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Mentioning Ha Long Bay – a world natural wonder of Vietnam – one cannot overlook Ti Top Island, a small island that boasts a picture-perfect beach and the most spectacular panoramic viewpoint of the bay. Beyond its pristine scenery, Ti Top Island is also tied to an interesting historical story about Vietnam–Soviet friendship. Let’s explore everything about this special island.
Ti Top Island lies in the core area of Ha Long Bay, within Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province. The island is about 12 km from Tuan Chau Port and around 7–8 km southeast of Bai Chay Port. Behind the island is Cua Luc Bay, in front is Sung Sot Cave with Bo Hon Island, and to the right is Dam Nam Islet – a prime location right at the center of Ha Long Bay’s sightseeing route No. 2.
From above, Ti Top Island appears with one steep side, one gently sloping side, and a crescent-shaped white sandy beach embracing the foot of the island – a scene that leaves any visitor in awe.
At the end of the 19th century, it was called Cat Nang. Later, according to local accounts, in 1905 a French cargo ship entering Ha Long Bay struck a reef and sank at Con Coc area. The sailors who perished were buried on the island, and from then on it was called Nghia Dia Island (Cemetery Island) or Hong Thap Tu Island (Red Cross Island). Fishermen rarely dared to approach it, fearing bad luck.
The turning point came on November 22, 1962, when President Ho Chi Minh and Soviet cosmonaut Gherman Titov visited Ha Long Bay and stopped at the island. To commemorate Vietnam–Soviet friendship, Uncle Ho named the island Ti Top after the space hero. Today, a statue of Gherman Titov still stands prominently on the island.
With a cool climate all year round, visitors can come to Ti Top Island at any time. However, there are two peak seasons to keep in mind:
June to July: Summer brings dazzling sunshine and white sand, perfect for swimming and water activities. This is also school holiday season, so large numbers of Vietnamese and Asian tourists flock here.
December to February: Winter is pleasantly chilly, making it a favorite for travelers from Europe, the U.S., and temperate countries looking to escape the cold.
During peak seasons, hotel and service prices usually rise sharply, and rooms may even sell out, so it’s best to book early for good rates. Especially, if you visit Ha Long in late April to early May, you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in the vibrant Ha Long Carnival Festival in the city center.
Ti Top Island is part of sightseeing route No. 2 of Ha Long Bay. The bay’s management does not sell separate tickets to the island; instead, visitors go there as part of the general itinerary. There are three popular ways to get there:
Renting a boat to tour the bay: The most common and economical option. Full boat rental costs about 500,000–700,000 VND per hour, while joining a shared group costs around 150,000–250,000 VND per person. The trip usually lasts 4–6 hours, visiting several sites including Ti Top Island.
Taking an overnight cruise: A premium experience on 3–5 star cruises. You can spend the night on the bay, enjoy fine dining, and join various activities. Prices range from a few million to several tens of millions of VND depending on the cruise class and length of stay.
>>> See also: Hon Trong Mai – A Natural Masterpiece in Ha Long Bay
When the boat docks, visitors usually have about 60 minutes to explore the island with two attractive options:
Swim at Crescent Beach: The island’s beach has the romantic name Crescent Beach, because from above the white sandy shore curves like a crescent moon embracing the island. The seawater is clear year-round, and the fine white sand is refreshed daily by the tide. The atmosphere is peaceful and not too noisy, perfect for relaxation. For adventure seekers, there are activities like kayaking, banana boat rides, and other water sports.
Conquer Ti Top Peak for a panoramic view of the bay: Spend time climbing about 400 steps to the top of the island. A worthy reward awaits at the summit: a sweeping view of Ha Long Bay with thousands of rising islets and fishermen’s boats drifting slowly – a scene that makes you understand why this place was recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage site.
On the island there are few shops, so bring snacks and drinks to recharge your energy.
Apply sunscreen thoroughly, and bring a hat and sunglasses because the sun by the sea can be quite harsh.
The path up to the island’s peak has about 400 steps and is fairly steep; follow the trail and hold onto the handrails for safety, and wear sports shoes instead of flip-flops.
Bring swimwear, a camera, and a power bank to capture beautiful moments.
Maintain cleanliness, do not litter, to preserve the island’s pristine beauty.
If traveling during peak season, book boats, transport, and hotel rooms early to avoid sold-out situations and overpriced services.
>>> See also: Ha Long Bay: A Handbook for Exploring the World’s Natural Wonder
Although small, Ti Top Island gathers all the essence of Ha Long Bay: a beautiful beach, a spectacular viewpoint, and a unique historical story. It is definitely an unmissable stop on your journey to discover this world natural wonder.
Are you planning a trip to Ha Long and want a complete, memorable journey? Let NVK Travel accompany you – a company specializing in organizing Ha Long tours and Ha Long Bay cruises with optimized itineraries, attentive service, and reasonable prices. Contact NVK Travel now for free consultation and book your tour to explore Ti Top Island and Ha Long Bay today!
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