The Management Board of the Halong Bay-Yen Tu World Heritage Site said it is coordinating with relevant agencies to complete procedures aimed at reopening Soi Sim Beach to visitors during the 2026 summer tourism season.
The move follows a recent site inspection by an inter-agency delegation on Soi Sim Island.
According to the management board, renovation work across the beach area has already been completed. Beachfront shelters, walking paths along the limestone mountain foothills and tourism service facilities have all been upgraded.
Soi Sim Beach, located on Soi Sim Island in the core zone of Halong Bay, was recently included in the "Corona Beach 100 of 2026" ranking by a US-based beach classification organisation, placing it among the world's top 100 beaches.
Soi Sim Island is one of the most picturesque islands in Halong Bay. Its name was given by local fishermen because the island is covered with sim trees, a native flowering shrub common in northern Vietnam.
The island is also home to a primary forest with rich biodiversity, including more than 78 plant species and 32 animal species.
Among them are several plant species endemic to Halong Bay, such as phat du nui, bong moc and the rare yellow lady's slipper orchid.
Despite having around 200 sandy beaches of varying sizes scattered beneath its iconic limestone formations, Halong Bay currently offers very limited public swimming areas for visitors.
Only Soi Sim Beach and Ti Top Beach have been officially designated for tourism activities. However, Soi Sim Beach has been closed for several years, leaving Ti Top Beach as the bay's only operational swimming destination.
As a result, Ti Top Beach frequently experiences overcrowding, while visitors travelling on other sightseeing routes have few opportunities to access a designated beach area.
The reopening of Soi Sim Beach is expected to ease pressure on existing tourism infrastructure and enhance the visitor experience at one of Vietnam's most popular natural attractions.