Soi Sim Island: Quiet Beach & Viewpoint in Halong Bay
By Jimmy Nguyen, Founder & Director of Asia Travel Expert Co., Ltd.Soi Sim Island (Đảo Soi Sim) is a small, forested island in the heart of Halong Bay, about 12 km from Tuan Chau port, near Ti Top Island and Sung Sot Cave. It has a white-sand beach about 200 m long and a path up to a lookout over the bay, and is named after the sim (rose myrtle) shrubs on its slopes. It is a stop on route VHL2, included in the 250,000 VND route fee.
Status (checked October 2026): open daily as normal for boats on route VHL2 (adult route fee 250,000 VND, plus port fee); not every VHL2 cruise stops here, so check your itinerary. Swimming is best from about April to October, and visits stop when storms close the bay.
Why Soi Sim Island is worth seeing:
- A quieter beach: about 200 m of white sand, recognised as a tourist beach in 2014.
- Views over the bay: climb through the forest to look across the central karsts and moored junks.
- Nature: one of the few earth-covered (rather than bare limestone) islands in the heritage core zone, with varied plant life.
- Purple sim flowers: the rose myrtle shrubs that give the island its name bloom and fruit in summer.
Soi Sim Island at a Glance
| Vietnamese name | Đảo Soi Sim |
|---|---|
| Location | Central Halong Bay (heritage core zone), Quang Ninh province, near Ti Top Island, Sung Sot Cave and Luon Cave |
| Distance | About 12 km from Tuan Chau port and 11 km from Ha Long International Passenger Port |
| Known for | Quiet beach, lookout, sim (rose myrtle) shrubs |
| Recognition | Part of the Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago UNESCO World Heritage Site |
| Opening hours | Daily in daylight hours, when route VHL2 boats operate |
| Entrance fee | Included in the VHL2 route fee: 250,000 VND per adult (about US$10); children under 1.2 m free |
| Time needed | 1–1.5 hours |
| Best time | Morning or late afternoon; swimming April–October |
| Nearby | Ti Top Island, Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave, Me Cung Grotto |
| Find it | Google Maps · Tripadvisor · UNESCO |
Is Soi Sim Island Worth Visiting?
Yes, if your cruise includes it: it offers a similar mix of beach and view to Ti Top Island, usually with fewer people. It is not a destination in its own right but a pleasant stop for a swim and a short climb. The path is steep in places, so good shoes and water help.
- Best for: travellers who want a swim without the crowds, couples and photographers.
- Skip if: you want the iconic Ti Top panorama; choose a cruise that stops at Ti Top instead.
- Short on time: combine Soi Sim with Sung Sot Cave and Luon Cave on one VHL2 day.
Origin of the Name and Nature of Soi Sim
The island is covered in sim (rose myrtle, Rhodomyrtus tomentosa) shrubs, whose sweet purple berries local people used to gather. According to the Ha Long Bay Management Board, locals named it Soi Sim, roughly “looking at the rose myrtles”. Unlike most islands of the bay, which are steep bare limestone, Soi Sim has a covering of soil and a varied forest, and a conservation area for Halong Bay’s plants and animals is being developed here. Its beach was officially recognised as a tourist beach in 2014.
What to See at Soi Sim Island
1. The beach
A white-sand beach about 200 m long lies at the foot of the island, with calm, shallow water in the warm months.
2. The lookout
A stepped path climbs through the forest to viewpoints over the central bay, Ti Top Island and the junks at anchor.
3. Sim shrubs and forest
In early summer the sim shrubs flower pink-purple, followed by dark berries; look out too for butterflies and birds.
4. Water activities
Some cruises spend free time here for swimming; kayaks or other water sports may be offered depending on the season and operator.
Soi Sim Island Tickets and Opening Hours (2026)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Route | VHL2 (with Ti Top Island, Sung Sot Cave and Luon Cave) |
| Adults | 250,000 VND route fee (about US$10), plus port fee |
| Children | Free under 1.2 m |
| Opening hours | Daily in daylight hours, when boats are permitted to sail |
| Combined route | VHL7 (VHL1 + VHL2 + VHL3 + VHL4): 600,000 VND |
Fees are set by Quang Ninh Province; check the Ha Long Bay Management Board website. Most cruises include the route fee.
How to Visit Soi Sim Island, Step by Step
- Choose a VHL2 cruise that lists Soi Sim; see our cruise guide.
- Land at the island’s pier by tender.
- Climb to the lookout first, while it is cooler and you are dry.
- Swim and relax on the beach before returning to your boat.
