Hold the dignity of being one of the seven natural wonders of the world, Ha Long Bay in Vietnam is a spectacular venue known for its extraordinary geology, aesthetics and archaeological significance. Home to more than 59 caves, the place is flourishing with its breathtaking natural landscapes ornated by stunning sceneries. These mysterious caves in Halong Bay are known for their spellbinding structure, providing an escapade away from the city’s crowd. Each cave is embellished with distinctive features and jaw-dropping views, drawing curious minds and history buffs to have a delightful retreat for their senses.
8 Must-Visit Caves In Halong Bay
Discover the architectural magic of these wonderful caves in Halong Bay that are enchanting the tales of its mysterious history and attracting tourists from around the world.
1. Sung Sot Cave
Being the most popular and crowded cave in Halong Bay, Sung Sot Cave attracts tourists from all over the world to come and witness its intricate structure. Threaded by a 500-meter paved hallway, Sung Sot Cave has an area of over 10,000 square meters. To reach there, first, you have to go through a little trek but once you reach, the wonderful view of numerous stalactites and stalagmites will surely spellbind your senses. Sung Sot Cave is the biggest cave in Halong Bay which is also known as Surprise Cave and is split into two major chambers. The first one is like a theatre, with hundreds of stalactites suspended from the ceiling. As you go further, the way will lead you to the second chamber which resembles a dazzling view of the natural light and a roomy space for thousands of people.
Location: Ha Long Bay, Halong City, Quảng Ninh, Vietnam
Entry fee: VND 290.000/ person
Timing: 8.00 am to 6.00 pm
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2. Tien Ong Cave
Embracing its unique charm, Tien Ong Cave opened its door to visitors in 2010 and is one of the less crowded caves in Halong Bay. Known for its large entrance and magnificent view from the outside, this cave is also known as the cave of the “fairy godfather”. Housing the system of thousands of years old stalactites and stalagmites, this cave consists of two chambers with enthralling archaeological value and fascinating interior scenery. Tien Ong Cave is located in a vast area and is roughly 20 km from Halong’s core. The cave’s entrance, which is 10 meters high and 50 meters wide, opens up into a vast 1,000 square meter subterranean dome.
Location: RWMJ+QQV, ĐT356, Phù Long, Cát Hải, Hải Phòng, Vietnam
Entry fee: NA
Timing: Open 24 hours
3. Dau Go Cave
Nestled within the heart of Dau Go Island, Dau Go Cave has great historical significance and is known for its charming views. The name of the cave “Dau Go” is inspired by a legend from the history of Vietnam and means Wooden stake. It is said that the cave is located at the exact place where General Tran Hung Dao asked his soldiers to hide their wooden weapons. Counted among the largest caves in Halong Bay, this cave has a huge entrance with a 12-meter height and 17-meter width. Split into 3 chambers, this cave amazes visitors with its naturally glorious stalactites and stalagmites.
Location: Cát Hải, Hai Phong
Entry fee: VND 60.000/ person
Timing: Open 24 hours
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4. Thien Canh Son Cave
Drawing the attention of tourists from far and wide, Thien Canh Son is a charming place discovered in 2010. This cave belongs to the brother of Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay which is one of the offbeat destinations adorned with panoramic views. Embracing its unspoiled natural beauty and offering a peaceful atmosphere, the Thien Canh Son Cave is dotted with a stunning collection of stalagmites illuminated by artificial lights and split into three caverns. The best part about this wonderful cave is that it is less crowded, and offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life.
Location: V5J9+MMC, Tuần Châu, Thành phố Hạ Long, Quảng Ninh, Vietnam
Entry fee: Free
Timing: 8.00 am to 8.00 pm
5. Hang Bo Nau
Hailed as ‘Pelican Cave,’ Hang Bo Nau is one of the amazing caves of Halong Bay that features a monster mouth entrance. Adorned with captivating and sparkling stalactites and stalagmites of strange shapes, the cave is spread over an area of 200 metres square. Surrounded by islands and having a narrow end, this place is a perfect place for capturing breathtaking views. The prime attraction of the cave is its three deities, two of them seem like playing and one looks like a referee.
