travelers who want more time on the water. Compare both in 2D1N or 3D2N in Bai Tu Long Bay.

Itinerary may change depending on weather, tide and port authority conditions.

Nearby: Thien Canh Son Cave, Cong Dam and Vung Vieng

• Thien Canh Son Cave (Hang Co): a limestone cave on Cong Do Island, visited on day 2 of the 3 days 2 nights cruise.
• Thay Cave: another cave close to Cong Do.
• Cong Dam area: a different area of Bai Tu Long Bay with its own landscape. Cong Do and Cong Dam are often confused, but they are two separate places.
• Vung Vieng Fishing Village: a floating village visited by bamboo boat on the last morning of both cruises.

Visiting Cong Do with Treasure Junk

Treasure Junk is a 14-cabin boutique junk operated by Bai Tho Junks, sailing Halong Bay since 1991. Because the boat is small, kayaking groups are small too, and you have more space on the water.

FAQ

Where is Cong Do?

In the south-east of the Halong Bay heritage area, Quang Ninh Province, about 21 km from Halong’s cruise port. It is reached by boat, and it is a regular stop on Treasure Junk’s Bai Tu Long Bay cruises.

Can I visit Cong Do on a day trip?

Treasure Junk visits Cong Do on its overnight cruises (2 days 1 night and 3 days 2 nights). It does not run day trips.

Is Cong Do the same as Cong Dam?

No. They are two different areas of Bai Tu Long Bay.

Do I have to kayak?

No. Kayaking is optional, and you can stay on board instead.

See the 2 days 1 night and 3 days 2 nights itineraries, or send us your dates through the booking enquiry form.