1. Location and general introduction to Ti Top Island
1.1. Where is Ti Top Island located on the map of Ha Long Bay
Located right in the center of the majestic Ha Long Bay, Ti Top Island has become one of the unmissable destinations when exploring this world natural wonder.
Ti Top Island, one side is a beautiful natural landscape, the other is an enchanting beach. (Source: Collected)
About 7-8 km southeast of Bai Chay Port and about 12 km from Tuan Chau Marina, its convenient location allows Ti Top Island to easily connect with other famous attractions.
The back of the island leans against the tranquil Cua Luc Bay, while the other side faces the vast bay with panoramic views of fascinating limestone islands.
From Ti Top Island, visitors can easily travel to Sung Sot Cave, Bo Hon Island, Hon Dam Nam, and Hon Dam Bac, creating a complete exploration journey within one-day tours or overnight cruises on the bay.
1.2. Geographical and Natural Landscape Features
With an area of about 3.7 ha, Ti Top Island boasts a unique terrain that amazes anyone who sets foot here.
One side of the island features majestic, sheer limestone cliffs, the other side stretches a crescent-shaped white sandy beach, creating a beautiful contrast between the pure white and the jade green of the sea.
The water around Ti Top Island always maintains an astonishing clarity thanks to the continuous ebb and flow of the tide, while the fine, powdery white sand feels pleasant under bare feet.
Lush green vegetation covers the mountainside, combined with a cool year-round climate, creating an ideal resort environment amidst a world natural heritage site.
2. History and Meaning of Ti Top Island's Name
2.1. Origin of the Name Ti Top Linked to Vietnamese-Russian Friendship
The story behind the name Ti Top Island is linked to a meaningful historical moment for the Vietnamese nation.
On January 22, 1962, President Ho Chi Minh and the famous Soviet cosmonaut Gherman Titov paid a memorable visit to this small island.
The island bears the mark of Vietnam-Soviet friendship. (Source: Collected)
To recognize the deep friendship between the two peoples and honor the great scientific achievements of humanity, President Ho Chi Minh decided to name the island after the astronaut Ti Tốp.
This decision not only shows respect for international friends but also affirms His far-sighted vision for the development of science and technology.
Ti Tốp Island has since become a symbol of solidarity and international cooperation, attracting the attention of tourists from all over the world.
2.2. Historical imprints and stories on Ti Tốp Island
Before being named Ti Tốp, this island had many different names such as Hong Thap Tu, Nghia Dia, and Cat Nang, each name associated with distinct historical periods.
The name Nghia Dia appeared after the 1905 event, when a French cargo ship sank in the nearby Con Coc bay. The unfortunate sailors who died were buried here, leaving behind a little-known historical trace.
Ti Tốp Island is named after the Soviet cosmonaut Gherman Titov. (Source: Collection)
Nowadays, visitors to Ti Tốp Island can still admire the memorial statue of cosmonaut Gherman Titov erected solemnly on the island.
This statue is not only a favorite check-in spot for tourists but also a vivid testament to the Vietnam-Russia friendship and the unique cultural and historical value of Ti Tốp Island compared to other islands in Ha Long Bay.
3. How to get to Ti Tốp Island 2025
3.1. Traveling from Hanoi and major cities to Ha Long Bay
To begin the journey to explore Ti Tốp Island, visitors from Hanoi can choose various means of transport suitable for their needs and budget. Buses and limousines are the most popular choices with a travel time of 2.5 to 3.5 hours, with ticket prices ranging from 180,000 to 350,000 VND per person per trip, depending on the type of vehicle and accompanying services.
Limousine is a popular choice for traveling to Ha Long Bay. (Image source: Collected)
For travelers who wish to experience traveling by train, the journey to Ha Long currently involves an interesting combination. As the direct Hanoi - Ha Long train route is temporarily suspended, you can start by taking a train from Hanoi Station to Hai Phong Station, which takes about 2 hours.
