4 Beaches for Swimming on Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay

Cruising on Halong Bay, you will experience kayaking, local bamboo boat riding and visit island with swimming beach. For years, Titop Island Beach was the primary, and often crowded on the Halong Bay Cruise Route 2.

However, we’re excited to share that since 2025, the Halong Bay Management Board has officially opened three additional beautiful beaches across two popular routes: Route 2 in Halong Bay and Route 4 in Bai Tu Long Bay. This offers more diverse and tranquil options for swimming and relaxation alongside the iconic Titop.

Titop Island Beach – The Iconic Viewpoint (Route 2)

A long-standing favourite on Halong Bay’s Route 2, Titop Island remains a must-visit for many. Named after Russian cosmonaut Gherman Titov, this island boasts a beautiful, crescent-shaped sandy beach perfect for swimming and sunbathing. While it can be popular, its main draw is arguably the breathtaking panoramic view from the summit.

Be prepared for a climb of just over 400 steps, but the reward is an unforgettable vista encompassing a vast expanse of the bay’s unique limestone formations. Titop Beach is a key stop on many Route 2 itineraries, including those offered by our Victory Star Cruise and Victory Cruise

Looking at the beach on Titop island from above.

Hang Co Beach (Thien Canh Son Beach) – Bai Tu Long Bay’s Hidden Gem (Route 4)

Venture off the main Halong Bay track onto Route 4 in the neighbouring Bai Tu Long Bay, and you’ll find the secluded paradise of Hang Co Beach, also known as Thien Canh Son Beach.

Located approximately 20 kilometers from the mainland, this beach offers a truly peaceful escape. It’s an ideal spot for nature lovers seeking serenity amidst untouched natural beauty. A major highlight here is the magnificent Thien Canh Son Cave, where you can explore stunning stalactites and stalagmites formed over millennia. The tranquility and pristine condition of Hang Co Beach captivate all who visit.

Discover this hidden gem aboard our Treasure Junk cruise, which specializes in exploring the quieter waters of Bai Tu Long Bay.

Soi Sim Beach – A Pristine Escape (Route 2)

Also located on Route 2, Soi Sim Beach offers a wonderful alternative for those seeking peace and natural beauty. With its fine white sands and crystal-clear waters, Soi Sim provides an idyllic setting for relaxation.

The island is remarkable for retaining much of its pristine character, featuring rich biodiversity within its lush primary forests. For the active visitor, a hike up the island’s peak (around 400 steps) yields stunning panoramic views of the bay. During their blooming season, the island is dotted with purple Sim flowers (Rose Myrtle), adding a picturesque touch to the green landscape.

Soi Sim Beach is featured on our Route 2 itinerary with Victory Star Cruise and Victory Cruise, often combined with visits to the spectacular Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave) and kayaking adventures at Luon Cave.

Trinh Nu Beach – A Serene Sanctuary (Route 2)

Considered one of Halong Bay’s most beautiful beaches, Trinh Nu Beach (Virgin Beach) offers a sense of peace and seclusion on Route 2. Accessible by boat or kayak, it allows visitors to immerse themselves in its untouched, poetic beauty.

The natural scenery here leaves a lasting impression. Don’t miss exploring Trinh Nu Cave (Virgin Cave), famous for a rock formation resembling a reclining maiden and adorned with colourful stalactites.

Opposite Trinh Nu Cave lies Trong Cave (Drum Cave), adding another point of interest easily explored during your visit. Lush vegetation cascades down the cliffs, enhancing the area’s enchanting allure.

Trinh Nu Beach is included in our Route 2 tour options with Victory Star Cruise and Victory Cruise, alongside other key attractions like Sung Sot Cave, Titop or Soi Sim Beach, and potentially Me Cung Cave, Dong Tien Lake, or Luon Cave, depending on the specific itinerary.

With the classic Titop Island and the addition of these three stunning beaches, your Halong Bay experience with Bai Tho Junks offers more choice and opportunity than ever to admire the nature of Halong Bay