After many years of planning and preparation, on June 10, 2025, the Cua Viet – Con Co Tourism Port was officially put into operation with Decision No. 781/QD-CHHĐTVN regarding the opening of Wharf No. 4 – North Cua Viet Port Area. This event not only marks a significant breakthrough in tourism transportation infrastructure but also opens up vast opportunities for the strategic tourism triangle of Cua Viet – Cua Tung – Con Co Island to flourish.
Con Co Island – often referred to as the “Green Pearl” of Quang Tri – is being developed into a destination for leisure, eco-tourism, and historical and marine exploration. However, one of the greatest obstacles to tourism development on the island has been the limited infrastructure for transporting tourists from the mainland. Recognizing this, the Quang Tri Provincial Party Committee, People's Council, and People's Committee have introduced several key directives and policies to create a legal framework and favorable conditions for tourism growth, particularly marine and island tourism.
These include the Action Program No. 83-CTHĐ/TU dated July 25, 2017; Resolution No. 35/2017/NQ-HĐND dated December 14, 2017 on the master plan for Quang Tri’s tourism development to 2025 with a vision to 2030; and Decision No. 2992/QD-UBND dated October 19, 2020 on restructuring the tourism sector to become a spearhead economic industry.
Along with policy support, the province has mobilized all available resources to invest in tourism infrastructure, particularly for sea and island tourism. Through a loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) under the Greater Mekong Subregion Inclusive Tourism Infrastructure Development Program, Quang Tri implemented the second phase of the tourism infrastructure development project. This subproject was approved by the Prime Minister under Decision No. 1381/QD-TTg dated October 18, 2018, received endorsement from the Provincial People’s Council in Resolution No. 203/NQ-HĐND dated July 18, 2018, and was approved for feasibility study by the Provincial People’s Committee through a series of decisions including Decision No. 2484/QD-UBND dated October 25, 2018 and subsequent updates in 2020 and 2024.
With a total investment of over VND 258 billion and five years of construction, the official opening of Wharf No. 4 at North Cua Viet Port – Gio Linh District, under Decision No. 781/QD-CHHĐTVN dated June 10, 2025, now officially opens the gateway to Con Co Island. This milestone enhances access not only for domestic visitors but also for international tourists, helping to position Quang Tri as a dynamic and emerging destination for marine and island tourism in Central Vietnam.
Con Co Island (Photo: 2022 Quang Tri Photo Contest)
Modern infrastructure – a foundation for sustainable development
Cua Viet Tourism Port is a key component of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Inclusive Tourism Infrastructure Development Project – Phase II, Quang Tri Subproject. Funded by a loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and domestic counterpart funds, the project aims to develop a synchronized and modern tourism infrastructure system.
Key components of the port include: A 70-meter-long, 10-meter-wide passenger wharf capable of accommodating vessels with up to 200 passengers; A one-story passenger terminal covering 340 m², standing 6.7 meters tall; An 18.5-meter-long, 5-meter-wide bridge; A complete system of breakwaters, access roads, auxiliary works, and synchronized technical infrastructure; A 369.2-meter road connecting National Highway 9 to the port, with a cross-section width of 22.5 meters; Modern power supply, lighting, and water systems to ensure safe, uninterrupted operation
This is the first time Quang Tri Province has possessed such a modern technical infrastructure facility. It lays a firm foundation for actively developing the Con Co Island tourism route while connecting with other key tourism products in the province—such as historical heritage tours, eco-tours, and revolutionary site visits.
Cua Viet – Cua Tung – Con Co: the golden triangle of marine tourism
Quang Tri has long envisioned the Cua Viet – Cua Tung – Con Co Island corridor as a national-level key tourism zone. This vision has been recognized and included by the Prime Minister in the list of potential national tourism zones for the 2021–2030 period, with a vision to 2045.
In this triangle, Cua Viet Tourism Port plays a central connecting role. From Cua Viet, visitors can reach Con Co Island in just 45 to 60 minutes by boat. The marine tourism route will also integrate with other local attractions, including: Public beaches at Trung Giang, Gio Hai, and Cua Viet; Historical sites such as Cua Viet Port relics, Vinh Moc Tunnels, and Quang Tri Ancient Citadel; Ecotourism and adventure experiences on Con Co Island, including coral reef diving, camping, and exploring unspoiled nature
The official opening of Wharf No. 4 – North Cua Viet Port on June 10, 2025, marks a significant milestone in the province’s tourism journey. It paves the way for more sustainable exploitation of Con Co Island’s tourism potential, increasing tourist arrivals, generating employment, boosting income for coastal communities, and introducing new marine tourism products—all while improving the living standards of people in the project area.
Strategic positioning – rising to the national stage
The launch of Cua Viet Tourism Port is not only a solution for passenger transport needs but also a strategic breakthrough, positioning Quang Tri as a new bright spot on Vietnam’s tourism map.
The Cua Viet – Con Co port inauguration is more than just a step in infrastructure development—it is a powerful symbol of a resurgent Quang Tri, rising from land rich in history, now confidently turning toward the sea and reaching beyond.
The journey to the emerald island of Con Co has never been this close—or this exciting!
IPA