The ceremony was held simultaneously at three national flagpoles located on big Co To Island, Thanh Lan Island and Tran Island, reflecting national pride, resilience and the determination of Co To’s military personnel and residents to continue striving forward.
To mark the occasion, Co To Special Zone launched its 2026 Summer Culture, Sports and Tourism Week, featuring a wide range of activities including photo exhibitions on Co To, local agricultural and specialty product fairs, folk games and a kite festival themed “Co To – Soaring with the Blue Sea.”
A beach-cleaning campaign was held, drawing hundreds of officials, soldiers, residents and tourism businesses.
On May 9, 1961, President Ho Chi Minh visited soldiers and residents on Co To Island. His teachings on solidarity, building a new life, expanding production and firmly safeguarding national maritime sovereignty has since served as a source of inspiration for generations of officials, soldiers and residents of Co To.
From a once underdeveloped island district with limited infrastructure and an economy reliant mainly on small-scale fishing, Co To has transformed significantly. Transport systems, electricity grids, schools, healthcare services and tourism infrastructure have all been comprehensively upgraded, while the marine economy, services and tourism sectors have developed rapidly.
Following the implementation of the two-tier local government model and its transition into a special administrative zone, Co To is entering a new phase of development based on its strategic maritime position. With a vision centered on green, smart and sustainable growth, Co To is steadily establishing itself as an attractive island tourism destination in Quang Ninh and across Vietnam, while also serving as a strong outpost safeguarding the country’s northeastern maritime frontier.
