Titov Island (also known as Ti Top) remains the undisputed “jewel in the crown” of Ha Long Bay. For our Indian travelers, this petite 3.7-hectare island offers the most comprehensive 90-minute stop in any itinerary: a pulse-raising hike, a crescent-moon beach, and a touch of space-age history. At Vietnamstory, we position Titov as a “must-climb” experience, though we provide specific guidance for seniors and families to ensure the ascent is a highlight, not a hurdle.
The famous summit hike: Ha Long’s “Stairway to heaven”
The primary and most famous draw of Titov Island is the incredible observation deck that is perched 110 meters above sea level, offering what is arguably the most iconic and photographed view in all of Ha Long Bay. The journey to the top is a rewarding challenge that leads to an unforgettable panorama.
To reach the summit, you will need to climb approximately 450 stone steps that wind their way up the side of the mountain. For those with a moderate level of fitness, the climb is not too long, taking about 15 – 20 minutes to reach the top.
The climb is of moderate to challenging difficulty. The steps are quite steep and can sometimes be a little slippery, especially during the beautiful “mist” season in January. our effort is rewarded with a spectacular, 360-degree unobstructed view of the central bay. This is the exact spot where all those iconic photos of hundreds of cruise ships weaving their way through the majestic limestone karsts are taken.
Special tip for seniors and families: The climb can be tiring, but there is a wonderful midway landing point at approximately the 200-step mark. This landing features a beautiful, shaded pavilion and offers about 80% of the stunning view from the summit, without the final, steepest and most challenging stretch. We often recommend that our senior guests relax here and enjoy a refreshing fresh coconut while the younger members of the family conquer the final peak.
READ MORE: Is Ha Long Bay Worth Visiting in 2026?
The beautiful crescent beach and the “Adrenaline” Bay
Encircling the base of the island is a stunning and pristine white-sand beach. Before it was renamed, it was known to us locals as Cat Nang, which means the “Sand Maiden” beach. This is one of the best and most beautiful spots in the entire bay for swimming and fun water activities.
The beach is a beautiful, 170-meter-long crescent of powdery white sand. The waters here are famously clear and calm, allowing you to see small reefs and marine life near the shore. While the water in January can be a bit cool (around 18 – 20°C), the beach is wonderfully sheltered from any strong currents by the surrounding peaks of Bo Hon Island, making it a very safe place for a swim.
The beach is very well-equipped with clean fresh-water showers (available for a small fee), changing rooms, and a small souvenir kiosk.
A rich history and folklore of Titov island
The island holds a very unique and special place in Vietnam’s diplomatic history, a story that our guides love to share with our guests. This is not just a beautiful island, it is a symbol of international friendship.
In the year 1962, our great President Ho Chi Minh and the famous Soviet cosmonaut Gherman Titov (who was the second man to ever orbit the Earth) visited this beautiful island together. To honor the strong friendship between our two nations, our beloved Uncle Ho decided to rename the island “Ti Tốp” in honor of his distinguished guest.
At the foot of the mountain, a proud, 6-meter-tall granite statue of Gherman Titov stands as a tribute to this historic visit. It is an excellent and easy-to-find meeting point for groups after your climb. A little-known local legend says that the island was once called “Cemetery Island” following a tragic French shipwreck in 1905. This hidden, mysterious history adds a fascinating layer to the island’s serene and beautiful atmosphere.
Top 5 most exciting activities to experience on Titov Island
When you arrive at the beautiful Titov Island, you will discover that it is so much more than just a pretty view. It is a wonderful playground of nature where you can relax, get your heart pumping, and create some incredible memories. Here are the top five activities that you absolutely must not miss.
Swimming at the beautiful Crescent beach
Right at the foot of the mountain lies the beautiful Titov Beach, a stunning crescent of powdery, white sand that gently slopes into the calm, emerald-green water. The beach here is not as large as some others in the bay, but its intimate size is what makes it so charming. The water is incredibly clear and clean, allowing you to see the sandy bottom, and it is wonderfully sheltered by the surrounding islands, making it a very safe and perfect spot for a refreshing swim. Taking a dip in these cool, beautiful waters after your climb is one of the most rewarding feelings in all of Ha Long Bay!
Hiking to the summit for world-famous panoramic view
This is the number one reason that everyone comes to Titov Island, and it is an activity you absolutely cannot miss. Your journey to the top involves a climb up approximately 450 steep stone steps. While it is a bit of a workout, the reward is more than worth it. From the observation deck at the peak, standing 110 meters above the sea, you will be treated to the most breathtaking, 360-degree panoramic view of the entire central part of Ha Long Bay. This is the exact spot where all those famous, iconic photos of the bay are taken, and seeing it with your own eyes is a truly awe-inspiring moment.
Kayaking around the island’s shoreline
For a more personal and active way to explore the beauty of the island, kayaking is an indispensable activity. You can rent a tiny, colorful kayak right from the beach and paddle along the beautiful shoreline at your own pace. This allows you to get up close to the ancient limestone cliffs, to discover small, hidden coves, and to see the island from a completely different perspective. The water around the island is very calm, making it a safe and enjoyable experience even for beginners. The rental price is usually around 150,000 VND per hour.
