Famous Caves in Halong Bay
Destination
There’s no certain number of caves formed by 1969 islands on Halong Bay. Some of them are very famous while the others are less well-known or even unknown. The famous ones are the big and approachable caves in the centre of the bay, where you can explore by yourself during your private Halong cruise. Below is the list of 6 famous caves you should note to explore before travel to Halong Bay
1 - Hang Sung Sot, or the "Cave of Surprises" in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, was discovered in 1901 by the French. The cave is located on Bo Hon island.
Hang Sung Sot is filled with unusual rock formations, which are highlighted by colored lights. These formations include a Buddha and a large tortoise, but the most well-known is a massive phallus in the cave's second chamber, which is lit by a pink spotlight.
The formations in the cave inspire a lot of interesting imagination of human and animals in varying poses. The sightseeing tour into the cave is just like a tour to witness the heaven with huge spaces revealed after narrow lines. Visitors come from surprise to surprise, that’s why It is named as Surprising or Amazing Cave
2 - Trinh Nu Cave (Virgin Cave)
The Trinh Nu Cave or Virgin Grotto is situated on the island range of Bô Hon 15 km south of Bai Cháy Beach, the center beach of Halong city. To young couples, it is considered the symbol of truly love, a romantic place for taking oath of love. Entering Trinh Nu Grotto, you will find in the middle of the grotto a stone shaping a lying-girl with her long hair hanging down, looking to the sea with the eyes full of vain hope. Situated opposite to Trinh Nu Grotto, Trong (or Male) Grotto has a stone statue of a boy who turns his face to Trinh Nu Grotto. One still hears his vain scream in tune with the wind blowing into the cliff somewhere. The legend tells once was a beautiful fisherman’s daughter, whose family was so poor that it was in the service of the rich administrator of the fishing zone. He forced the father to give him the girl as a concubine. However, she refused as she already had a lover who was on the high seas catching fish to prepare for their wedding. The administrator, angered by her refusal, exiled her to a wild island until hunger and exhaustion. On one frightening night, amidst terrible rain and winds, she turned to stone. The image of the girl painfully waited in vain for her fiancé turns the cave into a sacred place for those who are in love
3- Hang Luon ( Luon Cave)
Luon Cave, the familiar destinations for most of kayaking tours on Halong Bay is famous for its green complex of in-mountain waters and islands. Here the cliffs stretch vertically out of the pure blue and smooth water. On a rowing boat or a kayak, passing through the pretty entrance, you come across a tranquil round lake, surrounded by luxuriant trees and high dangerous stone walls. If you are lucky, you will meet the naughty and lovely monkeys run to and fro in groups. In the lake, many species abound: shrimp, fish, and crab. This is perfect place to let your mind free and enjoy the extreme peace of the magical bay.
4 -Thien Cung Cave
Thien Cung Cave is one of the most magical caves as its name. The way leading to Paradise cave is a perilous one, covered on both sides by thick forest. Passing a narrow gate, you will see the grotto’s 130-meter-long girth open up. Travelers are astonished by the very animated and splendid beauty which is made from stalactite. Especially, on the east wall of the grotto, there is a grandiose and imposing picture with characters of heroic tales. Once visiting Thien Cung Cave, you will have a sensation of just having seen a unique, meticulous, interesting fine-art museum which is created by nature; the pictures are beyond imagination, ability and intellect of the human beings.
5- Dau Go Cave
Dau Go Cave has the width of 5,000 m2. The cave door is 17 meters wide and 12 meters high. The cave is located at the height of 27m above the sea level. It was created approximately two millions years ago in Pleistocene having the same age with Thien Cung Cave. The Cave has a complex of ancient architecture. It exudes the ancient and unspoiled beauty with many stone pillars and stalagmites. Due to having the widely opened entrance, the cave has the high humidity, therefore, the flora and fauna are quite diverse, especially, mosses, ferns and timber trees. Also thanks to the strong development of the flora and fauna, the cave entrance has the blue color with the shape of the jellyfish. The dome of Dau Go Cave has 25 meters in height with hundreds of giant stalactites hanging down like a weird waterfall. This is a distinct feature of Dau Go in comparison to other caves in Halong
However, some people believe that the name of the cave is connected with the victory of Supreme Commander Tran Hung Dao against Mongol invasion in the 13th century. Accordingly, wooden stakes were hidden here during high tides so that the Mongol could not see it. Then, they were transferred to Bach Dang River to create a trap to destroy the enemy’s ships. Therefore, the cave is then called Dau Go Cave
6 - Bo Nau Cave (Pelican Cave)
The last name in the list of most popular caves on Halong Bay is Pelican Cave, a vaulted grotto covering 200 m2. Its wall features lots of stalactites and stalagmites in amazing shapes. At the entrance are three stones, looking like three fairies with their heads close to one another. Two men appear to be playing chess, with the third serving as a referee. Turning southward, Bo Nâu Cave enjoys cool wind. Standing there, one can hear the murmur of the sea all year round