Trong Mai Islet: The Symbol of Love in Halong Bay

Islands in halong

Halong Bay is one of Vietnam's most famous and beautiful natural wonders, attracting millions of visitors annually. Among the thousands of limestone islands and islets that dot the bay, one stands out for its unique shape and symbolic meaning: Trong Mai Islet. Also known as the "Fighting Cock Islet" or the "Kissing Rocks," this islet consists of two giant rocks that resemble a rooster and a hen facing each other. Trong Mai Islet is not only a stunning sight to behold but also a symbol of love and unity in Halong Bay. In this article, we will explore the charm and allure of Trong Mai Islet, as well as some tips on how to visit and enjoy this natural masterpiece. 

Overview Trong Mai islet

Trong Mai Islet is a famous and beloved spot in Halong Bay, Vietnam. It's often called the Fighting Cock Islet or the Kissing Rocks because it looks like a rooster and a hen facing each other. 

Trong Mai Islet is part of Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

According to a legend, Trong Mai Islet represents the faithful love between a poor fisherman and a fairy, who were turned into stone by the Jade Emperor for disobeying his orders. The islet has stood by the other for thousands of years despite the storms and waves that try to separate them.

Furthermore, this islet is a unique symbol of Halong Bay and Vietnamese tourism. It has inspired artists and poets to create beautiful works that capture the charm and romance of Halong Bay. 

Visitors can enjoy picturesque views of Trong Mai Islet while cruising through Halong Bay.

The best time to see Trong Mai Islet is at dawn when the sun rises and bathes the rocks in a golden light. Many tourists and photographers visit to witness and capture this breathtaking view. You can get there by taking a cruise or a kayak from Halong Bay.

See more: The breathtaking view of islands in HaLong Bay

Where is Trong Mai Islet?

You can find Trong Mai Islet in the southwestern part of Halong Bay, around 5 kilometers from Bai Chay tourist wharf. It stands about 10 meters above the sea.

What to do in Trong Mai islet?

Trong Mai Islet is well known for its unique rock formations that resemble a pair of roosters (Trong Mai means "Cock and Hen" in Vietnamese). While the islet itself is relatively small and not accessible for exploring, there are several activities you can enjoy when visiting Trong Mai Islet and the surrounding area:

1. Enjoy the Scenic Views

Trong Mai Islet is one of Halong Bay's most beloved and captivating sights. Surrounded by crystal-clear blue waters and alongside other limestone formations, it forms a truly breathtaking scene. You can soak in the beauty of Trong Mai Islet

and its neighboring islets by taking a boat tour around Halong Bay. 

Relax on the boat and soak in the serene surroundings, as Trong Mai Islet offers some of the most picturesque views in Ha Long Bay.

There's a variety of cruise options available, catering to different budgets and preferences, including luxury, budget, and traditional wooden boats. While on board, you and your family can savor delicious meals, enjoy entertainment, and even pamper yourself with spa services.

If you prefer a more active adventure, you can opt for kayaking or canoeing to explore the waters around Trong Mai Islet, getting close to the magnificent rock formations. Additionally, you have the opportunity to visit other nearby attractions like Dinh Huong Islet, Thien Cung Cave, or Ti Top Island.

2. Preserve memories through the photograph

Trong Mai Islet is ideal for snapping photos and creating lasting memories of your journey. This islet boasts a distinctive shape and hue that distinguishes it from the surrounding bay. You can capture images of Trong Mai Islet at various times throughout the day, especially during the enchanting moments of dawn or sunset when the light casts a spellbinding aura upon the rocks. 

Whether it's sunrise or sunset, Trong Mai Islet offers an ideal spot to relish the scenic beauty that Ha Long Bay is renowned for.

Moreover, travelers can immortalize the islet's reflections in the water or the graceful silhouettes of boats. Whether you're using your camera or smartphone or considering enlisting a professional photographer, you'll have the opportunity to capture the most stunning shots.

Read more: Halong Bay cruise small boat discovering tour

3. Discover cultural and romantic aspects of the legend

As mentioned earlier, Trong Mai Islet is not just a natural wonder,  it holds deep cultural and romantic significance for the Vietnamese. The islet's legend narrates the tale of a young couple who fell deeply in love but were forcefully separated by their families. 

Let the legend of Trong Mai Islet enhance your appreciation of its cultural and romantic aspects during your visit.

Sent to different islands by a celestial deity to protect Halong Bay from invaders, their longing for each other grew so strong that they abandoned their duty and flew back into each other's arms. This angered the deity, who transformed them into stone chickens, forever preventing their reunion.

This legend beautifully mirrors the values of loyalty, sacrifice, and love that the Vietnamese culture holds dear. To delve deeper into the story's significance, you can seek insights from local guides or explore books on the subject. 

Trip that visit Trong Mai islet

One of the best ways to explore Trong Mai Islet is by embarking on a cruise tour with Paradise Vietnam, a renowned company known for its top-notch maritime tourism in Halong Bay. 

Paradise Vietnam boasts a fleet of luxury cruises and boutique hotels to cater to various tastes and budgets. Each cruise has its distinct features and style. From the elegant Paradise Elegance to the meticulously crafted Paradise Peak and the charming classical cruise, Paradise Sails, there's something to match every taste among our offerings in Halong Bay. 

