Unveiling the Green Gem: Quang Ninh’s Ambitious Plan to Build a Sea-Crossing Bridge in the Heart of Bac Bo Gulf

A series of key projects and initiatives aimed at driving socio-economic development for the 2025-2030 term are being researched and proposed by Quang Ninh’s departments and localities. Among these, the sea bridge project connecting Co To Island and Thanh Lan Island (Co To Special Zone) stands out as a vital infrastructure endeavor with significant implications for local livelihoods, tourism, and national defense.

Initial plans outline a 2km bridge spanning the strait between the two islands, with construction slated from 2027 to 2029. Currently, travel between Co To and Thanh Lan relies heavily on boats, a 20-minute journey in fair weather. During stormy seasons, transportation, cargo delivery, and emergency medical services become perilous and unreliable.

Spanning approximately 27km², Thanh Lan is the largest island in the Co To Archipelago and serves as a critical ‘shield’ in Vietnam’s northeastern waters, holding strategic importance for national defense in the Gulf of Tonkin. Home to around 1,600 residents, the island’s economy revolves around small-scale fishing and emerging community-based tourism.

Unlike the bustling tourist spots on Co To, Thanh Lan offers a ‘world apart,’ where life moves at a slower pace, harmonizing with nature. Over 70% of the island is blanketed by pristine forests, fostering a rich marine-forest ecosystem. Beaches like Ba Chau, Hai Quan, and C67 retain their untouched beauty—fine white sands, crystal-clear waters, and lush forests meeting the shore, untouched by concrete sprawl.

Dubbed a ‘serene haven’ by visitors, Thanh Lan beckons those seeking respite from urban chaos. The gentle lapping of waves, forest trails, and secluded beaches preserve the island’s pioneering spirit, offering a unique allure amidst the booming coastal tourism scene.

Capitalizing on the trend of experiential and nature-based tourism, Co To Special Zone has diversified Thanh Lan’s offerings to include forest trekking, beach camping, sunrise/sunset viewing, night squid fishing, kayaking, and coral reef diving.

Since April 2023, Quang Ninh Province has permitted guided scuba diving at Vung Tron, Hon Chim, and Hon Ong Tich within the Co To-Thanh Lan waters. These sites boast vibrant marine life, including colorful corals and diverse fish species, offering controlled diving tours that balance tourism with ecosystem preservation.

The proposed sea bridge is expected to revolutionize transportation, cargo logistics, and access to essential services for Thanh Lan’s residents. Enhanced connectivity will also make it easier for Co To visitors to explore Thanh Lan, extending stays, boosting spending, and fostering sustainable livelihoods for the island community.

While the bridge promises economic and tourism growth, preserving Thanh Lan’s pristine forest and marine ecosystems becomes increasingly critical. Quang Ninh’s leadership emphasizes environmentally conscious design and controlled development to avoid the over-commercialization seen on other coastal fronts.

As Co To Special Zone and Thanh Lan embark on this transformative journey, the sea bridge symbolizes more than connectivity—it represents a balance between economic progress, national security, and the preservation of Thanh Lan’s natural heritage.