Ti Top Island in Ha Long Bay: steps, beach and viewpoint (2026)
Ti Top is the small island in Ha Long Bay where you do two things in 30 to 60 minutes: swim from a sand beach and climb about 400 to 450 steps (guides differ) to a 360-degree viewpoint over the bay's limestone rocks. It is named after the Soviet cosmonaut Gherman Titov, a guest of Ho Chi Minh in 1962. Most day and overnight cruises stop here; you cannot visit it alone from Hanoi, you need a cruise. Guides give either 150,000 VND entry or "free / included in the cruise": ask your operator before booking.
Highlights
The viewpoint
From the top the bay spreads out in green rocks as far as you can see; this is the classic photo of the island. Climb as soon as you land: several boats arrive together and the narrow stairway serves both directions.
The summit platform
The climb takes 15 to 25 minutes with breaks, on stone steps in full sun.
The beach
At the bottom, a small sand beach lets you swim if you would rather not climb; some travellers simply stay on the boat.
Practical info
Tips
- Closed shoes or strapped sandals, water, a hat; avoid midday in summer (heat and humidity). If the stairway is jammed, start with the beach and go up 20 minutes later. To choose between a day cruise and a night on board, see the day cruise from Hanoi; for the bay itself, Ha Long Bay.
How to get there
By boat only, on a cruise from Hanoi (about 2.5 to 3.5 hours by road to the harbour, to confirm with traffic); check that the itinerary really includes the Ti Top stop.
Opening hours
Our guides that feature it
Nearby
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