Visit Luon Cave to kayak, see golden monkeys, and enjoy many other activities

1 Pinpointing the exact location of Luon Cave

Part of the Ha Long Bay scenic complex, Luon Cave lies peacefully on Bo Hon Island, surrounded on all sides by water. It is about 14km southeast of Tuan Chau Island and only around 1km from Sung Sot Cave. 

Read more: I left the noisy, crowded city and headed to Hon Gai to find some peace and quiet!

One of the open caves, Luon Cave is 60m long, with a ceiling that ranges from 2.5m to 4m high depending on the tide. Unlike the other caves in beautiful Ha Long Bay, you must travel by boat to reach Luon Cave, as its floor is flooded and the cave opens out to the sea.

To get to Luon Cave, you can head to Bai Chay Ferry Terminal, then hire a boat to reach the cave. However, sightseeing tours in Ha Long Bay run from 6:30 to 16:30 every day, and boat trips around the bay usually last 3 to 6 hours. So, while exploring Ha Long, keep an eye on the time to make sure you get back to shore in time.

2 Luon Cave's striking, pristine scenery resembles an ink-wash painting

Thanks to its exceptionally special location, Luon Cave is surrounded by enchanting natural scenery, with mountains, water, sky, and lush greenery. Particularly striking is the cave entrance, shaped like an arch and reflected peacefully in clear, jade-green water. Now and then, a few boats glide by, making the setting even more dreamlike and tranquil.

As you venture deeper into the cave, you can easily spot rock walls bearing fossilized snail-shell shapes. There are not many caves of this kind in Ha Long Bay, which is why Luon Cave is one of the area's most popular attractions—even with other impressive sights nearby, such as Sung Sot Cave, Trong Cave, Trinh Nu Cave, Thien Cung Cave, and Dau Go Cave.

At Luon Cave, you'll feel as though you've wandered into an enchanting landscape of mountains and water, where nature is wonderfully harmonious. Its beauty comes from the combination of bay, mountains, water, and sky, giving the surrounding scenery a dreamlike quality reminiscent of an ink-wash painting. Although the cave has welcomed countless visitors, fortunately it has retained all of its original, pristine beauty.

3 Fun activities at Luon Cave you shouldn't miss

3.1 Explore Luon Cave by kayak

Kayaks are one of the most popular ways to explore, especially for those who want to discover the striking, pristine, and majestic natural scenery of this beautiful cave for themselves. Kayak rentals for cave exploration are now available at the ferry terminal near the cave, making this an ideal activity for anyone who loves exploring nature and caves.

When exploring Luon Cave by kayak, you can trail your hand through the seawater and scoop up some of its wonderfully cool, crystal-clear water. Or, enjoy the thrill of reaching up to touch the cave's low ceiling, where stalactites hang like a shimmering, magical crystal curtain. 

Throughout the journey, you'll breathe in the fresh air and savor the salty sea breeze as it dances across your face. Kayaking is truly one of the most exciting activities at Luon Cave, and MIA.vn thinks it's one you shouldn't miss. However, keep in mind that kayaks are relatively small and can carry a maximum of two people. They have one or two paddles, so make sure you have good stamina and are a confident swimmer before taking part. 

Also, be sure to follow the guides' instructions throughout the kayaking trip. Stick to the designated route, take care at all times, avoid fooling around, and always wear a life jacket to stay safe.

Kayak rental to explore Luon Cave currently costs 50.000 VNĐ / trip for two people—pretty reasonable, isn't it?

3.2 Take a wooden boat to discover the picturesque beauty of Luon Cave

If kayaking doesn't appeal to you, but you still want to experience the full pristine, majestic beauty of Luon Cave, a wooden boat is the perfect option.

Wooden boats are ideal for larger groups, and a boat operator will accompany you throughout the trip. They are usually local residents who know the stories and legends associated with the cave and nearby attractions very well. What could be better than chatting as you ride and listening to the boat operators tell fascinating tales from days gone by? Boat hire currently costs around 30.000 VNĐ / trip per person. That's a great deal, isn't it?

3.3 See golden monkeys—the friendly “messengers” of Luon Cave

Luon Cave is one of the few places where golden monkeys—a bold and adorable species of wild monkey—live. According to local accounts, around 50 golden monkeys currently live in groups on the mountain cliffs surrounding the cave. 

You can take a boat close to the foot of the mountain, then watch the monkeys climbing the cliffs around the cave through binoculars or snap some great photos to remember your visit to Ha Long. Just remember not to tease the monkeys. 

4 When is the best time to visit Luon Cave?

If you're planning to explore Luon Cave, one of the most beautiful caves in the Ha Long Bay complex, consider visiting between April and June each year. This is summertime, when the weather in Ha Long Bay is relatively warm, with plenty of sunshine, calm seas, and little rain—ideal conditions for getting around and sightseeing in the bay. Visiting Luon Cave during this period also lets you fully enjoy its vibrant scenery, as the gentle sunlight makes the surroundings feel even warmer and brighter.

5 Handy tips for making the most of your visit to Luon Cave

-Remember to bring the personal items you'll need for your trip, such as swimwear if you want to splash around in the cool water

-Bring sunscreen and mosquito repellent, as mornings can be quite sunny. You should also apply mosquito repellent before entering the cave if you don't want to become a feast for the insects

-Bring only a few personal belongings; otherwise, getting around may be difficult

-Dispose of rubbish in designated places. You can bring a rubbish bag to help keep the area around the cave and Ha Long Bay clean

Luon Cave is one of the caves where exciting recreational activities are offered to visitors exploring the area. If you get the chance to visit Ha Long Bay on a beautiful day, be sure to try kayaking through Luon Cave!