A man has returned 14 kilos of stones he took from Co To Island many years ago, saying he was moved by young people’s efforts to protect the environment and restore coral reefs.
The 14-kg parce of stones sent to the Co To Culture and Society Board
According to Nguyen Hai Linh, head of the culture and society board at the Co To Special Zone in Quang Ninh Province, he was surprised when a shipper called to deliver a 14-kilo parcel sent from Ha Long Ward. The label indicated the stones had been taken from Mong Rong rock beach.
Inside were 14 kilos of stones, a handwritten letter and VND 100,000 (approximately USD 3.79) for delivery. The sender wrote that he had visited Co To several times between 2015 and 2018 and quietly taken the stones home out of curiosity and admiration for the landscape.
“When I read news about young people on the island restoring coral reefs, I realised my past actions had harmed its pristine beauty. I sincerely apologise to Co To residents and wish to return these stones so they can be placed back where they belong,” the letter said.
Linh said he was moved by the gesture, noting that many visitors had taken stones in the past but few ever returned them. He said sharing the story could help raise awareness about environmental protection and encourage responsible tourism.
The stones will be placed back on the beach, Linh said.
The Mong Rong Rock Beach
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.