Ti Tốp Island, Hạ Long

Ti Tốp is one of the most beautiful islands in Hạ Long Bay, located only around 7 - 8 km southeast of the Bãi Cháy tourist area. The island rests against Cửa Lục Bay, with Bồ Hòn Island in front and Sửng Sốt Cave to the right.

Ti Tốp has steep, sloping shores and a long, flat stretch of sand. A crescent-shaped beach curves around the foot of the island. It is also a popular destination among international visitors.

Many visitors share the same question: why is it called Ti Tốp Island, and who gave the island its name?

Ti Tốp Island was once known as Nghĩa Địa Island or Hồng Thập Tử Island. These former names are linked to an event that occurred in 1905. A French cargo ship sailing near Hạ Long Bay without a pilot struck a submerged coral reef in the Con Cóc anchorage.

The sailors' remains were brought back to this island for burial. The island was called Ti Tốp in remembrance of this tragedy. On French colonial maps of Hạ Long Bay, Ti Tốp was known as Cát Nàng. President Hồ Chí Minh and Soviet cosmonaut Gherman Titov visited the island on 22 - 11 - 1962.President Hồ Chí Minh then named it Ti Tốp Island to commemorate the occasion.

• See more: Top must-visit attractions in Hạ Long