The story of Ti Top/Titov Island and its monument

Ti Top Island, located in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, is renowned for its stunning crescent-shaped beach, panoramic views, and rich history, making it a must-visit destination for travelers.

The monument to Titov on the island, 2025 -- Andre Hospers, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Ti Top or Titov Island gained new historical prominence in 1962 when Soviet cosmonaut Gherman Titov visited the spectacularly beautiful Ha Long Bay with Democratic Republic of Vietnam President Ho Chi Minh. During this visit, Ho Chi Minh renamed the island Ti Top -- Vietnam’s pronunciation of the cosmonaut’s name -- in honor of Titov, celebrating Vietnam-Soviet friendship as well as Titov's particular love of and solidarity with Vietnam and its people. He was Chairman of the Soviet Union-Vietnam Friendship Association and later the honorary Chairman of the Russia-Vietnam Friendship Association.

Titov was the second human to orbit the Earth and remains the youngest person to do so. He was a staunch Communist and remained so after the counter-revolution in the USSR serving in the State Duma as a member of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation.

Titov returned to the island in 1997 and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to revisit the historic site. A monument commemorating Titov was inaugurated in 2015 to preserve the memory of this friendship.

The island is renowned for its stunning crescent-shaped beach, panoramic views, and rich history, making it a must-visit destination for travelers.

The island in 2025 -- Andre Hospers, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Situated approximately 14 kilometers east of Bai Chay tourist harbor and about 8 kilometers from Tuan Chau Harbor, the island covers an area of 3.7 hectares (0.037 km²). The island has a summit at about 110 meters accessible via roughly 400 stone steps, offering panoramic views of Ha Long Bay.

A popular stop for both day cruises and overnight tours, it is often included in Ha Long Bay itineraries along with Sung Sot Cave and Luon Cave. Beach activities, kayaking along the calm, clear waters, hiking, water sports are major draws and the island's natural beauty and historical monument provide excellent photo opportunities.

The best time to visit is generally said to be from October to April when the weather is cool and relatively dry, although summer months are suitable for water activities. The peak tourist seasons are from June to July and December to February so for a more tranquil experience, consider visiting in the offseason months.

Catatine, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The island preserves a legacy of international friendship and Vietnam’s historical links with the Soviet Union during its fight for liberation and after. The island’s history and its connection with both Ho Chi Minh and Gherman Titov make it a symbol of diplomacy, peace, and friendship.

Visiting the island allows an exploration of both its scenic splendor and its remarkable historical story within the framework of Vietnam's socialist heritage.

.A picture of the island in 2004, before the monument was erected -- Greg Willis from Denver, CO, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons