Titop Island is a small island in Ha Long Bay, known for its beautiful and impressive crescent moon-shaped sandy beach. Moreover, conquering this island offers you the opportunity to view the entire Ha Long Bay from above.
Introduction to Titop Island
Considered one of the most beautiful islands in the bay, Titop Island is only 7 to 8 km southeast of Bai Chay tourist area. When visiting Ha Long, any tourist hearing about this island is often quite intrigued.
Titop Island
Titop Island was previously known to very few people. It was often called Nghia Dia Island or Red Cross Island, named after a French cargo ship met with an accident while passing through the bay. To remember the sailors who perished, the locals named the island.
Titop Island has had several name changes. In the late 19th century, it was called Cat Nang. On November 22, 1962, President Ho Chi Minh took Soviet cosmonaut Gherman Titov to visit the island. To commemorate this event, he named the island Titop, symbolizing the friendship between Vietnam and the Soviet Union.
Exploring Titop Island
Titop Island is a unique destination compared to other islands in Ha Long Bay. Let’s explore the beauty of Titop Island and the interesting activities you can experience there!
The Beauty of Titop Island
The sand on Titop Island is white because it is washed clean by the tide all year round, and the seawater is quite clear. The beach here is called Titop Beach or Crescent Moon Beach. Additionally, Titop Mountain has steep slopes, lush greenery, tranquility, and cleanliness. Therefore, many tourists choose to visit here to swim and explore the pristine beauty of the island.
Scenery from Titop Peak
When visiting the island, don’t hesitate to climb the 400 steps to the top of Titop for a magnificent view of Ha Long Bay. Surrounded by vast, expansive nature with undulating hills and uniquely shaped mountains, you’ll feel small and humbled. On the sea, from fishing boats to luxury cruises, they drift leisurely.
Kayaking Experience
Kayaking is an experience you should try when visiting Ha Long. Typically, kayaking is included in the itinerary of Ha Long Bay tours or cruises, with a duration of 30 – 45 minutes. A kayak is usually for two people with two paddles, allowing you to freely paddle and enjoy the scenery of Ha Long. The vast expanse of water might be a bit intimidating, but don’t worry, there will always be guides and support for you.
Kayaking experience
How to Get to Titop Island
Titop Island is currently on route 2 of the Ha Long Bay tour. It is also an overnight stop for many tourists who want to experience the feeling of sleeping on the island. Therefore, you can buy tickets, rent a boat, or book an overnight Ha Long cruise. If you follow route 2, you will reach Titop Island after exploring Soi Sim Island.
For a different experience, you can hire a seaplane to see the entire bay and the islands from above. These planes usually cost from 1 to 2 million VND, departing from Tuan Chau Island and flying at an altitude of over 300 meters.
Traveling by boat to Titop Island
Travel Tips for Titop Island
According to the Ha Long travel guide, here are some tips to ensure you have the best trip:
- Each season, Titop Island offers a different beauty. You can visit at any time of the year. The peak tourist season in Ha Long is around July and August. If you prefer less crowded experiences, avoid this period.
- If planning to visit Titop Island during peak season, make sure to book Ha Long hotels or cruises in advance to avoid running out of rooms or tickets.
- When visiting Ha Long, choose light and comfortable clothing. Check the weather forecast to prepare accordingly, and don’t forget to bring swimwear to enjoy a cool swim at Titop Beach during summer.
- Remember to bring accessories for taking photos, and especially sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect your skin from Ha Long’s sun.
- Don’t miss out on the local specialties like squid cakes, horseshoe crabs, sipunculid worms, and fresh seafood.
With the above information, you surely have gained more interesting insights about Titop Island.
