Until now, 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 5 famous caves you should note to explore before travel to Halong Bay.
1. 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
2. Sung Sot Cave (Amazing Cave)
Among the biggest and the most beautiful caves of Halong Bay, Amazing Cave welcomes a lot of visitors every year. Although the cave is getting more and more crowed of travelers to enter to be amazed, it’s worth for sightseeing as a symbol of Halong Bay. Ascending to the grotto, the way is covered by trees and foliage, offering lush landscape into the mountain. Sung Sot Cave is on the same island with Trinh Nu cave. The path to Sung Sot is quite steep and is lined with shady trees. 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.
3. 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 (Paradise Cave)
Situated to the south-west side the bay, 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. 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