5 Best Island in Halong for Swimming & Kayaking

Discover the beauty of every island in Halong with Vietpower Travel, your expert guide to Vietnam’s most breathtaking seascapes. From the white-sand beach of Ti Top Island to the hidden lagoons of Bo Hon and Dragon Eye, each stop reveals a new side of Ha Long’s magic. Whether you love kayaking, swimming, or simply relaxing by turquoise waters, Vietpower’s curated island tours promise an authentic experience of culture and nature in perfect harmony.

1. Top 5 Island in Halong for Swimming & Kayaking

Ti Top (Titov) Island – The Crescent Paradise

Ti Top Island lies in the heart of Ha Long Bay and is one of its most beloved attractions. Known for its white crescent-shaped beach and calm turquoise water, it’s an ideal stop for swimming, relaxing, and panoramic sightseeing. The island was named after the Russian cosmonaut Gherman Titov, who visited Ha Long Bay with President Ho Chi Minh in 1962.

How to Get to Ti Top Island

• By Cruise or Boat: The most common way to reach Ti Top Island is by joining a day cruise departing from Bai Chay Port or Tuan Chau Port. The journey takes 30–45 minutes, and day tours usually last 6–8 hours, costing around US$30–50 per person. Most cruises include Ti Top Island as part of the standard Halong Bay itinerary, along with other highlights such as Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave and Luon Cave.
• By Private Charter: Travelers who prefer a flexible schedule can charter a private boat. This option allows you to choose departure times, enjoy more privacy, and stop for customized photo sessions at scenic points around the bay.
• By Helicopter or Seaplane: For a premium experience, you can fly by helicopter or seaplane from Ha Long City or the nearby airport. The price ranges from US$200–300 per person, offering a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the limestone mountains and emerald water of Ha Long Bay.
• From Ha Long City: Ti Top Island is located approximately 11 km from Ha Long International Port and 12 km from Tuan Chau Port. Guests can easily join a group tour, book a private transfer, or choose a one-day or overnight cruise operated by Vietpower Travel for a seamless and safe experience.

Things to Do on Ti Top Island

• Climb to the Summit A staircase of 450 stone steps leads to the island’s peak, which rises 110 meters above sea level. From the top, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Ha Long Bay’s limestone formations — one of the most photographed spots in the region.
• Swim and Relax on the Beach: The crescent-shaped beach is famous for its fine sand and gentle waves. Visitors can swim safely, rent kayaks, or join water sports such as parasailing and jet skiing.
• Take Stunning Drone Photos: Ti Top’s steep cliffs and narrow sandy shoreline create an impressive contrast, perfect for aerial photography.
  Its unique height-to-width ratio gives the island a striking vertical shape rarely seen in other parts of the bay.
• Spot Rare Wildlife: Early morning visitors might see herons flying over the cliffs or even Cat Ba langurs on nearby limestone slopes — rare species that add to Ha Long’s ecological diversity.

Ti Top Island combines leisure, adventure, and breathtaking scenery, making it a must-visit stop for travelers exploring Ha Long Bay with Vietpower Travel. It perfectly represents the tranquil and authentic charm of Vietnam Nature.

Soi Sim Island – The Eco Haven of Vietnam Nature

Soi Sim Island is a small, peaceful island located near Ti Top, about 12 kilometers west of Bai Chay Port. It’s less crowded than other stops, offering visitors a calm place to swim, relax, and experience the natural beauty of Ha Long Bay.

Highlights and Natural Features

• Safe and Gentle Waters: The water around Soi Sim is shallow and calm, making it a great swimming spot for families and first-time visitors. The soft sand and slow waves create a quiet atmosphere that feels far removed from the busy tourist routes.
• Unique Ecosystem: The marine area around Soi Sim hosts 278 species of phytoplankton and 141 species of zooplankton, forming the foundation of Ha Long Bay’s food chain. This microscopic life supports coral reefs, fish, and seabirds, creating a vibrant ecosystem that thrives beneath the surface.
• Rich Flora and Scenic Trails: About two-thirds of Soi Sim Island is covered by tropical forest, dominated by sim (rose myrtle) trees that bloom with purple flowers in summer. A short walking trail leads to the island’s hilltop viewpoint, where travelers can enjoy a peaceful panorama of limestone cliffs and emerald water.

Ban Chan Island – The Hidden Family Lagoon

Ban Chan Island is a calm and beautiful spot on the eastern side of Ha Long Bay, known for its peaceful atmosphere and shallow turquoise water. The beach is surrounded by limestone cliffs that block strong waves, creating a safe area for children and family swimming.

Beneath Ban Chan’s soft sand lies an ancient karst platform that has slowly submerged over time. This geological structure shapes the island’s flat seabed, producing a brilliant shade of blue-green water that remains clear year-round. The smooth transition from shallow to deeper areas makes the beach perfect for both beginners and seasoned swimmers.

