Ti Top Island

The only way to reach Ti Top Island is by water as part of an organized tour.

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🛥️ Day Tour or Overnight Cruise: All visitors must book a tour that includes Ti Top Island on its itinerary (typically Ha Long Bay Route 2). These tours depart from major ports in Ha Long City, such as Tuan Chau International Marina or Halong International Cruise Port. The boat journey to the island itself is part of the experience.

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⚠️ It is not possible to hire a private boat or water taxi to visit Ti Top Island independently. Access is controlled by the Ha Long Bay Management Board and integrated into the official sightseeing routes.

🕗 Opening hours:

• Access to the island is determined by tour boat and cruise schedules.
• Monday-Sunday: Approx. 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Notes: There are no set opening times for the island itself, but tour boats will only dock here during daylight hours as part of their scheduled itineraries.

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🎫 Ticket prices:

• There is no separate ticket for Ti Top Island. Access is included in the Ha Long Bay sightseeing ticket.
• Ha Long Bay Route 2 Ticket: 250,000 VND ~ $9.80 USD per person
• Tuan Chau Port Fee: 40,000 VND ~ $1.60 USD per person
• Total Cost: ~290,000 VND ~ $11.40 USD
• Notes: This ticket must be purchased at the port (e.g., Tuan Chau International Marina) before boarding your boat. It is almost always included in the price of a pre-booked day tour or overnight cruise.

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🚶 Best time to visit:

• The dry season, from October to April, offers the most pleasant weather for climbing and swimming. To avoid the largest crowds, try to visit on a tour that arrives in the early morning (before 10 AM) or late afternoon (after 3 PM).

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⌚ Recommended duration:

• Plan for 1 to 2 hours. This is the typical amount of time tour boats allocate for visitors to climb to the viewpoint and spend some time on the beach.

Local tips

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👟 Wear proper footwear if you plan to climb to the summit. The stone steps are numerous and can be steep and uneven, making them difficult in simple flip-flops. Trainers or sturdy sandals are a much better choice.

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💧 Bring a bottle of water, especially on a hot day. The climb to the top is strenuous and there are no vendors along the path. While you can buy drinks on the beach, it's wise to have your own for the hike.

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⌚ Keep a close watch on the time. Tour boats operate on a strict schedule and will announce their departure time. Be sure to allow enough time to climb up, take photos, and get back down without rushing so you don't miss your boat.

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💡 If possible, choose an overnight cruise that visits the island first thing in the morning. Arriving before the large day-trip boats allows you to experience the viewpoint and beach with a fraction of the usual crowd, completely changing the atmosphere.

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Be aware

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👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The island can become extremely crowded, particularly between 10 AM and 3 PM when most day tours converge. The path to the viewpoint can become a slow-moving queue, and the beach area can be packed with people, diminishing the sense of tranquility.

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💰 Prices for services on the island, such as renting a beach chair, using the lockers, or buying drinks and snacks, are significantly higher than on the mainland. It is best to bring your own essentials if you are on a budget.

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🧗 The climb to the summit is a genuine physical effort and may not be suitable for visitors with mobility issues, respiratory problems, or a fear of heights. The stairs are steep and there are limited places to rest along the way.

Why is it called Ti Top Island?

The island was named in 1962 by President Ho Chi Minh in honor of Soviet astronaut Gherman Titov, who visited the island with him, as a symbol of friendship between the two nations.

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How many steps are there to the top of Ti Top Island?

There are approximately 450 stone steps to reach the observation deck at the summit.

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Can I visit Ti Top Island without a tour?

No, access to Ti Top Island is only possible via a licensed cruise or day tour boat operating on an approved Ha Long Bay sightseeing route.

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Is there a separate entrance fee for Ti Top Island?

No, the entrance fee is included as part of the Ha Long Bay sightseeing ticket (typically Route 2), which is purchased before you board your boat.

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Can you swim at Ti Top Beach?

Yes, the crescent-shaped beach has a designated swimming area with calm, clear water.

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Are there facilities like showers and lockers on the island?

Yes, there are basic freshwater showers and lockers available for visitors to use for a small fee.

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How long should I spend on Ti Top Island?

Most tours allocate between 1 and 2 hours for the stop, which is enough time for the climb to the top and a short swim at the beach.

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Is the climb to the top difficult?

It is considered moderately strenuous due to the steepness and number of steps. It can be challenging, especially in hot and humid weather, but is manageable for most people with average fitness.

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What should I wear to visit Ti Top Island?

It is best to wear swimwear with a cover-up. Most importantly, bring sturdy shoes like sneakers or secure sandals for the climb, as flip-flops are not ideal for the stairs.

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Is visiting Ti Top Island worth it?

For many, the panoramic view from the summit is a highlight of their Ha Long Bay trip and makes the visit worthwhile. However, you should be prepared for significant crowds.