After arriving at Hai Phong Station, you simply need to switch to land transport (such as buses, taxis, or Limousines). With a distance of about 47 km, this leg of the journey takes an additional 1 to 1.5 hours. Despite the need to change vehicles, this flexible combination still ensures you can enjoy a relaxing experience and take in the full scenery along the way.
3.2. Visiting Ti Top Island from Tuan Chau/Bai Chay Port
To set foot on the beautiful Ti Top Island, visitors will join Ha Long Bay tour packages, ranging from short day tours (4 - 8 hours) to luxurious overnight tours, with Ti Top Island as a stopover.
You can choose an overnight trip on a traditional wooden boat or a luxurious 5-star cruise. (Image source: Collection)
You can choose a traditional wooden boat with group tour prices ranging from VND 150,000 to VND 250,000 per person. If you need to travel quickly, a high-speed boat is an ideal choice with private rental prices from VND 700,000 to VND 1,000,000 per hour. Or if you are looking for a high-class resort experience, choose the 5-star cruises with prices from VND 1,300,000 to VND 4,000,000 per person depending on the tour and company.
3.3. Notes when traveling on Ha Long Bay to Ti Top Island
The Ha Long Bay sightseeing boat schedule usually starts at 7:20 AM and ends at 4:00 PM daily, so visitors need to pay attention to the tour check-in time to ensure they do not miss the trip to Ti Top Island . All visitors must wear life jackets when traveling on the boat and strictly follow the crew's instructions.
To ensure a smooth trip and to definitely visit Ti Top Island , you should choose tours from reputable travel agencies with clear itineraries and avoid tours that are too short or do not specify the stops in the program, as not all tours include Ti Top Island in their itinerary.
4. Unmissable experiences at Ti Top Island
4.1. Enjoy Ti Top Island's natural beach, one of the most beautiful in Ha Long
The beach at Ti Top Island is blessed by nature with a fine white sandy strip like powder, curving in a crescent shape, creating a poetic scene that is hard to find anywhere else.
The clear jade-green seawater is present year-round thanks to the continuous ebb and flow of the tide bringing in fresh water, creating ideal conditions for safe swimming.
The beach here is fully equipped for you to have a wonderful and most comfortable experience with cool resting huts for relaxation, clean freshwater shower areas, and convenient services for life jacket rental and luggage storage.
The perfect moment of relaxation amidst a world natural heritage site. (Source: Collection)
To fully enjoy the beauty of this paradise beach, you should visit in the early morning from 7 AM to 9 AM or after 3 PM. This is when the number of tourists decreases, the sun is gentler, and the sea water is crystal clear.
4.2. Conquer Ti Top Island Peak and admire the panoramic view of Ha Long Bay
An unmissable experience when visiting Ti Top Island is challenging yourself with a climb of nearly 400 stone steps leading to the island's summit. From the highest point, you will admire the majestic 360-degree panoramic view of Ha Long Bay.
Reach the summit of Ti Top Island, admire the breathtaking beauty of Ha Long Bay from above. (Source: Collected)
A beautiful natural picture unfolds with thousands of fascinating limestone islands, the bay's turquoise water, along with tourist ships and sailboats fluttering like vibrant specks of color. Right at the foot of the mountain, the crescent-shaped white sandy beach characteristic of Ti Top Island also appears shimmering from this high vantage point.
To capture perfect photos, you should climb to the summit in the early morning or late afternoon when the sunlight is gentle. A small tip is to choose an angle slightly facing East or South where the light is harmonious, allowing you to easily frame the bay and the beach perfectly.
4.3. Other attractive recreational and entertainment activities on Ti Top Island 2025
Besides swimming and climbing, Ti Top Island also offers many other interesting recreational activities for visitors. Kayaking around the island offers a new perspective on the beauty of Ti Top Island from the water, while also helping to discover hidden corners and small caves around. Parasailing is also an attractive option during peak seasons, depending on weather conditions and service providers.
Explore the beauty around the island with exciting kayaking. (Photo credit: Paradise Vietnam)
The refreshment and souvenir shopping area is located right next to the beach, convenient for tourists to rest and enjoy simple snacks. Group tourists can easily organize teambuilding activities thanks to the open, airy space and the beautiful natural landscape of Ti Top Island.
