1. Overview of Soi Sim Beach
Soi Sim Beach is located in the western part of Ha Long Bay, within Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province. Soi Sim Island is about 12 km from the Bai Chay tourist boat wharf and 7–8 km from Tuan Chau wharf. This is an important highlight along route No. 2 of Ha Long Bay.
This small island is attractive for its unique shape, covered with a rich vegetation blanket, especially sim (myrtle) trees—the species associated with the island's name. After a long period of suspension since 2020 for renovation, Soi Sim beach officially reopened in late 2023. This event brings new vitality to the bay's tourism, adding a high-quality experience for visitors.
Soi Sim is now an ideal destination with fine white sand beaches, clear turquoise water, and a peaceful atmosphere. It is a place where you can find absolute relaxation and immerse yourself in nature after busy days.
2. How to Get to Soi Sim Beach
To reach Soi Sim Beach, you will depart from major wharves in Ha Long, such as Tuan Chau Wharf or Ha Long International Cruise Port. Soi Sim is part of route No. 2 on the bay, often combined with other famous spots like Dinh Huong (Incense Burner) Islet, Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave, and Ti Top Island.
You can choose a shared tourist boat or rent a private canoe. Shared boats are an economical choice, departing on a fixed schedule for route 2, usually taking 4–6 hours for the entire trip. Shared boat ticket prices range from 150,000 to 250,000 VND per person for the basic trip (excluding bay sightseeing tickets).
If you prioritize speed and privacy, renting a private canoe is a suitable solution. Canoes provide direct transfers, shortening the travel time to Soi Sim to 20–30 minutes each way. The rental cost is about 2,500,000 – 3,500,000 VND per trip for a group of 10–15 people. For a convenient and all-inclusive itinerary, you can refer to the 2-Day 1-Night Ha Long Tour packages.
|
Criteria |
Shared Tourist Boat |
Private Canoe |
|
Travel Time |
4–6 hours for the full route 2 (multiple stops) |
Fast, 20–30 minutes/way to Soi Sim |
|
Reference Cost |
150,000 – 250,000 VND/person (excluding bay tickets) |
2,500,000 – 3,500,000 VND/trip (group of 10–15 people) |
|
Advantages |
Economical, fixed schedule, easy to book |
Fast, flexible, private, suitable for large groups |
|
Disadvantages |
Less flexible, waiting time, crowded |
Higher cost, requires advance booking, hard for solo travelers |
3. Must-Try Experiences at Soi Sim Beach
Upon arriving at Soi Sim Beach, visitors can immerse themselves in unique experiences amidst the majestic nature of Ha Long Bay. The main activity is swimming on the fine white sand beach, enjoying the clear turquoise water. The peaceful atmosphere of the beach after its revival creates an ideal space for you to let go of all worries and recharge your energy.
In addition, conquering the peak of Soi Sim Mountain is a rewarding challenge. From a height of 100 meters, you will be overwhelmed by the panoramic picture of Ha Long Bay, with thousands of overlapping limestone islands emerging before your eyes. The feeling of standing on top and admiring the endless beauty of the world heritage site is a golden moment to capture unique photos.
For adventure seekers, try kayaking around Soi Sim Island to explore rock crevices and small caves. This experience brings extreme excitement as you freely discover the hidden, breathtaking corners of the island. Kayak rental costs are usually around 100,000 – 150,000 VND/hour.
4. Costs to Keep in Mind When Exploring Soi Sim
To have a complete and proactive journey exploring Soi Sim Beach, you need to understand the costs involved. First is the Ha Long Bay sightseeing ticket. Route 2 tickets, covering destinations like Soi Sim, Ti Top Island, and Sung Sot Cave, are listed at 290,000 VND per person. This rate applies to visitors wishing to explore typical highlights in the area. (Source: Ha Long City Electronic Information Portal, updated 2024).
Next is transportation costs. Choosing a shared tourist boat will cost about 150,000 – 250,000 VND per person for a 4–6 hour trip, excluding dining services. For a private canoe, the cost is higher, ranging from 2,500,000 to 3,500,000 VND per trip depending on the group size and rental duration, but in exchange, it offers maximum privacy and flexibility.
Recreational activities on the island also incur costs: kayak rentals (100,000 – 150,000 VND/hour) or swim ring rentals (about 50,000 – 100,000 VND/hour). Regarding food and drinks, you can prepare light snacks yourself or enjoy meals on board (if booking an inclusive tour). A lunch on board typically costs around 200,000 – 350,000 VND per person. To optimize costs and avoid unexpected expenses, you can check out matching Ha Long Tour Combos.
5. Tips for Exploring Soi Sim Beach
To make your journey to Soi Sim Beach truly memorable, keep these tips in mind. The ideal time to visit is during the dry season, from April to October. During this time, the weather is dry, sunny, and free of storms, making it very favorable for outdoor activities like swimming or hiking.
In particular, you should go early in the morning or late in the afternoon to enjoy the fresh air and avoid harsh sunlight. This is also a great opportunity to admire a brilliant sunrise or sunset over the bay. Preparing personal belongings essentials is vital. Bring swimwear, high-SPF sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses to protect your skin and eyes.
Sports shoes or lightweight hiking boots will be very helpful when conquering the peak of Soi Sim. Don't forget a camera or waterproof phone to capture every valuable moment. To secure your schedule and seats on boats or canoes, you should book tours in advance, especially during peak tourism seasons.
Finally, always maintain an awareness of environmental protection, avoid littering, and follow the regulations of the conservation area. Ha Long Bay is a world heritage site, and the responsibility of maintaining the pristine beauty of Soi Sim belongs to each of us.