Things to Do on Ban Chan Island

• Swimming and Snorkeling: The gentle currents make it easy to explore coral reefs and colorful fish near the shore.
• Kayaking: Paddle around the island’s calm coves to admire limestone formations from the water.
• Beach BBQ: Many Vietpower Travel cruises stop here for afternoon barbecues on the sand — a perfect way to unwind after a day of sightseeing.

Ban Chan Island offers an ideal balance of relaxation and discovery, especially for families looking to experience the calm beauty of Vietnam Nature in Ha Long Bay.

Bo Hon Island & Luon Cave – Kayaking Through Secret Lagoons

Bo Hon Island is one of Ha Long Bay’s most scenic areas, famous for its towering limestone cliffs and hidden caves. It’s a top destination for travelers who love kayaking and exploring the natural wonders formed by time and water.

• Luon Lagoon – A Hidden Lake Within the Island: Nestled deep inside Bo Hon lies Luon Lagoon, a small body of emerald water encircled by vertical cliffs. This lagoon was created by the flooding of ancient dolines (sinkholes), forming a natural lake accessible only through a narrow archway. As you paddle through the entrance, the sound of birds and the echo of water against stone create a peaceful and unforgettable atmosphere.
• A Hollow Island of Wonders: Bo Hon is hollow inside, containing a fascinating network of caves and grottoes such as Sung Sot (Surprise Cave), Trinh Nu (Virgin Cave), and Trong (Drum Cave). These caverns showcase stunning stalactites and limestone formations shaped over millions of years.
• Best for Kayaking and Wildlife Watching: Kayaking around Bo Hon and Luon Lagoon offers a chance to see local wildlife such as monkeys, sea eagles, and tropical plants clinging to the cliffs. It’s also one of the most photogenic parts of the bay — the still water perfectly reflects the green karst walls, making every photo breathtaking.

Visiting Bo Hon Island allows travelers to experience both adventure and tranquility while discovering one of Ha Long’s most extraordinary geological formations.

Dragon Eye (Mắt Rồng) Island – The Adventure Lagoon

Dragon Eye Island—locally known as Hon Mat Rong—is one of the most fascinating hidden gems of Ha Long Bay. The island gets its name from its unique round lake that resembles a dragon’s eye when viewed from above.

• The Emerald Lake in the Island’s Heart: At the center of the island lies a perfectly circular lake formed by karst erosion. The calm, crystal-clear water mirrors the surrounding cliffs and lush forest, creating a tranquil atmosphere. Because of its isolation, the lake remains one of the cleanest natural pools in the entire bay.
• Wildlife Encounters Around the Forest: The forest on Dragon Eye Island is home to small monkeys, squirrels, and bright-colored kingfishers. These animals thrive in the island’s protected ecosystem, providing visitors with a rare glimpse of Ha Long’s natural diversity.
• Ideal for Camping and Private Charters The wide sandy area makes Dragon Eye a favorite stop for Vietpower Travel private cruises. Guests can camp under the stars, swim in the hidden lagoon, or enjoy quiet kayaking sessions away from the crowds.

2. Essential Tips for Your Island Adventure

Safety & Eco Etiquette

Ha Long Bay is more than a beautiful travel destination — it is a natural heritage area that has developed over 500 million years.
The limestone cliffs, coral reefs, and marine life here are very sensitive to human impact, so visitors are encouraged to travel responsibly.

When you go swimming or kayaking:

• Do not touch or climb on limestone rocks, as they are fragile and can be damaged easily.
• Avoid standing on coral or picking up shells. Coral reefs are home to tiny marine creatures and take years to grow.
• Always wear a life jacket during water activities, especially when kayaking or exploring deeper lagoons.
• Do not feed or chase animals — simply enjoy watching them from a distance.

These small actions help preserve Ha Long’s natural beauty and protect its rare ecosystem for the future.

When to Visit

The best time to explore the islands of Ha Long Bay is from March to May and September to November.
These months have mild temperatures, calm sea conditions, and clear skies — perfect for swimming, kayaking, and photography.

• March – May: Pleasant weather, green forests, and comfortable water temperatures.
• September – November: Less crowded, cooler evenings, and clear sunsets.
• June – August: Still suitable for travel, but there may be occasional short rains.

If you plan to join a cruise, check the weather forecast before departure to make sure your trip goes smoothly.

3. FAQs about Islands in Ha Long Bay

Before planning your trip, here are some common questions that travelers often ask about Ha Long Bay’s islands.

4. Conclusion

A journey across the islands of Ha Long Bay is more than a sightseeing trip—it’s an immersion into natural artistry shaped over 500 million years. With Vietpower Travel, every traveler can uncover serene lagoons, rich wildlife, and meaningful connections with local life. Embrace the rhythm of the sea, the charm of limestone cliffs, and the living beauty of Vietnam Nature on your next unforgettable adventure.