4.4. Experience Ti Top Island from a world-class seaplane
For those who want to experience Ti Top Island in the most special way, the seaplane service will bring a completely new perspective on the beauty of Ha Long Bay.
The seaplane takes off and lands at Tuan Chau harbor, then flies around Ha Long Bay and Ti Top Island, allowing tourists to admire the entire limestone island complex from above with a spectacular view found nowhere else.
Admire the majestic beauty of Ti Top Island and the entire Ha Long Bay from above. (Source: Ha Long Bay Seaplane)
From a height of hundreds of meters, Ti Top Island appears like a sparkling green gem amidst the clear blue sea, along with thousands of small islands forming a magnificent natural landscape.
The reference price for this premium experience in 2025 is from 2,500,000 to 3,000,000 VND per person for a flight lasting 25 - 30 minutes.
5. Ti Top Island Entrance Ticket Price and Information to Know 2025
5.1. Latest Ticket Price List for Visiting Ti Top Island
The cost of visiting Ti Top Island is included in the price of a cruise or boat tour of Ha Long Bay; there is no separate ticket to enter the island. Group tours lasting 4 - 8 hours cost from 150,000 to 250,000 VND per person, depending on the boat company and accompanying services. Private tours for small groups or families will have more flexible pricing, usually ranging from 1,200,000 to 4,000,000 VND, depending on the type of boat and duration.
Boat tickets to Ti Top Island are not sold separately but include the entire sightseeing journey on the bay. (Source: Collection)
Additional services on Ti Top Island such as freshwater showers, personal item storage, and life jacket rentals have separate fees ranging from 20,000 to 40,000 VND per use. This fee is considered reasonable compared to the quality of service and the island's special location.
5.2. Outstanding facilities and services for tourists
Ti Top Island is equipped with quite complete tourist facilities despite its modest area.
Freshwater shower service with a clean shower system helps tourists relax after swimming. The safe storage area has staff on duty, facilitating swimming and climbing.
Security and rescue teams are stationed on the island, ensuring absolute safety for tourists in all activities. The souvenir shop specializes in selling tourist products, swimming equipment, and local specialties at reasonable prices.
Notably, Ti Top Island can serve both individual travelers and groups; VIP tours even receive support from private guides and professional photography services.
6. Tips for visiting and secrets to make your trip to Ti Top Island more complete
As an unmissable destination in Ha Long Bay, the following tips will help tourists have a truly memorable visit to Ti Top Island. To take beautiful photos at Ti Top Island, choose early morning (7 AM - 8 AM) or late afternoon (after 4 PM) when the light is soft.
Try a shot from the mountaintop looking down at the sandy beach to capture the entire smooth white crescent and the clear blue sea in one frame. Additionally, linger to take commemorative photos with the statue of Gherman Titov.
For a complete tour, visitors can choose an ideal one-day itinerary, starting the morning by exploring the magnificent Sung Sot Cave and the poetic Bo Hon Island, then arriving at Ti Top Island around noon to enjoy the beach and conquer the peak.
The afternoon can be spent kayaking to explore small caves around the bay and watching the beautiful sunset over the sea.
Experience kayaking to explore the bay and watch the sunset. (Photo source: Collected)
For a two-day, one-night itinerary, visitors should combine an overnight stay on the cruise and visit other famous spots such as the mystical Luon Cave, the peaceful Cua Van fishing village, and the lush green Soi Sim Island.
Additionally, visitors need to prepare swimwear and clothing, and sports shoes with soft, non-slip soles for mountain climbing.
Finally, please raise your environmental awareness by not littering indiscriminately, limiting the use of single-use plastics, and strictly adhering to the management's guidelines, contributing to preserving the pristine beauty of this world natural heritage.
The journey to Ti Top Island not only brings beautiful natural scenery but also a memorable experience for all visitors. With its fine white sand, clear blue water, and fresh air, this place will surely be an ideal stopover in your Ha Long exploration trip in 2025.
