Hon Trong Mai Islet - Hòn Trống Mái

Hon Trong Mai/ Hòn Trống Mái (Fighting Cock Islet), also known as Hon Ga Choi (Hòn Gà Chọi), is a symbol of Ha Long tourism and a must-see for any visitor. Hon Trong Mai is a natural masterpiece that leaves every visitor in awe. This place has become an inspiration for many artists, appearing prominently in poetry and various works of art. Its iconic image has helped to promote the beauty of Ha Long Bay and Vietnamese tourism as a whole. Hon Trong Mai was formed over thousands of years through the weathering of limestone, shaped by the forces of sea water and wind. True to its name, the site resembles a pair of chickens—a rooster and a hen—facing each other.

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Location of Hon Trong Mai

Hon Trong Mai is located in the southwest of Ha Long Bay, about 5 kilometers from Bai Chay Beach, Ha Long city, Quang Ninh. From Bai Chay Port, as you head south and pass Stone Dog Islet and Dinh Huong Islet, you will see the iconic Hon Trong Mai. The islet consists of two giant rock formations resembling two chickens (one male and one female) standing about 10 meters tall, seemingly fighting each other with wings raised above the water.

The Shape of Hon Trong Mai

When thinking of Hon Trong Mai, people often envision the majestic stone pair, towering above the sea—a gift from nature to Ha Long Bay. Visiting Ha Long without seeing this place is like not experiencing Ha Long at all.

The Legend of Hon Trong Mai

Hon Trong Mai in Quang Ninh is also linked to a romantic legend about love. During the early days of Vietnam’s formation, the Jade Emperor sent a flock of dragons to help the people repel foreign invaders. Once peace was restored, the dragons didn’t return, so the Emperor sent a pair of roosters to call them back. However, the Emperor mistakenly sent down a male and female rooster. Upon descending to earth, the roosters were so captivated by the breathtaking beauty of Ha Long Bay’s landscapes that they forgot their mission and were turned into stone, standing in the middle of the bay for eternity.

This legend has added a layer of mystique to the already stunning natural landmark, symbolizing love and timelessness amidst the scenic beauty of Ha Long

Hon Trong Mai – A Symbol of Ha Long Tourism

Hon Trong Mai has become the logo symbolizing Ha Long Bay and is featured in Vietnamese tourism guidebooks.

To visit Hon Trong Mai, you can rent a Ha Long Bay cruise, giving you the opportunity to both explore the bay and enjoy the ideal setting it offers.

Amid the vast sea, the Fighting Cock Islet stands out beautifully, especially at sunrise when the morning light bathes the giant chickens in radiant hues.

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The Beauty of Hon Trong Mai

Thanks to its artistic value and symbolic meaning, Hon Ga Choi has become a hallmark of Ha Long Bay and Ha Long tourism. It has inspired many artists, while Vietnamese craftsmen often use its image to create handicrafts that promote Ha Long Bay and Vietnamese tourism in general.

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Ticket Prices for Hon Trong Mai

Hon Trong Mai is located along the pre-planned tourist routes of Ha Long Bay, specifically Route 1 and Route 2. The ticket price for visiting Hon Trong Mai for a day is 290,000 VND per person, which includes a port fee of 40,000 VND per person.

Halong Sightseeing Route 1 (3-4 hours): Itinerary: Tuan Chau Port → Thien Cung Cave → Dau Go Cave → Dog Stone Island → Ba Hang → Dinh Huong Islet → Trong Mai Islet → Tuan Chau Port.
Halong Sightseeing Route 2 (6-8 hours, overnight option available): Itinerary: Tuan Chau Port → Soi Sim Island → Ti Top Island → Sung Sot Cave → Bo Nau Cave → Luon Cave → Ho Tien Cave → Hang Trong → Trinh Nu Cave → Tung Sau → Me Cung Cave → Tuan Chau Port.

To explore Hon Trong Mai, visitors can travel by boat or seaplane. If you’re traveling alone, you can join a group boat for convenience. However, if you’re with friends or family, it’s recommended to rent a private boat, which typically costs between 1,000,000 to 1,500,000 VND per boat.