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Unlike the vibrant and bustling Ha Long Bay, Soi Sim Island is quieter and more rustic. With its fresh air, white sandy beaches, and rich ecosystem, it continues to captivate many visitors. This article provides a summary of transportation options, estimated costs, island activities, and essential tips before boarding your boat.
Soi Sim is an island located in the southeastern part of Ha Long Bay. The island is 12 km from Tuan Chau International Passenger Port, which takes about 90 minutes by boat.
The island's name originates from the rose myrtle plant (cây sim), which grows abundantly here. Visiting during the summer, around May to August, tourists can admire purple rose myrtle flowers blooming across the hillsides, creating a romantic landscape. In the past, during the harvest season, fishermen on Ha Long Bay often came to the island to pick these fruits (soi sim), which led to the name Soi Sim.
Soi Sim is a fresh travel destination in Quang Ninh, ideal for travelers who love exploring pristine and romantic natural beauty.
To visit Soi Sim Island, visitors need to purchase a ticket for Ha Long Bay Sightseeing Route 2, as Soi Sim is one of the destinations on this route. Route 2 includes Soi Sim Island, Ti Top Island, Sung Sot Cave, Bo Nau Cave, Ho Dong Tien Cave, Luon Cave, Trong Cave, Trinh Nu Cave, and Me Cung Cave. After purchasing the entrance ticket, visitors will need to pay for a boat rental to reach the island.
Day-tour costs are as follows: the ticket price for sightseeing Route 2 is 145,000 VND per person (original price 290,000 VND per person, discounted by 50% for tickets purchased in 2021 under Quang Ninh province's tourism stimulus policy); boat rental is 200,000 VND per person. Thus, the total cost to visit Route 2, including Soi Sim Island, is 345,000 VND per person.
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Visiting Soi Sim Island, tourists will enjoy many exciting and attractive experiences.
First, swimming in crystal-clear water. Soi Sim features a long stretch of fine white sand and clear blue seawater where you can see straight to the bottom. The gently sloping sandbank is ideal for visitors to immerse themselves in the cool blue water and forget everyday worries.
Second, exploring the island's ecosystem. The island is home to over 78 plant species and 32 animal species. Many flora species are endemic to Ha Long Bay, such as Livistona halongensis, yellow-flowered slipper orchid (Paphiopedilum concolor), and Dracaena cambodiana. The monkeys on the island are very playful and friendly toward visitors.
Third, experiencing jet skiing on the sea. To serve tourists, watercraft rental services are available here. Visitors can rent jet skis on the shore and be guided directly to explore this pristine island.
Fourth, trekking to the peak of Soi Sim. After the jet ski experience, visitors can head ashore to conquer the peak of Soi Sim Mountain via more than 400 steps. From the top, you can take in the panoramic view of Soi Sim Island.
Fifth, admiring the purple rose myrtle flowers. If you visit in late April or early May each year, you will have the chance to behold an entire hillside blanketed in purple rose myrtle blossoms. There are also many beautiful photo spots here to help you capture memorable moments during your tour.
When visiting Soi Sim Island, tourists should not miss the chance to try peanut worm (sá sùng), a highly nutritious local specialty. Peanut worms can be prepared into various delicious and unique dishes. Fresh peanut worms can be stir-fried with garlic, cooked in porridge, or simmered to make broth for pho. Dried peanut worms can be grilled into a very fragrant and crispy snack to enjoy with drinks.
In addition, visitors can enjoy many other attractive specialties such as horseshoe crab (sam biển), thunder crab (cù kỳ), ca say (duck-goose hybrid), gat gu cake, and Ha Long grilled squid patties (chả mực). There are no snack shops on the island, so you may want to buy snacks in advance and pack them in your bag before boarding the boat.
The best time to visit Soi Sim Island is from March to May and from August to October each year. During these periods, the weather is pleasant and dry, ideal for exploring this romantic island. The purple rose myrtle season in late April and early May falls right within this timeframe, allowing visitors to enjoy great weather while admiring the blooming flowers.
When climbing to the peak of Soi Sim, you should stick to the designated staircase path. It is recommended to stay close to your group and follow the tour leader's instructions to avoid any incidents.
The island is relatively uncrowded, so when swimming, avoid going out too far to prevent any unexpected risks. Because the island is very pristine and clean, visitors should pay attention to keeping it tidy and avoid littering in the sea or on the island.
To quickly reach the harbor and ensure a convenient journey exploring Soi Sim Island, visitors should book a hotel in the main area of Ha Long City. For travelers looking for a hotel with a prime location, stunning views, and 5-star service, Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long is a recommended choice.
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Located on Reu Island, Bai Chay, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province, the hotel is about 10 km from Tuan Chau Port. It takes guests only about 15 minutes to reach the pier for tours to Soi Sim Island and Ha Long Bay. Guests will stay in luxurious hotel rooms featuring spacious balconies with bay views. Amenities awaiting your experience include a 1,200 m² swimming pool as well as massages and therapies at Akoya Spa.
Situated in the core zone of Ha Long Bay, Soi Sim Island is likened to a rough gem in the middle of the sea. Located 12 km from Tuan Chau Port (about a 90-minute boat ride), it is part of sightseeing Route 2 along with Ti Top Island, Sung Sot Cave, and Luon Cave. Visitors can enjoy swimming, exploring an ecosystem of over 78 plant and 32 animal species, jet skiing, climbing over 400 steps to the summit, and admiring purple rose myrtle flowers in late April and early May. The best time to visit is from March to May and August to October. Come to Quang Ninh and discover the beauty of Soi Sim Island!
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