Authorities have installed warning signs in recent years following repeated incidents of visitors taking stones from Mong Rong.
Mong Rong, located in the south of Co To Island, welcomes between 150,000 and 200,000 visitors a year. Shaped like five rocky ridges resembling a dragon’s claws, it is known for its sunrise views. Its smooth, rounded stones, formed over millions of years, are often taken as souvenirs.
The rock beach lies about 1 to 1.5 kilometres from the centre of Co To and can be reached by electric cart or motorbike.
Co To has served nearly 350,000 visitors this year, up 13 per cent year on year. The island’s 280 lodging facilities offer about 3,200 rooms, accommodating up to 10,000 guests a day. Foreign arrivals have also increased as environmental conditions improve.
Local authorities have launched green tourism initiatives, including campaigns to cut plastic waste and discourage the use of single use items. Around 50 lodging facilities now provide glass water bottles instead of disposable ones.