Can I climb or visit the islet on foot?

Q: Can I climb or visit the islet on foot?

No, it can only be viewed from the water.When is the best time for photos?Sunrise offers the best light and calmest conditions.Do all cruises pass by the islet?Most standard sightseeing routes include it, but not all—check your itinerary.Is it near Sung Sot Cave?Yes, both are located in the central area of Ha Long Bay.Why is it famous?For its iconic shape and the ancient love legend tied to it.

Trong Mai Islet, Ha Long Bay

Island in Ha Long Bay

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Nguyễn Thanh Quang

Trong Mai Islet is one of the top sights in Ha Long Bay, known for its dramatic silhouette of two rocks leaning toward each other like a rooster and hen. Its poetic beauty, combined with a touching legend of eternal love, has made it a highlight of any walking tour of Ha Long's famous islets as visitors sail past this celebrated symbol of Vietnam.

History and Significance of Trong Mai Islet
Things to See and Do in Trong Mai Islet
How to Get to Trong Mai Islet
Practical Tips on Visiting Trong Mai Islet
Where to Stay Close to Trong Mai Islet
Is Trong Mai Islet Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Trong Mai Islet
Nearby Attractions to Trong Mai Islet

History and Significance of Trong Mai Islet

Trong Mai Islet, also called the Fighting Cock Islet or Kissing Rocks, is located about 5 kilometers from Bai Chay Wharf in the southwestern area of Ha Long Bay. Rising around 10 meters above sea level, the islet has endured millennia of erosion, saltwater, and storms, yet its distinctive form remains stable and instantly recognisable.

Beyond its geological appeal, Trong Mai Islet carries a cherished legend. The story tells of a humble fisherman who fell in love with a celestial fairy. Their forbidden love angered the Jade Emperor, who turned them into stone-forever frozen as two figures leaning toward one another in devotion. Today, the islet stands as one of Ha Long Bay's most symbolic attractions, praised by poets, painters, and travellers for its romantic form.

Things to See and Do in Trong Mai Islet

Although the islet cannot be climbed or accessed directly, it is one of the most photographed sites in Ha Long Bay.

Scenic Cruises
Visitors most often admire Trong Mai Islet while sailing through Halong's central routes. Whether on a luxury cruise or traditional wooden junk boat, passing by this natural sculpture provides a chance to take in the landscape from various vantage points. Kayaking routes sometimes approach nearby formations, offering close views of neighbouring islets such as Dinh Huong and Thien Cung Cave.

Photography
Sunrise and sunset are the best times to capture Trong Mai Islet. Its profile becomes especially striking when silhouetted against golden skies or reflected in calm waters. Photographers often wait for calm seas to capture the perfect mirrored reflection that highlights the harmony of the twin rocks.

Cultural Exploration
Guides frequently share the legend of the fisherman and fairy during boat tours, adding a deeper sense of meaning to the scenery. The story reflects cultural themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and timeless love-values deeply rooted in Vietnamese folklore.

How to Get to Trong Mai Islet

The nearest airport is Van Don International Airport, offering easy transfers to Ha Long City. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Ha Long Bay on Booking.com. From Bai Chay or Tuan Chau Marina, most standard cruise routes pass by the islet as part of a 4-hour or overnight tour. Travellers driving can park near Bai Chay or Tuan Chau before boarding a cruise boat.

Practical Tips on Visiting Trong Mai Islet

Suggested tips: Choose a cruise route that includes the southwestern sector of Ha Long Bay.
Best time to visit: Early morning for sunrise views and soft golden light.
Entrance fee: Included in standard Ha Long Bay cruise routes.
Opening hours: Sightseeing available during boat tour operating hours.
Official website: Use Ha Long Bay tourism portals for cruise route updates.
How long to spend: 10-15 minutes sailing around the islet for photos.
Accessibility: Viewable only from boats; no land access.
Facilities: Facilities available only on cruise vessels.
Photography tip: Use a telephoto lens to capture detail without boat motion blur.
Guided tours: Most boat tours include commentary on the islet’s legend.
Nearby food options: Available on cruise boats or at Bai Chay after returning.

Where to Stay Close to Trong Mai Islet

Most visitors stay in Bai Chay or Tuan Chau to easily join sightseeing cruises. Convenient options include Wyndham Legend Halong, Novotel Ha Long Bay, and FLC Grand Hotel Halong.

Is Trong Mai Islet Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. While small and inaccessible, Trong Mai Islet is an essential symbol of Ha Long Bay. Its graceful form, romantic legend, and stunning photo opportunities make it a memorable highlight for anyone exploring the bay.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.7 (285)

Hòn Trống Mái Hạ Long is a striking pair of nearby islands in a bay dotted with mountains, islets and scenic rock formations; from certain angles they appear to touch like “kissing” islands, while from others they read as two closely spaced isles. Visitors praise the dramatic views from boats and the overall beauty of the setting, note that water clarity can vary, and warn that popular stops can be crowded and better group organization would improve the experience; many combine the visit with multi-day cruises and fresh local seafood.

C Neon

11 months ago

"Very interesting duo islands that if you see it from the north side, they look like kissing islands. As you get closer and from the south side, itjust look like 2 islands very close together. Very beautiful scene...."

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Min Hal Jin (Haljin)

a year ago

"A nice bay surrounded by many mountains, islands, and islets that rise out of the water. It's also a UNESCO world heritage site located in thenorthern part of Vietnam. Although water wasn't as clear as expected, it was worth VISITING!..."

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Sylvia Chia

2 years ago

"Beautiful but so so touristy. Had to squeeze around with a lot of people at all the various stops. Nevertheless, scenery from the boat was prettyspectacular (with the occasional interruptions from other big boats). Personally I prefer my visit to Ninh Binh over Ha Long Bay...."

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FAQs for Visiting Trong Mai Islet

No, it can only be viewed from the water.
When is the best time for photos?
Sunrise offers the best light and calmest conditions.
Do all cruises pass by the islet?
Most standard sightseeing routes include it, but not all-check your itinerary.
Is it near Sung Sot Cave?
Yes, both are located in the central area of Ha Long Bay.
Why is it famous?
For its iconic shape and the ancient love legend tied to it.

Nearby Attractions to Trong Mai Islet

Dinh Huong Islet - A striking limestone block standing like an incense burner.
Thien Cung Cave - A richly decorated cave filled with myth-inspired formations.
Dau Go Cave - One of Ha Long Bay’s oldest and largest caverns.
Ba Hang Fishing Village - A peaceful village perfect for small-boat exploration.
Titov Island - Famous for its panoramic viewpoint and beautiful beach.

If you'd like the next Ha Long Bay entry converted into this structure, just send it over.

The Trong Mai Islet appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Ha Long Bay!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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