Stunning "palaces" in Ha Long Bay

Quang Ninh - Amidst the towering mountains and waters of Ha Long Bay, the system of caves created by nature emerges like magnificent and mystical "palaces".

Surprise Cave, Ha Long Bay. Photo: Nguyen Hung

Throughout its long history of geological changes, including mountain formation, sea transgression, sea regression, and subsidence, nature has created thousands of uniquely shaped limestone islands in Ha Long Bay.

Hidden deep within these rocky islands are stunning caves, where stalactites and stalagmites crystallize into shimmering spaces, likened to "palaces" in the heart of the bay.

Prominent among these cave systems are: Thien Cung Cave, Dau Go Cave, Bo Nau Cave, Me Cung Cave, Trong Cave, and Sung Sot Cave…

Among them, Dau Go Cave is located about 3km from Tuan Chau Island and about 6km from Bai Chay tourist area. The cave is at an altitude of 27m above sea level, with an area of ​​about 5,000m², and an entrance that is 17m wide and 12m high.

Scientists believe this cave was formed approximately 2 million years ago, around the same time as Thien Cung Cave, which is only 300 meters away.

Dau Go Cave, Ha Long Bay. Photo: Nguyen Hung

Compared to many other caves in the bay, Dau Go Cave is blessed by nature with rich flora and fauna and a massive, majestic architecture. Particularly noteworthy is the stone stele here, inscribed with a poem praising the beauty of Ha Long Bay by King Khai Dinh, erected in 1918 during his northern tour, expressing his admiration for the beauty of this natural wonder.

A stone stele inscribed with a poem praising the beauty of Ha Long Bay by King Khai Dinh in 1918. Photo: Nguyen Hung

Surprise Cave, located on Bo Hon Island, impresses visitors with its unexpected beauty of stalactites shaped like wild chickens, toads, dragons, waterfalls, and more. In 2012, the cave was ranked among the top 10 most beautiful caves in the world by the Czech Association of Travel Agencies and Brokers.

Tourists visit Sung Sot Cave in Ha Long Bay. Photo: Nguyen Hung

Notably, Thien Cung Cave is one of the largest and most beautiful caves in Ha Long Bay. Located on the Dau Go island chain, southwest of the bay, about 4km from the tourist port, the cave entrance is at an altitude of approximately 25m above sea level. Covering an area of ​​nearly 10,000m², the cave boasts a complex architecture evident in its uniquely shaped stalactites and stalagmites, resembling a magnificent and beautiful temple. Beyond its scenic value, Thien Cung Cave is also a site of the Soi Nhu culture, where layers of Melania snail shells and stone tools have been discovered. The cave officially opened to visitors on May 1, 1998.

While exploring Ha Long Bay, tourists can visit Bo Nau Cave, located on tourist route number 2, about 13km southeast of Tuan Chau International Cruise Port. This is an ancient limestone cave, once considered by the French and Vietnamese press in the early 20th century as one of the bay's most beautiful landscapes. The cave entrance is a short sandy beach, only accessible by kayak or boat. The cave's arched entrance resembles an inverted seashell, creating the feeling of a theater ceiling with softly hanging stalactites.

The Maze Cave is located within the bay's strictly protected area, on Lom Bo Island, at an altitude of 25 meters above sea level. The cave has a complex topographical structure with multiple levels and chambers, and a corridor over 100 meters long. It is an early Ha Long cultural site, dating back 10,000-7,000 years, with many intact deposits of stream and mountain snail shells.

Tien Ong Cave, located on Cai Tai Island, not only boasts unique scenery but also serves as a witness to ancient Vietnamese culture, with an archaeological exhibition area right inside the cave.

Hang Trong, located on tourist route number 2, covers an area of ​​approximately 300m² and is an archaeological site of the Soi Nhu culture. Notably, when the wind blows through the crevices in the rocks, the sound echoes like drums, creating a unique experience for visitors…

Stalactites and stalagmites in Trống Cave, Ha Long Bay. Photo: Nguyen Hung

Besides their aesthetic value, many caves in Ha Long Bay also possess exceptional archaeological value. The harmonious blend of natural beauty and historical depth has transformed these places into unique "palaces."

Ha Long Bay currently has about 70 caves, of which only about 20 have been developed for tourism, contributing to the global value of this world natural wonder.

Nguyen Hung

Source: https://laodong.vn/du-lich/kham-pha/nhung-cung-dien-tuyet-dep-giua-vinh-ha-long-1628881.html