When joining a cruise tour of Ha Long Bay, you certainly cannot miss Sung Sot Cave, a place that will take you from one surprise to another.
Sung Sot Cave – Admire the Unique Natural Wonder of Ha Long Bay
Tourism in Ha Long Bay has developed strongly in recent years, contributing significantly to the national economy while also improving the livelihoods of local residents. Ha Long Bay has been recognized by the world as a natural heritage site, which has helped more people around the world learn about it.
Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay is best known for cruises visiting the islands and caves beyond the bay. In this article, iVIVU will introduce you to one of the famous caves you 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 center of Ha Long Bay. The cave was named by a French explorer. When exploring it, he discovered that exiting one cave led to another, even larger cave. This surprised and astonished him, so he named the cave “Sung Sot,” meaning “Surprise.”
Stalactites in the cave’s first chamber. Photo: @ng.ngoc.hanh
To enter the cave, you have to climb 200 rugged stone steps beneath cool green foliage. From these 200 steps, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Ha Long Bay from above. According to legend, after defeating the An invaders, Saint Giong rode the clouds back to heaven, leaving behind his sword and precious horse. Sung Sot Cave is where the battle took place long ago, and the small ponds inside the cave are the hoofprints left by the horse.
Photo: @ng.ngoc.hanh
Sung Sot Cave is divided into two main chambers. The first resembles a grand theater, with a ceiling covered in magnificent stalactites. These stalactites come in many forms, resembling stone animal statues that look remarkably lifelike and inspire your creativity and imagination.
Ceiling of the cave’s first chamber. Photo: @ng.ngoc.hanh
To reach the second chamber, you pass through a narrow rocky passage; however, beyond it lies a vast cave. This second chamber contains formations associated with the legend of Saint Giong. At the cave entrance are rock formations shaped like Saint Giong’s horse and sword. When you reach the cave’s summit, you will once again be overwhelmed by the breathtaking scenery of Ha Long Bay spread out before you.
At the cave’s summit, you can admire the breathtaking scenery. Photo: @ng.ngoc.hanh
You may easily encounter troops of monkeys coming down to look for fruit, so take care of your personal belongings to avoid being bothered by these mischievous animals. You will also get to see many species of birds flying freely among the mountains in the bay.
The second chamber. Photo: @ng.ngoc.hanh
After visiting Sung Sot Cave, you will understand why it has that name. Sung Sot Cave is one of the most famous caves in Ha Long Bay and one that no visitor should miss. However, remember to prepare a hat and a jacket to protect yourself from the sun.
Monkeys gathered near the cave exit. Photo: @ng.ngoc.hanh
