Ti Top Island: Conquering the Iconic Halong Bay Viewpoint
Ti Top Island stands as one of the most famous and essential stops on any Ha Long Bay itinerary, attracting visitors with its dual appeal: a pristine beach and a spectacular panoramic viewpoint. You can easily find the island about 7 to 8 kilometers southeast of Tuần Châu Port. This unique landmark offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
History and Cultural Significance
Ti Top Island boasts a fascinating modern history. The island was named in 1962 by President Hồ Chí Minh to honor Soviet cosmonaut Gherman Titov, who visited the area during his trip to Vietnam. This naming symbolized the strong friendship between Vietnam and the Soviet Union.
Historical Naming: President Hồ Chí Minh personally selected this spot to name after his foreign guest, solidifying its status as a destination of diplomatic importance.
Former Names: Locals previously called the island by names like Nghĩa Địa (Cemetery) or Hồng Thập Tự (Red Cross), reflecting a somber maritime incident in 1905 when a shipwrecked French crew was buried here. However, the official name now honors its Soviet connection.
The Twin Attractions: Beach and Summit
Ti Top’s layout provides two main, equally rewarding experiences for visitors.
The Panoramic Viewpoint: You must conquer a well-maintained, approximately 400-step path to reach the island’s summit. Although the climb presents a moderate challenge, it guarantees one of the absolute best 360-degree views of Ha Long Bay’s karst seascape. From the top, you can capture a stunning vista of the emerald waters dotted with countless limestone islets. This makes the viewpoint a highly desirable spot for photographers.
Ti Top Beach (Bãi Tắm Ti Tốp): At the base of the mountain lies a small, crescent-shaped beach of immaculate white sand. This beach offers incredibly clear, calm water, making it an ideal spot for swimming and sunbathing after your hike. Visitors appreciate the soft sand and the picturesque backdrop of the bay’s towering mountains.
Visitor Information and Access
The island serves as a key stopping point for most cruises and day tours operating on Ha Long Bay’s Route 2.
Access Point: All major cruise ships include Ti Top Island on their itinerary. You will take your cruise from a main port such as Tuần Châu Marina or Hạ Long International Cruise Port.
Entrance Fee: The fee to visit Ti Top Island is included in the general Route 2 Sightseeing Ticket for Ha Long Bay. As of the latest update, the general Route 2 ticket costs approximately 310,000 VND per person, covering access to multiple sites like Luon Cave and Sung Sot Cave. You do not pay a separate entrance fee directly at the island.
Activities: Besides hiking and swimming, visitors can rent gear for water activities like kayaking or parasailing (seasonal availability may apply).
Facilities: The beach area provides basic facilities, including showers, changing rooms, and small snack and drink vendors. The stairs to the summit feature rest stops and safety railings.
