If there is one image that defines Ha Long Bay on every postcard, travel brochure, and even the 200,000 VND banknote, it is Cock Fight Island. Known locally as Hon Ga Choi (Fighting Cocks) or Hon Trong Mai (Rooster and Hen Islet), these two 12-meter-tall limestone karsts are the official emblem of Quang Ninh Province and a UNESCO symbol of the bay’s imaginative karst gallery. At VietnamStory, we view Cock Fight Island as more than just a rock – it is the “official greeting” of the bay. For our Indian guests, it represents a beautiful intersection of natural wonder, courage, and eternal love.
Location of Cock Fight Island and How you will see it?
Cock Fight Island serves as the spiritual and visual entrance to the most famous and beautiful wonders of the bay. It is located in the central-southern section, making it one of the first and most memorable sights you will see on your cruise. Knowing where it is and what to look for will help you anticipate this iconic moment.
The islet is located approximately 5km to the Southwest of the Tuan Chau International Port and the main Bai Chay Wharf. A close-up view of Cock Fight Island is a mandatory and guaranteed stop on Cruise Route 1, which is the classic 4-hour day tour of the bay. It is also a major and beautiful waypoint for the Route 5 transfers that go to Cat Ba Island.
On most of the classic cruise departures, you will encounter our most famous “greeting” islets in this beautiful, symbolic order:
- First, you will see the Stone Dog Islet, which stands like a loyal Guardian at the gate.
- Next, you will pass the Incense Burner Islet, which looks like a sacred Offering to the heavens.
- And finally, you will arrive at Cock Fight Island, the very Spirit of the bay.
A geological marvel and an important 2026 conservation note
The “Fighting Cocks” are a true masterclass in nature’s incredible artistry, sculpted over millions of years by the gentle, persistent forces of the wind and the tide. This is a formation that is as fragile as it is beautiful. Let’s look at its unique structure.
The formation consists of two limestone pillars, each about 12 meters tall. If you look closely, you will see the beautiful vertical cracks and the jagged edges on their tops that perfectly mimic the combs and the feathers of real roosters.
The most remarkable and precarious feature of these rocks is that their bases are significantly thinner than their tops. This is the result of centuries of “marine notching,” the process where the daily tides have slowly eroded and “eaten away” at the base of the limestone.
Recent scientific studies have indicated that these beautiful rocks are at a real risk of collapsing in the future due to their very fragile bases. As a result, the local government has now enforced strict “No-Wake Zones” around the islets. This means that all cruise ships must slow down to a crawl as they pass, in order to prevent the waves from their boats from causing further erosion.
Here is a wonderful secret that we love to share with our guests. After your boat passes the roosters and you look back at them from the opposite side, the two rocks will appear to magically merge together into the perfect silhouette of a giant fish swimming in the emerald water. Be sure to look back!
READ MORE: Thumb Islet (Hon Ngon Cai): Nature’s “Thumbs-Up” to Travelers
One rock, Two beautiful meanings: The folklore and symbolism
In our Vietnamese culture, this single, iconic islet carries a powerful dual identity. It represents two of the most important values to our people: the spirit of courage and the ideal of eternal love. The name you use for the islet changes the story it tells.
- Hòn Gà Chọi (The Fighting Cocks): This name represents the spirit of courage, vigilance, and the defense of our land. In this story, the two roosters are seen as powerful warriors, standing ready to protect the territory of the great Dragon, the mythical creator of the bay.
- Hòn Trống Mái (The Rooster and the Hen): This more romantic name represents the ideals of eternal love, loyalty, and faithfulness. The legend tells of a rooster and a hen who followed each other to the bay, and when they found each other, they turned to stone so they could be together forever, eternally facing each other in a loving “kiss.”
How to capture the perfect shot of the icon?
