Discover Soi Sim Beach: Vietnam's Hidden Gem Among the World's Best Beaches

Where is Soi Sim Beach? 

Located on Soi Sim Island in the heart of Ha Long Bay, Soi Sim Beach lies approximately 12 kilometers from Bai Chay Tourist Wharf and just 700 meters from the famous Ti Top Island. Despite its close proximity to some of Ha Long Bay's most visited attractions, the island remains relatively unknown to many international travelers, adding to its appeal as a hidden gem.

The island's name comes from the abundance of myrtle trees that naturally grow across its hillsides. During the summer months, typically from May to August, purple myrtle flowers bloom across the landscape, creating a striking contrast against the emerald waters of the bay. In the past, local fishermen would visit the island to gather the ripe myrtle berries, a tradition that eventually gave rise to the name "Soi Sim."

Before its temporary closure, visitors could reach Soi Sim Island as part of Ha Long Bay's popular Route 2 sightseeing itinerary. This route also includes some of the bay's most iconic attractions, such as Ti Top Island, Sung Sot Cave, and Luon Cave. Its convenient location within the UNESCO-listed seascape is one of the reasons why Soi Sim Beach has become an increasingly intriguing destination for travelers seeking a quieter side of Ha Long Bay.

Soi Sim Beach Earns Global Recognition

For years, Soi Sim Beach has remained one of the lesser-known treasures of Ha Long Bay, quietly tucked away among the bay's limestone islands while most visitors flocked to more famous attractions. That is now beginning to change. In 2026, Soi Sim Beach earned international recognition after being included in the Corona Beach 100, an annual guide celebrating the world's 100 most beautiful beaches, released in conjunction with World Oceans Day on June 8.

What makes this achievement particularly meaningful is the way the beaches are selected. Rather than focusing solely on postcard-perfect scenery, the ranking also considers each destination's beach culture, sense of place, and relationship with the surrounding natural environment. The result is a collection of beaches that offer not only beauty but also authenticity and a deep connection to nature.

Soi Sim Beach embodies these qualities perfectly. Framed by the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay and backed by lush green hills, it remains one of the most pristine beaches in Vietnam. Its peaceful atmosphere, relatively untouched landscape, and strong ecological value offer a refreshing contrast to many of the world's more developed coastal destinations.

What Makes Soi Sim Beach So Special?

At first glance, the appeal of Soi Sim Beach seems obvious. A crescent of soft white sand meets the crystal-clear waters of Ha Long Bay, while lush green hills rise gently behind the shoreline. Yet what truly sets this destination apart is not just its beauty, but how remarkably untouched it remains.

Unlike many popular coastal attractions, Soi Sim Beach has largely escaped large-scale tourism development. Its relatively remote location and limited accessibility have helped preserve the island's natural character, creating a sense of tranquility that is increasingly rare to find. Here, the sounds of nature replace the buzz of crowded beach clubs, and the landscape feels much as it has for generations.

Beyond the shoreline, the island is home to a thriving primary forest that forms part of one of the most valuable ecosystems in Ha Long Bay. The island's unique geological conditions have created an environment where diverse plant and animal species can flourish. More than 78 plant species and 32 animal species have been recorded here, including several rare and endemic species found only in this part of Vietnam.

For nature lovers, Soi Sim Beach offers something that many tropical destinations can no longer provide: the opportunity to experience a coastal landscape where biodiversity remains an essential part of the visitor experience. Walking through the island's forested areas reveals a rich tapestry of native vegetation, while the surrounding waters support equally important marine ecosystems.

The island's ecological significance has long been recognized. Since 2011, local authorities have implemented strict conservation measures to protect both the terrestrial and marine environments of Soi Sim Island. As a result, its forests, wildlife, and coastal habitats continue to thrive, preserving the natural beauty that helped earn its place among the top 100 beaches in the world.

In a country blessed with countless beautiful coastlines, Soi Sim Beach stands out because it offers more than just stunning scenery. It is a rare hidden gem where pristine nature, rich biodiversity, and breathtaking landscapes come together, making it one of the most remarkable hidden beaches in Vietnam.

Soi Sim Beach Remains Temporarily Closed

Despite its growing international recognition and location along Ha Long Bay's popular sightseeing Route 2, Soi Sim Beach is currently not open to visitors. Tourist boats are not permitted to dock on the island, meaning travelers cannot disembark to explore the beach or enjoy its crystal-clear waters. The island has remained closed to tourism since 2020, making it one of the few attractions in Ha Long Bay that is still inaccessible to the public.

While this may disappoint travelers eager to visit one of the world's newly recognized top 100 beaches, the closure has had an unexpected benefit. Years without visitor traffic have helped preserve the island's fragile ecosystems and maintain the pristine condition that first earned Soi Sim Beach its reputation as a true hidden gem. In an era when many beautiful coastlines face increasing development and overcrowding, Soi Sim has remained remarkably untouched.

There is, however, reason for optimism. The Management Board of the Ha Long Bay–Yen Tu World Heritage Site is currently reviewing administrative procedures and development plans with the goal of reopening the beach in the future. Conservation experts have also emphasized the importance of balancing tourism growth with environmental protection, recommending a carefully managed ecotourism model that prioritizes sustainability over mass tourism.

If these plans move forward, Soi Sim Beach could become a rare success story in modern tourism, a destination where visitors can experience one of the most pristine beaches in Vietnam while helping preserve the natural and ecological values that make it so special. Until then, its temporary closure serves as a reminder that some of the world's most beautiful places are worth protecting before they are shared with the world.

As one of the newest additions to the world's top 100 beaches, Soi Sim Beach is proof that even within the iconic waters of Ha Long Bay, extraordinary discoveries still await. Its untouched landscapes, rich biodiversity, and commitment to conservation have helped preserve the qualities that make it one of the most remarkable hidden beaches in Vietnam. While travelers may need to wait a little longer for the beach to reopen, its global recognition has already placed this secluded paradise firmly on the radar of future explorers. Ready to discover the natural wonders of Ha Long Bay and beyond? Let ACT Travel create a personalized Vietnam journey that takes you beyond the guidebooks and into the country's most unforgettable destinations.