Top 10 Impressive Caves In Halong Bay For Any Trip

Halong Bay is one of the most famous travel destinations in Vietnam, especially for its well-known caves. Natural caves in Halong Bay make it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It took millions of years to form these caves.

Top 10 Best Caves In Halong Bay

So when you plan your Halong Bay adventure, be sure to include these amazing Halong Bay caves in your itinerary. Each presents a unique encounter, from breathtaking stalactites to tranquil lagoons.

Sung Sot Cave

• Location: Bo Hon Island, central Halong Bay
• Fee: Included in most Halong Bay cruise packages; approximate cost: 290,000 VND (for a day cruise ticket on this route).

In Halong Bay, Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave) stands out with its big size and great rock shapes. It’s on Bo Hon Island and is one of the biggest and most visited caves in Halong Bay. It covers over 10,000 square meters and is split into two main halls. The first room is 30 meters high, and the second leads to a big underground room. Bright lights hit the rock spikes and pillars, making the place look like another world.

Visitors climbed up rock steps to reach the cave’s entrance, then walked on smooth paths inside both rooms. It takes about 45 minutes to walk through. At the end, the cave shows a lovely view of Halong Bay through natural rock windows.

Luon Cave

• Location: Bo Hon Island, near Sung Sot Cave
• Fee: Included in cruise packages; kayaking or bamboo boat rental: 30,000–50,000 VND/person

Luon Cave is the ideal option if you are looking for a serene and restful experience. Unlike other caverns, it is not explored on foot but rather by boat. On Bo Hon Island, next to Sung Sot Cave, is the Luon Cave. A peaceful, enclosed lagoon is reached through a modest archway. Larger vessels are not permitted to enter because of the low and narrow entrance. Visitors must use a bamboo rowing boat or a tiny kayak to go through.

After passing beneath the arches, you will discover a serene lake encircled by towering limestone cliffs. There is calm and clear water. You may see fish swimming beneath your boat or monkeys scaling those cliffs. Alongside the rocks, there are trees and other vegetation all over the place. In addition to being a popular destination for photographers, this location is ideal for nature enthusiasts who wish to experience the tranquility of Halong Bay.

Dau Go Cave

• Location: Dau Go Island, near Thien Cung Cave
• Fee: Often included in cruise package; typically covered by general Halong Bay entry ticket (290,000 VND for day cruise)

Dau Go Cave is one of the oldest and most impressive caves in Halong Bay. It is located on Dau Go Island, close to the port of Tuan Chau, which makes it one of the more accessible caves. The name “Dau Go” means “Wooden Stakes Cave.” This name is derived from the legend of General Tran Hung Dao. In the 13th century, he employed wooden stakes to overcome Mongol invaders. Locals claim the stakes were caught in this cave before the fight.

The cave has three floors linked by natural tunnels. Every floor provides unique views and configurations. Massive stalagmites lounge across the lower level, and upper levels offer panoramic views of Halong Bay through natural apertures. The cave’s formations, which include ‘giant stalactites’ hanging like ancient weapons. Nature carved out shapes of soldiers and war elephants in the rock.

Dark and Bright Cave

• Location: Border between Lan Ha Bay and Halong Bay, often visited from Cat Ba or overnight cruises
• Fee: Kayak/ bamboo boat rental: 50,000–100,000 VND/person (often included in cruise price)

Hang Toi and Hang Sang are other names for Dark and Bright Cave. Kayaks and bamboo boats are the primary means of accessing this water cave in Lan Ha Bay, which is close to Halong Bay. The cave’s “Dark” side is a long, low tunnel that requires a light to see because it is completely dark inside. The “Bright” side leads to a large, still water hole surrounded by lush vegetation and tall rock walls. A sense of discovery and a close-up view of the bay’s rock formations are provided by traversing these various sections.

Thien Cung Cave

• Location: Near Dau Go Island, northwest Halong Bay
• Fee: Included in Route 1 cruise tickets; covered under general ticket (290,000 VND for day cruise)

Not far from Dau Go is Thien Cung Cave. It is also known as the “Heavenly Palace Cave.” It is the grandest and art-rich cave there. Step into Thien Cung, & see how bright it is. Our cave has lights. They are set up for guests. They show off each rock shape.

Many lights make dragon, bird, and man shapes on the walls. Parts of the site look like a big open show spot. The folk here say that long ago, a fairy lived here. She wed a dragon king. They had their big day in this cave. Some say the rock shapes on the walls were guests at the big day. Trust the tale or not, the cave does feel like a magic place. The path to Thien Cung goes upstairs through a small wood. It’s a walk. The view from the top and inside the cave pays you back for the hard walk.

Trinh Nu Cave

• Location: Bo Hon Island, opposite Trong Cave
• Fee: Part of the Route 2 itinerary; included in standard cruise ticket (290,000 VND approx.)

Trinh Nu Cave marries nature with romance. According to legend, this young woman had been pressured into marrying an old, rich man. She refused, escaping in a boat. A terrible storm brewed, and she somehow found shelter inside the cave, waiting inside endlessly for her true love, only to die alone. The rock in the center of the cave is considered to represent her lying down with long hair flowing behind her.

