Ha Long Bay isn’t just about the pretty green water and tall, rocky islands. Underneath the surface lies a whole other world – a maze of cave in Ha Long bay carved by time and nature’s amazing handiwork. Each cave has its own special features and history, giving you a glimpse into the bay’s past and the stories people tell about it. Why don’t you join Asia Legend Travel on the journey of captivating the beauty of Ha Long caves?

Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave): Ha Long Bay Surprise Cave

This is the most famous and also the biggest cave in Halong Bay, and for good reason! Its name, Surprise Cave, fits perfectly. The entrance looks tiny, but when you step inside Sung Sot Cave, you’ll find a giant room that will make you feel small. Sunlight peeks through holes in the ceiling, lighting up all the cool shapes hanging from the top and sticking up from the ground. Some of these shapes look like animals or characters from stories! You can climb some stairs to reach another room with even more amazing rock formations. For anyone who wants to be amazed by nature’s power, Sung Sot Cave is a must-visit.

Book Halong Bay Cruise

Thien Cung Cave (Heaven Palace Cave): Where Legends Come Alive

If you’re looking for something a little more mystical on your Halong Bay cave tour, Thien Cung Cave, or Heaven Palace Cave, is the place for you. Locals believe it’s the entrance to heaven! Inside, sparkly rock shapes hanging from the ceiling and sticking up from the ground create a magical feeling that makes you use your imagination.

There are three different sections in this amazing cave Halong bay, each with its own special rock formation. They say these formations look like the palace of the Jade Emperor, the ruler of the sky, according to Vietnamese stories. Soft light from outside shines through the ceiling of this cave in Ha Long Bay, adding to the feeling of being in another world.

Best Halong Bay Tours

Dau Go Cave (Wooden Stakes Cave): Stepping Back in Time

History buffs will love Dau Go Cave, also known as Wooden Stakes Cave. This can be seen as the best cave in Halong bay for history lovers. General Tran Hung Dao’s Vietnamese soldiers used this cave in Ha Long Bay to submerge wooden stakes in the 13th century. They placed these stakes to stop the Mongol fleet from invading. The cave has cool rock formations, but the real reason to visit is to learn about this important part of history. Imagine how busy the cave must have been as the Vietnamese prepared their clever defense strategy!

The cave’s interior is filled with intricate stalactites and stalagmites that hang from the ceiling, adding to the feeling of being in another world. As you explore Dau Go Cave, you can almost hear the echoes of General Tran Hung Dao’s soldiers preparing for battle against the Mongol fleet, making it a truly immersive historical experience.

Luon Cave (Tunnel Cave): Kayaking Through a Secret Lagoon

For adventurers, Luon Cave, or Tunnel Cave, offers a unique experience. You can only get to this cave in Ha Long Bay by kayak or a small boat. The entrance is a narrow passage that leads to a hidden lagoon. In contrast to other areas of Ha Long Bay, this serene and picturesque location feels untouched and peaceful. As you paddle through the clear water, you can admire the interesting shapes on the cave ceiling and the plants growing on the cliffs.

The calmness of the lagoon and the natural beauty surrounding it create a sense of tranquility and wonder, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers. The experience of kayaking through Luon Cave provides a glimpse into the hidden gems of Ha Long Bay that are off the beaten path.

Trinh Nu Cave (Virgin Cave): Romance and Local Tales

There is a romantic tale and a local legend surrounding Trinh Nu Cave, also known as Virgin Cave. There was a poor but beautiful fisherman’s daughter serving a rich landowner of the fishing area in Ha Long Bay. The wealthy landowner forced his family to marry the girl to him as his concubine because of her beauty. The girl objected because she had a lover who was at sea fishing in preparation for their wedding.

The landlord, angry at her refusal, banished her to a deserted island, where she suffered from hunger and exhaustion. One terrible night, amid terrible rain and wind, she turned into stone, in what we now call Trinh Nu Cave or “Virgin’s Cave”. Today, in the middle of the cave, there is still a stone slab with the image of a girl lying down with her long hair looking out at the sea, waiting for her lover to return.

This cave in Ha Long bay has a beautiful white sand beach with turquoise water, which makes a stunning backdrop for exploring the cave inside. Delicate rock formations hang from the ceiling and stick up from the ground, adding to the cave’s magical feel. Beyond the cool rock shapes, Trinh Nu Cave lets you connect with a timeless story and appreciate the enduring power of love and standing up for yourself.

Protecting the Treasures of the Cave in Ha Long Bay

Ha Long caves are precious gifts from nature, and people are working hard to keep them safe for future generations. This includes limiting the number of visitors allowed in the caves, building special paths for people to walk on, and teaching visitors how to be respectful of the environment. By choosing eco-friendly cruises that care about responsible tourism, you can help ensure your visit has minimal impact on the cave in Ha Long Bay.

By being mindful of your actions and following guidelines set in place, you can contribute to the preservation of these natural wonders. Supporting sustainable practices in tourism not only benefits the environment but also helps to maintain the beauty and integrity of Halong Bay for years to come.

Planning Your Cave Adventure: Tips for a Great Time

Here are some tips to make your cave exploration in Ha Long unforgettable:

Pick the right time to visit: The best time to visit Ha Long Bay is during the dry season, which lasts from April to October. This is when the weather is nice and the seas are calm, making it easier to explore the caves.
Choose a good Ha Long Bay cruise company: Pick a company with a good reputation that cares about responsible tourism and offers different cave tours based on your interests.
Wear the right clothes: Comfortable shoes with good grip are important for walking on uneven surfaces inside the caves. Light, breathable clothing is ideal for the humid environment.
Bring the essentials: Pack a small backpack with sunscreen, water, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. A camera is a must-have to capture all the amazing rock formations.
Be respectful of the enviroment: Remember, these caves are delicate ecosystems. Avoid touching rock formations, as the natural oils on your skin can damage them. Also, be mindful of where you step and dispose of any trash properly to keep the caves pristine for future visitors.

Caves in Ha Long Bay are more than just spectacular geological formations; they are portals to a bygone era, testaments to human history, and settings for timeless legends. Exploring cave in Ha Long Bay allows you to appreciate the intricate relationship between nature and culture that has shaped Ha Long Bay over millennia.