How to Get to Soi Sim Island
| From | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Tuan Chau port | Tourist boat or cruise on route VHL2 | About 1.5 hours |
| Ha Long International Passenger Port | Tourist boat or cruise | About 1.5 hours |
| Ti Top Island | By boat | About 10–15 minutes |
| Hanoi | Shuttle or car to Ha Long (2–2.5 hours), then boat | About 4 hours |
See our Hanoi to Halong Bay guide for transfers.
Best Time to Visit Soi Sim Island
| When | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Morning | Cooler for the climb, calm water |
| Late afternoon | Soft light over the bay |
| April – October | Swimming season; storms possible June–October |
| May – July | Sim flowers and berries |
| November – March | Cool; good for walking, chilly for swimming |
Local Expert Tips for Soi Sim Island
These tips come from years of arranging Halong Bay tours for international travellers.
- Bring swimwear, water, a hat and shoes with grip.
- Climb before you swim; wet feet and steps do not mix.
- Take your rubbish back to the boat; the island is being protected for its plants and wildlife.
- If both Ti Top and Soi Sim are offered, Ti Top has the famous view and Soi Sim the space.
- More advice is in our Halong Bay travel tips.
Soi Sim Island vs Ti Top Island
| Feature | Soi Sim Island | Ti Top Island |
|---|---|---|
| Beach | About 200 m of white sand | Small crescent beach (about 500 m²) |
| View | Wide views, fewer people | The classic Halong Bay panorama |
| Crowds | Usually quieter | Busy at midday |
| History | Named after rose myrtle shrubs | Named after cosmonaut Gherman Titov (1962) |
Our view: on a first visit, Ti Top Island is the must-see; Soi Sim is the better choice if you want a relaxed swim away from the crowds.
Nearby Attractions
- Ti Top Island: the famous viewpoint and beach.
- Sung Sot Cave: the bay’s largest show cave.
- Luon Cave: kayaking into a hidden lagoon.
- Tung Sau Pearl Farm: on some cruise itineraries.
- Cua Van Fishing Village: fishing heritage on route VHL3.
Sightseeing in Halong Bay for First-Time Visitors: Where Soi Sim Island Fits
A relaxed overnight cruise? Many itineraries pair Soi Sim with Sung Sot Cave and kayaking at Luon Cave. Start with our Halong Bay overview, spend an evening in Ha Long City and try local dishes from our Halong food guide.
Plan your trip with our Halong Bay travel guide and Halong Bay tours. Contact Vietnam Tour Expert Team for a free custom itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions about Soi Sim Island
1. Where is Soi Sim Island?
Soi Sim Island is in central Halong Bay, about 12 km from Tuan Chau port, near Ti Top Island.
2. Why is it called Soi Sim Island?
Soi Sim Island is named after the sim (rose myrtle) shrubs that cover its slopes.
3. Can you swim at Soi Sim Island?
Yes, Soi Sim Island has a white-sand beach about 200 m long, best for swimming from April to October.
4. Is there an entrance fee for Soi Sim Island?
Soi Sim Island is included in the VHL2 route fee of 250,000 VND per adult, plus a port fee.
5. Which route includes Soi Sim Island?
Soi Sim Island is on route VHL2, with Ti Top Island, Sung Sot Cave and Luon Cave.
6. Is Soi Sim Island worth visiting?
Yes, Soi Sim Island is worth it for a quieter swim and view if your cruise stops there.
7. Soi Sim Island or Ti Top Island: which is better?
Ti Top has the iconic view; Soi Sim Island is usually quieter with a longer beach.
8. Is there a viewpoint on Soi Sim Island?
Yes, a stepped path on Soi Sim Island climbs through the forest to lookouts over the bay.
9. How long do cruises stop at Soi Sim Island?
Most cruises spend about 1–1.5 hours at Soi Sim Island.
10. Do all Halong Bay cruises stop at Soi Sim Island?
No, only some VHL2 cruises stop at Soi Sim Island; check your itinerary.
11. When do sim flowers bloom on Soi Sim Island?
Sim shrubs on Soi Sim Island flower in early summer and bear purple berries afterwards.
12. Is Soi Sim Island crowded?
Soi Sim Island is usually quieter than Ti Top Island, especially early and late in the day.
13. Is Soi Sim Island suitable for children?
Yes, Soi Sim Island’s calm beach suits children; supervise them on the steps.
14. Are there facilities on Soi Sim Island?
Soi Sim Island has basic beach services; bring water and sun protection.
15. Can I stay overnight on Soi Sim Island?
No, Soi Sim Island has no accommodation; overnight stays are on licensed cruise boats.
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