Ha Long Bay Beaches 2026: Ti Top Island, Soi Sim and Cat Ba

Ha Long Bay’s beaches are not its primary draw — the scenery and caves are — but several good swimming beaches are accessible within the bay area.

Ti Top Island (Đảo Ti Top)

The most famous beach in Ha Long Bay, named after Soviet cosmonaut Gherman Titov who visited with Ho Chi Minh in 1962. A small crescent of white sand at the base of a forested island. Steps lead to a viewpoint at the top with panoramic bay views.

Honest assessment: Very popular and therefore crowded in peak season. The water is warm and calm — good for swimming. The viewpoint climb takes 20–30 minutes and the view is excellent. Best visited on an overnight cruise when you can arrive early before the day-trip boats.

Access: Included in most Ha Long Bay cruise itineraries. Entry fee: ₫50,000 per person.

Soi Sim Beach (Đảo Soi Sim)

A quieter alternative to Ti Top, on the route between Ha Long City and the main bay attractions. The beach is sandier and less crowded than Ti Top on weekdays. Swimming is good in calm weather. The island has hiking trails through the forest.

Access: Some cruises include this stop; others don’t. Can be reached by speed boat from Ha Long City.

Beaches near Cat Ba Island

Cat Ba Island has several beaches of its own that are separate from the main Ha Long Bay circuit. See the Cat Ba beaches guide for detail on Cat Co 1/2/3 beaches (the nicest on the island).

The water around Cat Ba and Lan Ha Bay is noticeably cleaner than the main Ha Long Bay near Ha Long City — recommended for swimming.

Water quality: the honest picture

The main Ha Long Bay — the part closest to Ha Long City — has average water quality. Ha Long City is a working port, and boat traffic, fuel, and agricultural runoff affect the water. Swimming at the designated beaches in the main bay is generally fine but the water is not turquoise-clear.

Lan Ha Bay (south of Cat Ba Island) has better water quality — cleaner and clearer — because it’s further from the port and has fewer cruise boats. If swimming in clear water is important, stay on Cat Ba and explore Lan Ha Bay rather than the main Ha Long Bay.

Best swimming months

June–September: warmest water temperature (28–30°C), but also the most crowded period and highest risk of weather disruption from typhoons.

October–April: cooler water (20–26°C), clearer skies, better visibility. The water is still warm enough for swimming with the possible exception of January–February when northern Vietnam’s winter makes the sea feel cold to many visitors.