Hon Ga Choi (Trong Mai): The Iconic Symbol of Halong Bay

Have you ever imagined witnessing a majestic duel upon the open sea, where the combatants are not ordinary roosters, but two colossal stone monoliths rising proudly amidst the emerald waves? This is Hon Ga Choi (also known as Trong Mai Islet—the Fighting Cock Islet), a unique natural masterpiece and a celebrated icon of Ha Long Bay. With its striking silhouette of two roosters engaged in an eternal confrontation, this remarkable landmark captivates millions of travelers each year who journey to admire and explore its wonder. In this article, we invite you to delve into its fascinating geological formation, its profound cultural significance, and essential insights for visiting Hon Ga Choi. Let us embark together on a journey to discover this magnificent wonder!

Location and Origins of Hon Ga Choi

Situated in the southwestern sector of Ha Long Bay, approximately 5 kilometers from the Ha Long International Cruise Port, Hon Ga Choi (Trong Mai Islet) stands out gracefully among thousands of limestone karsts with its one-of-a-kind form. Its precise coordinates on Google Maps are 20.8669° N, 107.0447° E. Hon Ga Choi is the breathtaking result of millions of years of geological tectonic evolution. Composed of limestone, the islet has been shaped by the relentless, erosive dance of wind and sea water. It is through this magical touch of nature that the silhouettes of two chickens—one male and one female—facing each other in a lifelike stance were meticulously “sculpted.”

The location of Fighting Cock Islet on Google Maps is quite close to Dau Go Cave and Incense Burner Islet

The name Hon Ga Choi (Fighting Cock) or Trong Mai (Rooster and Hen) was coined by local fishermen who named the island based on its distinctive appearance, passing the name down through generations until it became traditional. The name has also been translated into various languages, such as Chicken Rock, Kissing Bay, or Tau Chi Su. Each of these names conveys the enduring bond and affection between the two birds, as well as the romantic allure of the islet.

Legend has it that since the very founding days of the nation, the Vietnamese people faced invasions from the sea. Witnessing this, the Jade Emperor dispatched the Mother Dragon accompanied by a brood of Baby Dragons to assist the Vietnamese in repelling the invaders. However, after the enemies were decisively defeated, the Jade Emperor waited in vain for the dragons to return. He then sent a pair of roosters down to awaken the dragons and lead them back, but mistakenly dispatched a rooster and a hen instead. Upon descending to the mortal realm, the pair became enchanted by the picturesque landscape, lingering and cuddling together, completely forgetting their mission until they gradually turned to stone. Thus, Trong Mai Islet has since become a timeless symbol of marital devotion, eternal bonding, and the profound yearning for happiness that our ancestors so cleverly wove into this majestic land of Ha Long.

Nevertheless, according to an official dispatch sent to relevant departments and sectors on October 14, 2014, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Quang Ninh (before it was divided into the Department of Culture and Sports and the Department of Tourism) was assigned to coordinate with related agencies to conduct public opinion polls and unify the use of the name “Trong Mai Islet” instead of “Hon Ga Choi.” By virtue of Decision No. 1418/QĐ-UBND issued on July 4, 2014, by Quang Ninh Province, the name “Hon Ga Choi” was restricted from official documents and publications in favor of “Trong Mai Islet.” Explaining this decision, the Quang Ninh tourism authorities noted that the name “Hon Ga Choi” could easily be misunderstood by international visitors and failed to evoke positive sentiment, as it implied aggression, bellicosity, and a tense atmosphere unsuited to modern global integration trends. Conversely, the name “Trong Mai Islet” embodies love, tender romance, mutual protection, and support, weaving a timeless love song amidst the vast, awe-inspiring seascape of Ha Long Bay—a UNESCO World Heritage and Natural Wonder of the World.

Distinctive Form and Symbol of Ha Long Bay

Hon Ga Choi emerges like a colossal sculpture crafted by master hands amidst the open sea. Two limestone blocks—one larger and one smaller, standing approximately 10 meters tall—feature softly curved contours resembling two birds (a rooster and a hen) spreading their wings, poised for a delicate standoff. The view from the southeast is widely regarded as the finest perspective to fully appreciate this extraordinary form.

