Discover the 9 must-visit in Ha Long Bay Cave

Halong Bay, often referred to as the Dragon Prince, is a captivating destination located in northeastern Vietnam. Known for its awe-inspiring natural beauty, one of the most appealing features of this iconic destination is the Halong Bay cave that is scattered throughout the area. From ancient limestone formations to hidden underground lakes, the caves of Halong Bay have a lot to offer. Here are nine must-discover caves in Halong Bay:

Halong Bay caves

Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave)

Also known as "Surprise Cave", is one of the most famous and largest caves in Halong Bay. Located on Bo Hon Island, this magnificent cave is known for its beautiful rock formations, towering spaces, and unique geological features.

To reach the mouth of the cave, visitors must climb a steep path that zigzags up a hillside, from which there are stunning views of the surrounding islands and bays. The cave is divided into two main compartments, each with its own unique geological features. The first room is known for its large structure resembling animals such as elephants and turtles. The second compartment is even more impressive with a giant "curtain of rock" resembling a waterfall.

Sung Sot Cave

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Thien Cung Cave (Heaven Cave)

Located on Dau Go Island, the cave is known for its beautiful stalactites and stalagmites as well known as the unique lighting system that enhances the natural light beauty of the cave.

One of the most impressive features of Thien Cung Cave is the large room known as the "Throne Room". The great hall is more than 30m high, with many impressive stalactites and stalagmites creating an impressive and beautiful scene.

Visitors should plan to spend at least an hour exploring, as there is so much to see there. In the cave, there are wooden walkways and handrails to ensure the safety of visitors when exploring the many chambers and passages in the cave.

Thien Cung Cave 

Me Cung Cave ( Maze Cave)

Me Cung Cave, also known as the "Bewitching Cave," is a lesser-known but equally stunning attraction in Halong Bay. To reach the entrance of Me Cung Cave, visitors have to climb steep steps that lead to a narrow opening in the cliff. Once inside, visitors are immediately transported to a world of wonder and mystery.

One of the most impressive features of Me Cung Cave is its hidden lake, accessed through a narrow passageway that leads to a secluded chamber deep within the cave. Surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, the lake offers visitors a quiet and peaceful getaway from the hustle and bustle of the outside world.

Me Cung Cave

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Dau Go Cave ( Wooden Stakes Cave)

If you are interested in stories about the name Ha Long Cave, then Dau Go Cave will surely catch your attention. The three caves of Dau Go Cave have an area of ​​about 5,000 square meters and are only 300 meters from Thien Cung Cave and of which two are often visited together.

Located on Dau Go Island, the cave is named after a famous battle in Vietnamese history in 1288. Under the command of Tran Hung Dao, a famous and legendary Vietnamese military strategist, the stake was planted in the Bach Dang River, hidden from view at high tide. As a result, the Mongol fleet, trapped on this dangerous homemade weapon, was completely defeated.

There are three compartments in the cave and the natural landscape is undamaged. It has been given the well-deserved French name "Grotte des Marseilles", which means "Cave of Miracles".

Dau Go Cave

Trinh Nu Cave (Virgin Cave)

Deep in Halong Bay in the picturesque Bo Hoan Islands, just about 15 km from Bai Chay Beach there is Trinh Nu Cave, known by many as "The Virgin Cave". About 3 km southeast of Sung Sot Cave. Considered the place where the "Love Story of Halong Bay" begins, Trinh Nu cave is one of the most beautiful sunny caves in Halong Bay, covering an area of 2,000m2 with numerous stalactites and stalagmites. A beautiful stone statue pillar whose origin is associated with a pure and faithful love story.

Legend has it that once upon a time there was a beautiful fisherman's daughter. The family was poor, so she had to serve the rich man in the fishing area. The housekeeper forced the family to marry the girl as a concubine. However, the daughter refused because she had a lover. Angry at her rejection, he exiled her to a desert island, where she starved and yearned for her lover in vain until she died and was petrified. Visiting the cave today, you can still see a statue of a girl with long hair and eyes facing the mainland lying down.

Trinh Nu cave consists of three compartments: a flat roof, 8m long, and 5m wide, connected by a narrow window. In the cave, there are many stalagmites and stalactites with many different shapes, forming beautiful carvings on the cave wall.

