Any plans to sunbathe on the powdery white beaches of Soi Sim Island will have to be changed on the day, as the island is hosting a festival of fireworks this weekend. The Management Board of the World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay – Yen Tu has officially announced to suspend the access of visitors to Soi Sim beach. The sudden temporary closure follows immediately after the beach was named the only beach in Vietnam on the renowned global 2026 Corona Beach 100 list.
While authorities clear up outstanding legal and land-allocation procedures, travelers are being redirected to alternative routes. Fortunately, the Gulf of Tonkin is lousy with beautiful stretches of coastline. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds on Titov Island and enjoy pure relaxation, here are 3 hidden beaches in the bay that are just as spectacular.
Why Was Soi Sim Beach Suspended?
The temporary closure of Soi Sim Beach is not due to environmental deterioration but rather for administrative reasons. The suspension is to give the management board time to fix a long-standing paperwork issue on land, forest, and marine area allocations for the island’s flora and fauna conservation zone, Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNATOUR) said.
This crown jewel is currently under review, but the government has asked tour operators and cruise companies to change their routes on the VHL2 tourism route. The alternative destinations actively contribute to sustainable tourism in neighbouring Lan Ha Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay, with lesser-known ecosystems.
3 Hidden Beaches in Ha Long Bay to Visit This Weekend
1. Ban Chan Beach: The Pristine Bai Tu Long Paradise
For those who wish to escape the main cruise ship jam altogether, Ban Chan Beach is your ultimate escape. This is in the far and remote waters of the highly protected waters of Bai Tu Long Bay, which appears to be miles from the commercial hub.
- The Vibe: Exceptionally raw, peaceful, and expansive.
- Why It’s Special: Tucked away behind towering limestone karsts, this beach features a wide, crescent-shaped shore with ultra-fine sand. It is widely considered one of the best alternative hidden beaches for undisturbed sunbathing, landscape photography, and quiet shoreline walks.
2. Trinh Nu Beach: A Secluded, Romantic Coastal Oasis
Located at the heart of Ha Long Bay, the Trinh Nu Beach (Virgin Cave Beach) is full of rich local history and romance.
- The Vibe: Intimate, tranquil, and culturally enchanting.
- Why It’s Special: This spot connects a small, pristine sandy beach directly with the entrance of Trinh Nu Cave. Because access is highly regulated, crowd levels stay low. It is a perfect base for launching a sea kayak to explore the quiet, emerald-green lagoons nearby.
3. Ba Trai Dao Beach: The Three Peaches Coves
Ba Trai Dao Beach is named after three parallel limestone islets in Lan Ha Bay (The Three Peach Islands), which are rising out of the waters of the Gulf of Tonkin.
- The Vibe: Adventurous, picturesque, and highly dynamic.
- Why It’s Special: This destination is famous for its shallow, crystal-clear water, making it a dream spot for wild swimming and snorkeling.
- Important Timing Note: This beach is highly tide-dependent. The sandy shores can become entirely submerged during peak high tide, so coordinate with your cruise operator to time your afternoon visit perfectly.
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Smart Tips for Exploring Alternative Hidden Beaches
Before heading to the port, it’s important to have these tactical tips in mind to ensure a seamless weekend getaway:
- Check Your Cruise Route: Not all boutique cruises are licensed for all routes. If you are interested in visiting Ban Chan or Ba Trai Dao, make sure you visit the Bai Tu Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay, which is part of the charter.
- The Ha Long Bay Management Board restricts the use of single-use plastics in the Ha Long Bay area, thus preserving the site’s heritage. Bring water bottles that can be washed. Bring washable water bottles.
- Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Keep delicate coral reefs around Lan Ha Bay safe from harm by using biodegradable, chemical-free sun cream.
FAQs
1. When will Soi Sim Beach reopen to international tourists?
There is no fixed reopening date yet. Local Quang Ninh provincial authorities are actively working to resolve the outstanding land and forest allocation paperwork as quickly as possible to leverage its recent spot on the Corona Beach 100 index.
3. Do I need to buy a separate entry ticket for Lan Ha Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay?
Yes. Each bay operates under a distinct management zone with its own independent sightseeing tickets. If you book an all-inclusive overnight cruise package, these specific regional entry and environmental fees are automatically bundled into your total booking price.