The imagery of Hon Ga Choi (Trong Mai) in Ha Long Bay

Beyond its striking overall silhouette, even the minutest details such as the “rooster’s comb” and “feet” have been exquisitely “carved” by nature. Notably, the delicate, slender “feet” supporting the massive rock formations create a precarious yet breathtaking stance. It is precisely this apparent fragility that heightens the irresistible allure of Hon Ga Choi, leaving discerning travelers in awe of nature’s wondrous artistry.

Compared to other islands within Ha Long Bay, Hon Ga Choi possesses a distinct, unmistakable beauty. The chalky gray limestone, punctuated by patches of vibrant green moss, creates a stunning contrast against the jade-green waters. This uniqueness has transformed Hon Ga Choi into a celebrated photo destination, drawing travelers from every corner of the globe.

Nevertheless, Hon Ga Choi currently faces the looming threat of collapse driven by natural erosion and anthropogenic factors. The bases of the two stone blocks are growing progressively thinner, rendering their structural integrity unstable and precarious. According to a study by the National Institute of Geosciences, the bases of these two formations have lost approximately 30% of their surface area compared to 50 years ago. If this trend continues unchecked, the monoliths could potentially collapse within the next decade. The natural erosion is primarily caused by the continuous impact of waves, winds, and surface marine organisms. Wave action steadily wears away the base, making them increasingly susceptible to fracturing. According to a World Meteorological Organization report, waves in Ha Long Bay average between 0.5 meters and 1 meter in height, occasionally reaching up to 3 meters during severe gales. Winds strip away the protective surface layer of the rocks, dulling their coloration and diminishing their natural vibrancy. With average wind speeds in the bay ranging from 3 m/s to 6 m/s—and surging up to 12 m/s during storms—this erosive process is severely accelerated. Furthermore, marine organisms such as algae, coral, and shell-boring species erode the bases, creating cavities and weakening the structure.

$Fault lines and fractures on Trong Mai Islet$

Fault lines and fractures on Trong Mai Islet

Portion F1.1 collapsed into the sea long ago, and portion F1.2 will collapse in the future without preventive measures

The rock formations at risk of collapse on Trong Mai Islet

Should Hon Ga Choi collapse, the consequences for Ha Long Bay and Vietnamese tourism would be profoundly severe. Hon Ga Choi is a signature emblem of Ha Long Bay and Vietnam’s tourism sector, a natural masterpiece and a wellspring of inspiration for countless artistic works. Its loss would diminish an irreplaceable component of the world natural heritage, dilute the unique appeal of Ha Long Bay, and impact the growth and promotion of Vietnamese tourism. Historically, Ha Long Bay lost Swan Islet in 2016 when the “swan’s head” broke off, while Islet 649 in sub-zone 3 of the bay similarly collapsed in 2013.

How to Visit Hon Ga Choi

To admire Hon Ga Choi, visitors typically take Cruise Route No. 1, one of the most popular itineraries for exploring Ha Long Bay on a day trip. This 4-hour journey departs from the international cruise port, guiding you past iconic landmarks such as Thien Cung Cave, Dau Go Cave, Dinh Huong (Incense Burner) Islet, and finally culminating at Hon Ga Choi.

Map showing the location of Fighting Cock Islet along the Cruise Route 1 itinerary

Tickets for this route are readily available at the Ha Long International Cruise Port or Tuan Chau Marina. The inclusive package fee, covering both the boat ticket and sightseeing admissions, is 460,000 VND per person. Group shared boats generally depart at 8:00 AM, with the final daily departure at 3:00 PM. For guests desiring greater schedule flexibility and enhanced privacy, private charters are available with early departures starting from 6:30 AM.

However, to preserve Hon Ga Choi, the Ha Long Bay Management Board has implemented specific protective measures: establishing dedicated navigation channels for observation and photography, enforcing a mandatory minimum distance of 50 meters from Trong Mai Islet, and restricting vessel speeds to under 10 km/h within a 200-meter radius.

Viewing Hon Ga Choi (Trong Mai) from a sightseeing cruise

Read more: Ha Long Bay Cruise Boat Rates

We hope this article has provided you with valuable insights into Hon Ga Choi and inspired you to craft your itinerary for an upcoming getaway. What are you waiting for? Experience Ha Long Bay in person and witness this extraordinary natural wonder with your own eyes! After reading, what aspect of Hon Ga Choi left the deepest impression on you? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!