Trinh Nu Cave

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Luon Cave (Tunnel Cave)

Located 14 km south of Bai Chay Beach and only 1 km from Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave is an ideal stopover when visiting Halong Bay.

In front of the cave, there are Turtle Island and Thien Mon Island, the sea is steep and the water is clear. The cave looks like a round iron bow with a blue lake in the middle. The lake is surrounded by cliffs, and charming orchids, lined with ancient trees and lush vegetation. Under the calm blue water is a colorful world of sea creatures such as shrimp, crabs, and squid.

Luon Cave attracts tourists mainly thanks to its interesting stalactites. Stepping in here is like being lost in a clear, eye-catching stalactite paradise. But cruise ships are not allowed into the cave and can only dock near the mouth of the cave. Therefore, you can explore the caves by bamboo boat or kayak. In the journey to discover Luon Cave, the most attractive impression for visitors is the natural scenery. It is a wonderful combination of watercolors, trees, mountains, and heaven and earth. This place is really worth exploring for 1 day.

Luon Cave

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Dark and Bright Cave

If you are looking for a less crowded cave, then this is the place for you. Located close to the border of Lan Ha Bay and only about 1 km from Sung Sot Cave, the dark and bright caves can only be reached by small boat or kayak.

Compared to other caves in Halong Bay, Dark and Bright Cave is equally beautiful and has diverse flora and fauna in the ecosystem. From the entrance, you can already see a lot of fig trees and orchids around. After entering the door, there are tall trees and fragrant flowers. There are also various creatures like crabs, shrimps, and corals in the lake. As the name suggests, the cave is divided into two parts, the dark cave, and the light cave. The large dark cave with weak light brings mysterious beautiful places. On the contrary, inside Sang Cave, sunlight floods into the cave from the cave entrance making this cave one of the most beautiful caves in Halong Bay.

When coming to the morning and evening caves, there are many interesting choices waiting for you. Participate in many water activities such as swimming, scuba diving to discover marine life, or kayaking to explore the beautiful scenery. Especially for those who are passionate about kayaking and exploring nature creation, you can go through Sang Cave to a beautiful valley surrounded by majestic mountains.

Dark and Bright Cave

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Tien Ong Cave

This cave officially welcomed guests in 2010, later than other caves, so it is not one of the most attractive destinations in Halong Bay. However, it is attracting attention due to its archaeological value and stunning landscape. Inside the cave, you can see stone tools dating back to 10,000-2,000 BC and you can learn more about history through your guide.

Archaeologists have found fossil animal bones, pottery fragments, seashells, and ancient tools at Tien Ong, indicating that this cave was inhabited about 8,000-10,000 thousand years old ago. Tien Ong Cave is about 20 km from the center of Ha Long, located in a very large area.

The cave is 50 meters wide and 10 meters high, leading to a huge underground dome with a width of about 1,000 square meters. Compared to Sung Sot Cave, it is much less crowded and has its own charm.

Tien Ong Cave

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Ho Dong Tien Cave

This magnificent cave is also known as "Fairy Lake" because it is said that this is a place where fairies often come to bathe and rest. Ho Dong Tien Cave is a special cave consisting of two chambers. The first compartment can only be reached by kayak or rowboat. The second compartment has a small kayak pond with two paths leading to the famous Fairy Lake.

This beautiful and unique lake is characterized by a peaceful atmosphere and an abundance of wildlife such as crabs, crickets, and bats. However, Ho Dong Tien Cave in Halong Bay is being protected by the Halong Bay Management Committee. So, if you want to visit this cave, you can search and sign up for some tours to explore the caves of Halong Bay.

Ho Dong Tien Cave

Halong Bay is a mesmerizing natural wonder that has remained relatively hidden from the mainstream tourist map until recent years. With its ethereal beauty and captivating landscapes, Halong Bay has earned its reputation as a true hidden gem.

Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for its diverse cuisine and beautiful natural scenery, especially the Halong Bay cave and karst which is very well preserved. Above are the top 9 must-discover caves not to be missed when visiting Halong Bay. Kayaking, weaving through the narrow passages in the cave, and feeling the charming beauty of nature Paradise VietNam will surely bring you many wonderful experiences.