This is one of the most photographed spots in all of Vietnam. Here are our tips to make your photo stand out. Don’t just take a photo, capture a beautiful and memorable story. For the clearest and most classic “kissing” or “fighting” silhouette, the best angle to photograph the islet is as your boat is approaching it from the West.
For the most dramatic and beautiful lighting, aim to see the islet during the golden hour, from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM (for sunset). The low sun will cast a deep orange glow on the rocks, making the limestone appear like bronze against the emerald water. In the early morning (from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM), the backdrop is often ethereal and misty, which is also beautiful.
If you are a keen photographer, using a polarized filter will help to cut through the glare on the water’s surface. A zoom lens (200mm or more) is also great for isolating the roosters from the other cruise boats that may be in the background.
Why our Indian travelers love this spot?
At Vietnam Story, we love to make the experience of seeing Cock Fight Island a fun, interactive, and culturally connected moment for our Indian guests. Here is how we make this moment special for you.
- The “Currency Check” photo: Our expert guides always carry a fresh 200,000 VND banknote. We love to help you hold the note up against the actual island to capture that perfect “money shot” photo. This is always a huge favorite for creating fun family videos and Instagram reels!
- Perfect timing with your Indian-friendly dining: On our specially curated tours, we time the cruise so that we pass by Cock Fight Island just as our delicious, hot vegetarian or Jain-friendly lunch is being prepared. This allows you to go up to the sundeck and enjoy the view without feeling rushed, before heading in to enjoy your meal.
- A more relaxed, Slow-motion experience: Because of the new 2025 “No-Wake” rules, our guests now get a much longer and more peaceful viewing window than in previous years. This is perfect for a quiet moment of meditation or for taking that fun “Double Thumbs Up” photo with the nearby Thumb Islet.
Your guide to the nearby landmarks
To help you track your progress through this magnificent “Karst Gallery,” here is a quick guide to the other famous landmarks located very close to Cock Fight Island.
| Landmark | Distance from Cock Fight | What to look for |
| Dinh Huong Islet (Incense Burner) | 1 km | Look for the flat, table-like shape that resembles a giant incense burner offering respect to the heavens. |
| Stone Dog Islet | 2 km | Spot the shape of a loyal dog sitting and guarding the entrance to the bay. |
| Luon Cave | 3 km | Get ready to stop here for a beautiful and serene tunnel kayaking or bamboo boat experience. |
| Ti Top Island | 5 km | Prepare for a stop here to swim at the beautiful beach or to hike to the incredible panoramic viewpoint. |
READ MORE: Halong Bay Cruises: Your Gateway to Vietnam’s Natural Wonder
Practical essentials and frequently asked questions
Here are the final details you need to know. Let’s answer your most common practical questions.
- Can you land on the island? No. To prevent the fragile structure from collapsing and for everyone’s safety, landing on or climbing the islet is strictly prohibited.
- Is it included on every cruise? No. It is very important to know that most Lan Ha Bay cruises (which often depart from Hai Phong) do not pass this rock. To see Cock Fight Island, you must book a cruise that departs from the Tuan Chau or Ha Long International Port and follows the classic Route 1 or Route 5.
- How tall are the rocks? They are approximately 12 meters tall, which is about the height of a 4-story building.
Conclusion
Think of Cock Fight Island as the grand and official welcome to your Ha Long Bay adventure. As your cruise ship glides past these iconic figures, it is as if the bay itself is greeting you, inviting you deeper into its world of wonder. It is the first major “wow” moment, the perfect and exciting start to a journey filled with breathtaking sights. This brief but essential encounter sets the stage for all the incredible caves, beaches, and lagoons that are yet to come, and it remains a fond and central memory of the entire experience.
Let Vietnamstory ensure your adventure gets off to the perfect start. We can book a cruise that guarantees you a beautiful, close-up view of this magnificent “welcome gate,” setting the perfect tone for your entire trip. Get in touch with us to plan your journey, and get ready to be officially welcomed by the living spirit of Ha Long Bay.