Surprise Cave

Sung Sot Cave is one of Halong Bay's largest and most stunning caverns and a highlight on most Halong Bay itineraries. The French named it "Grotte des Surprises" or (Surprise Grotto).

IN A SNAPSHOT

The French discovered it in 1901.
25 meters above sea level is the elevation.
On the island of Bo Hon.
Size: 10,000 m2.
Greatest time to go: All year; however, the best months to go are October through December, when the humidity is at its lowest (60-70 percent ).

Location

The cave, along with another renowned Halong cave, Trinh Nu, is located on the island of Bo Hon. Visitors must hike 50 stairs from the pier below to reach the grotto's entrance, which is only 25 meters above the sea. The "Waiting Room," the first chamber in Sung Sot Cave, is enormous, ornamented by stalagmites and stalactites, and lighted by colorful lights positioned to compliment the room's structural splendor.
Visitors must walk down a tight hallway to reach the second room. The "Serene Castle" is the name of the second chamber. This chamber is big and majestic, with a high ceiling and several unique rock formations that locals recognize by comparing their forms to animals.

Sung Sot Cave's Legend

The tale of Thanh Giong (God Gióng) is tied to a striking rock formation fashioned like a horse with a longsword. Thanh Giong is claimed to have safeguarded the villagers by conquering aggressors, devils, and bad spirits, after which he went to the sky, leaving behind a stone horse and sword to keep any future aggressors at bay.

How do you go to Sung Sot Cave?

Sung Sot Cave can be visited in one of two ways:
Option 1: Renting a canoe is the greatest option for those who are short on time and wish to include Sung Sot Cave solely in their agenda. Tuan Chau and Hon Gai Pier are home to the majority of high-speed canoes. A 4-to-8-seat boat typically costs $50 per hour.

Option 2: Alternatively, a 6-hour day boat trip to Sung Sot Cave is a more convenient and cost-effective choice.

The day boat leaves from Tuan Chau International Port, stopping at Soi Sim Island, Titop Island, Sung Sot Cave, Bo Nau Cave, Luon Cave, Fairy Lake Cave, Trinh Nu Cave, and Me Cung Cave. Cave exploration, swimming, boat sailing, and kayaking are among the activities available to visitors.

The ticket is available for purchase at the Tuan Chau International Port. It costs VND 290.000 each person. Tourists must also pay VND 200.000 for a boat hire and VND 150.000 to VND 250.000 for lunch (optional). The entire cost per person is between VND 640.000 and VND 740.000.

Note:

Free for children under 1.2m or 7 years old.
Children aged 7 to 16 receive a 20% discount on their ticket price.
People over the age of 60 receive a 50% discount on their ticket.

The best time to go

While the optimum time to visit Halong Bay for locals is from April to October, the winter months of October to December draw the most international visitors. The humidity level is low and the weather is dry throughout this season.

What to bring

Tourists should bring light clothing, a few sweaters, and athletic shoes. You'll also need insect repellant and sunscreen because you'll be spending a lot of time outside and in the caverns.