Ti Top Island (Titov Island), is a small but beautiful island that has gained popularity among tourists over the years in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam. It was named after Gherman Titov, a Russian astronaut who visited the island in 1962 and claimed it to be one of the most stunning places he had ever seen.
Besides breathtaking nature beauty and wide sandy beach, this small island also offer visitors lot of exciting activities and also chance to view the magnificent Halong Bay from above. Let’s explore Ti Top Island with CruiseInHalongBay.com now!
Location
Only 8 km from the east of Bai Chay Tourist Port, Ti Top Island stands as a gem amidst the picturesque landscape of Halong Bay, Vietnam.
The beautiful island itself is relatively small, spanning an area of around 6 hectares. Despite its size, it boasts pristine sandy beaches and lush green forest, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere. The beautiful beaches surrounding the island are perfect for swimming, kayaking, or simply enjoying a leisurely boat ride.
Besides, Ti Top is also quite closed to others famous acttrations in Halong Bay. From there, you could easily get to Bo Hon Island, Sung Sot Cave, Dam Nam or Cua Luc Bay. It’s quite convenient for travelers want to see as many places in Halong Bay in just 1 route.
The history behind its name
Ti Top Island (or Titov Island) Halong Bay has a rich history that contributes to its charm.
The island was known as Cat Nang (meaning the Sun Sand) in the late nineteenth century. However, a significant historical event changed its name.
Ho Chi Minh, the President of Vietnam at the time, visited the island in 1962, together with Russian cosmonaut Gherman Titov – the second human orbited the Earth . Upon his very first step on the island, Titov was so amazed by the beauty and magnificent of the area and its surrounding. Following that, President Ho Chi Minh decided to name the island Titov, later popularly known as Ti Top (as it’s easier for local to pronoun) , to commemorate and improve Russia-Vietnam relations.
35 years later, when coming back to the island, the astronaut wrote in the island’s memory book, “My deepest thanks to destiny, which has allowed me to come to this tiny island.”
That being said, Ti Top island not only just a spectacular beauty but also stand for a strong friendship between Vietnam and Russia, especially during a very sensitive stage in history.
Things to do in Ti Top Island
Ti Top Island offers an array of activities to suit every traveler’s preferences. Whether you prefer adventurous pursuits, relaxation on the beach, or immersing yourself in the natural wonders, this island is a haven for creating unforgettable memories in the heart of Halong Bay.
Climb to the peak for a panoramic view
The trek start with 400 to 450 steps to reach the peak of Ti Top Island. It takes about 20-30 minutes , but the journey is well worth it. At the top (around 91.6m height above sea level), hikers are greeted with panoramic views of Halong Bay‘s turquoise waters and limestone karsts stretching as far as the eye can see. It’s an excellent opportunity to take photos or just take in the natural beauty around you.
Kayaking on emerald water
Explore the captivating waters surrounding Ti Top Island by renting a kayak. The crystal-clear blue waters of Halong Bay make for the perfect setting to explore the coastline by kayak. Paddling through the calm waters, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and lush greenery, is a truly breathtaking sight.
As you paddle along, keep your eyes peeled for hidden viewpoints that are only accessible by water. The peacefulness of kayaking allows you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area without any distractions. You may even spot some local wildlife such as sea turtles or colorful fish swimming beneath your boat.
Relax on the Beach
The island’s beach are renowned for their pristine white sands, inviting visitors to relax and soak up the sun. The surrounding waters are crystal clear, making them perfect for swimming and water activities.
You can take in the serene beauty of nature while soaking up some sun or taking a dip in the refreshing waters. Enjoy a leisurely swim in the crystal-clear waters or simply lay back and bask in the serene atmosphere. Ti Top Beach offers a tranquil retreat where you can rejuvenate and appreciate the natural beauty around you.
You may also like: Top 9 Halong Bay Beaches
Want some more? Read on our top list of activities in Halong Bay!
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Titop Island is from October to April. During these months, the weather in Halong Bay and Ti Top Island is normally pleasant, with fewer rains.
Other summer months like May, June or July is also a good idea, as these months are hot and suitable for water based activities like kayaking, swimming or diving. However, make sure to check the forecast 7 days in advance to avoid any storm or typhoons as they’re quite frequenly arrive on summers.
How to get to Ti Top Island
Embark on a voyage to the serene Ti Top Island, where tranquility meets breathtaking scenery in Halong Bay. Discover the various transportation options available and the route that leads you to this enchanting island’s shores.
By Road (Private Vehicle or Taxi)
Start your journey from Hanoi and head east on National Highway 5B. Continue on this road until reaching Halong City, which is approximately 170 kilometers away from Hanoi. The travel time is around 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on traffic conditions. Once you arrive in Halong City, proceed to the Tuan Chau International Passenger Port, where you can find boats or junks that offer transportation to Ti Top Island.
Want to get more details? We get your back with our detailed article about how to get to Halong Bay here:
By Cruise
Joining a cruise or tour package is a popular and hassle-free way to visit Ti Top Island. Many tour operators in Hanoi offer day trips or overnight cruises to Halong Bay, which often include a stop at Ti Top Island. These packages usually include transportation from Hanoi to Halong City, as well as a guided tour of the island. There’re so many options to choose, from budget cruises to mid-range cruises or luxury cruises. It’s all depend on your budget and preferences.
You’re also could choose to do an overnight cruise or just simply get it and back with Ha Long Day Cruise.
Remember to check the schedules and availability of transportation options when planning your trip. It is advisable to book in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred mode of transport and ensure a smooth journey to Ti Top Island.
By Seaplanes
Besides Cruises or normal buses, there’re an fancy way to explore not just Ti Top Island but the entire area: It’s Seaplanes by Hai Au Aviation. A seaplane tour offers an aerial view of Halong Bay and takes you on a scenic flight above some of Vietnam’s most spectacular landscapes. Touring Ha long and Bai Tu Long Bay by seaplane had been selected in top 15 most interesting travel activities in 2015 by NY Times.
Author notes:
– Please be advise that travel by seaplane won’t get you to the island, but only fly over and view it from above.
FAQs
How many steps to get to the top of Ti Top Island?
It will take you about 400 steps to get to the top of Ti Top Island. The peak is at 91.6 meters height above sea-level, making sure you’ll get the widest view of magnificent Halong Bay.
Unfortunately not, there’re no accommodations on the Island. However, you could stay on an overnight cruise, which tend to choose Titop Island it’s a part of its schedule.
