Ti Top Island, Halong Bay: Information and Things to Do
Among the thousands of islands in Halong Bay, Ti Top Island stands out as a shining gem. Considered the most beautiful island in Halong Bay and home to an ideal beach, Ti Top Island is a favorite stop for travelers during their exploration of the bay.
Overview of Ti Top Island, Halong Bay
Ti Top Island is one of the most visited islands in Halong Bay. However, in order to preserve its natural beauty and maintain its pristine condition, the bay’s management has not allowed any tourist infrastructure to be built on the island. Located not far from the mainland, Ti Top is rated as one of the most stunning islands in the bay, alongside other famous spots like Bo Hon Island and Sung Sot Cave.
The island features a perfect crescent-shaped beach that wraps around its base, with long stretches of clean sand maintained by the ebb and flow of the tides. The crystal-clear water here remains blue throughout the year, allowing visitors to see the pebbles lying beneath the sandy bottom.
Why is the island named Ti Top? This name was given by President Ho Chi Minh to commemorate the visit of Soviet cosmonaut Gherman Titov in 1962, marking a moment of friendship between Vietnam and the Soviet Union. The historical details of this event, along with a statue of Titov, are still preserved on a stone at the beach on Ti Top Island today.
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Best Time to Visit Ti Top Island
Similar to the weather in Halong Bay, Ti Top Island experiences all four seasons. The period from May to August marks the summer with intense sunlight, making it an ideal time for beach activities. Photos of Halong Bay taken during this time are often the most stunning. However, domestic tourism peaks during these months, which can lead to overcrowding and overwhelmed services.
The best times to visit Ti Top Island and Halong Bay are from September to November or from March to May. During these periods, the weather is cool, with average temperatures below 30°C, and there are fewer domestic tourists, ensuring you receive the best possible service.
If you visit between December and February, you will encounter colder temperatures, ranging from 12°C to 20°C. There may also be fog and overcast skies, which can make it difficult to capture beautiful photos due to the lack of sunlight.
How to Get to Ti Top Island
There are several ways to visit Ti Top Island, as it is included in most boat tour itineraries in Halong Bay. Here are some transportation options for your reference.
Hourly Boat Rental
Ti Top Island is a stop on Halong Bay’s tour number 2, which is designed for day trips without overnight stays. To join this tour, you will need to purchase a ticket, with prices ranging from 800,000 VND to 1,400,000 VND per person for a 6-hour trip.
Overnight Cruise
An overnight cruise on Halong Bay offers the best experience and is a popular choice among international tourists. You can opt for a 2-day/1-night or 3-day/2-night cruise, and a visit to Ti Top Island is always included in the itinerary. Halong Bay’s overnight cruise options are diverse, ranging from 3-star to 5-star ships, with various pricing options to suit your budget. Some notable cruise lines you may consider are Aphrodite Cruise, Star Light, Emeraude, Paradise Cruise, Au Co, Bhaya Cruise, Syrena, Calypso, Paloma, V’Spirit, and Aclass.
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Seaplane Rental
For a unique experience and a stunning panoramic view of Halong Bay, you can book a seaplane tour. This option departs from Tuan Chau Island, taking you to an altitude of about 300 meters, offering a breathtaking aerial view of the bay before landing at Ti Top Island for your visit. The cost of a seaplane flight ranges from 1,500,000 VND to 2,500,000 VND per person per flight.
What to Do on Ti Top Island
Kayaking
Kayaking is a favorite activity for many visitors to Ti Top Island. The surrounding waters are calm, making it perfect for paddling around the island. You can explore its hidden corners and capture beautiful photos along the way. This activity is often included in overnight cruise packages, but for additional services, the price ranges from 150,000 VND to 300,000 VND per kayak for two people per hour.
Swimming
Halong Bay doesn’t have many beaches for tourists, but Ti Top Island boasts the most beautiful one, with a crescent-shaped shoreline that wraps around the base of the island. Although not large in size, the beach on Ti Top Island is a hotspot for visitors looking to swim, participate in sports activities, or simply relax.
Towed Floats
Though not a new activity, towed floats continue to attract many tourists. You’ll be pulled on an inflatable float by a speedboat or jet ski at speeds of 50-80 km/h across the water. This thrilling ride is perfect for groups of young friends or team-building events.
Paragliding
This activity tests your courage and strength, requiring participants to be in good physical condition. You will soar through the air, enjoying the breathtaking beauty of Halong Bay from above.
Hiking
You can take some time to climb the 400 steps leading to the summit of Ti Top Island to enjoy the view and take pictures. From the top, you will have a spectacular panoramic view of Halong Bay, with its limestone mountains rising majestically from the sea.
A Few Tips for Visiting Ti Top Island
To ensure the best experience when visiting Ti Top Island, consider the following tips:
- Since there are no shops on Ti Top Island, it’s advisable to bring some dry snacks to recharge your energy when needed.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and swimwear are essential for sunbathing on Ti Top Beach.
- The stairs leading to the top of Ti Top Island are long and steep, so be cautious while climbing. Avoid playing around, and it’s not recommended to take photos or videos while walking.
- Please keep the environment clean by disposing of trash in designated areas.
With its remarkable features, Ti Top Island remains one of the most popular destinations in Halong Bay. If you are planning to explore Halong Bay and visit Ti Top Island, the information we’ve provided will help ensure you have the best experience possible.