READ MORE: Kayaking in Ha Long Bay: Touch the “Emerald Heart”
Riding the thrilling banana boat
For a dose of pure, laugh-out-loud fun, especially if you are traveling with friends or family, you must try the banana boat ride! This is a large, inflatable buoy, shaped like a banana, that is tied to a speedboat and zipped across the water at high speeds. Holding on as you bounce and splash through the waves, with the stunning scenery of Ha Long Bay all around you, is an exhilarating and incredibly fun experience that is guaranteed to leave everyone with a big smile.
Soaring high with beach paragliding
For the ultimate adrenaline rush and the most unique view of the island, you can try beach paragliding. For those who love adventure, this is a perfect option. You will be safely strapped into a harness, attached to a large parachute, and then gently lifted into the air by a speedboat. The feeling of swinging in the wind, high above the beach, with the entire, magnificent beauty of Ha Long Bay spread out beneath you, is a truly spectacular and once-in-a-lifetime experience that you will never forget
Vietnamstory tailored tips for a perfect visit
At Vietnamstory, we are experts at making sure your visit to Titov is as comfortable, safe, and enjoyable as possible. Here is our special advice for my Indian travelers.
- Footwear alert: Please avoid wearing flip-flops for this excursion. The 450 stone steps require good footing. Sturdy sneakers or sports sandals are essential for a safe and comfortable climb.
- The seaplane entry: For a truly elite and unforgettable experience, we can arrange for you to take a seaplane tour from Tuan Chau. The plane will hover over Titov Island at an altitude of 300 meters, providing you with that breathtaking summit view without having to climb any of the 450 steps!
- A note on your diet: The food options on the island are very limited to basic snacks and drinks. We highly recommend that you enjoy a delicious and hearty Indian-style lunch on your cruise before you disembark for the island.
- Best time to visit: The ideal time to visit is during our dry season, from October to April. During these months, the weather is pleasant, the skies are clearer, and the stone steps are much drier and safer for climbing. For the most magical light and the fewest crowds, I always recommend my guests on overnight cruises to visit during two specific windows: the “Early Bird” slot around 7:30 AM, when the morning is cool and the bay is peaceful, or the “Golden Hour” slot around 4:30 PM. Visiting at this later time allows you to witness the spectacular sunset colors painting the sky from the summit, which is a truly unforgettable and romantic experience. While the beach is beautiful all day, avoiding the peak midday sun from 11 AM to 2 PM will make your climb much more comfortable.
READ MORE: Best time to visit Ha Long Bay
A quick comparison: Titov Island and the nearby Soi Sim Island
While Titov is the undisputed star of the area, its beautiful neighbor, Soi Sim Island (located just 700m away), is a rising alternative for some cruises. Let’s compare the two to see which experience you would prefer.
| Feature | Titov Island | Soi Sim Island |
| Viewpoint | An iconic, 360-degree panorama of the classic Ha Long Bay. | A greener view with a focus on the local flora and fauna. |
| Beach | A large and beautiful, crescent-shaped white-sand beach. | A smaller and more “wild” feeling beach. |
| Steps | 450 steep, stone steps. | 300+ steps, mostly on well-maintained wooden paths. |
| Attribute | The famous statue of the Russian Cosmonaut. | It is famous for the beautiful, purple Sim flowers (rose myrtle) that bloom here. |
| Vibe | Bustling & Social. This is a major hub of activity. | Peaceful & Eco-centric. It is a much quieter experience. |
A luxurious overnight cruise on the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay is the absolute highlight of your dream trip to Vietnam. But with hundreds of cruise options available, how do you choose the right one? How can you be sure your family will be comfortable and that your dietary needs will be perfectly met? That is where we at Vietnamstory come in. We have personally curated a collection of only the best 5-star luxury Ha Long Bay cruises, ensuring your experience is completely seamless, from the comfortable private pick-up at your Hanoi hotel to your final drop-off. Most importantly, we work only with the cruises that we know and trust to expertly handle special meal requests, whether you need pure vegetarian, authentic Jain, or Halal cuisine. With us, your journey will be filled with beautiful moments – from kayaking through hidden lagoons and relaxing on your private balcony to enjoying a delicious meal as the sun sets over the limestone islands. Don’t leave this once-in-a-lifetime experience to chance. Let us help you find the perfect cruise that will turn your dream into a beautiful and delicious reality.
Conclusion
While there are many beautiful islands in Ha Long Bay, there is only one Titov. It is the iconic, must-do stop that has come to define the classic Ha Long experience. It is the viewpoint that has graced a million postcards, the beach that has welcomed travelers from all over the world, and the island that carries a unique story of international friendship. To visit Ha Long Bay without climbing to the top of Titov Island is to miss out on the bay’s most quintessential and celebrated moment.
Let Vietnamstory ensure that you do not miss this essential experience. We work with the best cruises that will give you ample time to enjoy both the hike and the beach, ensuring your visit to this iconic landmark is a highlight of your trip. Get in touch with us to plan your journey, and get ready to stand on the very spot where the most famous and beautiful photos of Ha Long Bay are born.