Location: Hon Island, Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh
Entry fee: NA
Timing: NA
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6. Dong Thien Cung
Hidden by the thick greenery, Dong Thein Cung cave is among the most wonderful caves in Halong Bay. while it takes a little extra effort to reach the cave, the inside- charm of the place is worth all the hassle. Often hailed as heaven (cung), the place is dotted with the fascinating beauty of colourful stalactites hanging from the ceiling. Embellished with animal and human-like cliffs inside, including fishes, birds and human activities, the sparking view of the cave encapsulates its glory and makes it counted among the most spectacular caves in the history of Ha Long Bay. Don’t miss witnessing its three small ponds, offering a moment of tranquillity.
Location: Anh Dao St, Ha Long City, Halong Bay, Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam
Entry fee: VND 440,000 /person
Timing: 7.00 am to 6.00 pm
7. Virgin Cave or Trinh Nu Cave
Image Credit: Greg Willis for Wikimedia Commons
Nestled within the centre of Halong Bay, Virgin Cave which is also known as Trinh Nu Cave is located only 3 km to the southwest of Sung Sot Cave. Transporting the tales of a young girl, this cave has great historical significance and is often heralded as the ‘Cave of the Girl’. The legend is evidenced by a woman’s stone statue with long hair. Spanning over an area of 2000 metres square, it boasts a full-lighted breathtaking view of stalactites and stalagmites along with a small natural beach.
Location: Halong Bay, Vietnam
Entry fee: NA
Timing: Open 24 hours
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8. Luon Cave
Unlike other caves in Halong Bay, half of the area of Luon Cave is covered under the water, making it an ideal place for boating and kayaking. This cave is perched at the Bo Hon Island and one needs to get on a bamboo boat to reach the cave. Embellished with impressive stone pillars and a great variety of plants, this arc-shaped cave is known for its unique charm. Surrounded by rocky islands and pristine water, this cave is about 4 meters wide, 60 meters long and 4 meters high. Whether you want to sit and relax or desire to spend leisure time on a sampan boat, Luon Cave is the perfect place to spend a day in the lap of mother nature starring its impressive scenery.
Location: Bo Hon Island, Vietnam
Entry fee: VND 30.0/ person
Timing: 6.30 am to 6.30 pm
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Adorned with a myriad of limestone mountains, sandy beaches, and roaring caves, Halong Bay is a World Heritage Site nestled in the heart of Vietnam. The caves of Halong Bay are known for their extraordinary geology, aesthetics and archaeological significance and welcome tourists from far and wide to get lost in their mystical tales. On your next trip to Vietnam, don’t forget to save extra time to appreciate the spectacular views of Halong Bay.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Caves In Halong Bay
Where is the Halong Bay?
Situated in northeastern Vietnam, near the Gulf of Tonkin, Halong Bay is a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s renowned for its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands topped with rainforests.
How to get to Halong Bay?
The majority of travellers choose all-inclusive cruises that include transportation to and from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay. Independent travellers can take a taxi to the harbour after taking a bus to Hai Phong or Ha Long City.
How much time it takes from Hanoi to Halong Bay?
The distance between Hanoi and Halong Bay is roughly 170 Kilometers. The travel time by road is around 2.5 to 3.5 hours. The travel time also depends on the mode of transportation, as well as on traffic.
Which is one of the most beautiful caves at Ha Long?
Sung Sot Cave is one of the most stunning caves in Halong Bay which is also known as Surprise Cave. Its intricate limestone formations, spacious chambers, and illuminated stalactites and stalagmites attract tourists to witness its wonderful structure.
What are the rocks in Halong Bay called?
Like the renowned limestone karsts that can be seen majestically growing throughout the bay’s waters, Halong Bay and its environs are primarily composed of thick limestone.
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