If you’ve ever seen a picture of Halong Bay, probably it was taken from the top of Ti Top Island. While it is a steep climb of a few hundred steps to the observation deck on the summit of Ti Top mountain that reveals a panoramic view of Halong Bay – it is still definitely worth the effort. The 360° view is nothing short of breathtaking, which you can spend an hour or more at the summit viewing and photographing Halong Bay.
Ti Top Island is visited by thousands of tourists daily, and is on Paradise Cruises itineraries, with a beneficial reason: for many, this is one of the highlights of their Halong Bay experience. Even more, after climbing, you can reward yourself with a cool, refreshing dip in the waters of Halong Bay.
The beach on the island is one of the most organized in all of Halong Bay for tourists, with deck chairs, cool drinks, souvenirs, and freshwater showers available. You can swim or sunbathe, or spend some time relaxing in the deck chair, sipping on a coconut and people watching.
Ti Top was named after a visit of the famous Russian cosmonaut, Gherman Stepanovich Titov. He was the second person to orbit the earth and the first to spend an entire day in space on 6 August 1961, aboard Vostok 2, preceded by Yuri Gagarin on Vostok 1.
IN A NUTSHELL
- The island has a total area of 3,7 hectares (0,037 km²).
- The island was named by the most respectful hero of Vietnam, President Ho Chi Minh, after the Russian cosmonaut Gherman Titov on the occasion of his first visit to Halong Bay in 1962.
- With a summit height at 110 meters (360 ft), the mountain on Ti Top island is taking about 450 steps to reach its peak.
- Ti Top island is regarded as one of the most attractive sites for both international and domestic tourists to Halong Bay.
- Many cruises which stop at the island for 1-2 hours include Bhaya Cruises, Indochina Sails and Paradise Cruises.
The name
The island was named after the Russian cosmonaut Gherman Stepanovich Titov who, together with President Ho Chi Minh, visited the island in 1962. Titop island has since become a popular tourist destination and provides many services catered to tourists.
Beautiful Halong Bay landscape view from the Ti Top Island (Shutterstock)
Activities
Because of the immaculate white sands and the calm waters, the beach is perfect for water-based recreational activities like swimming, snorkeling, and other water sports. There is a bar on the island where you can rent all kinds of swim gear and, of course, stop for a few drinks if you’re that way inclined!
Titop beach (Shutterstock)
Deckchairs are available but you will be asked to buy either some food and/or beverages. If you take your own, then you will have to pay a little fee. The beach offers welcome refreshment in the hot summer months and even after sundown you can go for a walk and enjoy the moonlit beach for all its nocturnal glory.
Beautiful tourist cruise ships docking at Ti top island (Shutterstock)
After a refreshing day at the beach, please try some of the wonderful local seafood specialties. You won’t regret it!
Location
Most cruise ships visiting Ti Top island will depart from Tuan Chau Wharf (12km) or Bai Chay tourist port (14km) (Google map)
More photos
Ha Long Bay view from mountain summit (120-meter height)
Calm water allowing visitors to enjoy one of the best beaches in Halong Bay. The beach is crowded during summertime. (Photo credit: baoquangninh.com.vn)