Though many travel guides focus on the landscape above the water, there’s a whole universe thriving below the surface. Halong Bay is home to more than 140 different species of coral, including rare varieties. These coral reefs cover up to 30 and even 60 percent of the area around islands like Cong Do, where legal restrictions, as well as geographic isolation, protect marine life from boat traffic, pollution, and human interference.
Take a dive trip to the coral reefs and watch marine creatures like starfish, sea horses, and sea turtles through the clear water. You can also explore the underwater grottos and intricate cave systems that shelter entire ecosystems. New and experienced divers can head out with a diving school, or, as an alternative, you can take a boat into deeper water and snorkel around.
A Guide to Cong Do Island
Fast facts
Cong Do (Cống Đỏ), or “Red Drainage” in English, is a small island of approximately 24 square kilometers in size. Just like so many of the other islands around Halong Bay, Cong Do is very diverse in its flora and fauna. In the lagoons that are found around the island, there’s an abundance of sea life in the form of squid, crabs, various fish, and underwater vegetation.
A sizeable and immaculate coral reef, roughly 0.7 kilometers long and 0.3 kilometers in width, surrounds the island. This coral reef is home to masses of beautiful tropical fish and seahorses and is a must-see by those who enjoy snorkeling.
Activities
Cong Do is a magnificent place to visit, with plenty of activities to keep you busy. Visitors can go hike up Cong Do’s huge hill and enjoy the splendid views or go kayaking and explore the beautiful lagoons the island has to offer. At the moment, the local government is also looking into developing scuba diving on the island as well!
For those who enjoy history, traces have been found of an ancient port on the island. Archaeologists now believe Cong Do island used to be a major hub in Van Don’s port system.