The caves in Ha Long Bay are a natural wonder, formed over millions of years, each possessing its own unique beauty. When visiting Ha Long Bay, you have the opportunity to explore some of these magnificent caves. Let’s explore these caves with Bai Tho Junks.
Some Facts
- Among the 5 cruise routes currently available in Ha Long Bay, there are over a dozen caves open to visitors, including: Thien Cung Cave, Dau Go Cave, Ba Hang Cave, Sung Sot Cave, Bo Nau Cave, Luon Cave, Ho Dong Tien Cave, Trong Cave, Trinh Nu Cave, Me Cung Cave, Tien Ong Cave, Co Cave, Thay Cave, and Cap La Cave.
- The most famous and frequently visited caves include Thien Cung Cave, Sung Sot Cave, Ba Hang Cave, and Luon Cave, which are part of tour routes 1 and 2.
- Luon Cave and Ba Hang Cave are stunning dome-shaped caves located over the water, where visitors must paddle a kayak or take a traditional boat to navigate through the caves and explore their enchanting interiors (lagoon)
- Admission to these caves is included in the Ha Long Bay day tour or overnight tour package, which cover various attractions such as caves, islands, and beaches.
Sung Sot Cave
- Location: Located on Bo Hon Island, central Ha Long Bay (Map)
- Tour Options: 6-hour day tour, 8-hour day tour, 2-day 1-night cruise, 3-day 2-night cruise.
Sung Sot Cave is one of the largest and most beautiful caves in Ha Long Bay, covering an area of about 10,000 square meters. The cave consists of two main chambers, each with its own breathtaking beauty. The first chamber captivates visitors with its vibrant ceiling covered in a “velvet carpet” and illuminated by sparkling stalactite chandeliers. Unique rock formations resembling elephants, flowers, and seals add to its allure. The second chamber is vast and can accommodate thousands of people, featuring legendary figures like the stone horse and sword of Saint Giong.
You can visit Luon cave by kayak or local bamboo boat on 2 day 1 night cruise or 3 day 2 night cruise with Victory Star Cruise or Victory Cruise (Bai Tho Junk fleet)
Dau Go Cave
- Location: Dau Go Island, Ha Long Bay (Map)
- Tour Options: 4-hour day tour.
Dau Go Cave is about 3 km from Tuan Chau Island and 6 km from Bai Chay Tourist Area. The cave spans 5,000 square meters, with an entrance 17 meters wide and 12 meters high. Its natural stalactites have unique shapes, offering a blend of pristine and ancient beauty. The entrance is both wide and high, home to swallows, surprising visitors right from the start. Inside, the cave is divided into three chambers:
- The first chamber features familiar yet unique stalactite formations resembling lions, turtles, and fighting cocks.
- The second chamber is a majestic, picturesque scene with large rocks jutting out amidst calm waters.
- The third chamber houses a clear water well, providing fresh water year-round, surrounded by stalactites that create the impression of an ancient castle.
Thien Cung Cave
- Location: Dau Go Island, Ha Long Bay (near Dau Go Cave) (Map)
- Tour Options: 4-hour day tour.
Located near Dau Go Cave, Thien Cung is famous for its phosphorescent surfaces that create an otherworldly atmosphere. The cave’s name, meaning “Heavenly Palace,” perfectly describes its grandeur. Natural light filtering through openings in the cave ceiling creates spectacular effects on the limestone formations, making it particularly popular with photographers.
The cave’s interior resembles a natural amphitheater, with multiple levels and chambers creating a complex and fascinating space. Local guides often point out formations that resemble various animals and mythological creatures, adding to the cave’s mystical appeal.
Luon Cave
- Location: Bo Hon Island, southern Ha Long Bay (Map)
- Tour Options: 6-hour day tour, 8-hour day tour, 2-day 1-night cruise, 3-day 2-night cruise.
Located in the southern part of Halong Bay, Luon Cave offers a unique experience as visitors must access it by kayak or small boat. The cave features an arched entrance leading to a peaceful lagoon, where visitors might spot golden monkeys climbing the surrounding cliffs.
