The Secretary and Chairman of the Con Co Special Economic Zone has just made a noteworthy proposal.

Con Co Island seen from above

At the forum titled “Exploitation and Rational Use of Vietnam’s Marine and Island Resources,” recently held in Dong Hoi Ward, Quang Tri Province, leaders of the Con Co special administrative zone proposed opening a Nhat Le – Con Co sea transport route to create a strong boost for marine and island tourism.

Mr. Tran Xuan Anh, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the People’s Committee of the Con Co special administrative zone, stated that this proposal is part of the development orientation for Con Co in connection with the new coastal economic corridor of Quang Tri Province, in line with the Central Government’s policy.

Accordingly, Con Co is identified as a “frontline outpost” in the East–West development axis of Dong Ha – Cua Viet – Cua Tung – Nhat Le – Dong Hoi, aiming to form a coastal tourism space with integrated transport, logistics, and service linkages. The new route would also help complete the “North Central Coast Islands and Seas” tourism itinerary, including Phong Nha – Vinh Moc – Cua Tung – Con Co – Nhat Le.

Currently, Quang Tri Province is investing in the construction of the Nhat Le passenger port in Dong Hoi Ward. The People’s Committee of the Con Co special administrative zone has proposed that the Department of Construction advise the provincial People’s Committee to report to the Ministry of Construction for approval to open a sea transport route from this port to Con Co, in order to connect tourism tours and routes both within and outside the province.

According to Mr. Tran Xuan Anh, tourists traveling to Con Co at present mainly use the Cua Viet – Con Co route. Visitors from the Phong Nha – Ke Bang World Natural Heritage site or from northern areas of Quang Tri Province must travel a considerable distance by road to reach Cua Viet before continuing to the island.

“If the Nhat Le – Con Co route is available, tourists will find it much more convenient to both explore caves and enjoy island beach resorts within a single tour,” Mr. Tran Xuan Anh said.

It is expected that travel time on the Nhat Le – Con Co route will be slightly over two hours. If approved soon, the Con Co special administrative zone plans to put the route into operation during the 2026 summer tourism season.