Vietnam, a country renowned for its long coastline, majestic mountain ranges, and rich cultural identity, also harbors countless wonders beneath the surface. Among these, the pristine and magnificent cave systems are a priceless treasure, attracting visitors from all over the world. From the spectacular caves in Ha Long Bay – a UNESCO-recognized natural world heritage site – to hidden gems nestled within national parks, Vietnam is truly a paradise for those passionate about exploration and adventure. Join “Du lịch khắp thế gian” (Travel the World) on a journey to discover the most beautiful caves in Vietnam, where time seems to stand still and natural beauty is preserved in its purest form.
Sung Sot Cave – The Premier Wonder of Ha Long Bay
Sung Sot Cave rightfully earns its reputation as one of the largest and most beautiful caves not only in Ha Long Bay but also in all of Vietnam. Located on Hon Bo Island, this cave was discovered by the French in 1901, who did not hesitate to name it “Grotte des surprises” – the cave of surprises, or Sung Sot Cave as we know it today. To reach the cave entrance, visitors will follow precarious stone steps, winding under the forest canopy, a small and exciting journey that serves as a prelude to an underground adventure.
Upon entering, you will be overwhelmed by the vast space divided into two main chambers. The first chamber opens up like a magnificent Opera House, spacious enough to accommodate thousands of people. The high ceiling is adorned with stalactites hanging down like giant crystal chandeliers. Cleverly arranged neon lights further enhance the magical atmosphere, making visitors feel as if they are on the strange surface of the moon.
Stepping into the second chamber, a completely different world unfolds before your eyes. The space here is even larger, and the stalactite system becomes richer and more diverse than ever. Each stalactite formation has a unique shape, sparking endless human imagination. You might recognize the image of an ancient banyan tree, the majestic statue of Saint Giong riding a horse, or even the familiar bamboo hedges of a Vietnamese village. All of this is created by the miraculous hands of nature over millions of years of formation.
Dau Go Cave – Ancient and Mysterious Beauty
Entrance to Dau Go Cave, Ha Long Bay
Dau Go Cave, another masterpiece of Ha Long Bay, is situated 27m above sea level, embodying ancient, pristine, and mysterious beauty. Covering an area of approximately 5000m2, this cave is divided into three main sections, each offering different visual experiences for visitors.
The outermost section of Dau Go Cave has a wide, arched shape, filled with natural light. The cave ceiling is covered with countless stalactites and stalagmites of various colors and bizarre shapes, creating a vivid and colorful natural painting. When sunlight shines in, the stalactite formations sparkle like giant pearls, making the space shimmering and magical.
Moving deeper into the second section, visitors will feel the enchantment of sunlight filtering through the crevices of the rocks, outlining clusters of stone flowers that appear and disappear, creating a space that is both tranquil and full of life.
Reaching the third section, the cave suddenly expands, creating a sense of awe at the immensity of the space. A special feature of this section is the “fairy well” with a source of fresh water that is clear year-round, rumored to be where fairies used to come to bathe. In addition, the large, imposing stone pillars, meticulously crafted by nature, are also an impressive highlight of Dau Go Cave.
Thien Cung Cave – The Heavenly Palace
Intricate stalactites and stalagmites inside Thien Cung Cave, Ha Long Bay
Thien Cung Cave, one of the most beautiful caves in Ha Long Bay, is located in the southwest of the bay and is famous for its magnificent and vibrant beauty, resembling a splendid and majestic palace. The path to Thien Cung Cave is quite steep, with sheer cliffs and lush green trees shading both sides, creating a feeling of both excitement and delight for visitors.
Located near Dau Go Cave, the entrance to Thien Cung Cave is 25m above sea level. With an area of nearly 10,000m2, Thien Cung Cave has a complex structure with many levels and chambers, high ceilings and walls. Stepping inside, visitors will be overwhelmed by countless stalactites and stalagmites in all sorts of strange and diverse shapes.
The beauty of Thien Cung Cave reminds locals of myths and legends. They say that this place was once the palace of the gods, and the stalactites and stalagmites are decorations and works of art created by the hands of the deities. Many people also imagine the love story and separation of the Father Dragon and Mother Dragon depicted on the cave walls, or associate it with the mysterious maze of the Persian Emperor in the tales of One Thousand and One Nights.
Luon Cave – Explore by Kayak
Kayaking through the arch of Luon Cave, Ha Long Bay
For visitors who love kayaking and exploring the beauty of Ha Long Bay from a different perspective, Luon Cave is a destination not to be missed. Located on Bo Hon Island, about 14km from Bai Chay, Luon Cave is a unique arched gate located close to the water’s surface, about 3m high, just enough for small boats or kayaks to pass through.
Luon Cave leads into a closed lagoon area, as calm as a mirror, surrounded by towering cliffs covered with greenery. To explore Luon Cave, you will experience kayaking through the cave entrance, which is about 100m long, an adventurous but exciting journey. As the boat glides gently through the clear blue water, you can admire the close-up views of limestone mountains with unique formations, enjoying the fresh air and cool breeze.
Another interesting thing when coming to Luon Cave is that you have the opportunity to encounter wild monkeys living on the cliffs, often coming down to forage and play. The harmonious combination of picturesque natural scenery and the experience of kayaking to explore the cave has created a special charm for Luon Cave, making it an attractive destination in a Ha Long Bay travel itinerary.
Thien Canh Son Cave – Pristine Beauty of Bai Tu Long Bay
Stalactite formations resembling flowers inside Thien Canh Son Cave, Bai Tu Long Bay
Thien Canh Son Cave, a hidden gem in Bai Tu Long Bay, located in the Cong Do conservation area, offers a completely different cave exploration experience compared to the caves in the center of Ha Long Bay. The pristine and pure beauty of Thien Canh Son is a special attraction for domestic and international tourists.
Inside Thien Canh Son Cave, visitors will admire the strange beauty of limestone stalactites formed over millions of years. The stalactite formations have unique shapes, reminiscent of familiar images in life such as blooming lotus flowers or cute baby elephants. The cave ceiling is covered with a layer of shiny stone “carpet,” sparkling like thousands of hanging lamps. Countless stalactites hang down, forming “stone statues,” “stone elephants,” “seals,” “flowers and leaves,” all blending together to create a magical world, as if stepping out of a dream.
The beautiful caves of Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay are not only attractive tourist destinations but also priceless natural heritage of Vietnam. Visitors can easily explore these caves through Ha Long day trips or Ha Long overnight cruises on the bay. Most cruises include visits to famous caves in their itineraries, providing visitors with memorable nature exploration experiences. Besides the caves mentioned above, Ha Long Bay also hides many other fascinating caves such as Trong Cave, Hanh Cave, Tam Cung Cave, Me Cung Cave, Kim Quy Cave, waiting for visitors to discover and conquer. Come and feel the pristine and majestic beauty of Vietnamese caves, so that every trip is an endless journey of discovery.