Choose Paradise Vietnam’s Cruises for an exceptional journey through Trong Mai Islet, where you can unwind, explore, and indulge in world-class hospitality.

Read more: How to book Halong Bay cruise for your holiday

A standard itinerary for a visit to Trong Mai Islet with Paradise Vietnam extends over 3 days and 2 nights for our cruises: Paradise Elegance, Paradise Sails, and Paradise Peak. The itinerary is filled with diverse activities and attractions, offering you the opportunity to experience the finest of Halong Bay.  Here's a glimpse of the trip's highlights:

Day 1: Setting Sail and Island Adventures

• Your journey starts when you step onto the cruise ship at the harbor. Once you've settled into your cabin, the ship sails through the bay, and you get to enjoy a delicious buffet lunch with incredible views of Thien Cung Cave, Trong Mai Islet, and Dau Go Cave in the background.
• Luon Cave is the first place we visit on this 3-day Halong Bay cruise. Here, you can try kayaking or bamboo rowing if you're feeling adventurous.
• Our next stop is Titop Island, where you can challenge yourself, relax, and swim on the beautiful white sand beach.
• As the sun starts to go down and our ship anchors for the night, it's time for Happy Hour (with a tremendous buy-one-get-one-free drink deal), a fun Vietnamese cooking class, and a performance by a talented music band.
• After a tasty dinner, you've got many options to unwind. You can enjoy music in the tranquil Le Piano Lounge, treat yourself at Le Parfum Spa, or try your luck at squid fishing or watch a movie.

As you set sail on Day 1 with Paradise Vietnam, you'll immediately be greeted by the stunning vistas of Ha Long Bay.

To know more: Booking Ha Long cruise tour

Day 2: A Day of Discovery

• Day 2 starts with a Tai Chi lesson in the morning to wake you up, followed by breakfast at Le Marin restaurant. Then, you'll head back to your cabin to get ready for a day of exploring in Ha Long Bay. While you prepare, our cruise will take you through some stunning sights, like Dong Tien Lake, Trong Cave, and Hang Than islet.
• Our first stop on the second day of this 2-night cruise in Halong Bay is Tien Ong Cave, which is famous for its many small nooks and beautiful stalactites. Inside the cave, you'll find a display of ancient relics showing us that people lived here long ago.
• After a delicious lunch, we'll keep the fun going by visiting Cua Van Fishing Village, a special floating village in Vietnam. You can pick whether you want to paddle around in a kayak or a bamboo boat. In the afternoon, there's a tea party for you to sip tea and enjoy the stunning Halong Bay views from the Paradise Elegance cruise.
• As the sun sets and our ship anchors for the night, you can take in the stunning Halong Bay sunset. Dinner and a variety of fun activities await, just like on your first night aboard.

Paradise Vietnam Cruises ensures that Day 2 is filled with adventure and cultural experiences, enriching your journey.

An impressive thing to discover: Visiting Monkey island in VietNam

Day 3: The Grand Finale

• As your cruise heads back to Tuan Chau Marina, you'll pass Trong Mai Islet once more, bidding farewell to this beloved symbol of Halong Bay.
• But that's not all, our captain will continue the journey to Sung Sot Cave, also known as Surprise Cave. It's the most massive and captivating cave in Halong Bay, with incredible stalagmites and stalactites forming intricate and magical shapes over millions of years.
• Following breakfast onboard, you'll check out of your cabin and disembark from the cruise. Lastly, our convenient shuttle bus or private car transfers will take you to your hotel or the airport.

Le Marin restaurant on Paradise Elegance cruise

A journey that includes a visit to Trong Mai Islet with Paradise Vietnam promises an unforgettable blend of nature, culture, and luxury. It allows you to view one of Halong Bay’s most iconic attractions from various perspectives while delving into its legends and significance. If you're searching for a Trong Mai Islet adventure, consider booking with Paradise Vietnam for a truly exceptional experience.

Read more: Visiting fighting cock islet

How to book Paradise Vietnam Cruise

Booking a Paradise Vietnam Cruises is a breeze, with several convenient options. Here's a breakdown of each method:

By Phone: If you prefer the personal touch, simply call Paradise Vietnam booking at +84 24 3941 6666 or +84 906099606. Over the phone, provide our knowledgeable professionals with essential details like your cruise preferences (type, date of departure, number of passengers, and budget). Rest assured, our team is available around the clock to assist you in finding the perfect cruise and confirming your reservation.

Via the Official Paradise Vietnam Website: For those who prefer a DIY approach, head to the official Paradise Vietnam website. Here, you can peruse the various cruise options, including Paradise Elegance, Paradise Peak, and Paradise Sails, while exploring their features and pricing. 

Via Email: For personalized assistance, don't hesitate to contact Paradise Vietnam at info@paradisevietnam.com. Share your preferences and requirements for your cruise adventure, such as preferred attractions, ports of call, the duration of your Halong Bay excursion, and your budget constraints. Our team will promptly respond with tailored suggestions and available options.

We appreciate your interest in Paradise Vietnam’s Cruises and hope this information makes your booking experience smooth and hassle-free. Thank you for considering us for your cruise adventure!