When joining cruise tours exploring Ha Long Bay, you certainly cannot miss Sung Sot Cave, a place that takes you from one surprise to another.
Sung Sot Cave – Admire a Unique Natural Wonder in Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay tourism has grown vigorously over the years, contributing significantly to the national economy and improving the livelihoods of local residents. Ha Long Bay has been recognized worldwide as a World Natural Heritage site, which has helped international friends learn more about this magnificent destination.
Ha Long Bay
Tourism in Ha Long Bay is most renowned for cruise voyages visiting the islands and caves out in the bay. In this article, iVIVU introduces one of the famous caves you simply cannot miss when traveling to Ha Long Bay: Sung Sot Cave.
Photo: vnexpress
Photo: @ng.ngoc.hanh
Sung Sot Cave is located on Bo Hon Island in the heart of Ha Long Bay. The cave was named by a French explorer who, upon exploring the cavern, found that exiting one chamber only led into another even larger one. This filled him with awe and amazement, prompting him to name it “Sung Sot” (Surprise Cave).
Stalactites in the first chamber. Photo: @ng.ngoc.hanh
To reach the cave, you must climb 200 steep stone steps beneath cool green foliage, where you can take in panoramic views of Ha Long Bay from above. According to legend, after defeating the An invaders, Saint Giong rode a cloud back to heaven, leaving behind his sword and noble steed. Sung Sot Cave is said to be the site of that ancient battle, and the small ponds inside the cave are footprints left by his horse.
Photo: @ng.ngoc.hanh
Sung Sot Cave is divided into two main chambers. The first chamber resembles a grand opera house with its ceiling covered in magnificent stalactites. These formations take on diverse shapes resembling animal statues, appearing remarkably vivid and sparking your imagination.
Ceiling of the first chamber. Photo: @ng.ngoc.hanh
Entering the second chamber, you pass through a narrow rock crevice; however, right behind it opens up an immense cavern. This second chamber houses rock formations tied to the legend of Saint Giong. Right at the entrance stands a rock formation shaped like Saint Giong's horse and sword. Upon reaching the top of the cave, you will once again be overwhelmed by the breathtaking scenery of Ha Long Bay captured in full view.
Reaching the top of the cave reveals breathtaking scenery. Photo: @ng.ngoc.hanh
You will easily encounter troops of monkeys descending in search of fruit, so please watch over your personal belongings to avoid being disturbed by these mischievous animals. In addition, you can also admire countless species of birds soaring freely among the karst peaks across the bay.
The second chamber. Photo: @ng.ngoc.hanh
After touring Sung Sot Cave, you will understand how it earned its name. Sung Sot Cave is one of the most famous caves in Ha Long Bay that no traveler should miss. Don't forget to prepare a hat and a light jacket to protect against the sun.
Monkeys gathering around the cave exit. Photo: @ng.ngoc.hanh