You can visit Luon cave by kayak or local bamboo boat on 2 day 1 night cruise or 3 day 2 night cruise with Victory Star Cruise or Victory Cruise (Bai Tho Junk fleet)
Tien Ong Cave
- Location: Cai Tai Island, part of the Hang Trai Island cluster, near Cua Van fishing village.
- Tour Options: Day tour ( Route 3)
Tien Ong Cave is located 5 meters above sea level, with a 50-meter-wide entrance and a length of 156 meters. The cave is divided into two sections by a large stalactite formation. Inside, three stalactites resemble the benevolent faces of three sages. The cave was once home to ancient Vietnamese people, and artifacts like stone tools, bones, and pottery have been discovered here.
Me Cung Cave
- Location: Lom Bo Island, Ha Long Bay.
- Tour Options: Day tour, route 2 (6-hour, 8-hour, or overnight tour).
Me Cung Cave features a complex structure with multiple levels and chambers, resembling a labyrinth. Inside, large stalactite columns impress visitors with their unique formations, creating a mysterious and enchanting atmosphere.
Thien Canh Son Cave
- Location: Hon Co Island, Ha Long Bay (Map)
- Tour Options: Bai Tu Long Bay day tour, Bai Tu Long overnight tour (2-day 1-night, 3-day 2-night).
Thien Canh Son Cave’s mystical and majestic beauty captivates visitors with thousands of sparkling stalactites. The cave’s ceiling is adorned with shimmering formations, evoking images of medieval theater domes.
Trong Cave and Trinh Nu Cave
- Location: Bo Hon Island, Ha Long Bay.
- Tour Options: Day tour, overnight tour.
Trong Cave and Trinh Nu Cave are like a pair of lovers in Ha Long Bay. They face each other, with interconnected entrances. Trong Cave’s ceiling features silver-white stalactites and a statue of a man looking toward Trinh Nu Cave. Inside Trinh Nu Cave, a stone statue of a woman with flowing hair seems to gaze longingly at her husband across the sea, embodying legends of eternal love and devotion.
Kim Quy Cave
- Location: Dam Nam Islet, Ha Long Bay.
- Tour Options: Day tour, Overnight cruise
Upon entering Kim Quy Cave, visitors are greeted by stunning white stalactite formations accumulated over centuries. Deeper inside, small pools of water flow gently, creating a serene and unforgettable atmosphere.
Unique Features and Experience when visiting caves in Halong Bay
What makes these caves particularly special is their diverse geological formations and the various ways visitors can explore them:
- Natural Beauty: The caves showcase millions of years of geological activity, resulting in stunning stalactites and stalagmites that create natural architectural masterpieces.
- Historical Significance: Many caves, such as Tien Ong Cave, contain archaeological evidence of ancient Vietnamese civilization, including stone tools and pottery.
- Legendary Connections: Several caves are associated with local legends and folklore, such as the romantic story of Trong (Male) and Trinh Nu (Virgin) caves, which face each other across the waters.
- Adventure Opportunities: Visitors can explore the caves through various means, including: walking tours through lit pathways, kayaking through water-filled caverns and small boat rides through cave systems
Travel Tips
When planning to visit the caves of Halong Bay, consider the following:
Tour Options:
- Day tours (4-8 hours)
- Overnight cruises (2 days/1 night or 3 days/2 nights)
- Different routes covering various cave combinations
Best Time to Visit:
- The caves are accessible year-round
- Morning visits often offer the best lighting conditions
- Peak season runs from October to December
How to visit
- All cave visits are included in Halong Bay tour packages
- Professional guides are available to explain the geological and historical significance
- Some caves require moderate physical activity to access
Conservation and Preservation
These natural wonders are carefully preserved to maintain their pristine condition for future generations. Visitors are asked to follow specific guidelines to help protect these delicate ecosystems:
- Stay on designated paths
- Don’t touch the formations
- No flash photography in sensitive areas
- Proper disposal of waste
When planning your Halong Bay itinerary, make sure to include at least two or three of these remarkable caves for a complete bay experience that will leave you with lasting memories of Halong Bay natural wonder. Hope this articles help you to choose a suitable cruise package!
Français
Tiếng Việt