Delicate stalactite formations in the cave create smooth, flowing shapes. They are somewhat suggestive of flowing hair and figures, lending credence to that romantic tale. Being quite small, the cave is excellent for small groups. Natural light enters the cavern through various openings, which causes dramatic shadows interspersed with highlights.

Trung Trang Cave

• Location: Trung Trang Valley, Cat Ba National Park, Cat Ba Island
• Fee: Included in Cat Ba National Park entrance ticket (Adults: 80,000 VND, Children: 40,000 VND)

Trung Trang Grotto is a wonder in Cat Ba National Park. Situated deep in the jungle and steeped in legend, it is one of the largest and oldest caves on Cat Ba Island, in the magical Halong Bay area. To access the caves, visitors must walk along a 300-meter trail that leads into an enchanted world of fantastical stalactites and stalagmites, deposited by the earth and water for thousands of years.

Each grotto has its own enchantment, with gentle lighting suspending the entity in a warm, welcoming, and almost other-worldly glow. And more than simply its edge of price, Trung Trang also has a story- a history; it was once a base during one of Vietnam’s many wars! And in addition to its beauty, Trung Trang provides a satisfying, emotional link to Vietnam’s astoundingly resilient past.

Me Cung Cave

• Location: Lom Bo Island, near Titop Island
• Fee: Included in Route 2 cruise tickets; covered under the day cruise pass (290,000 VND)

Because of its scenic beauty and archaeological treasures, Me Cung Cave is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the area. Approximately 2 kilometers southwest of Ti Top Island, on Lom Bo Island, is the spine-tingling excursion into enigmatic old geologic processes.

The cave’s name pays homage to the intricacy of its passageways. You can explore among beautifully sculpted stalactites and stalagmites inside, taking in the fascinating underground world. Traces of the prehistoric Halong culture from 7,000–10,000 years ago were found here during archeological work. These discoveries offer us a unique look into the way of life of the area’s first inhabitants. A breathtaking view of Me Cung Cave unfolds as you leave the cave.

Thien Canh Son Cave

• Location: Cong Do Island, Bai Tu Long Bay area (northeast of Halong Bay)
• Fee: About 200,000 VND–300,000 VND

Thien Canh Son Cave, sometimes referred to as Co Cave, is a pristine and relatively wild cave located in Bai Tu Long Bay, an adjacent area to Halong Bay. It’s quieter and purer than a few of the busier caves.

Visitors typically hike about 100 stone steps to Thien Canh Son Cave. Inside, you’ll be greeted with a gorgeous display of stalactites and stalagmites, some of which local guides will describe as resembling anything from baby elephants to lotus flowers. Well preserved, the cave’s interior is sublime, and views from its entrance towards the still Bai Tu Long Bay, spectacular.

Trong Cave

• Location: Bo Hon Island, directly facing Trinh Nu Cave
• Fee: Included in cruise itineraries (usually paired with Trinh Nu Cave), about 290,000 VND.

Trong Cave (Drum Cave) is thus named from the drumming noise that echoes through its chambers in certain weather. Wind and water drummers. Beautiful stalactites scratch their way through the caverns of the cave. These shapes transform as travelers move through the cave.

Trong Cave joins a host of other favorite caves, so they can be visited on regular Halong Bay cruises. What set the cave apart from other caves in the region was its unique acoustics. Some still talk about spooky reverberations from the cave’s shadows, amplifying the magic of their expedition. These echoey sound effects sure do turn into memorable spelunking moments.

Travel Tips To Caves In Halong Bay

Make your cave trip to Halong Bay top notch. Here are the top hints for a great & cool trip.

• Ideal time to visit: The best time to check out Halong Bay and its caves is from October to April. The air is cool and dry. It has clear skies and good temperatures for trips. Lots of folks come from December to February. You will meet more people then.
• What to take: Only bring what you need. Take a camera to snap the cool sights. A tiny bag for water & bits is smart too.
• Wear comfortable shoes: When you’re planning a visit to the caves, remember to wear comfortable shoes! Most caves require some hiking on rocky trails, and you might encounter stairs or slippery areas along the way. Sneakers or sturdy walking shoes are your best.
• Reserve your tour: Many cruises in Halong Bay include visits to stunning caves in their itineraries. You can book a tour through your hotel, a local travel agent, or straight from a cruise operator. It’s really a good idea to book in advance, especially during the busy season, so you can secure your preferred dates and tours.

• Honor the environment: Respect nature by avoiding touching stalactites or stalagmites. These delicate formations are destroyed as a result. We can all help to keep these magnificent caverns immaculate for the enjoyment of future generations by taking our trash with you.
• Protect yourself from the sun and stay hydrated: The hike to the caves may pass through some sunny areas, so it is a good idea to pack sunscreen, a hat, and a water bottle. Think about bringing an umbrella or a lightweight raincoat if you are going during the rainy season.

Final Thoughts

There is more to caves in Halong Bay than just rocks. They are brimming with life, art, and ancient stories. Every cave has a story to tell, some about ancient mythology and love stories, others about ancient conflicts or large animals. You may trek up to Sung Sot, kayak through Luon Cave, or visit Thien Cung to see the colors. Each provides you with memorable experiences. All visitors must see these hidden gems of the bay. Allow SeniWorld to assist you by creating a personalized strategy for whatever caves you desire. In Halong Bay, you will enjoy the most unforgettable experience.