When taking cruise trips to visit Ha Long Bay, you certainly cannot miss Sung Sot Cave, a place that takes you from one surprise to another.
Sung Sot Cave – Marveling at a Unique Natural Wonder in Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay tourism has grown strongly over the years, contributing significantly to the country's economy as well as improving the lives of local residents. Ha Long Bay has been globally recognized as a World Natural Heritage site, which has helped international friends learn more about Ha Long Bay.
Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay tourism is most famous for boat cruises visiting the bay's islands and caves. 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; while exploring the cave, he discovered that exiting one cavern led into another even larger one, which surprised and astounded him so much that he named it "Surprise" (Sửng Sốt) Cave.
Stalactites in the first cave chamber. Photo: @ng.ngoc.hanh
To enter the cave, you must climb 200 steep stone steps beneath cool green canopies, where you can take in panoramic views 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 precious sword and horse. Sung Sot Cave was the very site of that ancient battle, and the small ponds inside the cave are the footprints left behind by his horse.
Photo: @ng.ngoc.hanh
Sung Sot Cave is divided into two main chambers. The first chamber resembles a grand theater with a ceiling covered in magnificent stalactites. These stalactites come in many shapes that resemble animal stone statues, looking very lifelike and sparking your imagination.
Ceiling of the first cave chamber. Photo: @ng.ngoc.hanh
Moving to the second chamber, you will pass through a small rock crevice; however, behind that crevice lies an expansive cavern. Within this second chamber are formations associated with the legend of Saint Giong. Right at the entrance is a rock formation shaped like Saint Giong's horse and sword. Reaching the peak of the cave, you will once again be overwhelmed by the breathtaking scenery of Ha Long Bay stretching out before your eyes.
Reaching the cave peak allows you to admire the breathtaking scenery. Photo: @ng.ngoc.hanh
You will easily encounter troops of monkeys that often come down looking for fruit; be careful with your personal belongings to avoid being bothered by these mischievous monkeys. In addition, you will also get to see many species of birds soaring freely among the mountains across the bay.
The second chamber. Photo: @ng.ngoc.hanh
After visiting Sung Sot Cave, you will understand why the cave got its name. Sung Sot Cave is one of the most famous caves in Ha Long Bay that no visitor should miss. However, make sure to prepare a hat and a light jacket to protect yourself from the sun.
Monkeys gathering around the cave's exit. Photo: @ng.ngoc.hanh
